does this mean people can do drugs at home without being arrested since no sign is posted?

From what I understand, this has been happening for a long time. I think this area may seem attractive to some drug dealers since it is out of the way and somewhat hidden. I'm definitely not happy with that. I think this is yet another problem that may be curbed to some degree by having traffic humps. If those dealing drugs out of cars feel that they can't make a quick escape, then maybe they wouldn't deal here anymore. And certainly this would curb the terrible speeding problem we have due to Sound School students and parents who seem to have little regard for the people and animals who live in this neighborhood.

There are 2 signsthwre that states the area is for "Sound School use only" between 10:00 pm and (I think) 6:00 am. Was the School using it for Drug Dealing purposes?

2 signs there that states

The no trespassing signs were related to the Schooner property that is housed on the sound School property. Those signs washed away with Irene and have not been replaced. The only sign that remains is the one near the parking lot (not owned by the yacht club) closer to the intersection of Howard and South water. Otherwise no signs remain that indicate "trespassing" or limited hours of use.

The drug dealing is becoming prominent because of the lack of lighting on the sound school property. The "customers" wait inthe poorly lit areas for their dealer. When they see the car approach. The car slowly drives to them in an area on the street that is poorly lit.

As one person states below ...If there were speed humps or methods to deter speeding this would be one way to deter them from coming into the neighborhood because a fast getaway would no longer occur. Also, people reporting street light outages and any suspicious behavior. If we make it known we are watching and reporting it might serve to slow the activity.

Hopefully, by posting here we can can New Haven Police Dept to take notice and be more actively involved in a neighborhood that truly cares about the quality of life of its residents

For drug dealing, my experience has been that it's best to go directly to Lieutenant Jeff Hoffman (Street Interdiction Unit) 203-687-0534 (daytime) or jhoffman@newhavenct.net , not the police non-emergency number. You can call him anonymously if you prefer. Also, SeeClickFix does not allow posting of car licence plate numbers for drug-related issues, due to the possibility false accusations. However, you CAN give such details to Lt. Hoffman which he can use as "potential" evidence when building a case.

For public spaces such as the school Chapter 19-5 subsection 16 of the New Haven code of ordinances looks like it should be applicable to the situation:

"Opening and closing hours. Except as hereinafter expressly permitted, no one shall enter or remain in any park, playground or other facility during the following times and under the following conditions:

(i) In any park, playground or other facility before 6:00 a.m. or after sunset.
(iii) After 10:00 p.m. in lighted areas."

And then 19-12

"(a) The police are authorized to arrest any person for any violation of these rules and regulations."

This issue was recategorized from Other to Policing Issue.

Issued closed, residents working with police.