Urban America Northeast

What's New in Downtown Hartford?

2011-11-27T22:18:00.000-04:00

I have been back to Hartford many times since I moved to Brooklyn, NY in June of 2010. This past week I was in town for Thanksgiving. I wanted to take a moment to upload a few pictures and discuss some of the new (or fairly new) downtown businesses.

Burger Baby at 283 Asylum will be opening soon (or recently opened) at the former home of Mayor Mike's. An advertisement on Craigslist for hiring purposes called the restaurant a "modern American burger bar." This is a great addition to downtown since the region's burger joints are not located downtown (Max Burger, Plan B, The Burger Joint, Red Robin, etc.). Great to see that the former Mayor Mike's (which I still miss) is no longer sitting vacant – hopefully guests of the Homewood Suites at the Bond will be frequenting this place.

Rio Grill & Bar will be opening at 77 Pratt Street in the former Cugino's space. The Brazilian restaurant is being opened by the owners of Brazil Grill on Park Street in Hartford.

Zula (901 Main St) finally opened back in February of 2011 in the former America Airlines building (aka One American Plaza) which has now been converted into apartments and ground level retail space. The Zula space on the corner of Main & Pratt was originally supposed to be Kyoto Sushi & Wine Bar. Zula offers American and Mediterranean cuisine, an awesome bar, live music in the evenings and happy hour from 4 to 7, Monday through Friday.

The Russian Lady has reopened at 191 Ann Uccello Street. The former Russian Lady closed in 1997. The new Russian Lady has a Vodka Lounge with 100 different types of vodka, a rooftop Cigar Lounge and a bar menu. I can tell you that that on Thanksgiving Eve there was a huge line to get in. I can also tell you the blaring music on Thanksgiving Eve could be heard loud and clear on the corner of Ann & Asylum.

Pietro's Pizza Restaurant has opened at 942 Main Street (Richardson Building/Residence Inn by Marriott). This is the second location of Pietro's which has been on Wolcott Hill Road in Wethersfield for 9 years. Next door is Bocca Rossa Wine Bar and Lounge with paninis, salads, pastas and bruscette complimented by a great wine list. They do a happy hour and also have DJ's. Lively addition to Main Street that seems to be doing well.

Over at Hartford 21 a First Niagara Bank opened and on September 15th the Saint Joseph College's School of Pharmacy was dedicated. The school has 35,000 square feet of renovated office space and the first class of students started this fall.

Last year the 1700 square foot Al's Market and Deli opened at 241 Asylum Street in the former Niro's clothing boutique. This may seem like an insignificant opening but the market offers downtown residents a place to grab affordable and quality groceries. The market carries fresh meats, dairy, produce, baked goods and canned foods.

In addition let’s not forget some other great business happenings -

- The new Tea Hunt Canvas on Trumbull Street is an art gallery and tea house.

- Salute at 100 Trumbull Street (formerly Dulce) and the new Hot Tomato’s at 1 Union Place seem to be doing quite well. Salute has quickly become my favorite downtown restaurant (as of today).

- The owners of the popular Churrascaria Braza on Farmington Avenue in the West End will be opening another location in the former Spris space on Constitution Plaza. This would be the third Braza in CT (the second is in Waterbury). This is great news for Constitution Plaza which is now home to an office of the Brazilian consulate. XL Americas recently added space at 100 Constitution Plaza, so that it is now occupying a little less than 100,000 square feet in the building. Plans also are proceeding for studio and one-bedroom apartments in the former Clarion hotel on the plaza.

- Metro PCS will be opening at 915 Main Street

And in the South End I can’t confirm these openings or what the names are but...

A new restaurant/bar seems to have opened in the former Capriccio Ristorante space at 626 Franklin Ave

A little bit farther up Franklin it looks like something will be opening in the former Restaurant Europa at 438 Franklin Avenue.

ANYONE WHO HAS MORE INFORMATION ON ANY OF THIS, FEEL FREE TO SHARE!

A Tale of Two Cities

2010-05-14T12:08:00.005-03:00

The Hartford Courant recently published two great articles on the city. One was entitled “Hartford’s Front Street Rises, Empty” and the other “Park Street Life: Hartford’s Hispanic Thoroughfare Has Retail Vibrancy Downtown Longs For.” Front Street is representative of the Hartford many outsiders see. Unfortunately, many see no reason to come to Hartford because there is nothing to do. Park Street on the hand is representative of the Hartford many are unfamiliar with and one in which our city’s revitalization must be modeled from.

Downtown property owners must use the model Park Street property owners are using to help their neighborhood thrive. Park Street is filled with locally owned and operated shops and restaurants. There are small retail spaces with low rents and there is a sense of community. On the other hand downtown’s older retail spaces are small but their rents are high and the newer retail spaces are large and come with hefty rents. Simply put many small businesses owners cannot afford to take a risk and do business downtown. Every new downtown development over the last 10 years that features retail space has at least one vacant storefront (as of this posting).

Downtown property owners are in a pickle. Most are faced with high property taxes and mortgage payments and thus are looking for high rent tenants. However, those high rent tenants have not come through which is why for now downtown property owners must cut their losses and lower rents to renew attraction to the neighborhood. This will not solve everything and there are still other major issues to address downtown (parking and safety) however, I am confident that cutting rents will still make downtown a much bigger draw. Hartford must jump on new business ventures that form as the economy starts to recover before they open up in the suburbs.

