Legislation Committee approves larger signage for Yale New Haven Hospital neurosciences tower

The New Haven Board of Alders' Legislation Committee voted Dec. 9 to approve a zoning text amendment allowing larger signage on the new neurosciences tower at the Saint Raphael campus and forwarded the amended ordinance to the full Board of Alders.

Chair Ellen Kupo opened the session and asked the applicants to present. Sarah Shard, speaking for the applicant, said the petition seeks a limited amendment to Planned Development District 45 so two signs for the neurosciences tower—a large wall sign at penthouse level and a canopy sign at the new entrance—can be sized to match the scale of the building. "The only amendment proposed is for the signage size," Shard said, adding the package otherwise follows existing standards and city planning had recommended approval.

The petitioners and project manager Deborah Ford told the committee the signs will be internally illuminated with LED channel lettering, will not include flashing or projecting lights, and will be placed so illumination should not cast onto neighboring properties. Ford said the upper sign sits approximately 179 feet above grade and the canopy sign about 30 feet off the ground; the applicants proposed sensor-based controls so lights come on in dark conditions, and said the signs conform to Yale New Haven Health’s current LED standards.

Aldermen questioned operation and potential glare. Alderman Adam Marchand asked whether a future name change for the center would require a return to the committee; Shard said the amendment is sized-based and a subsequent name change would likely not require a zoning amendment, though normal permitting could be needed. Alderman Richard Burlow asked about energy efficiency; Ford said the design follows Yale New Haven Health's shift to LED and noted sensors can be substituted for timers if reliability is a concern.

During deliberations, Alderman Sharp proposed a form amendment to replace two instances of the word "ordered" with the statutory verb "ordained" in the ordinance’s effective clause; members said the change was stylistic and procedural. The committee adopted the amendment by voice vote and then approved the item as amended by voice vote. The transcript records voice agreement but not a roll-call tally.

The committee also passed over two other docketed items: a map amendment for the former English Station site (OR2025-0022) and a proposed amendment tied to Connecticut statutes on adult-use cannabis licensing (OR2025-0024); members said relevant city staff were not present and those items will return for a future hearing.

The legislation committee’s approval sends OR2025-0029, as amended, to the full Board of Alders for consideration. The committee adjourned following expressions of appreciation to Chair Kupo.