The Jury Pool project has been a highly debated topic in our community over the past three years.  With a remonstrance currently in progress, we’ve seen volunteers carrying yellow petitions in favor of the project, and volunteers carrying blue petitions against the proposed project.   I’ve heard many people, on both sides of this issue, express their concerns, desires, and offer their own solutions.

I agree that this process has taken a very long time for a decision to be made.  In July of 2008, a decision was made to temporarily place this project on hold and allow residents to bridge the divide in the community.  As Mayor of this city, I felt it was in the best interest of all concerned to stop the dispute and bring the people back together for a common cause,which is to improve the community through our Parks and Recreation programs.

Some have said that the local government has been weak concerning this situation.  Residents should keep in mind that despite how the City Council would have voted on this issue, a remonstrance would have happened anyway.

I’ve heard opponents to this project state that they are not against the pool; however, they are against any new taxes and the proposed size of the project.  The annual tax impact on a home with a $100,000 assessed value would be $17.69 (or $1.47 each month). 

Some say we don’t need such a big pool, to that I respectfully say you are wrong.The local cinema industry shows us very clearly that the old one and two screen movie houses could not compete for the attention of the consumer.  After all, people want government to operate like a business, so any good business knows they must update, remodel,increase space and product to stay competitive.  The proposed project will accomplish that and keep our Parks and Recreation program up to speed with the expectations of the consumer and the youth of our community.

I’ve heard concerned residents say we cannot afford such an elaborate proposal. The Park Board has decreased the project by over one million dollars.  If you are going to update or repair such an asset, you need to include some additional amenities to encourage additional usage.  I applaud the Park Board for compromise of the current plan. The City of New Haven has an approved bond rating from Standard and Poors of A+ and AA-.  These are very good ratings for a community of our size.  Some say we have too much debt.  If you look at our debt, we have very little property tax debt.

New Haven has recently been recognized as the second most affordable community in the United States to live in according to CNN/Money Magazine. Where were the blue petition carriers when that news came out?  As a community, we have made tremendous strides in the last ten years.  During this time, we have added a wonderful river green way, completed a downtown renovation and streetscape project, and accomplished neighborhood improvements including streets, sidewalks, trees and curbs, and complied with the Clean Water Act by separating our sewers which will help keep our river and streams clean.  We have installed new water lines to improve our fire protection and further enhance the quality of our drinking water. All of these things have led to business expansions and relocations. There are so many good and positive things going on in our community. Now is not the time to obstruct progress! Maintenance of the “status quo” takes our city backward.  Friends, New Haven is not a community that intends to fall backward.  We are “A Hometown Community Growing for Tomorrow.”

I have always said that when life throws a road block in your way, you go over, around, under or through whatever hinders forward progress. We remember our heritage and those who led us in days gone by and rejoice in their work that made it possible for us to live in such a wonderful community.  It is this generation who will carry on the traditions passed down to us by our forefathers and be the citizens future generations will look back upon with fond respect for what we provided them. Remember, it takes courage and thoughtful effort to build something.  Yes, it is easy to say no, but simply saying no produces nothing.  If our ancestors had taken the “no” position, we wouldn’t have the wonderful community that has been our home for so many years. So, I ask all you who have a desire to see New Haven continue to grow and prosper, to be a city for tomorrow and a community that becomes the destination of new families and business, please join with me in support of the Jury Pool Project and sign YELLOW for a better tomorrow, for our future, and for our families.

Respectfully,

Mayor Terry E. McDonald
City of New Haven