This small business approach is already drawing new businesses to Pratt Street while vacant space sits at Front Street. I believe attracting national retailers is nearly impossible at this time. Hartford does not have the proper demographics to attract a big name supermarket, bookstore or clothing store – especially at a time when many retailers have closed stores and cut staff. Why turn our backs on those who want to do business here for those who don’t?

Salute: a new urban treasure

2010-04-28T16:48:00.003-03:00

I have never written a restaurant review but I felt the urge to after finally getting the pleasure of trying out downtown Hartford’s newest restaurant: Salute. This chic new urban hotspot has quickly become known as the new Hot Tomato’s. The restaurant is owned in part by Jimmy Cosgrove who is formerly of Hot Tomato’s. Despite the multiple references overheard by staff (including Cosgrove himself) comparing Hot Tomato’s to Salute this new venture is much different and that’s not a bad thing!

For starters Salute is much livelier then the Hot Tomato’s I was used to seeing. I had a 7:00pm reservation for last Friday night and arrived to see the restaurant bustling with every table filled and the bar packed. This happily defeats the notion of Hartford as a 9-5 type city. The clientele was definitely the young professional type with a few empty nesters mixed in as well as Jim Calhoun who I spotted leaving around 8:00. After a brief wait and a greeting from Cosgrove, a longtime family friend we were lead to our table.

Salute occupies every nook and cranny of the space formerly occupied by Dulce creating a very cozy atmosphere. There are tons of little spaces which is a nice reprieve from the huge open spaces many chain restaurants have. There is also still a great little outside seating area that overlooks Bushnell Park.

Despite the busy atmosphere the service was great. We started off with the garlic cheese bread, an old Hot Tomato’s favorite that is an extra $5.00 as opposed to regular (and free) bread rolls. They had a great wine selection most of which were very reasonably priced. Next up was salad. Mine had spinach, cheddar cheese, almonds, bacon and was covered in balsamic vinaigrette. For the main course I had the pasta Bolognese. There were so many great things I wanted to try that I had a hard time picking. There was a traditional gnocchi dish as well as the Pasta Rose that I believe were both carried over from Hot Tomato’s. Someone in the group next to us ordered the Chicken Parmesan which looked awesome. Topped it all off with dessert. I chose a cappuccino and a huge slice of cheesecake that was covered with fresh fruit. Everything was great.

Salute has become the new place to see and be seen in Hartford and I wish the restaurant the best of luck because it is a great place that I highly recommend everyone try! I know I will definitely be back very soon.

Another devastating city budget proposal

2010-04-23T15:47:00.002-03:00

Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez recently proposed his budget for the upcoming fiscal year. I fully understand the difficulties associated with preparing a budget for a city like Hartford however the current budget will only worsen the vitality of the city. This budget is disastrous for property owners citywide. The $554.3 million dollar budget increases spending and property taxes. Another year of increased property taxes will continue to kill businesses in Hartford. Businesses across the city may be forced to close or relocate to the suburbs because of increased property taxes and the recession.

The tax increase will equal 3.85 mills (5 percent) which would bring the city’s mill rate to 76.64. This equals $76.64 for each $1,000 of assessed property value. Looking back at 2008 the city’s 72.79 mill rate was the highest in the state. As a point of comparison with the suburbs Avon had a mill rate of 23.41, Bloomfield 35.53, Rocky Hill 22.90, Windsor 28.34 and Wethersfield 30.68. In comparison to other urban areas Waterbury had a mill rate of 39.9202, New Haven 42.21 and Bridgeport 38.74. All of these figures are from the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management.

The major issue Hartford has every year when it prepares the budget that is never talked about is the amount of tax exempt property there is. I believe that one of the main reasons the city can’t properly balance its budget and maintain low property taxes is because so much property is tax exempt. On the upside Hartford is the capital and thus it houses numerous state agencies as well as the State Capital and Legislative Office Building which all together employ thousands. On the downside all state property is tax exempt. Since Hartford is the center of the greater Hartford region it houses most of the area’s major hospitals, places of worship, theaters and to some extent institutes of higher education. All of these places are tax exempt. Additionally, many new development projects were made possible by tax incentives. In return this leaves very little to tax and what is left to tax must be taxed to death (for lack of a better term) to keep the city afloat.

Tax increases are bad for property owners as well as renters. A majority of Hartford residents are renters. Increased property taxes could lead to more foreclosures. Downtown has already seen a massive wave of foreclosures and loan defaults. If a property owner loses their property and it is turned over to the bank it is my understanding that there is no law in place to force the bank to maintain the property while it is in foreclosure. This leaves renters residing in deteriorating buildings. Businesses who rent space could face the same fate.

Despite being hallmarks of the city there is really nothing keeping businesses in the city. In 2007 Paul Mozzicato one of the owners of Mozzicato-DePasquale Bakery on Franklin Avenue strongly came out against tax increases. Soon Mozzicato will be opening their first suburban bakery in Plainville. There was talk a few years ago that they would be opening a bakery in Wethersfield but that fell through. What is to keep Mozzicato from moving? What is to keep every business on Franklin Avenue or Albany Avenue or Farmington Avenue from moving over the border? Hartford is holding onto these businesses by threads when it should be holding onto them for dear life.

