New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli has dropped his application for a residency waiver, opting instead to establish residency in the city. Zannelli, who has spent 19 years in the New Haven Police Department, was confirmed as police chief in May and is required by the city’s charter to become an elector of New Haven within six months of his appointment.

Residency Requirement

The city’s charter requires most city department heads, including the police chief, to establish residency in New Haven in order to register to vote in the city. However, the Board of Alders passed an ordinance in June allowing department heads to apply for a residency waiver if they can demonstrate a “substantial hardship” associated with living in New Haven.

Zannelli had submitted an application for a residency waiver, citing his three young children, whom he is raising in Stonington. However, he has since decided to withdraw his application and establish residency in New Haven. “It was really just a personal decision,” Zannelli said in an interview. “Since taking over as acting police chief in early January, I’ve heard a lot from the community, and I just feel like this was the best decision.”

Community Policing

Zannelli’s decision to establish residency in New Haven is seen as a positive step for community policing. “For a police chief to be in community policing, you should be able to be in the community,” he said. Zannelli plans to look for an apartment in New Haven and will follow the rules regarding residency.

Meanwhile, the Legislation Committee has advanced residency-waiver applications for four other city officials, including Acting Assessor Alex Pullen, City Controller Michael Gormany, Youth and Recreation Department Director Gwendolyn Busch-Williams, and Building Official Bob Dillon. Their applications will next appear before the full Board of Alders for a final vote.

Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.