New Haven Independent newspaper http://www.newhavenindependent.org/

Spanish language newspaper http://lavozhispanact.com/new-haven

Yale Daily News, city news coverage http://www.yaledailynews.com/news/news/city/

For specific problems on your street first contact

Hill South Police District manager, Lt.  Joseph Witkowski  cell: 203-687-0541 Howard Ave. substation: 203-946-7504 [fax 203-946-7505] email: jwitkows@newhavenct.net re. chronic illegal activities such as drug dealing, use of "off-road" vehicles [go-carts, dirt bikes, etc.] on public streets, violations of noise ordinance. Use general police non-emergency number for more immediate needs/response 203-946-6316.   

The Hill South [which includes City Point] & LCI Community Management Team meeting--which is open to neighborhood residents (although the meetings currently just consist of reports from various agencies, with minimal resident input)--takes place every 3rd Wednesday of the month (except in summer) at 6:00 PM at the Hill South Police Substation, 410 Howard Ave. 203-946-7504 [fax 203-946-7505]

Police Headquarters 203-946-6333 [fax 203-946-7294]

Investigative Services  203-946-6304

Narcotics 203-946-6098

Street Crimes Interdiction Unit(includes drug dealing): Lieutenant Jeff Hoffman 203-687-0534    (daytime) jhoffman@newhavenct.net, Sgt. Reginald  Sutton  203-687-0538   (daytime) rsutton@newhavenct.net, Sgt. Ray Johannes 203-410-0530   (daytime), Sgt. Doug Harkins 203-507-7923  (evenings) dharkins@newhavenct.net, Sgt. Sam Brown (evenings) sgbrown@newhavenct.net

Dirt Bike/ATV Tip Line:  203-946-6463  Leave a voice-message (which can be anonymous) of info. that will help police locate where these illegal vehicles are kept. Provide info: date, times, location, description of riders and vehicles.

Police Investigative Services [Detectives]: 203-946-6304

Police Text-message:
To send an anonymous text, people can text the number 274637 and type NHPD and their tip in the message. A computer scrambles the incoming number--so police can't tell who is sending the text. So you remain completely anonymous.

Traffic Safety: 203-946-6956 or TrafficSafety@newhavenct.net To report illegal dirt bikes, ATVs, or traffic violation [For latter give license plate # and it will be put into a data base; 2nd reported violation generates a warning letter to the vehicle's owner. ]  

Other police Dept. phone numbers: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Police/ImportantPhoneNumbers.asp [list here is often out of date]

To receive email or cell phone alerts from the New Haven police go to http://www.nixle.com/  and sign up.

Last resort: secretary of the Chief of Police: Cindy Savenelli 203-946-6333 or 203-946-6266

See Click Fix: http://www.seeclickfix.com/CityPointNewHaven  . When you click this link the map on the right outlines the area covered. On the left, near the top of the page, click Follow City Point, and follow the instructions. Click "Report a Problem!" to report non-emergency problems such as graffiti, potholes, street light out, dangerous intersection, drug dealing, etc.

 Livable City Initiative [LCI] Hill Neighborhood Specialist is Chris Soto 203-946-7731 fax 203-946-4899 csoto@newhavenct.net Contact him regarding problem properties such as housing code violations, blighted buildings, trash in yard, more than one unregistered vehicle parked on property [one is legal], trash cans left on sidewalk/curb strip more than 24 hours before or after trash pickup or to report graffiti [including graffiti on parks, street signs, the rail road yard wall] or regarding weeds, leaves, trash on sidewalk bordering rail road yard wall.

Public Works Department 203-946-7700 or jprokop@newhavenct.net  regarding trash/debris in street or on tree strip in front of a property, storm drain/catch basin that's not working properly during storms, pot holes. [A note regarding technical terms: trash put on tree strip/curb by tenants is called "unscheduled bulk pile" and public works should be called; trash moved illegally from one property to another location, e.g. to the front of your house, is "illegal dumping" and the police non-emergency number should be called 946-6316.  Knowing the difference will save you the hassle of making multiple phone calls.]

 Trash & recycling pick-up is very early Wednesday morning, i.e. put your trash out Tuesday night. Trash must be in a city-issued dark brown trash toter, recycling (bottles, cans, cardboard, paper, plastic) in larger blue toter. Trash & recycling toters must not be left on sidewalk for more than 24 hours or owner may be fined. Bulk Trash must be scheduled by calling Public Works.  (See above; be sure to follow their rules regarding what may and may not be set out for bulk trash pick up.) Leaves, etc. must be placed in paper--not plastic--leaf bags (so they can be composted), and are picked up only between April & December. If you don't have a trash or recycling toter call Public works to have one delivered or Make a Service Request (see below). More details about recycling here: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Sustainability/Recycling/Single_Stream.asp

Bulk Trash must be scheduled by calling Public Works.  (See above; be sure to follow their rules regarding what may and may not be set out for bulk trash pick up.)

