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Prepared by:
Hartford Public Library, and Hartford 2000
There were 22 items on the original agenda. Twelve more items were submitted during the meeting. There will be a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, November 27, 2006 at 6 PM to discuss the National Incident Management System, followed by a regular Council meeting at 7 P.M. The next public hearing will be Monday, November 20, 2006.
Actions taken on all items on this agenda can be found online at http://www.hartford.gov/government/Town&CityClerk/Minutes/council_meeting_minutes.htm
Transportation Projects – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, a resolution endorsing the submission of three applications to the Capital Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) for Federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds. The projects, in order of priority, are 1) the realignment of the intersection of Asylum Avenue, Farmington Avenue, and Broad Street, 2) the realignment of the intersection of Albany Avenue and North Main Street, and 3) parking and traffic improvements on Trinity Street. The City must provide 10% of the project cost and must agree to perform long term maintenance, repair, and operation of the completed improvements. (Item #1)
Front Street #1 – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into a tax assessment fixing agreement with HBN Front Street, LLC, the developer of the entertainment, retail and residential district in Adriaen’s Landing. HBN has committed to construct 60,000 square feet of retail and entertainment space and 115 units of market rate apartments. The proposed tax agreement is contingent upon completion of the development within two years of Council approval. The assessed value would be fixed as follows: years 1-3 – 0%, years 4-7 – 10%, years 8-11 – 20%, and years 12-15 – 30%. The project will also be assisted by a $2 million brownfields grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Council is also being asked, in Agenda Item #7, to authorize the Mayor to apply for an additional $5 million grant for the project (see below). (Item #5)
Front Street #2 – The Council referred, to its Planning and Economic Development Committee, a resolution authorizing the Mayor to develop and submit an application to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for a $5 million loan, through the Section 108 program, for the retail and entertainment component of the Front Street development. The City had secured a $5 million Section 108 grant for the same purpose in 1999, but the project did not move forward and the commitment lapsed. The resolution also authorizes the Administration to allocate $11,000 in UDAG repayment funds for the preparation of the Section 108 application and subsequent agreements by consultant Development Solutions, Inc. (Item #7)
Regulation of Newsracks – The Council postponed action on an ordinance regulating the installation, operation, and maintenance of newsracks within the public right-of-way. The objective is to assure that newsracks do not unduly obstruct sidewalks, create traffic congestion, damage municipal property or endanger the safety and welfare of individuals. The ordinance requires permits, regulates the location of newsracks, and provides standards for maintenance and installation. The item was referred to the Public Works, Parks, and Environment Committee. (Item #15)
1161 Main Street Building – The Council amended (to reflect a price of $55,600) and passed a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sell the vacant lot at 1143 Main Street to Providian Builders. Providian has entered into a purchase agreement with the owners of the building at 1161 Main Street. Their intention is to raze the building at 1161 Main Street and join the resulting lot with the 1143 Main Street lot. The new site would then be developed. A public hearing on this matter was held on Monday, October 23, 2006 and the Council’s Housing Committee and Planning and Economic Development Committee recommended approval. (Item #23)
Guidelines for Renovations and Additions to Historic Buildings – The Council passed a resolution approving two documents: “Guidelines for Renovation and Additions to Historic Buildings” and “Historic Preservation Commission Rules of Procedure”. These two documents will serve as the basis for implementing the Historic Preservation Ordinance adopted by Council on May 24, 2005. The Planning and Economic Development Committee recommended approval. (Item #26)
Reconstruction/Rehabilitation of Asylum Street – The Council received a report from its Planning and Economic Development Committee on a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with the State of Connecticut to use $1,346,100 in federal funds for the reconstruction of Asylum Street from Main Street to Trumbull Street. The work will include street pavement reconstruction, new decorative sidewalks and lighting, improved turning radius, and other amenities. Council postponed action on the item. (Item #27)
If you have any questions about the agenda, please call Richard Frieder at the Hartford Public Library, 695-6365, or Linda Bayer at Hartford 2000, 509-3710. The Council Preview/Review is a joint project of the Hartford 2000, and the Hartford Public Library. |
