Support is growing for the City of New Haven’s proposal to remove the Route 34 highway connector, recreate the street grid, and develop housing, parks, and offices in the highway’s place. Late last month, a coalition of community leaders, advocacy groups (including TSTC), businesses, and local elected officials wrote to Gov. Jodi Rell asking that the state support a Route 34 teardown.

The letter writers noted that “the removal of Route 34 fits seamlessly into your efforts for more responsible growth and transit oriented development throughout Connecticut. The more vibrant and livable our urban centers, the more likely new and current residents will choose to reside in those areas. And by focusing growth on our cities, we are more likely to protect existing open space in rural areas.”

Sixteen organizations and four individuals signed the letter, including Connecticut Fund for the Environment, Elm City Cycling, the New Haven Urban Design League, Winstanley Enterprises, Yale School of Medicine, and New Haven Alderpersons Frances T. Clark and Erin Sturges-Pascale. It can be read online here.