The following writeup was submitted by Lee Cruz, the chair of the Fair Haven Community Management Team. (Opinion) This Wednesday, the Board of Alders Community Development Committee will weigh a consequential proposal: the City’s acquisition of 510 and 510A Grand Avenue, better known as Ball I sland and the historic English Station. The mayor’s request seeks approval for a negotiated sale or, if necessary, the use of eminent domain. While the legislative language is vague, the administration’s public messaging has been crystal clear: they intend to demolish the historic English Station and replace it with an outdoor swimming pool. It would be nice to have an outdoor pool somewhere in the City of New Haven. But arguments in favor of pools and swimming are a distraction from the high risks and unanswered questions surrounding this particular proposal. The proposal also appears to be driven by the preferences of a potential billionaire donor rather than analysis of what our neighborhood and city actually need.  As we head into Wednesday’s hearing, there are five critical reasons why the Board of Alders should hit the brakes. 1. The “Blank Check” Problem The public estimate for site acquisition and remediation sits at $25 million. Yet without a real cost analysis, that number is little more than a guess. The legislation references a $5 million DECD Urban Act grant as a funding source—funds already earmarked for the Mill River Trail and green infrastructure. Attempting to acquire one of the city’s most contaminated properties without a transparent, fully-funded remediation plan is financially reckless. 2. Nothing About Us, Without Us This plan was conceived in a vacuum. While the city requires local businesses and nonprofits to engage with the Fair Haven Community Management Team and other stakeholders, community engagement on this project consisted of meetings announced at the last minute and not designed for listening. Residents weren’t asked what we need and want. Rather, we were given a survey with leading questions about “water features.” If the city listened, officials would hear a recurring demand for living-wage jobs, career training, and affordable housing. 3. A Record of Neglect New Haven does not have a pool or park problem; it has a maintenance problem. Before we break ground on new, expensive infrastructure, the city should prove it can care for the assets we already have. Our existing pools are chronically closed for repairs and our parks struggle with deferred maintenance and safety concerns. Before we break ground on new, expensive infrastructure, we should see some evidence of capacity to improve upon this record. 4. English Station is an Asset, Not an Eyesore The derogatory language around English Station betrays a lack of vision. Across the country, cities are turning old power plants into economic engines. From Austin’s Seaholm Power Plant to Brooklyn’s Powerhouse Arts, these contaminated sites have been reborn as community hubs. Why isn’t New Haven worthy of the same ambition? If a pool is truly a priority, it could be integrated into a renovated English Station, preserving our industrial heritage while driving modern economic activity. 5. Eminent Domain Locks in the Demolition Plan While the plan does not specify demolition of English Station and installation of a pool, eminent domain may be utilized only for a specific purpose. Thus granting authorization for eminent domain means signing off on a high-risk plan that generates more questions than it answers.  How to Make Your Voice Heard The Board of Alders needs to hear that we expect inclusive and responsible decision-making, not performative processes. When: Wednesday, February 18, at 6:00 PM Where: Board of Alders Chambers, City Hall (165 Church St.) Action: Submit written testimony to [email protected]. Let’s stand together in favor of a plan for Ball Island and English Station that mitigates risks, centers real needs, and moves our community forward. The post No Blank Checks: An Argument Against The City’s English Station Park-Pool Plan appeared first on New Haven Independent. ...read more read less