New Haven Government Roundup: Swim Grant, Armory, Short-Term Rentals
NEW HAVEN, CT — The Board of Alders met Thursday, Nov. 5, with a $250,595 grant to give every New Haven third grader swimming lessons on its agenda, along with a new short-term rental license program and $13 million in state grant requests to redevelop the Goffe Street Armory. The city had not posted the meeting's votes as of Friday, Nov. 6.
Learn to Swim Grant
The Youth Committee met Wednesday, Nov. 4, on a resolution letting the Board of Education accept up to $250,595.20 from Asphalt Green for its Learn to Swim program for all third-grade students. The committee reported it favorably, and the full board took it up the next night under a suspension of its rules.
Up for Final Votes
These items came to the board on second reading with favorable Finance Committee reports:
A contract of several years, which the city could renew, for Passport Labs Inc. to supply the software and equipment its parking officers use.
Updated 2026-27 prices at the Ralph Walker Ice Rink, the city's rink at Blake Field.
Changes to the city's purchasing and procurement ordinances.
$77,240.02 more for the law firm Karsten & Tallberg for fiscal 2025-26.
Reclassifying a police mechanic to lead mechanic, a benefits administrator to benefits operations manager, and an executive administrative assistant to administration and finance manager.
Other Committee Reports
Also on the agenda with favorable committee reports:
An ordinance creating a short-term rental license program, and an update to the city's municipal towers list.
Grant applications of up to $614,993 from the Justice Department's school violence prevention program for school security, up to $250,000 for police officer mental health and wellness, and up to $1,893,528 from FEMA's port security program for a new all-hazards marine unit.
Tax help for the Connecticut Center for Arts and Technology and ConnCorp at 150 and 200 Dixwell Avenue and for the Manufacturing and Technical Community Hub, a requested 17-year tax abatement for 468 Middletown Avenue, and a request for a city tax exemption for veterans with a 100% disability rating.
Appointments to the Democracy Fund Board, the Commission on Disabilities, the Board of Fire Commissioners, the Historic District Commission, the Parking Authority board and the Youth Commission.
New Items Sent to Committee
Applications for up to $6 million from the state's brownfield remediation program and up to $7 million from its Community Investment Fund to redevelop the Goffe Street Armory.
A $219,190 budget transfer to create deputy controller and auditor positions in the Finance Department and reclassify two technology jobs.
Five reappointments to the Homeless Advisory Commission, two appointments to the Humane Commission, and appointments to the Solid Waste and Recycling Authority board and the Board of Library Directors.
The Livable City Initiative items included selling a lot at 16 Judson Avenue for $1,032, moving three lots on Arthur and Ann streets to the New Haven Land Bank for $1 each, and the city taking 258 Ferry Street, Unit A, at no cost. On consent, the agenda listed tax refunds, motor-vehicle tax orders for individual residents and a $1,000 Regional Water Authority grant for a marine rescue recovery cradle.
Coming Up
The Finance Committee meets Monday, Nov. 9, at 6 p.m.; its agenda had not been posted as of Friday.
