Demolitions unleash controversy

Among the various efforts to rehabilitate New Haven's blighted neighborhoods, perhaps none is as controversial as the Livable City Initiative. Announced by Mayor John DeStefano Jr. earlier this year, the Initiative aims to systematically acquire and demolish blighted buildings. The program sparked even greater controversy on Thurs., Sept. 19, when Mayor DeStefano ordered the emergeny demolition of 80, 82, and 84 Newhall St., calling the property, "a serious and immediate threat to public safety."

The demolition site

The Mayor's action has prompted serious questions regarding the way in which the work of the Livable City Initiative is carried out. Although the Mayor claims that his actions are in the best interest of the City, charges that he went over the head of the Board of Alderman and unnecessarily usurped Aldermanic power were levied against him by some Aldermen.

According to the plans drawn up for the Livable City Initiative, specialists are assigned to each of 10 New Haven communities. These specialists meet with residents and community leaders to decide what is best for the neighborhood in a cooperative manner. The recommendations made are sent to the newly created Livable City Bureau, which drafts a list of buildings to be demolished. The first such list includes over 80 such structures.

Ward 1 Alderman Josh Civin, CC '96 described the role of the Board of Alderman in the process. The Board reviews the list, and each Alder has the power to remove from the list any building that falls in his or her ward. The Division Street Condominiums, of which 80, 82, and 84 Newhall Street was a part, were removed from the list by Ward 21 Alderman Ronald Gattison.

Many opponenets have claimed that the Mayor's office is indirectly using the Livable City Initiative to go over the heads of the Board of Aldermen, and that this emergency demolition is an example of just such an action.

Catherine Sullivan-DeCarlo, assistant to Mayor DeStefano, noted, "We're working in the best interest of the city. The residents near the Division Street complex have complained for years about the condition of the condominiums.

Although the mayor did not notify the Aldermen until the day of the demolition, I am sure the Aldermen understood why such a step had to be taken. The building shells were quite dangerous."

Apparently DeCarlo had not spoken to Gattison, whose constituency includes the Division Street Condominiums. "I question the mayor's reasons for doing the demolition now, after it has remained a dangerous place for the residents in the neighborhood for 15 years. DeStefano says that he'll rebuild, but it's just going to fester."

Gattison elaborated, "The demolition and the entire Livable City Initiative will be a failure. The mayor is using the program simply to make the Reverend Basil Kimber, a convicted felon, into a developer. Reverend Kimber has no expertise as a developer, but DeStefano wants his political patronage. I will take no part in this!"

Although DeCarlo indicated that construction would probably begin sometime in early 1997 to make mostly single-family housing, Gattison warned, "They're trying to make this into another Legion Avenue. At one time the area was a viable neighborhood, but thanks to the [previous] mayor's `hopes of betterment for the city,' the neighborhood was ruined."

The Livable City Initiative aims at using the property that was taken up by blighted buildings to develop cleaner, "more livable" neighborhoods. Gattison alluded to questions regarding the Mayor's choice of developers for such projects.

Judith Sklarz, deputy for administrative services, however, stated the City's view. "Our first Board, which will be formed in October, will try to get more out-sourcing for consumer loans to help construction. They will try to do whatever will better the city. However, right now, our mission is to bring efficiency to the entire system of demolishing and buying property for the city."

The Livable City Initiative has grown from a paltry department of 18 to 50 within the last few months. Among the most important additions to the team have been neighborhood experts, lawyers and paralegals. Notwithstanding last week's emergency demolition, the Livable City Initiative has enjoyed wide support in the Board of Aldermen. Gattison was one of only two alders to vote against the measure.

According to the mayor's office, 200 buildings will be demolished through the Livable City Initiative. Gattison is working fervently to save the three remaining buildings of the Division Street Condominiums.