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Alders committee approves naming corner at Bishop and State for community builder Bob Fruit
Summary
The New Haven Board of Alders City Services & Environmental Policy committee voted June 4 to approve naming the northeast corner of Bishop and State Street for longtime neighborhood developer and preservation advocate Bob Fruit after a series of public testimonials praising his role in revitalizing Upper State Street.
The City of New Haven’s City Services and Environmental Policy committee voted June 4 to approve, as amended, a resolution to name the northeast corner of Bishop and State Street for local developer and preservation advocate Bob Fruit.
Alder Caroline Smith, who presented the item to the committee, framed the naming as recognition of Fruit’s long record of neighborhood investment. “Naming is something that I think is a really special and tender privilege that we have as a board,” Alder Caroline Smith said, urging colleagues to honor Fruit’s contributions to housing, small businesses and historic preservation.
The nomination drew more than a half-dozen public speakers during the committee’s public-comment period. Michael Ducker, who identified himself as a longtime resident at 64 Bishop Street, credited Fruit with “restoring buildings” and helping to save the neighborhood’s historic character. “He changed the street and changed the neighborhood and saved the neighborhood,” Ducker said. Ian Fruit, speaking as a family member, called his father “the godfather of State Street,” and Joel Lashants described Fruit as a friend and mentor who advised local development projects.
One East Rock resident who did not list their name for the record highlighted Fruit’s role preserving the Goville Community Garden and said the garden contributes roughly 60 pounds of produce annually to a local food pantry; that figure was offered by the witness and was not verified during the meeting.
Before the committee vote, members moved an amendment by substitution to clarify the sign placement; the committee specified the sign will be installed on the northeast corner of Bishop and State Street. The amendment was approved by voice vote and the item was approved in committee and will advance to the full Board of Alders for a first reading on the first Monday in July and a second reading on the first Monday in August.
The committee took no binding final action beyond the committee-level approval; the full Board will consider the matter on the dates noted.
The item is recorded on the committee agenda as LM-206-0161 and is available on file with the office of legislative services at City Hall.
