Paul Bass Photo
Medics help an overdose victim on the Green.
The Committee of the Proprietors of the Common and Undivided Lands at New Haven, which has owned the New Haven Green since the 17th century and contracts with the city’s parks department to maintain it, released the following statement regarding Wednesday’s and Thursday’s overdoses on the Green.
The recent overdoses of dozens of people on the Green over the course of a day has brought to the forefront a growing national problem that has also hit New Haven: the drug epidemic.
Like many other communities, we are overwhelmed by an epidemic that shatters families, ravages communities and affects quality of life.
As Proprietors of the Green, we are aware that this beautiful community space has become a “hang out” for people from across Connecticut who come to New Haven to treat their addictions. Unfortunately, a side effect is that the Green has become a space for those who have relapsed, seek to deal or acquire drugs, drink excessively or get high in a space that is intended for the enjoyment of all who live in this city.
We have been in conversations with city officials, business leaders and other concerned citizens who want to improve the conditions of the Green and homeless people. We have a crisis that requires our immediate attention and the participation of the city, our universities, our business community, our professional and community workers and our neighborhood residents.
We are a compassionate city and our solutions should reflect that compassion. However, this problem must be solved, and we cannot wait any longer to try to do so. In the center of our city we have a Green that must remain available for the use and enjoyment of our children, families, seniors, students, workers and artists. We will join with our community to confront the current crisis and ensure that the Green is and remains a safe and inviting space for all to enjoy.