All of that being said I do not have many answers for Hartford. Overall the city must spend less. Some services must be cut and that will not be an easy process. Some city departments and agencies may need restructuring. I know big strides have already been made but more will have to be done.

I believe that all city employees should be mandated to live in the city. However I believe residency requirements are against the law in Connecticut and thus a state law would have to be overturned for the city to implement such requirements. In any case residency requirements would keep the salaries paid to city employees in the city. City employees who live in Hartford will be reinvesting their money here. If residency requirements can’t be overturned on the state level then their could be an incentive program for city employees to live in the city, however during these difficult economic times I do not think the city can afford any such incentive program.

And finally to wrap things up on somewhat of a different note I believe the city needs new young blood. Its needs young, involved, determined and dedicated individuals to work for it. How the city goes about doing that is a long and strenuous process and will have to wait for another post.

NewAlliance Bank says hello to downtown

2010-04-15T12:41:00.001-03:00

Today downtown welcomes the opening of NewAlliance Bank, the first new retail tenant to open at Hartford 21 in two years. The bank has opened up a 3,500 square foot branch along Trumbull Street.

The New Haven based bank currently has one other branch in the city at 1700 Park Street. There is also a West Hartford branch and two East Hartford branches. From the street you can definitely see the bank’s modern and sleek look which blends in well with Hartford 21. The bank provides a free wi-fi zone, coffee and a TV with financial news for customers.

NewAlliance Bank already has some of its wealth management business in the city at 100 Pearl Street.

While many are quick to denounce the opening of yet another bank branch downtown I applaud the bank’s decision to invest here. Yes there numerous bank branches downtown - specifically surrounding Hartford 21. There is Citizens Bank, Sovereign Bank, the Hartford Federal Credit Union and 2 Bank of America branches all within a few blocks of each other. There was also a CitiBank until that closed last summer. That space currently sits vacant along Main Street.

Bank branches are occupying space that otherwise would be sitting vacant for quite some time. There is no shortage of vacant retail space downtown so I see no problem with bank branches converging amongst a mix of restaurants, bars and hopefully shops someday. Banks also bring jobs. NewAlliance did not say how many jobs the new branch would bring but they have already brought construction jobs to the city and from the moment they opened their doors they brought more full time high quality jobs to downtown. We can only hope these new downtown employees will fall in love with the city and utilize it to the best of their ability. And maybe even move downtown!

Corporate tenant renews commitment to downtown

2010-04-14T19:51:00.002-03:00

As Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez’s corruption trial progressed yesterday there was some semi good news coming out of downtown: Bank of America had signed a new lease at CityPlace. Within one year the bank’s Connecticut headquarters will move out of the iconic 777 Main Street building that bears its logo into a smaller space inside CityPlace.

Currently Bank of America leases about 200,000 square feet of space according to the Courant and 210,000 square feet of space according to the Hartford Business Journal (HBJ) at 777 Main. This is about half the space in the building. After the move the bank will occupy 100,000 square feet of space according to Courant and 60,000 square feet of space according to the HBJ inside CityPlace I and II. Bank of America’s Merrill Lynch already has space inside City Place II.

According to a bank spokesperson the move will not result in any net job loss which is great news for the city. A limited number of positions will be moved to other Bank of America facilities.

This move is a big win for CityPlace which recently signed a lease with UnitedHealth Group to move 2,300 employees from the Connecticut River Plaza on Columbus Blvd. and invest $35 million in renovations. More importantly this is 2,300 employees who will remain working in Hartford.

The down side is that Bank of America was not able to negotiate a new lease with Michael Grunberg of Grunberg Realty which owns 777 Main. The bank’s lease expires in March, 2011 and the two parties could not agree on new terms. The bank used to own the building but Grunberg bought it in 2006 and currently leases space there. There was a time I believe that Grunberg had planned to convert part of the building into condominiums or apartments.

777 Main has a Bank of America branch on the ground level and City Place has a branch on its ground level. There is no word yet on what will happen to the branch locations.

Once the bank vacates 777 Main Street the building will be almost entirely vacant. The building constructed in 1967 was once fully occupied. If we look at the rest of downtown it is somewhat of a bleak picture at the moment. The Connecticut River Plaza will soon be mostly vacant and on the auction block as UnitedHelath Group moves out. Goodwin Square’s loan is in default. Metro Center and CityPlace II are in foreclosure. Bushnell Regency the majority condo owner in Bushnell on the Park has filed for bankruptcy. All of this is not good news. Unfortunately I feel it will take Hartford much longer to get through this recession then the rest of the state and the nation as it took us longer to start feeling it.

While Bank of America is cutting the space it occupies downtown which will increase the CBD vacancy rate there will be no net job losses which is good and the bank is not moving their Connecticut headquarters to the suburbs which is very good. Through signing a lease downtown the bank has continued to show their commitment to downtown and I applaud them for this. Hopefully one day downtown will be so attractive to the bank that they will want to move more of their operations from the suburbs to the city.

Sources:

Gosselin, Kenneth R. Bank of America’s Corporate Offices Moving To CityPlace In Hartford. Hartford Courant. 13 April, 2010.

