Four months ago the NHCPA (New Haven Center for Performing Arts) appeared before the Westville CMT looking to win support for the Westville Bowl. The presentation was brief because the promoter was in a hurry to get down to City Hall for a meeting with the City Plan Commission. But he promised he would come back and update the community when more specifics became available. As we have seen through media reports, things are moving along.
The entire community was, and still is, very excited about the prospect of bringing concerts back to Westville. I have reached out to the promoter and his general counsel on multiple occasions asking them to return and update the community, but they have refused.
Instead, the promoters expressed their intent to “maintain lines of communication with the neighbors via a ‘working committee’ as selected by the Alders from the 23rd, 25th and 26th Wards.” But nothing is known about the working committee – who is on it, how were they chosen, when where and how often they will meet, etc. More importantly, the working committee will meet in private.
Mayor Elicker campaigned on a platform of increased transparency. And early indications are that he is committed to greater transparency. This is an example of where we need transparency. The Alders from the 23rd, 25th and 26th Wards should follow the Mayor’s lead. Discussions regarding public space, the use of public resources and public funds need to take place in a public forum at a public meeting space with adequate public notice.
It’s time for the promoter to make good on his promise to return and meet with the community – the ENTIRE community. Let's open up the discussion.
In the meantime, I have encouraged the Westville Bowl to create a profile on Next Door so Westville residents can be kept apprised of developments and communicate directly with the promoter.
Dennis Serfilippi