Leaves, etc. must be placed in paper--not plastic--leaf bags (so they can be composted), and are picked up only between April & December. Grass clippings cannot be included. Tree branches cannot exceed 4 feet in length and must be tied in bundles not exceeding 1 foot in diameter. All can be put out on trash day.

 Noise: In residential neighborhoods it is illegal to emit noise exceeding 55 decibels [example = low volume radio/TV 1 meter away] during the day (7:00 AM-10:00 PM) or 45 decibels [example = normal talking, not yelling] at night (10:00 PM-7:00 AM). Exceptions include noise from domestic power equipment such as power saws, sanders, grinders, lawn and garden tools, snow blowers or similar devices operated between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays, and 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Sundays. The same exceptions apply to demolition work. No motor or recreational vehicles shall emit noise from a loud radio, CD player or similar equipment which exceeds noise level standards for residential zoned areas.

Dogs & Cats: It is illegal in New Haven to allow such animals to roam at large, i.e. they must be kept in an enclosure such as a fenced yard or on a leash. Dogs must be licensed and owners must pick up their animals' droppings from public places such as sidewalks, streets, parks.

Chickens: 6 hens are permitted in New Haven. Details: http://ctnofa.org/documents/Chicken%20Manual.pdf

Preschool Guide:   http://kidhaven.com/schoolhaven/a-parents-guide-to-preschool-in-new-haven/

Historic District Commission: via City Plan Dept.203- 946-7061 to report any unauthorized modifications/physical alterations to the exterior of a building within the City Point Historic District that are visible from the street, sidewalk, or body of water. Any such exterior alterations first must be approved. [The Historic District Commission meets at City Hall on the second Wednesday evening of each month.] Also, City Point Historic District Neighborhood Assoc., contact person: Michael Lloyd, secretary 203-676-8448   [Note: only the portion of City Point that is south of Interstate 95 lies within the Historic District, although there actually are more 19th century buildings in the portion of City Point that is north of the highway. Properties on Howard Ave. from I-95 northward to Cassius St. are listed in the Connecticut National Register of Historic Places but, unlike the houses south of I-95, there are no historical "appropriateness" restrictions regarding alterations.]  

 Make a Service Request  To make a complaint or request a service of a city department go to http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Ask/index.asp and click "Make a Service Request". You can use your e-mail to check on the status of your request/complaint.

Other Useful Information:

Local Government

The Board of Alderman meet on the 1st & 3rd Monday of the month at 165 Church St., except during the Summer when they meet on the 1st Monday of the month only. 

Portions of City Point lie in either Ward 6 or Ward 5. Go to http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Aldermen/index.asp  Enter your address to see in which Ward you live, then see your alderman's name, phone # and email address.  

More information about city government departments can be obtained at www.cityofnewhaven.com It's a good idea to check the city calendar on this site on a regular basis for meetings/agendas that could impact the neighborhood, e.g. Board of Zoning Appeals, since the city does a lousy job of notifying property owners of potential decisions that could have a major impact on your street. 

City of New Haven, Code of Ordinances (i.e. our local laws):

http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientID=14668&stateID=7&statename=Connecticut

City of New Haven, Zoning Ordinance:

http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=19969&stateId=7&stateName=Connecticut

State & Federal Representatives

City Point is in the Connecticut General Assembly's 95th House District & 10th Senate District, and the Federal government's 3rd Congressional District. To find out who your current representatives are click http://cga.ct.gov/maps/townlist.asp

The U.S. House of Representatives: http://house.gov/

The U.S. Senate: http://www.senate.gov/

 Connecticut Statutes:  http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/statutes.asp

Other:

NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS:

Bay View Park [aka City Point Park]: bounded by Fifth St., Howard Ave., Sixth St.; North half has enclosed playground & basketball court; South half has 2 baseball fields. (Park was split in 2 by highway in the 1950s :(

Galvin Park: Greenwich Ave. at First St.; swings, climbing equipment, water sprinklers (former site of Greenwich Ave. School)

Kimberly Field: City Point entrance is on Greenwich Ave. at Fourth St.; baseball & soccer fields (former site of West River salt marsh, partly drained in early 20^th century where Betsy Ross school now sits, remainder drained during 1950s highway construction

ANNUAL NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS:

Greenspace: June-July; neighbors get together weekly to plant free flowers, trees. Call Chris for information 203-668-6348 

Jazz Picnic: usually 5:00-8:00 PM, 2^nd Saturday in June, intersection of Sea St. & S. Water St.

Labor Day Block Party: 1^st Monday in September, on Greenwich Ave. between First & Second St.

