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June 8, 2022

New Haven lawmakers consider pause on Long Wharf development

A rendering from the Long Wharf Responsible Growth Plan of a food court envisioned for the Food Terminal area.
By Liese Klein

A proposal now in committee at the city's Board of Alders would pause new development in New Haven's Long Wharf district for a year as planners consider revamping their strategy.

The Board of Alders Legislation Committee is considering an ordinance imposing a 12-month moratorium on new site plans, variances, rezoning and other proposals. The moratorium would impact construction in the area covered by the Long Wharf Responsible Growth Plan, a 2019 revisioning of the district.

Industrial zoning that dates back to the area’s history as a maritime hub is holding back plans for, “transforming the industrial uses along Long Wharf into a series of diverse and vibrant mixed-use communities with residential, commercial and recreational opportunities,” City Plan Executive Director Laura Brown said in a letter to the alders.

Industrial applicants including gas stations and truck-repair facilities have been seeking to build in the Long Wharf district, Brown said, and the current zoning limits the city’s role in encouraging other uses. 

The moratorium will give city planners time to update the Responsible Growth Plan, make new zoning rules and "Ensure that future development is focused on the key principles outlined in the plan,” Brown continued. Among the priorities in the 2019 plan were public space, redevelopment, transit access, job creation and attracting new development. 

City Plan’s request comes as a proposal to build new residential buildings on Long Wharf by Fusco Corp. appears to have stalled due to climate concerns. 

After unveiling ambitious plans for a 500-unit complex at 501 Long Wharf last year, Fusco ended up leasing the site, home to a building that once housed the former Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale. Restaurateur Valentin Stakaj debuted upscale Italian eatery Il Gabbiano at the location last month. 

Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.

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