The NHPD: depends on the sargent and on the involvement of the community in the neighborhood. I have had good experience with their involvement.

That said, I think Westville could to MUCH better in that location. We should have something like Romeo and Cesare's or Nica's there. It is one of the most important missing elements in the Westville renaissance. It would do booming business and wonderful things for the neighborhood and the local economy. Joe (owner of Nica's) got turned down for an expansion of his current store. Last time he looked at doing anything in Westville was 8 years ago (think he looked at what is now Deja Brew). Approached by the right people with the right info, bet he would move on it.

What a great idea. This store used to be a pleasure--a true quality market (who else remembers those lovely, helpful men who staffed the butcher's counter?)--and not so long ago. It's still good to have, but has slowly become seedier and creepier. Would love to see a nice but still down-to-earth corner store there, with tables for people who've bought drinks, ice cream, and the like.

Round the clock food mart at ramsdell and whalley is a much bigger offender for underage/illegal activity in the store and the parking lot. It also draws the kids from all over westville...just sayin' if you change the owner the kids will go farther. How about approaching the owners with a positive plan and some regular police visits?

Wasn't this store recently cited again? Any movement on this or the Ramsdell market?

I agree that the lack of retail such as a Nica's is a disincentive to living in this area.

I have had 2 conversations with Joe at Nica's trying to convince him he should be looking to Westville next. Since the expansion request did not succeed, he clearly has a interest in growth. He seemed stuck on Westville being "dead" but that was based on his research of buying what I think is now Deja Brew SIX YEARS ago. I have planted some seeds, telling him he should look again, that things have really changed and WV NEEDS him (or someone like him) to provide this as it will totally tip the neighborhood towards realizing visions held by WVRA and neighbors here. He needs to hear this from others, and it would be even more powerful if there were some competition. Now is the time for an investor, before it is obvious to everyone what the opportunity is. (Hi Everyone!!)

I asked the current owner (is he the owner?) if he had thought about expanding, going more up-scale. No interest. "If it ain't broke don't fix it," to paraphrase. Well, may not seem broke to him, but...

I don't see any alcohol violations since 2006 on the Dept. of Consumer Protection site.

Would love to see somthing like Nica's at this loaction. Area is a bit denser that at Deja Brew. Current proprieter of the WQM is completely disinterested in anything and everything except beer, lottery tickets and blunt wrap.

Any more luck talking with Joe at Nica's? Would the latest Census data about the neighborhood be helpful, showing that this district has a higher median income and a higher percentage of high income families than East Rock? Has New Haven Economic Development Corporation been willing to look at this problem?

If there are glass tubes and blunt wrappers, etc., they really shouldn't be there. The neighborhood can pressure the market to clean up its act. There are also ordinances, such as the one that the Hartford City Council considered a couple of weeks ago:

http://www.realhartford.org/2010/12/20/drug-distribution-ordinance/

Thanks for asking about it Mark. I have done my part in instigating the conversation, to the extent that I am able. People who know him better should take next steps. I think someone from WVRA should be owning this, and I have not had the time to participate in that organization. I have not idea about ECD’s awareness of it, or if there has been any real focused effort around this by anyone. Having a great store like Nica's or Romeo's is essential to tipping this neighborhood from a commuter neighborhood of the 20th century to a walkable 21st century breakthrough spot. Many of the other elements are in place.

I agree with Nate. I wrote to the Alderperson from this area and he said some area residents were very interested in this, just not necessarily as organized as they could be to address it.

What are some of the specific next steps needed? If you don't want to share some of them in public you could email them to me at newhavensafestreets at gmail.com.

I have lived here 5 years now,frequent that store everyday,not once have I seen anything
like what has been said.... where is it all,in the cellar??? nothing like that there.

Dani,
look at the back wall behind the counter, bottom shelf. Not to hard to see.

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