A Queens-based developer has officially moved to clear the way for the demolition of Recent Haven’s Sports Haven, filing a 90-day application with city officials to raze the former betting parlor on Long Wharf Drive.
The application, submitted on February 4, was filed by a limited liability company affiliated with Criterion Development. According to Mike Piscitelli, New Haven’s economic development administrator, the request initiates a mandatory waiting period and a review process involving multiple city agencies before any heavy machinery can move onto the site.
For years, Sports Haven served as a focal point for the city’s gaming community, but the transition from a bustling betting hub to a vacant lot appears nearly complete. The facility closed its doors permanently at the end of November, marking the end of an era for a site that had become a staple of the Long Wharf landscape.
Even as the intent to destroy the existing structure is clear, the vision for what will replace it remains a mystery. Criterion Development, which purchased the 9.65-acre property in March 2021, has not yet disclosed specific plans for the land. This silence has left city officials and residents wondering how one of the area’s most prominent parcels will be utilized.
The Path to Demolition
The process for removing a structure of this size in New Haven is not instantaneous. The 90-day window is designed to allow the city to ensure all safety protocols are met and that the demolition does not negatively impact surrounding infrastructure or environmental standards.
Piscitelli noted that the developer has maintained a consistent stance regarding the physical state of the betting parlor. “The building is nearing the end of its useful life,” Piscitelli said. “The developer has always been transparent about the intention to tear the building down.”
The timeline of the property’s transition reflects a steady move toward redevelopment:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| March 2021 | Property purchased by Criterion Development |
| November 2023 | Sports Haven betting parlor closes permanently |
| February 4, 2024 | Demolition application submitted to the city |
| May 2024 (Approx.) | Earliest possible date for demolition to initiate |
The Future of Long Wharf Drive
The uncertainty surrounding the site’s future is compounded by the scale of the land. At nearly 10 acres, the property is a significant asset in a section of the city that has seen a concerted effort toward modernization.
City officials are looking toward a 2019 responsible growth plan as the blueprint for the Long Wharf section. That framework emphasizes a strategic mix of residential housing and “large format” commercial uses. In urban planning terms, large format commercial typically refers to businesses that require significant square footage and high accessibility, such as a major grocery store or a large-scale retail anchor.
The shift toward mixed-use development is intended to transform Long Wharf from a corridor of isolated commercial buildings into a more integrated neighborhood. By combining housing with essential retail, the city hopes to increase foot traffic and create a more sustainable economic ecosystem along the waterfront.
Stakeholders and Local Impact
The redevelopment of the Sports Haven site affects several key groups in the Elm City:
- City Planners: Who must ensure the project aligns with the 2019 growth guidelines and zoning laws.
- Local Residents: Who stand to benefit from potential new retail options or housing, but may face construction disruptions.
- Economic Development Officials: Who are eager to see the 9.65-acre site return to a productive, tax-generating use.
- The Gaming Community: For whom the loss of the physical parlor represents a shift in how sports betting is conducted in Connecticut.
What Remains Unknown
Despite the transparency regarding the demolition, the lack of a detailed site plan from Criterion Development creates a vacuum of information. The developer has not responded to inquiries regarding whether the site will be developed in a single phase or divided into multiple parcels.
it remains unclear if the developer intends to seek subsidies or specific zoning variances to accommodate the “large format” retail suggested by the city’s growth plan. Until a formal development application is submitted, the site will likely remain a dormant piece of real estate, pending the approval of the demolition permits.
The next critical checkpoint for the property will be the expiration of the 90-day waiting period and the final sign-off from the various city agencies tasked with reviewing the demolition plan. Once approved, the city can expect the physical removal of the structure, clearing the way for the next chapter of the Long Wharf waterfront.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the redevelopment of the Long Wharf area in the comments below.
