Governor Rowland and Mayor DeStefano Announce Historic Downtown Development Project; Gateway Community College and Long Wharf Theatre to Relocate to New Downtown Facilities

NEW HAVEN, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 3, 2004--Governor John G. Rowland and Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. and Greater New Haven's legislative delegation have announced an historic $230 million development project, including $180 million in state financing that will relocate Gateway Community College and Long Wharf Theatre to brand new facilities in downtown New Haven. The project also calls for a hotel and conference center, retail shops, residential units, and hundreds of new parking spots. It's the largest development in New Haven in 30 years: another example of New Haven creating a world class downtown through arts and education.

The new $140 million Gateway Community College campus will be built on the sites of the former Macy's and Malley's Department Stores on the corner of George and Church streets, which has been vacant for more than ten years. Gateway is already the fastest growing community college in the state and the new campus is expected to bring approximately 11,000 students downtown, spending an estimated $13 million each year.

The State will also provide $30 million for the relocation of the Tony award winning Long Wharf Theatre from its original Sargent Drive location to the site of the former New Haven Coliseum. The total cost of the new project will be up to $60 million. The Long Wharf Theatre Board of Directors will be responsible for raising and financing the balance of the project.

The massive development project means more jobs for New Haven. Building the Gateway and Long Wharf facilities creates more than 1,800 construction jobs. The college will also bring 184 full and 363 part-time jobs to downtown, an estimated $21 million in payroll. New Haven residents will also benefit from the $3.6 million in new tax revenue.

New Haven will be responsible for demolishing the Coliseum, which is estimated to cost $6 million. The Coliseum closed in September 2002 with $1 million of debt and in need of $30 million in repairs. It's estimated it could cost taxpayers more than $2 million a year to keep the Coliseum.

"This milestone project will bring news arts and education energy to downtown New Haven, helping to define it for years to come," said Governor John G. Rowland. "We have proven across the state that this formula for urban revitalization works. We are proud to be continuing our investment in the future and the people of New Haven. It is New Haven's time."

"This project will further help Gateway Community College educate students for the jobs of tomorrow," said Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. "It will also create new tax revenue which helps keep taxes low for New Haven residents. This development truly is an example of what New Haven does best. We're using arts and education to create a world class downtown."

"This is an historic moment in the life of this college and its community of learners." said Dr. Dorsey L. Kendrick, President of Gateway Community College. "With our growing enrollments we have added new programs and more services to help meet the needs of our students. We're contributing to the economy and the College has truly opened doors to open minds. We believe that the campus consolidation will make us a comprehensive, world-class community college that helps make dreams come true for all its students."

Michael Stotts, Managing Director of Long Wharf Theatre, says "While our present location has served Long Wharf Theatre well for the past forty years, we expect that our new downtown location will allow us to bring an enhanced experience to future audiences. Their theater-going experience will be made all the more enjoyable by being able to take advantage of New Haven's great restaurants and shops before or after performances."