New Haven Mayor John DeStefano and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD) have launched a market analysis and planning study focusing on New Haven’s Mill River district.

"New Haven is positioning itself to attract new investment, as well as to facilitate the continued growth of businesses that are already successful here," said DeStefano. "The Mill River market and planning study being launched will help ensure that it has the infrastructure and resources necessary to do so."

The ECD is currently planning a multi-phase project that will ultimately result in a comprehensive analysis and long-term action plan, according to a statement. The project objectives encompass the economics of re-use, the local and regional market, environmental conditions, waterfront use and coastal management, traffic patterns, utility capacity and appropriate neighborhood linkages, as well as site use over time.

The closure of several plants in the Mill River district in recent years has left a number of prime sites open for redevelopment, according to a statement. However, some of these sites require more investment to redevelop than similar suburban locations and are at risk of remaining vacant or underutilized for a substantial period of time, or of being converted to uses such as storage or parking that will not contribute to the city’s economic growth.

"In addition to exploring potential new development, the study also aims to understand and address the needs of existing commercial enterprises in the district, as well as how such new uses could complement both the existing business mix in the district as well as the adjacent residential neighborhoods," said Kelly Murphy, CDEC development administrator. "All of these elements are key to ensuring the Mill River district remains an attractive location for business."