"Grand-er" Grand Avenue Project

CT Community Grant – Round 3

May 2023

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

JUSTIN ELICKER, MAYOR
BOARD OF ALDERS
Recovery Themes

Vocational
Youth Wealth & Climate
Engagement I’m Home
Initiative Creation Technical Emergency
& Early & Economy Initiative
Childhood

"Grand-er"
Grand Ave.
Project
 Brief Introduction
The influx of new residents along the Grand Avenue Corridor creates an
overwhelming need for the City to update its public infrastructure to support
such population and economic growth. The +1.5m long stretch of Grand
Avenue passes through three distinct neighborhoods: Fair Haven, Wooster
Square & Mill River (The District). According to CT Data, these three
neighborhoods house about 20,000 residents collectively, making for one of
New Haven’s most densely populated communities. Moreover, this population
trend is expected to accelerate, as 458 new housing units are currently in the
pipeline to be constructed on Grand Avenue alone. Such growth needs not
only density but also the accommodative infrastructure that maintains its
public safety, bolsters access to public transportation for New Haven residents
without a vehicle (30% of our population), connects Grand Avenue to
Downtown and the waterfront (Mill River and Quinnipiac River), and enhances
its vibrancy and livability with enlivened greenspaces and improved access to
hiking trails.

Thus, the City of New Haven is seeking $6M of CT Community

Challenge (CCC) funding, which would be paired with a proposed $1.5M from
a mix of local and federal sources to launch the "Grand-er" Grand Avenue
Roadway and Streetscape Revitalization. The multi-pronged improvement to
Grand Avenue consist of three projects:

1. Roadway & Infrastructure Improvement ($3.1M)

2. Streetscape Improvement ($2.9M)
3. Grand Avenue Plaza ($1.5M)
 Community Benefits/Outcomes
1. Activate and Enliven an underutilized "infill" lot into a

community asset for greenspace & public Use

2. Enhance business exteriors and neighborhood character &

charm

3. Bolster public safety with streetscape & roadway

improvements that add or repair traffic-calming measures

4. Enable redevelopment in historically underserved and

marginalized communities

5. Create vibrant & livable neighborhoods that serve as

amenities & cultural destinations for all

 Who Will These Projects Impact?

New Mill 3-Neighborhood

Community Demographics Haven Fair Haven River Wooster Sq Average

Black or African American 34% 21% 14.4% 13% 16.1%

Hispanic or Latin
American 30% 64% 55.1% 20% 46.4%
Asian 5% 1% 2% 6% 3.3%
White 29% 11% 24.3% 55% 30.1%
Other 2% 3% 4.2% 5% 4.1%
Aerial View of Grand Ave. (Popular to Ferry)
Addressing our Challenges with
Opportunities for Growth
1. With a proposed $3.1M for Project 1, we can remove the asphalt
along this Grand Avenue corridor (from State to Front), replace it
and install critical intersection and roadway improvements to
calm traffic and increase the visibility of pedestrians and cyclists.

2. With a proposed $2.9M for Project 2, we can install and upgrade

sidewalks, curbs, street furniture, street trees, planters, signage,
lighting, green infrastructure, and other permanent
improvements to entryway corridors in critical commercial
districts.

3. With a proposed $1.5M for Project 3, we can transform an

underutilized parcel into a community asset, renamed Grand
Avenue Plaza. Formerly a parking lot at the intersection of Grand
& Popular, 243 Grand Avenue will be intentionally activated and
enlivened for public use that includes recreation, casual dining,
and permeant amenities.
3 Projects, 8 Phases, 1 Vision Plan
Vision Plan - Full View
 Project 1:
Roadway Improvement
Grand Avenue sees many vehicular crashes
annually due to its congested, outdated, and too fast
roadway. For example, from January 2019 to March
2022, there were 1,539 crashes in Fair Haven alone, 57
of which the victim was a cyclist or pedestrian.

To improve roadway safety and non-driver visibility,

enhance cohesion and connectivity, and improve
residents' access to the waterfront (Mill River and Greenway: Bike Lane, & Esplanades at Grand (From Hamilton to Haven)
Quinnipiac River); the City Seeks $3.1M for Project 1 of
its Grand Ave Revitalization.

