Melissa Bailey Photo
In a relatively peaceful end to a contentious saga, Yale won overwhelming approval Monday to relocate its School of Management to Whitney Avenue.
Yale affiliates and construction workers filed into City Hall Monday night to see aldermen vote a final time on Yale’s $145 million plan to build a new home for its School of Management (SOM) at 155 – 175 Whitney Ave.
“Approve the SOM plans for New Haven,” one supporter’s bright yellow sign urged.
Aldermen did.
By a vote of 25 to 1, aldermen allowed the SOM plan to clear its final hurdle. They approved a zoning ordinance map amendment designating a Planned Development District (PDD) to make way for the project.
The approval came after over 11 hours of public hearings, and many meetings with neighbors who were opposed to the plan. After feedback, Yale appeased many neighbors by revising its plans. The Legislation Committee unanimously approved the plans on Feb. 11.
“This is going to be a remarkable building,” said East Rock Alderman Roland Lemar, chair of the Legislation Committee, Monday. “I couldn’t be prouder to welcome it into the neighborhood.”
Only one alderman, West Rock’s Darnell Goldson (pictured above in photo), voted no. He said he objects to the use of a PDD to bring a “behemoth” into the neighborhood.
Yale Alderman Mike Jones said he had reservations about how the PDD process turns aldermen into design critics — a role he’s not comfortable with. But he said he feels Yale’s plan fit within the city’s current regulations.
Hill Alderman Jorge Perez stood up in favor of Yale’s plan.
“Yale needs to do this if they’re going to stay competitive,” Perez said. He praised Yale for changing its plans to accommodate neighbors.
Newhallville Alderman Charles Blango praised the chance to give New Haveners more construction jobs. He welcomed the end to an extensive public hearing process that brought out many passionate voices of approval and dissent.
“New Haven is a tough place to do business,” he reflected.
Yale’s Mike Morand said he was grateful for such overwhelming approval — 96 percent of alderman voted yes, he noted.
