A Queens, N.Y. developer has submitted a 90-day demolition application with the city of New Haven to knock down the former Sports Haven betting parlor on Long Wharf Drive, according to the city’s economic development administrator. Mike Piscitelli told Hearst Connecticut Media on Friday that a limited liability company affiliated with Queens, N.Y.-based Criterion Development submitted a the application to city planning officials. The demolition plan must be approved by multiple city agencies and the demolition can not begin for at least 90-days, Piscitelli said. It was submitted on Feb. 4. “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.” What Criterion hasn’t been clear about is what they plan to do with the property. Sports Haven closed for good at the end of November, having been purchased by Criterion in March 2021. Piscitelli said Friday that Criterion officials have not indicated their plans for the property and company officials have not responded to inquiries from Hearst Connecticut Media about the future of the 9.65 acre site. Piscitelli said a responsible growth plan released in 2019 for the city’s Long Wharf section calls for a mixed use of residential and large format commercial uses. An example of large format commercial use, according to Piscitelli, could include a grocery store or other type of large format retail store.

https://www.nhregister.com/business/article/developerment-sports-haven-new-haven-i-95-ct-22199387.php