Bordanaro, Greg. Bank of America moving to CityPlace. Hartford Business Journal. 12 April, 2010

And hello Hartford News Stand

2010-04-13T15:46:00.000-03:00

As promised there is some good news here in the Capital City. Hartford News Stand (I apologize if I got the name wrong) has opened up in a one of the many vacant retail spaces at 915 Main Street / American Airlines Building. The store is a very welcomed addition to the downtown retail scene. They are essentially a convenience store and I welcome any store that sells any type of food downtown because as you know there are residents downtown who need to eat. I have heard that the store is considering selling fresh fruit which would be amazing. Though the store is small it is in the heart of downtown and is impeccably organized inside.

I hate to rain on the opening of a new store downtown but I must. The Hartford News Stands is the only retail tenant with a storefront at 915 Main. I applaud David Nyberg of College Street LLC for his work in Hartford. He bought and converted 266 Pearl Street (The Metropolitan) into condos, 55 Trumbull Street (55 on the Park) into apartments, 915 Main into apartments and owns 910 Farmington Avenue. He also has not let his properties fall in foreclosure. Like other developers he has struggled to attract retail tenants though. He has never found the right retailer/restaurant for 55 on the Park. However at 915 Main he was able to have a Quizno’s for a little while. They opened and then were forced to close while the façade of the building was being worked on. They reopened but once again have closed. I believe they were forced to close because of impact the construction was having on their business not because of the economy.

For some time many may remember seeing a sign at the edge of 915 Main advertising Kyoto as a restaurant that was coming soon. Well it never came. Nyberg had created an outpost on the building and was constructing a space for the restaurant with a rooftop dining area I believe. He was working without permits however and the city was forced to shut construction down in the summer of 2008. Since then I do not know what has happened between Nyberg and the city. There is no restaurant and I think the Kyoto signs have been taken down. I again believe Kyoto not opening is a result of bad business practices by Nyberg and to some extent the city who should have worked harder to get Kyoto open somewhere else in the city.

Finally, there is opportunity to have another storefront occupied at 915 Main. Unlike other developers Nyberg does have another retail tenant inside his building: Woody’s. This little hot dog gem is famous throughout the area and its owners are some of Hartford’s biggest cheerleaders. The restaurant even survived their competitor Rosco’s Big Dog which moved downtown from the South End and then closed. I honestly do not see the retail market picking up in Hartford for some time. I know this is drastic but I suggest terminating Woody’s current lease and writing up a new lease for them with the same rent for one of the storefronts along Main Street. If retail does pick up in 5 years or so and Woody’s cant afford higher rents and there are tenants willing to pay for storefronts then let Woody’s move back to their old spot. Woody’s has been in their current location for 8 years and they are here to stay. I think it would be a great gift for them and for us as Hartford stakeholders to have another storefront occupied by a locally owned and operated business that cares about this city. I must note these are just my two cents.

Goodbye Hot Tomato's

2010-04-08T14:46:00.001-03:00

The famed Hot Tomato’s downtown Hartford restaurant at Union Station (1 Union Place) has closed for the time being. There have been rumors circulating all over the city because Hot Tomato’s is a Hartford institution that has been here for more then two decades. One of the rumors is that it has been closed temporarily for renovations and repairs after a pipe broke. This rumor has been confirmed by owner Melissa Altman. Two weeks ago I was scheduled to attend two functions there one night after another. One function was cancelled, one was moved to Salute. Both messages from the function’s organizers stated that a pipe had broken at the restaurant.

The other rumor that is looking like it will become more of a reality is that Hot Tomato’s is gone for good because its owner has run it into the ground. Hot Tomato’s Hartford was part of an empire of outstanding restaurants that were owned by Melissa’s late husband Tom Altmann. The other restaurants included Hot Tomato’s New Haven, Bambeleo in Glastonbury and Braza in Hartford. Right now Braza is still owned by Melissa Altmann.
Rumors have been circulating that Hot Tomato’s Hartford was not doing well after General Manager Jimmy Cosgrove left to open Salute at Trumbull on the Park. Prices had risen and service had gone down at the popular restaurant. Additionally, much of the staff had left to work at other places including Salute.

As of right now the restaurant is closed. The restaurant is in an outstanding location in an amazing building. Diners have views of Bushnell Park and the inside mixes old and new very well. I still remember in 2006 having my high school graduation party there thanks to the help of Jimmy Cosgrove. I am deeply saddened by the potential permanent loss of Hot Tomato’s. If the restaurant does close for good I truly hope the buildings management and leasing team step up immediately to draw in a new restaurant. I do not feel this space should be turned over for fast food type businesses to cater to Union Station visitors or late night eaters for when the bars let out. There is a vacant retail space on Union Place that was formerly occupied by Pocket Wireless that could house a fast food joint – preferably a locally owned and operated one. I also must note there is no reason this space needs to be occupied by a restaurant. I would love to see a small clothing or bookstore/café open up in this spot.

My recommendation for this space in terms of a restaurant is a trendy – funky medium priced establishment. We are still in difficult economic times and people do not have the money to eat at places like Dish and Max Downtown every night. A restaurant that is a step below price wise but not quality wise is needed. It also can’t be a bland boring restaurant. I think of Tisane when I talk about trendy and funky and I hope something with all those elements can be brought to this space soon.

