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Build It, and They Will Come
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Business New Haven
11/26/2001
By: BNH
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New Haven Mayor John DeStefano Jr. has presciently identified tourism as a potential future engine of the city's economy.
However, to fulfill its potential as a destination for business visitors, New Haven needs a facility that can accommodate at least mid-sized conferences.
We're not talking about a major convention center along the lines of the new facility in Providence, R.I., or an Adriaen's Landing extravaganza. We are talking about a facility that could host business or academic gatherings of perhaps 500 to 1,500 visitors.
City officials have touted the need for such a facility for at least two decades. Before the structure became the subject of bitter litigation between the city and Baltimore developer David Cordish, Chapel Square Mall was discussed as a site that might accommodate a conference center on its second floor.
It's the right time, and the right place. Among the mid-sized cities of New England, New Haven has perhaps the most attractive mix of entertainment, shopping and dining within easy walking distance of the city center. As well, since September 11 (at least) we have an accommodations oversupply that needs to be constructively confronted if we are to keep large companies such as the Texas-based Omni Hotels invested in our downtown.
Moreover, to be crass, state government owes the Elm City one. Gov. John G. Rowland and the state's Department of Economic & Community Development were prepared to throw their financial weight behind the failed Long Wharf Mall proposal. Now, a more modest and sensible proposal for a conference center ought to be a significantly more attractive investment.
With the city reviewing development proposals for three key downtown blocks (the present mall and 900 Chapel Street office tower, as well as the former Macy's and Malley's blocks), now is the ideal time for city development officials to take into account the city's long-term economic-development needs. The ability to host significant gatherings will not only attract business people from distant points on the compass - it will give individual companies an impetus to locate, and grow, in New Haven as well.
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