Quinnipiac Makes $1.4 Million Payment to Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Quinnipiac University President John L. Lahey presented Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng with a $1.4 million check to the town on Friday and said that relations between the university and Hamden have “never been better” in his 30 years as president.

Lahey attributed the improved relationship to Leng’s leadership and “greatly improved communications on both sides of this partnership.”

In addition to the payment, Quinnipiac has agreed to resume some student shuttle transportation to Hamden’s business center, according to a press release. Back in 2015, Quinnipiac eliminated its shuttle route to Dixwell Avenue and replaced it with a shuttle that runs to North Haven businesses in a move that added friction to the already frayed relationship at the time.

Read more from Quinnipiac’s press release on Friday’s check presentation at the Hamden Government Center below:

Quinnipiac will contribute $1.4 million in total to the Town of Hamden for the 2016-17 fiscal year via property taxes, payment for town police and EMT services and a voluntary contribution. In addition, the Town of Hamden will receive approximately $3.1 million in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and Pequot payments from the state for the 2016-17 year as a result of Quinnipiac’s presence in the town.

The total amount Hamden will receive directly and indirectly from all sources is approximately $4.5 million. The university’s $1.4 million total contribution for 2016-17 represents an increase from $1.2 million in 2014-15 and approximately $665,000 in 2015-16.

Leng said the university’s voluntary contribution for the 2016-17 fiscal year will help to support town expenses, particularly guardian services, and $100,000, which will go toward the resumption of Quinnipiac’s annual support of “Arts, Culture, and Town Non-Profit partners.”

In previous years, the university’s voluntary contribution has supported the Hamden Arts Commission Concert Series, Hamden Fireworks, Hamden Education Foundation and other community initiatives.

“After working together consistently throughout 2016, the Town of Hamden and Quinnipiac University have significantly improved communications and town-gown relations,” Leng said. “This has resulted in a series of very tangible positive results, including Quinnipiac resuming its annual voluntary contribution to the Town of Hamden.”

President Lahey said, “Quinnipiac University’s relationship with the Town of Hamden has never been better in my 30 years as president and I attribute this primarily to the leadership of Mayor Leng and greatly improved communications on both sides of this partnership. I am confident that this mutually beneficial relationship will continue to improve in the years ahead and along with it the university’s financial contribution to the town.”

In addition to financial support, Quinnipiac has agreed to resume some student shuttle transportation to Hamden’s business center.

“This will benefit both Hamden businesses and students wishing to return to Hamden’s shopping plaza and small businesses,” Leng said.

The mayor also noted the improved relationship between the Hamden Police Department and Quinnipiac’s Public Safety Department, which has resulted in a reduction of off-campus student-related issues, including parties, noise complaints and traffic violations.

To ensure that this positive progress continues, Mayor Leng and President Lahey have committed to keep meeting and communicating regularly.

“It is the hope of both parties that this partnership will further strengthen relations and opportunities for other collaborative initiatives related to student and resident quality of life improvements, community outreach programs, personal wellness and health initiatives, as well as to address any concerns that may arise in a prompt and effective way,” Leng said.

Leng added, “I am extremely pleased that President Lahey and I have been able to come together, address issues and develop regular communication and a mutually respectful relationship. We now see tangible results from these efforts. I am very appreciative of the contributions Quinnipiac University is making to Hamden and for President Lahey’s sincere interest in the success of our town. There is so much that we can accomplish working together.”

Pictured: Quinnipiac University President John L, Lahey, right, presented Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng with a $1.4 million check for the Town of Hamden today during a press conference at the Hamden Government Center. When combined with the $3.1 million the Town of Hamden gets from the state's Payment in Lieu of Taxes and Pequot programs, the Town of Hamden receives a total of $4.5 million because Quinnipiac is located in Hamden. Photo by John Hassett/Quinnipiac University.