Christmas Tree lighting: Sage Restaurant, South Water St., early December (also on nearby Kimberly Square)

 BUS SCHEDULES: click link below. City Point is served by the Z bus [not on Sunday]. The J bus can be picked up [7 days a week] nearby on Kimberly Ave. http://www.cttransit.com/RoutesSchedules/Display.asp?DivID={2F26F128-0D02-4B72-B7E2-4F47AF926BDC}

The Hill Family First Initiative also serves City Point and is focused on improving family economic success, currently serving single mothers, grandmothers or other female heads of household with children living in their homes under the age of 18.                                  http://eastersealsgoodwill.org/programs-services/educational/youth-family-services/hffi-hill-family-first-initiative

Children & Youth services and activities:  http://www.newhavenyouthmap.com/

CitySeed sponsors farmers markets in New Haven, including one near Yale-New Haven Hospital & at nearby Wooster Square. Check their website for schedule & locations: http://www.cityseed.org/city_markets/markets/schedule.shtml

http://kidhaven.com/ Child-related info re. the greater New Haven area.

http://kidhaven.com/schoolhaven/ information and reviews about New Haven area schools. 

Youth Continuum a non profit agency in New Haven, CT that provides residential and wrap around services to ensure a healthy and productive future for foster and homeless youth; educational and job skill training programs that include community-based internships, job readiness training, interview preparation, one-on-one tutoring, and cultural enrichment activities. Skills for Life is a program Youth Continuum and Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven that engages at-risk youth in building a house – from planning and design through full construction.participants build a set of core competencies to help them meet their long term goals and inspire them toward independence, developing youth as contributing members of society.
http://www.youthcontinuum.org/

The Latina Army is a volunteer-based non-profit whose mission is to celebrate and empower young Latinas by providing inspirational role models & intorducing life skills for personal excellence: http://www.thelatinaarmy.org./

New Life Corporation is a non-profit organization serving low and moderate income families in the Greater New Haven area. Its purpose is to assist families increase their economic security through a combination of financial education, and asset-building services in order to create a more stable and sustainable living environment for families and their children. Our strategy is built on the idea that families do better when they receive those services and opportunities that are critical to securing social and economic self-sufficiency, and that there is a critical need to assist low-income people to acquire the educational and employment-related skills they need to secure employment that pays family-supporting wages, provides career ladders, and opportunities for advancement. Free income Tax assistance & many other services. http://newlifecorp.org/

 Hispanos Unidos, Inc.  promotes the health and well-being of the Latino community and other disenfranchised populations through education, prevention, care and advocacy. http://www.hispanos-unidos.org/

Wedded Bliss Foundation promotes black family life: http://www.weddedblissinc.com/Wedded_Bliss_Foundation/Welcome.html

Neighbors From Hell forum: http://www.neighborsfromhell.com/messageboard.html

The Sentencing Project works for a fair and effective criminal justice system by promoting reforms in sentencing law and practice, and alternatives to incarceration. As a result of The Sentencing Project's research, publications and advocacy, many people know that this country is the world's leader in incarceration, that one in three young black men is under control of the criminal justice system, that five million Americans can't vote because of felony convictions, and that thousands of women and children have lost welfare, education and housing benefits as the result of convictions for minor drug offenses. The Sentencing Project is dedicated to changing the way Americans think about crime and punishment. Connecticut contacts: http://sentencingproject.org/map/statedata.cfm?abbrev=CT

Community Organized for Responsible Development (CORD) advocates fair, responsible economic development in the New Haven area by making sure developments include improvements for the people who live nearby — improvements such as good jobs, affordable housing, neighborhood services. http://www.ctneweconomy.org/cord.html

Public Allies provides paid leadership training internships, based on the belief that lasting social change results when citizens of all backgrounds step up, take responsibility, and work together. http://www.publicallies.org/site/c.liKUL3PNLvF/b.3158743/

New Haven Safe Streets Coalition Concerned about how out-of-control the speeding traffic and illegal off-road vehicles are in our neighborhood? Visit www.newhavensafestreets.org

Statistical data about zip code 06519, which comprises City Point & most of The Hill: http://www.city-data.com/zips/06519.html

Center for Enterprise Development http://cfed.org/knowledge_center/household_financial_security_framework/  National organization that provides tools to help families & individuals gain financial independence.

Hill/City Point Neighborhood Action Group, Inc. [a local non-profit; recent activities include annual Christmas Tree lighting at Sage restaurant & Kimberly Square]  Contact person: Kris Sainsbury 203-776-8148

If you're a City Point resident homeowner, and therefore are eligible to become a member of this website, we can discuss and come up with plans/solutions for other City Point neighborhood-specific problems on the members-only forum below. (See the "Join this site" page.)

ANYONE can post on the Neighborhood FORUM page.

Even if you are not a member of this website, you still can send in your comments, suggestions, complaints and personal insults by going to the "Contact the editor of this website" page.

"Nothing ever gets done unless it's done by a fanatic." Martin Sheen

[After recent shootings over in the West River neighborhood] "people are again asking [20-year resident Paul Confrancesco] why he doesn't move. He said he always gives the same reply: 'If all the folks who aren't doing anything [bad] and are trying to restore order leave, what's going to be left?'" New Haven Register

[This forum is also the place to discuss ways to improve this website.]