Goodbye Catholic Bookstore

2010-04-07T15:47:00.003-03:00

After nearly 50 years at 125 Market Street in downtown Hartford the Catholic Book Store has quietly closed up shop and moved to the suburbs for the same old reasons other businesses flee the city. The store moved to the bright and airy campus of the St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. The bookstore cited that there was no foot traffic downtown and lots of older people did not want to have to deal with finding and paying for parking (good thing the book store did not move to Blue Back Square because you know that is the suburbs and you have to pay and look for parking there to). The comments made by the store’s bookkeeper Jan Lemoine in a recent Hartford Advocate article entitled Catholic Bookstore Leaves Town are extremely disheartening. She said “Hartford is not coming around. To harp on it makes no sense.” She also said “people don’t want to come to Hartford, so we came out here [Bloomfield].” Besides the fact that those comments are uncalled for they are blatantly inaccurate and you can rest assured that I will tell you why.

First, people do want to come to Hartford. Despite the hardships we have endured over the last few months there are a ton of great events that happen every month here and every event is well attended. For instance this week I will be fortunate enough to attend a political fundraiser, get HYPEd at Main Street Seafood and Lounge and hit up the Liquid Lounge at the Connecticut Science Center. Unfortunately I was not able to attend but last week was the popular First Thursday at the Wadsworth. I am going to stop here even though there are more amazing events, restaurants, establishments and attractions that draw people into Hartford. Apparently though no one was visiting the Catholic Bookstore and I question if it has something do with religion.

And on that note before I close this section I would like to state that each and every Sunday churches throughout the Capital City draw people in from each and every neighborhood as well as suburbs near and far. I was thrilled to see the beautiful Saint Patrick Saint Anthony Church downtown packed on Easter Sunday. During my time there as a parishioner the church reinvented itself and now draws in people from throughout the area and has made a major investment in the city by opening its Franciscan Center for Urban Ministry.

The better rationale is maybe it had something to do with how the bookstore operated.

Source: D’Ambrosio, Dan. Catholic Bookstore Leaves Town. 6 April, 2010. 7 April, 2010. http://www.hartfordadvocate.com/drive-by-media/catholic-bookstore-leaves-town

A look back at this historical week...

2010-03-26T22:49:00.012-03:00

Wow what a week it has been. There has been lots of news this week from Washington to Hartford and every place in between.

HEALTH CARE

I will first start with health care. I try to stray away from politics on this blog but this is to big not to mention. Congress has successfully passed a health care reform bill. Although this bill is not perfect it is a good start. We will significantly decrease the number of uninsured Americans and assist small business in obtaining health insurance for their employees through tax credits. Every American should have access to quality health care. The cost of health insurance is astronomical and must be tamed. No family should have to worry about their health because they cannot afford insurance. In Connecticut $100 million dollar of federal funding could come to UCONN's John Dempsy Hospital in Farmington if its the recipient of a federal grant. The $100 million is critical to the hospital's renovation and addition. All five of Connecticut's US Representatives voted in favor of health care reform. The state's two US Senators also support the bill - though Senator Lieberman does have serious concerns.

LYRIC THEATER

I next move on to the Lyric Theater at 585 Park Street (at Broad) in Hartford. Thanks to the joys of Twitter the Hartford community was informed that at least part of the long vacant theater will be demolished at 7:30AM Saturday March 27. As this post is published the theater is now simply a vivid memory in people's minds. The theater opened in the 1930's but has been vacant since 1970s. The building includes two parts with one facing Park and one on Broad. The city currently owns the building and a city building inspector ruled the building unsafe and in danger of a possible collapse. There have been reports that parts of the building had fallen onto the sidewalk. If this building is a safety issue it must be dealt with. However, it is simply unacceptable that this building was left to deteriorate to a state in which its about to collapse - especially while it was under government ownership. Countless cities across the world have moved on the from the 1960s where it was normal to demolish our past to make way for the future. Historic buildings are now treasured in cities worldwide but this phenomenon still does not resonate in the way it should in Hartford. We still lose historic buildings to demolition in Hartford and in addition there are numerous historic buildings throughout the city that sit vacant.

I have heard that the demolition cost around $93,000, which was be paid from an emergency demolition fund. This means over the last few years the city has been pumping money into this building for nothing. More money should have gone into the building to properly renovate it because now what the city has spent has essentially done is throw money down the drain. The Hartford community pulled together and tons of people called the offices of the Mayor and City Council and discussed the issue on their blogs and on Twitter. While we cant cry over spilt milk (though this is easier said then done) we must learn to not let the milk spill again. All to often we lose historic buildings and end up with obscene vacant lots or parking lots - something I fear will happen to the site of the Lyric which sits in heart of one of the city's most bustling thoroughfares.

A major issue with the Lyric demolition is that no one knew about. If it wasn't for Twitter I would not have known about it. I believe that every time the city intends to knock down a building it should notify the public. Demolitions should be placed in the newspaper and/or on the city's website (as a cost saving measure). This should also be done in advance of emergency demolitions.