The specific project details are as followed:

• Remove asphalt along the +1.5m long stretch
• Replace asphalt and install critical roadway
improvements, such as new signage, lights, &
RRFBs
• Install traffic calming mechanisms in the public
rights of way, such as roundabouts, bike lanes,
curb extensions, and raised crosswalks and
intersections.
Roundabout at Grand & Ferry | Esplanade at Grand & Bright
East Street Roadway
 Project 2:
Streetscape Improvement
Grand Avenue, though a central corridor to a vibrant
and diverse neighborhood, has not seen significant
improvements to its physical streetscape environment
in over 25 years. Over that time, roadways have
crumbled and cracked, street furniture has
deteriorated, street trees have died, and the entire
area is outdated and inconsistent with contemporary
design approaches for streetscape and pedestrian
safety. Investing in these areas uplifts communities
that have historically been disadvantaged, and bolsters
access to wealth and opportunity for individuals from
more diverse racial and socioeconomic backgrounds.

To increase livability, cohesion, and vibrancy on Grand

Avenue, the City of New Haven seeks $2.9M for
Project 2 of its Grand Avenue Revitalization. The
specific project details are as followed:

Install and upgrade sidewalks, curbs, street furniture,

street trees, planters, signage, lighting, green
infrastructure, and other permanent improvements to
entryway corridors in critical commercial districts.
 Fair Haven Grand Avenue
The Grand Avenue Special Services District has put forth a proposal for a block-by-block reinvestment strategy
including façades, streetscape improvements, promotion and positioning for business growth beyond the local
consumer market. In addition, the district wishes to expand services of EMERGE for neighborhood beautification.

EMERGE:
A nonprofit committed to assisting formerly incarcerated
people to successfully reintegrate back into their families
and communities through employment, training, and wrap-
around services that build hope and break the cycle of
recidivism.
Proposed Streetscape Improvements
The City of New Haven sought assistance with the design & planning process from Fuss & O'Neill, who
A. Street Trees, Plants, prepared renderings and budget opinions. Their recommendations include:
& Rain Gardens
B. Lighting & Receptacles
C. Signage & Placemaking
D. Site Furniture &
A: Street Trees, Plants, & Rain Gardens
Parklets (Outdoor Dining)
E. Enhanced Roadways,
Crosswalks, & Sidewalks,
Street Painting & Public
Art (Community Projects) C: Wayfinding & Placemaking Signage B: Trash Receptacles & Lighting

D: Parklets & Site Furniture E: Enhanced Cross/Sidewalks (Street Painting & Public Arts)
Example Rendering: What we can do on Grand Avenue
Design recommendations will be adopted according to approved design standards set forth by City officials, Community Stakehol ders, and the Board of Alders
Fair Haven

Infrastructure

Anticipated Improvements
Business District Signage & Pedestrian Lighting
Enhanced Crosswalks & Sidewalks
Street Trees & Green Infrastructure
Site Furnishings & General Conditions
Design & Permitting
Total Estimated Cost: $971k (see budget)
Wooster/Mill River

Infrastructure

Anticipated Improvements
Business District Signage & Pedestrian Lighting
Enhanced Crosswalks & Sidewalks
Street Trees & Green Infrastructure
Site Furnishings & General Conditions
Design & Permitting
Total Estimated Cost: $1.9M (see budget)
Vision Plan - Full View
 Project 3:
Grand Avenue Plaza
Grand Avenue is a bustling residential hub and central
business center with thousands of residents and 130 active
businesses (100% of which are minority-owned). As such,
Grand Avenue needs more infrastructure that supports the
gathering of these residents and the visiting of these
businesses through the use of green and public gathering
space that attracts tourism, visitors, families, and
recreation.

To increase livability and vibrancy on Grand Avenue, the

City of New Haven seeks $1.5M for Project 3 of its Grand
Ave Revitalization. The specific details are as followed:

Transform a deteriorating and underutilized surface parking

lot into a community asset that accommodates various
activities that fosters a sense of place and promotes public
gathering, walking, and biking. Inspired by the Zocalo
Merida in Mexico, the new Grand Avenue Plaza is designed
to create a space for art, games, celebrations, events, and
social gathering that attract people of varied backgrounds
across different age groups.
Plaza – Based on Zocalo Merida
"Grand-er" Grand Avenue Project – Grant/ARP Budget

Proposed Summarized Budget

Name CCC Grant Request ARPA (Federal Funds) City Funds

Planning & Project Management

Design & Architecture

Permitting & Legal

Construction $6,000,000 $200,000 $1,300,000

Incidentals/Miscellaneous

Total Source Allocation: 6,000,000 $200,000 1,300,000

Total Project Cost: $7,500,000

Thank You for Your Consideration.

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

JUSTIN ELICKER, MAYOR
BOARD OF ALDERS