New Haven was founded in 1638 around these nine squares. It was the first architecturally planned city in the nation. The New Haven Green is still privately owned, which I think is kind of fascinating. The city does take care of it but any decisions of things that go on in the Green, whether it is performances or any structural differences have to go through the proprietors of the Green. It's sort of like thinking about Central Park being owned by a private group of people and not by the city. It's very unusual and they are obviously very protective of it, but share it openly with the public. During the summer months there are free concerts on the green that draws 1000s of people. This summer we had Vanessa Williams and Blues Traveler; those concerts have been in July. Then in August we have Jazz Fest in New Haven with free concerts there on the Green. So it really is sort of the heart and soul I think of the city of New Haven and indeed of the New Haven region.
