City Plan is Hiring: Deputy Director of Zoning

City Plan is hiring a Deputy Director of Zoning to supervise activities related to zoning and ordinances. The Director will coordinate and collaborate with regulatory staff to support the Board of Zoning Appeals, City Plan Commission, and Historic District Commission. The Director will play a key role in crafting forward-thinking policy for the city related to equitable and inclusive land use policy. This is an exciting opportunity to join a lively, progressive planning office in an exciting and growing New England city. Review of applications will begin in late October. Apply Here.

New Haven Climathon for Climate Action

City Plan will participate in a half-day Climathon on Oct. 29. 2022 with Reimagining New Haven in the Era of Climate Change, and we hope you will too! The design charrette will take place at John S. Martinez School and will include presentations raising awareness about the local impacts of climate change, and workshops aimed at catalyzing community-based action. The Climathon will focus on climate justice issues and organizers want to hear most from people in neighborhoods most impacted by the effects of climate change. It is free and open to all. Register and read more about the work of Reimagining New Haven in the Era of Climate Change.

Pedestrian Safety Month

October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to advocate for safer people, safer speeds and roads, safer vehicles, and post-crash care. Watch For Me CT compiled useful resources related to micromobility, transportation equity, and bikeable communities. Curious about walkability in your own neighborhood? This Walkability Checklist provides a starting point for understanding the strengths and challenges of pedestrian safety.

Historic Preservation Workshop

On Tuesday, October 18, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer Mary Dunne led a training on historic preservation for New Haven’s Historic District Commission (HDC) and City Plan Commission (CPC). Mary spoke about the role of historic resources in land use decision making, as well as grants available to Certified Local Governments (including New Haven). The event was a great opportunity for HDC and CPC Commissioners to meet in person, and led to a lively discussion on preservation issues specific to New Haven. Mary answered many commissioners' questions about regulations and best practices. Listen to the presentation.

National Emergency Preparedness Month

September was National Emergency Preparedness Month, and aimed to raise awareness about preparing for potential disasters and emergencies. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided useful resources related to making a plan and preparing and disaster preparedness kit. Check out the suggested Emergency Supply List, and HUD's summary of other actions you and your family can take to be prepared in the case of a disaster.

City Plan Staff Update

City Plan is excited to introduce our newest staff member, Fatima Cecunjanin. Fatima (she/her) comes to City Plan with a background in transportation and mobility planning, having previously worked for AECOM and VN Engineers. She studied geography at Southern Connecticut State University and is a proud Southern Owl. She earned a Masters in the Climate and Society Program from Columbia University's Climate School, and tries to bring a climate justice perspective to everything she does. Fatima joins our growing team as a Planner II.

Comprehensive Plan 2035 Update

Sept 2022 marks the start of the Definition Phase of the Plan, which includes establishing values and principles, creating an engagement framework, and making sure the right team is on board to accomplish the goals of the plan over the next two years. We need everyone's participation! To get involved fill out the Call for Interest and we'll be in touch.

Hazardous Mitigation Meeting Nov 7

New Haven's Hazard Mitigation Plan is being updated! The South Central Regional Council of Governments will hold a public information meeting about the process on November 7 at 6 p.m. You can also participate before the meeting by taking a survey to help the planning team better understand local concerns and focus on mitigation activities that will have the greatest impact. It is available in English and Spanish. Register to join the Nov 7 Public Meeting.

Regulatory Roundup

Want to know what's on the agenda for the City Plan Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, or Historic District Commission? Click the links for updated meeting agendas and access to meeting materials. Materials are typically posted the Friday before each meeting and staff reports within 24 hours of the meeting. Click here for the upcoming meeting schedule.

Interested in Giving Public Testimony? Here are some tips!

• Be prepared! Try writing down some talking points in advance and/or practicing with a friend. Being prepared helps you remember everything you want to say.
• Give yourself grace—preparation is helpful, but your testimony doesn't have to be a perfectly rehearsed speech; the important thing is to share your thoughts and experiences.
• Organize! Recruit neighbors, family members, friends, community activists to join you at the meeting and encourage them to testify as well. If you are not from the neighborhood where the project is located, reach out to folks who will be more directly impacted. Community Management Teams, your Alderperson, and local groups and organizers are some places to start.

Thanks to Esther Rose-Wilen for compiling these!