proposed garage at Union Station
The state is keeping its ears open to New Haven’s complaints about the design of a planned new Union Station garage — so a city official pitched citizens on making their voices heard one last time.
The official, Michael Piscitelli, made the pitch Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of hte Downtown Wooster Square Management Team.
The state Department of Transportation (DOT) has extended from June 20 to July 5 its window for accepting public comments on its proposed design for the second train station garage next to the existing one. DOT plans to build $40-$60 million, 1,000-space, seven-level garage on a surface parking lot. City officials and new-urbanist critics pilloried the design at a public hearing two weeks ago, as detailed in this article. Critics called for the design to include first-floor retail, a bus transfer depot, bicycle storage, and a pedestrian bridge to Long Wharf. Several audience members have asked for a longer open comment period, as they first heard of the proposal only a few days ago.
People can .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)or write to Mark Alexander, Transportation Assistant Planning Director, Bureau of Policy and Planning, Connecticut Department of Transportation, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT 06111.
Qi Xu Photo
Piscitelli (right) pitches Downtown-Wooster Square neighbors.
Piscitelli suggested talking points Tuesday nights for public comments: better traffic flow along Union Avenue, a different architectural design of the garage, and accommodation for other modes of transit such as bus and bike.
During the June 6 hearing, Anstress Farwell of the Urban Design League submitted a petition for intervenor status in the case. DOT denied her petition.