SHAWS SUPERMARKETS

About 1 month ago Shaws announced that it would be closing all its Connecticut locations. In total they employ about 1,000 people in the state. Shaws has found buyers for all their locations except for the stores in New Haven and Manchester. While I do not focus on New Haven in this blog I must mention this closing because its a major blow to New Haven and the future of urban grocers in Connecticut. As everyone in Hartford knows it is very difficult to attract full scale grocery stores to urban areas. When Shaws opened on Whalley Ave in the Dwight neighborhood in 1998 it was hailed by both community leaders and residents as a major success. The store was drawn in by Yale and the city. The store is a short walk from downtown which made it a great draw for Yale students as well as city residents. This Shaws was a typical suburban grocer. It was not part of a mixed use complex nor did it have limited parking. This being said it was easily accesible by public transit and was surrounded by many homes that existed before the supermarket came and whose inhabitants could simply walk on over to Shaws. Even though the design does not work for me it should be appealing to potential buyers. The store's design is comparable to stores in the suburbs which makes the fact that a potential buyer could not be found even more disheartening.

As of Saturday March 27 Shaws New Have is officially closed. The closest supermarkets to the former Shaws within New Haven are a Stop & Shop about 3 miles north, a C-Town about 3 miles south and another C-Town about 3 miles south east. I must also mention there are 2 Gourmet Heavens which have groceries and are open 24/. This being said the loss of Shaws is still devastating and it should be very obvious to potential grocers that there is a market and a room for another full scale grocer in New Haven. Currently the community and Yale are discussing what to do next. Many in the city are waiting to see what type of grocer will open at 360 State Street - the newest luxury residential tower downtown which has retail space that is required to have some type of grocer per city orders.

MARLIN FIREARMS

Over to North Haven now where Marlin Firearms announced the shocking news that it would be shutting down its plan there by June, 2011 which employees 265 people. We in Connecticut see this all to often. We are continually losing jobs because our state is not welcoming to business. The cost of doing business here is astronomical. There is no reason to do business here, nevertheless in our urban cores. Marlin's roots date back to 1870 when they started in New Haven. Despite these roots they are giving up on Connecticut. Our state leaders and agencies have stepped up to offer assistance to workers in finding new jobs however the key component many overlook is that these jobs do not exist in Connecticut. At this time I must remind everyone that November is steadily approaching and we need a governor who will be able to put Connecticut back on track and fast.

FORECLOSURES CONTINUE...

Back up to Hartford now where the newest bankruptcy filing downtown was made by Bushnell Regency, a company that owns the majority of the condos at Bushnell on the Park. The company owns 129 of 180 units. They had until Friday to pay $9.8 million to Wells Fargo Co. Bushnell Regency bought the building in 2002 from Aspen Real Estate which bought it in the 1990s from the plagued Colonial Realty. The building was built in 1978.

This is just the latest fiasco in a series of blows to downtown Hartford that I fear many are underestimating. Less then 1 week ago Northland Investment defaulted on its $33 million dollar loan for Goodwin Square. The company has reportedly missed multiple payments. Last September Northland's Metro Center at 350 Church received a foreclosure notice followed by City Place II. Northland owes a lot of money and if the company does not deal with their money problems correctly they are in danger of losing these properties. It is also yet to be seen what the financial state of Northland's other properties in Hartford is like.

Additionally, I reported last week on the money troubles the Waterford Group was having at the Hilton downtown. I have my fingers crossed that these problems, which are much smaller then Northland's, have been averted.

HIT AND RUN AGAIN

And to top it all off I was deeply saddened to hear of the latest hit and run in Hartford. This morning a Hartford Hospital employee on his first week of work was hit and killed on Retreat Avenue. The driver who was operating a stolen car drove away from the scene of the crime. The severely damaged car was found crashed and abandoned. Hartford Police are working on finding the driver who they assume was injured. This crash brings back horrific memories of the hit and run of Angel Arce Torres on Park Street (not to far from this crash scene) back in the summer of 2008.

Honestly what is this city coming to? There is a complete disregard for human life. This must change. We can not let our city become be condemned due to a few bad apples. I thought after Hartford made national news after the Torres hit and run that the bad apples in this city had learned their lesson. I guess not. I hope that this city will begin to change for the better or the future prognosis for Hartford, its people and its economy do not look good.

AND FINALLY THE GOOD NEWS...CUPCAKES

Yes this week has been eventful but maybe we can all look on the bright side. What bright side you ask. Well, Hartford like New Haven now has a cupcake truck. We no longer have to wait for the New Haven truck to make periodic tricks to the Capital City. The Cupcake Brake is very welcomed news for Hartford because well I personally love desserts. For more info on The Cupcake Brake and to learn where it stops visit: http://www.thecupcakebrake.com/

We must keep the Hartford Hilton Open.

2010-03-20T11:55:00.003-03:00

The landmark Hartford Hilton Hotel Downtown is in trouble and in danger of closing again. I hate to make this analogy but it is to big to fail. It has to much going for it. The 18 story hotel has 392 rooms, is attached to the XL Center, has an upscale restaurant and bar and most importantly sits in the heart of downtown.

