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Mayor to Malloy: Nine Priority Items

By Kerri Provost

March 08, 2011

A press release from the Mayor outlines projects that he wants the Governor to know about:

(March 8, 2011) — In a letter sent to Governor Dannel P. Malloy today, Hartford Mayor Pedro E. Segarra outlined the City’s vision, priorities and initiatives that will help grow the local and regional economy and serve to substantially improve Connecticut’s Capital City. In his letter, Mayor Segarra referenced the Governor’s background and achievements as a former city mayor as part of his core knowledge and understanding that urban centers will play a critical role in turning around the state’s economy.

“Hartford’s success is Connecticut’s success. By moving forward on my immediate and long-term strategies, we will make Hartford the center of medical research and technology, continue to make our students more competitive in the global job market, and further establish Hartford as the state’s and region’s Arts center. Connecticut’s Capital City is perfectly positioned to help small and large businesses create jobs, enhance the City’s and the State’s quality of life, and become a choice tourist destination. My goal is to continue making Hartford a great place to live, work, play and raise a family,” said Mayor Segarra.

In addition to defining a long-term vision for the City, there are several capital and infrastructure projects that the Mayor brought to the Governor’s attention including:

1. Swift Factory: Through strong partnerships, a vacant factory will be turned into a vibrant multipurpose facility and rejuvenate a North End neighborhood;

2. Coltsville: Continue to work with the Congressional delegation to have this area designated as a national park and securing federal and/or state funding for façade improvements;

3. XL Center: The current management contract runs out in 2013, at which point the City will assume responsibility of this facility. The Mayor and his administration are in the process of laying the groundwork to make this a more vibrant and desirable venue for sports and entertainment events;

4. iQuilt: This innovative initiative crafted by The Bushnell, The Greater Hartford Arts Council, and the City of Hartford intends to knit together our wonderful social and cultural centers and enhance pedestrian routes to promote economic growth and redevelopment in the Capitol district;

5. 101 Pearl Street: The Mayor and city officials are actively pursuing creative options that would benefit the Downtown area as well as neighboring tenants;

6. Albany Avenue/Route 44: A state highway and main artery in the North End, working in conjunction with MDC to aggressively pursue funding for streetscape that would prove critical to community vibrancy;

7. Capitol Avenue: Through the Greening of America’s Capitals grant received from EPA, we are poised to work with appropriate state officials to transform areas surrounding the State Capitol to add green space, more appealing sightlines, and increased sustainability;

8. New Britain to Hartford Busway: This project will improve travel to and from the city, create about 4,000 jobs, and represent the state’s first rapid-transit system. While the City is still firm in its position to not disrupt operations at Aetna and The Hartford, this project would revitalize Asylum Hill neighborhood and reduce traffic on I-84 and I-91;

9. Lyric Theatre: A historic theatre in the Frog Hollow neighborhood that the Mayor has targeted for restoration and the future home of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center.

Other long-range projects mentioned include the Hartford Viaduct and high-speed rail. Mayor Segarra emphasized that through partnerships and a collaborative approach at the community, city, state, and federal levels, these projects will improve the quality of life for residents throughout the city, address environmental concerns, and provide employment opportunities for years to come.

There is talk of a Lyric Theatre walking tour for this Spring.