March 31, 2015
Rep. Toni Walker (D-New Haven), Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) and Sen. Gary Winfield (D-New Haven) today hailed the State Bond Commission’s approval of a $1 million grant to the City of New Haven to assist with renovations and improvements to the former Army Reserve Center on Wintergreen Avenue for use as a police academy and indoor firing range.
“Moving the firing range indoors is a huge win for the neighborhood and will drastically reduce noise and improve the quality of life in the area,” said Sen. Looney. “I want to thank Governor Malloy, the New Haven delegation and City of New Haven for their work on this important public safety project.”
The police are currently utilizing the outdoor range at 710 Sherman Parkway, which is not supported by the neighboring community. In 2013, the City of New Haven obtained possession of the former military facility on Wintergreen Avenue.
“It’s great that those who desire to serve and protect our city will have convenient locations available to them,” said Sen. Winfield. “Having the firing range indoors is also a plus, seeing as though the academy will be so close to Southern Connecticut State University.”
“The Army Reserve Center is an ideal location for the shooting range—and the fact that it will be an indoor training range will significantly reduce the noise pollution in the neighborhood,” State Representative Toni Walker said.
“The city’s current firing range facility is wholly incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood—today’s welcome announcement about state funding to underwrite its relocation will begin to resolve this pressing matter,” Mayor Toni N. Harp said. “I’m grateful to the city’s legislative delegation for its advocacy on this issue and I’m grateful to Governor Malloy and the State Bond Commission for allocating these funds.”
Governor Dannel P. Malloy said, “Renovating the armory on Wintergreen Avenue will allow its use to be expanded and the necessary training for the police academy to be conducted at the newly refurbished complex. This state funding will aid the city in this important public safety effort, marking a significant step forward on this issue that has been a concern to so many area residents.”