Changes Coming to New Haven Traffic & Parking: Mayor

NEW HAVEN, CT —With the July 1 departure of city Transportation, Traffic, & Parking director Doug Hausladen to head up the New Haven Parking Authority, the city shared his accomplishments and, news about changes in parking and traffic noting his change in roles "comes at a pivotal moment."

In a news release from the office of New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, it's noted that the changes in the city, and state's, transportation system coincides with a 35-year lease agreement for the future development of Union Station, a "landmark" public-private partnership for Tweed-New Haven Airport, and ongoing implementation of major bike/pedestrian and transit initiatives citywide.

Hausladen’s tenure as Director spanned 7.5 years and includes many noteworthy accomplishments, including:

• Investments into pedestrian and cycling systems, particularly around schools and parks with the largest projects being around YNHH Saint Raphael Campus, Edgewood Avenue, Crescent Street, Howard Avenue, and Long Wharf
• Planning a vision for Bus Rapid Transit and speeding up bus service around Greater New Haven
• Launching the first pay-by-cell parking meter system in North America to have multiple pay-by-cell using competition for customers to drive down costs
• Closing of Route 34 exits and design for protected bicycle infrastructure in Downtown Crossing
• Creating the TT&P streetlight division and takeover of management of over 10,000 street lights in New Haven
• Digitizing work orders to better track and manage resident requests of the City
• And many more

Current transportation, traffic and parking deputy director Karla Lindquist will assume department head responsibilities and a search will commence for a permanent replacement.

“I’m thankful for Doug’s many years of service with the city of New Haven and glad that our residents will continue to be served by him in this new role,” Elicker said. “Doug is a great leader who has helped make our city a more bikeable and walkable community. The residents of our city will benefit for Doug’s work for years to come.”

Several commented on Hausladen's tenure.

“Doug has been an exceptionally strong voice for those reliant on biking, walking or taking the bus to work,” said Economic Development Administrator Michael Piscitelli. “His strong leadership and technical skills have set a tone for our entire government to ensure that we grow together. I look forward to a close partnership with the Parking Authority as we implement the transit oriented development plan for Union Station and many other important initiatives.”

Hausladen noted that he's "proud" of the work that's been done.

“Over the last decade I’m proud of all that we accomplished to make New Haven a leader in people first transit," he was quoted as saying in the news release. "I’m excited to continue the work of prioritizing infrastructure for people, particularly around the Union Station Partnership and the addition of State Street Station.”

And the parking authority had a few words about bringing Hausladen on board.

“The Board of the New Haven Parking Authority is pleased to have Director Hausladen focusing his full-time efforts on increasing opportunities for the Authority and improving our customers’ experience in the transit and parking systems in New Haven,” parking authority board chair Norman Forrester said. “Doug has been invaluable in expanding our portfolio for the first time in a generation with the acquisition of State Street Garage and the State Street Train Station and we are excited for the Authority’s future.”