To give a brief history lesson here the hotel first opened in 1971 I believe. A few years ago many of you may remember when the Hilton was in danger of closing because the former owner MeriStar Hospitality had let the hotel fall in such disreapir that Hilton threatned to pull its name from the hotel if extensive renovations were not completed. In 2004 the Procaccianti Group emerged as a prospective buyer for the hotel however they were a non-union company that wanted to buy the hotel, close it for renovations and dismiss the unionized workforce.

This was during a time when Hartford was still getting on its feet. At this time the Waterford Group of Waterford, CT stepped up to the plate after Mayor Perez stepped in to block the sale of the hotel to the Procaccianti Group. Waterford wanted to close the hotel but would honor the existing union contract. I think very highly of the Waterford Group, a company that tends to get overeshadowed by Northland Investment. Even before Northland gave us Hartford 21 the Waterford Group came to Hartford as the developer behind Adriaen's Landing. They manage the Connecticut Convention Center and built the 409 room Marriott Hartford Hotel Downtown. The company also owns the Residence Inn by Marriott downtown.

The Waterford Group came to save the day again and their purchase of the hotel was hailed by the city and especially Mayor Perez. The hotel did reopen in 2005 (I think...) after major renovations. Five years later we are in the midst of a recession that will be impacting Connecticut for years to come. The unionized employees of the hotel have agreed to a new contract that freezes wages and other concessions until 2014 in an attemp to keep the hotel's doors open. The next step in keeping the hotel open was a resolution passed by the City Council that gives the Waterford Group tax breaks. The final step is securing $7 million from the US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). That money would go to GE Business Financial Servies Inc. in exchange for releasing the $22 million dollar mortgage on the property. Fianlly the city is converting the Waterford Group's air lease for the hotel to a ground lease so they would only have to pay a base rent but not real property taxes.

Now as I write this many of you may start lambasing the city for giving a large corporation more tax cuts when the mill rate hovers around 70 and the city is frantically searching for more revenue. I can symphathize. Every time the property tax bill comes for my family's property in Hartford it is shocking to see how much the property taxes are and how much they increase each year. It is also shocking to see the significant drop off in property taxes in some suburbs when compared to Hartford. This being said we need this hotel. We cant stand to lose the 135 union jobs put the roughly 70 non union jobs at the hotel. We cant stand to have another large building entirely vacant in the heart of downtown. Finally, the city will be forced to sit out of many competitions for conventions and tournaments whose decisions on where to host events are based on the number of hotel rooms a city has. It has been said over and over Hartford could use more hotel rooms to compete for conventions. I think that can wait until after the economy rebounds. In the meantime we must fight tooth and nail to keep the current number of rooms this city has.

A small step to making downtown more welcoming

2010-03-02T21:20:00.004-04:00

This past Saturday evening downtown Hartford welcomed thousands to the city. There were shows at the Bushnell, Hartford Stage, and Theaterworks plus a Wolfpack Game at the XL Center. Later on in the evening downtown bars and clubs were bustling. Every on street parking space that was available was taken. As usual though the city was unwelcoming. The Hartford Police Department blocked off wide swaths of on street parking by putting red "NO PARKING" bags over the new parking kiosks.

The police department continually cordons off spaces when there are events downtown. This is nothing new. It has been going on for years. I have never been able to clearly answer why they do it. I would guess that spaces are cordoned off for safety purposes. However, inadvertently these parking restrictions create large swaths of dead streets with no pedestrians or vehicles which arguably creates safety hazards in itself. People feel uncomfortable when they are the only ones walking on a city street. There are no pedestrians to deter criminals.

Saturday night for instance parking was blocked off on Church Street between Church and Ann-Uccello Streets and thus there was no pedestrian traffic on this strip. Add to the fact that parking is not allowed on Church Street between Ann-Uccello and High Streets and you create the ghost town many portray Hartford as.

Besides creating a possible haven for crime the city could possibly be losing money by doing this. Many drivers may choose to park in a privately owned parking lot or garage instead of in a city garage. Parking in cordoned off spaces would be free since the meters are not in effect after 6pm and on weekends.

This is just another example of the city being unwelcoming to both its residents and its guests. Those coming into downtown from the West End, West Hartford, or West Des Moines face the same hassles and it is uncalled for. As I have said before all on street parking must be utilized in downtown Hartford. At a time when businesses throughout Hartford are hurting these parking policies do not make it easier for them to attract customers. As a I write this I cross my fingers that the Hartford Hilton does not close its doors because of the economy. We must make Hartford friendly. Other cities do not cordon off parking every single time there is an event. There is no reason Hartford must do this. Time are changing. Lets move away from our antiquated parking regulations.

And for the record - Hartford does not have a parking problem just antiquated parking policies.

Out with the new, in with the old

2010-02-23T22:06:00.004-04:00

Over the last 10 years we have all seen the bright and shiny new additions to the Hartford skyline. Adriaen's Landing, Hartford 21, and Trumbull on the Park join a multitude of new development projects that have graced our great city. New construction is a very welcomed addition however historic preservation and more importantly restoration should be given equal attention.

For years Hartford has destroyed some of its greatest buildings. Much of Hartford does not house the density it once did because so many great buildings were knocked down for a variety of projects. As we look to shiny new projects to craft the future success of our city we cant forget about all the abandoned buildings throughout the city. These abandoned buildings are both eyesores and assets. They are eyesores to the community, decrease the sense of place, and even promote unlawful activities. These buildings are also assets though because these buildings are truly unique to Hartford. By renovating them we can create new residential, office, and retail spaces in beautiful, historical buildings which cant be found in the suburbs.

