Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Highway Removal

Goodbye Downtown New Haven Highway, Hello 1,300 Parking Spaces?

Image: Christopher Bocksteal/ Svigals + Partners
A 5.5-acre chunk of New Haven that was destroyed by urban renewal in the 1950s will be redeveloped, but the plans call for a lot of parking. Image: Christopher Bocksteal/Svigals + Partners
Image: Christopher Bocksteal/ Svigals + Partners

Advocates for livable streets in New Haven have high hopes for the Downtown Crossing/Route 34 West projects, made possible by a highway teardown that will open 16 acres of prime, center-city land.

But the opportunity to create a better connected, more people-friendly place is off to a disappointing start. Last week, the New Haven Board of Alders unanimously approved phase one of the project -- a 5.5-acre site that had been obliterated to make way for the highway during the urban renewal era, but never saw the planned road construction. For decades, the block has been little more than an enormous parking crater.

Plans call for the area -- dubbed Route 34 West, call for a medical office building, a Rite Aid, and the headquarters of a nonprofit mental health caregiver. And oh yes, the development will also include an 800-space parking garage. Meanwhile, at the city's insistence, a "temporary" 500-space parking lot will also be added near the site.

Some residents say the design is like a suburban office park. "It's simply providing a way for people who live outside the area drive into town for jobs but for people that live in the area, not doing anything to improve their mobility," said Anstress Farwell of the New Haven Urban Design League

Farwell is disappointed developers apparently plan to do nothing to expand transportation options as part of the project. Residents have urged the city to consider bike lanes on adjacent streets, but the city has not yet made any commitment to them or to expanding transit.

City officials said they couldn't eliminate a large parking lot -- the site formerly held about 600 spaces -- without replacing the car storage. The 500-space lot is only supposed to last five years -- until the businesses can develop another location or encourage employees to use other modes of transport, city officials say.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Are We All Living in a ‘Carspiracy’?

How does "car-brain" shape the way we think about the world — even in relatively bike-friendly countries like the U.K.?

July 26, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Share and Share Alike

Bikeshares, and e-bikes and scooters generally, are becoming more popular. That's led to more injuries, highlighting the need for better infrastructure.

July 26, 2024

What the Heck is Going on With the California E-Bike Incentive Program?

The program's launch has been delayed for two years, and currently "there is no specific timeline" for it. Plus the administrator, Pedal Ahead, is getting dragged, but details are vague.

July 26, 2024

Talking Headways Podcast: Have Cities Run Out of Land?

Chris Redfearn of USC and Anthony Orlando of Cal Poly Pomona on why "pro-business" Texas housing markets are catching up to "pro-regulation" California and what it might mean for future city growth.

July 25, 2024

The Paris Plan for Olympic Traffic? Build More Bike Lanes

A push to make Paris fully bikable for the Olympics is already paying dividends long before the opening ceremonies.

July 25, 2024
See all posts