Donations drop cost to repair New Haven Green after Occupy

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Donations have dramatically lowered the cost of repairing a section of the New Haven Green after the eviction of Occupy New Haven protesters, the City of New Haven said Thursday.

The city said it will only cost about $4,000 to fix the green. The original estimate had been around $25,000.

Donations of material and equipment helped lower the cost.

"I am grateful to all who have stepped forward to assist in this restoration effort. Parks Department staff have proceeded swiftly and responsibly," Mayor John DeStefano said in a statement, "and I am grateful for their professionalism and dedication.

"I look forward to having the Green restored for all to enjoy," he said.

• Photos: Occupy New Haven eviction, arrests, cleanup

Grass was destroyed and tree roots were damaged during the nearly six-month long sit-in. It was expected to take up to two months before that section of the Green would reopen.

The city said $8,000 has come from the Proprietors of the Green. Turf Products Corporation of Enfield loaned the city special equipment to break up the soil, and New England Golf Corporation provided irrigation equipment.