The Mill River district is currently home to businesses engaged in food processing and distribution, precision manufacturing, design and building materials supply. These companies currently employ approximately 3,000 people, many of them New Haven residents. The district is a prime example of the diversity of New Haven’s economic base and the breadth of quality local jobs created by those businesses. That diversity is vital to maintaining a healthy economy and providing good jobs for all residents.

However, approximately one-quarter of the land area in the Mill River district is vacant or underutilized. The City has been studying the area and last week released our study findings and plan to build on the current strengths of the area and develop it into a hub for light industry, home improvement, and food businesses. The report identifies three primary development strategies that build off existing strengths of the area for job retention, job creation and economic growth. Those include:

• An Industrial Village promoting light industry and live-work spaces;

• A Home Improvement Marketplace that capitalizes on the multitude of home products already available in the district to create a shopping district competitive with suburban big box stores; and

• Mercantile Food Hub to grow the robust food manufacturing and distribution sector in the area, which currently ships products across the county.

The final report makes recommendations in the areas including streetscape improvements, zoning, temporary uses, waterfront planning, wayfinding, branding and a capital investment strategy.

By engaging in this planning process, the City has encouraged the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites, bringing jobs back into New Haven and reducing urban sprawl.

To review the Mill River Study, go here

Canoeing and Kayaking Summer Schedule is here!

Summer is here with its longer day light and warmer weather, so why not get out and enjoy the evening with one of New Haven’s Parks Department kayak or canoe instructional tours! The tours are being offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at various locations around New Haven. This is a great opportunity to join with New Haven Parks and Recreation Outdoor Adventure Program to experience and learn kayaking and canoeing skills and safety. All equipment will be provided. All you need to bring is your personal gear and a desire for some fun.

For more information and to register, go here

Potholes

The heavy rains we have received over the past month seemed to have caused another round of potholes to sprout. In order to ensure that the Department of Public Works has the location of all potholes that need patching, please report any potholes you may come across to the City on See, Click, Fix at www.seeclickfix.com

Events

International Festival of Arts and Ideas, daily until June 29th. Majority of events (80% ) are free of charge. Daily schedule is here

Jun 26. Cityseed Farmers Market. On the Green @ corner of Chapel & Temple. Today 11am-3pm. www.cityseed.org

Jun. 27, 28. The Kevin Saint James Band.Lyric Hall.$25(includes Light refreshments)8pm.

GateHouseLIVE@gmail.com. www.facebook.com/GateHouseMusicNewHaven

Jun. 26. String Theorie. New Haven Green. 6pm. www.artidea.org

Jun 26. Crossing the BLVD. The New Haven Museum. $10. 6:30-8pm. www.newhavenmuseum.org

June 27th. Closing Reception: Green Gallery.Yale School of Art. 6-9pm. www.newhavenarts.org.

Jun. 27. Pizza Fest. New Haven Green. 12-2pm.www.artidea.org

Jun. 27. Gumbo Diablo. New Haven Green. 12-2pm.www.artidea.org

Jun. 27. Orquesta Afinke. New Haven Green. 6pm. www.artidea.org

Jun. 28. Pizza Fest. New Haven Green. 12-2pm.www.artidea.org

Jun. 28. Echo Uganda. New Haven Green. 12-2pm.www.artidea.org

Jun. 28. Moto . New Haven Green. 6pm. www.artidea.org

Jun 29. Film Screening: An Oversimplification of Her Beauty. Artspace. $10. 7-9:30pm. www.artspacenh.org

Jun. 29. Debo Band & Fendika. New Haven Green. 7pm. www.artidea.org

Jun 29. Film Screening: An Oversimplification of Her Beauty. Artspace. $10. 7-9:30pm. www.artspacenh.org

Jul 3. Cityseed Farmers Market. On the Green @ corner of Chapel & Temple. Today 11am-3pm. www.cityseed.org

Jul 3. Twilight Concert Series. Pardee-Morris House. 6-9pm.

Jul 4. Fireworks Display. East Rock Park. Activities begin at 4pm. 9pm fireworks display.

Jul 5. Mario Pavone Sextet. Cafe Nine. $12/$15. 9pm. http://cafenine.com/

Jul 6 & 7. KHALAS, a new multimedia play based on PTSD research & conversations. Lyric Hall. free.

[6/25/2013]