Long Wharf Mall

A proposed regional mall in the city of New Haven prompted a study to see how downtown merchants would be affected by the development.

Description:

The study was undertaken on behalf of the state of Connecticut to assess the economic and fiscal impacts of the proposed mall, a 1.2 million-square-foot structure with an anticipated $420 million investment from the public and private sectors.

Issues:

New Haven regional shopping centers and downtown merchants were concerned with the impacts of the mall on their customer base.

Deliverables:

A 150-page written report outlining the positive and negative impacts of the mall.

Outcomes:

Using statistical models, analysts were able to quantify expected impacts. CERC managed a team of consultants in this process, in addition to carrying out much of the analysis. As a result of this study, as well as traffic and environmental analyses, and due to the threat of extended litigation, the project was dropped by the city.