I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable Father’s Day! I am proud to announce that the City of New Haven has been named as one of the top 20 overall performance markets in the nation during this recession according to the most recent Brookings report. This speaks to the unprecedented economic and developmental growth we have all witnessed in the City in past years. If you would like to view the report, click here.

Also, the Office of Economic Development has launched a new departmental website, providing information on key development projects as well as other useful resources for business. The website should facilitate the sharing of information with residents, the business community and those outside of New Haven. You can access the new website here.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Mike Piscitelli and Jim Travers from Transportation, Traffic and Parking, along with Mason & Co. for winning “Best in Show” and “Best Community Campaign Non-Profit” at the 2009 Mercury Awards last week for the Street Smarts campaign.

I encourage everyone to take advantage of the following activities and events taking place in the upcoming week:

Opening of the Splash Pad at Scantlebury Park

Earlier today, I celebrated the grand opening of Scantlebury Park’s splash pad. This is one of 10 splash pads located in the City that will serve New Haven youths throughout the summer. For a complete list of the City’s splash pads, please visit: http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/Parks/recreation/.

Farmington Canal Trail Public Meeting

Come to the G-2 Hearing Room at 200 Orange St. to discuss Phase IV planning of the Farmington Canal Greenway Trail. This public meeting will take place on Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 from 6-8 p.m.

Favorite Poem Community Reading

On June 25th at 5:30p.m., join Literacy Volunteers and New Haven Reads Book Bank will present readers from Dixwell, Newhallville, and Science Park for an inspiring poetry reading. The event will take place at 4 Science Park.

Dwight/Edgewood Project 2009

Yale School of Drama students will perform one-acts by students from New Haven Public Schools at the Off Broadway Theatre on June 26th and 27th from 7-8 pm.

International Festival of Arts & Ideas

The Festival continues until Saturday, June 27th! If you have not had the opportunity, make sure to stop by and observe the enriching exhibitions, performances, lectures, and tours on schedule for this week. For more information, please visit: www.artidea.org.

Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series

Come catch the Twilight Tuesdays Concert Series in the Park of the Arts, located behind the Neighborhood Music School. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the concert commences at 7:15 p.m., rain or shine. For tickets, call 624-5189 ex. 15 or 24. Visit http://www.nmsmusicschool.org for more information.

Green Tip

Washing your car? If you wash your car in the street, the water enters the storm sewer system and can contaminate local water bodies. Use a biodegradable soap that does not contain phosphates or chlorine and wash the car on a permeable surface like grass or gravel. Another alternative is to use a commercial car wash, as these are not allowed to discharge into storm drains.

Is someone you know interested in receiving the Mayor's Monday Message? To join this list, please send your name and email address to: jmayorga@newhavenct.net. An opportunity may exist down the line to receive messages specific to your neighborhood. For this purpose, in your email, please tell us what ward you live in.

The Mayor's Monday Message list is not shared with any outside groups and is used solely for the purpose of delivering timely information about issues and events in the City from the Mayor's office to your inbox.

Have a happy and healthy week,

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 2039467660

[6/21/2009]