As temperatures fall we should be prepared for the winter weather ahead. I held a press conference last week at the Department of Public Works. John Prokop and I discussed New Haven’s preparations to keep our streets clean and safe during this winter’s snow. During a snow emergency, there are several things you can do to aid our snow clean-up efforts. I ask you to follow the following guidelines during and immediately following a snow storm:

*Parking will be prohibited on ALL streets within the downtown area bounded by Howe Street, Tower Pwky, Grove Street, State Street and North Frontage Road.

*Residents are encouraged to park in their driveway during snow emergencies.

*Off-street parking garages downtown are still open during snow emergencies. Residents are encouraged to use these facilities as an alternative to parking on the street.

*No parking within 25 feet of any intersection citywide.

*No parking within 20 feet of any fire hydrant citywide.

*No parking in front of any bus stop citywide.

*No plowing of any snow into City streets.

*Residents are urged to access the City’s website at www.cityofnewhaven.com the City snowline at 203-946-SNOW(7669), and monitor local news and media outlets for updates. Residents are further encouraged to Opt-in to the City’s Emergency Notification System by visiting the City’s website and clicking on Emergency Information on the top of the page. You will then click the Emergency Notification System link and follow the instructions.

Here’s what else is happening in New Haven this week:

Mayor’s Night Out is an important opportunity for me to visit the City’s neighborhoods where I can speak with residents directly about concerns and needs. My entire department heads and coordinators join me at this event so that you can go directly to the source with any questions you may have about any City service. The following are the 2011 MNO dates and locations:

FEBRUARY 9, 2011 WARDS #7, 8, 9, 10, 19, 20, 21 & 22

Celentano School – Canner Street

MARCH 16, 2011 WARDS #8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18

New Columbus Academy, Grand Ave

MAY 18, 2011 WARDS #23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 & 30

Hillhouse High School, Sherman Parkway

AUGUST 24, 2011 WARDS # 11, 13, 14, 17 & 18

Nathan Hale School -480 Townsend Ave

OCTOBER 26, 2011 WARDS # 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 23

Roberto Clemente School- Howard Ave.

Health Tip

This week, many of us will be traveling to visit loved ones and friends. To ensure safe travels this year: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t let someone else drink and drive. Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle. Always buckle your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt according to his/her height, weight, and age. And get enough sleep before getting behind the wheel. For more winter health tips, visit http://www.cdc.gov/family/holiday/ Be Safe and Be Healthy.

Green Tip

Cooking holiday meals? Save energy by using lids on pots, keeping oven racks and microwaves clean, and use the smallest pots and pans necessary.

Cultural Events

Week of December 19

Dec 19.University Glee Club of New Haven Holiday Concert. Trinity Lutheran Church

$15. 4:pm.

Dec. 19. Civic Orchestra of New Haven Winter Concert. Battell Chapel. 8pm. $10 students/seniors and $15 individuals. www.conh.org

Thru Dec. 24. Celebration of American Crafts. Creative Arts Workshop. 80 Audubon St. www.creativeartsworkshop.org.

Thru Dec. 24. Holiday Shopping at Project Storefronts. 71 Orange St.

I hope you have a happy and healthy holiday week!

Very truly yours,

John DeStefano, Jr.

Mayor

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

Contact Name: Jessica Mayorga

Contact Email: jmayorga@newhavenct.net

Contact Phone: 203-946-7660

[12/20/2010]