We have vacant buildings in every corner of this city, in some cases surrounding some our city's main institutions. For instance, I am sure we have all passed by those boarded up brick buildings at Washington and Jefferson Streets - foot steps away from the courts and the Hartford Hospital/CCMC campus. These buildings could be renovated into a wonderful set of apartments which would increase our city's population, increase foot traffic, get rid of an eye sore on a main thoroughfare, and save a true gem of a property.

Can everyone imagine what Hartford would be like if every abandoned building - big and small was renovated? It would be astonishing. We would see change throughout all of our neighborhoods and not just downtown. I am sure everyone in Hartford can think of a couple of key buildings that they they would love to see renovated (and I am not just talking about the obvious big ones like Capital West and the Butt Ugly). We are very fortunate to have had many of downtown's gems resurrected into masterpieces once again (The Hollander, The Metropolitan, 55 on the Park, Sage Allen, and G. Fox). Now we must work to resurrect the rest of our abandoned building stock before the city knocks these buildings down!

Our City Needs More Businesses and We Need to Help

2010-02-13T19:59:00.006-04:00

Hartford is still reeling from the recession and there is no way to get around that. These are very difficult times, especially for the city's retail market. A few notable closings downtown over the last few months have included Tanuki (88 Pratt), Pocket Wireless (Union Place), McDonald's (185 Asylum), Fiona Stone (73 Pratt), and Dulce (100 Trumbull). These closings are significant for a variety of reasons but that is not the purpose of this article. Though I must mention, it is not good if our downtown cannot retain a McDonald's that had been around for 25 years. The purpose of this article though is to show that we are doing something wrong and that there is opportunity out there for entrepreneurs to open up shop in the city (and especially downtown).

Hartford is not alone in seeing business closings. A few miles up the road from downtown is West Hartford Center which has seen a few notable closings as well. Just this week it was announced that Bookworm would be closing and that Bennett's Card and Party Emporium had closed. In recent months Allen Collins, Front Street Bistro, and Mediza join the list of establishments that had closed.

At the same time I am not to worried about the closings in West Hartford Center. The former Front Street Bistro (and/or Mediza) has been turned into Ruebens Deli which is always bustling and an Irish pub will be opening next door. A spa and salon is moving into the former Allen Collins. I do worry about the vacancies in Hartford because it is difficult to attract retailers to Hartford because of the demographics. But there is no reason Hartford can not try harder to help small businesses open in the city. Small business do not always follow demographic trends like national retailers. Imagine if that new Ruebens Deli or Irish Pub had opened in a vacant space downtown. That would have been two less vacant storefronts.

Many may disagree with this but incentives are needed to draw retailers back to our city. First, private property owners with retail space to rent must get it in their heads that they have to lower their rents. This is one of the reasons many do not open up shop in the city. Major property owners believe they can still ask for astronomical rents in this economy. By lowering rents or offering some sort of incentive where maybe one month is free we will create potential for small businesses. Simply by doing this we are letting entrepreneurs know that Hartford and its property owners are putting out the welcome mats. Lowering rents may also attract more corporate tenants, something that is always welcome.

Second, I feel the city must find money to help get businesses to come to the city and to stay in the city. I am sorry but Hartford must start bending over backwards for current and future business owners. The city's economic development division does a great job of helping potential business owners. They discuss their business plans with them, assist them in obtaining applicable grants, and in actually opening up their business. However, many people are not aware of these services. On another note I support the city offering money to someone willing to open up a grocery store downtown. I support business tax cuts for a certain amount of time until the business has proven to be self sufficient.

What I am getting at is we must do more. There are people out there willing to open businesses. Our job must be to find them and help them make their dream a reality. And make that reality happen in Hartford!

Downtown Does Not Have A Parking Problem!

2010-02-03T22:47:00.003-04:00

I can not tell you the number of times I have heard complaints about parking in Hartford. To this day I still do not see the validity of these comments. The criticism has always been that there is not enough parking downtown. Ironically, the Center for Transportation and Urban Planning at the University of Connecticut found that since 1960 the number of parking spaces downtown has increased by 300 percent - we have gone from 15,000 to 46,000 parking spaces. During the same period downtown lost more then 60% of its residential population, the entire city lost 40,000 people and 7,000 jobs. These new parking spaces were not built out of necessity.

First off I must make it clear that parking is not a problem in Hartford. The suburbanites, business owners, employees, and developers who consistently cite parking problems must realize this. A fact that not many people realize is that parking is free after 6pm on weekdays and all day Saturday and Sunday. This information is not on the parking authority website and one only realizes this if they closely read this information on the new parking meter machines downtown. This means that parking for dinner or a show in Hartford can be just as cheap as parking at the mall. I say this because there is usually a parking space to be found downtown - even during a big event if you are willing to look around for a little bit. You do not need to pay to park in a a garage or on a surface lot. For those who need to park downtown during the day there is still plenty of street parking and you can now pay with coins, a credit card, or a debit card. There are then the 50 parking garages and surface lots that offer a plethora of spaces.

City employers and employees must realize that parking is a privilege. Millions of people in cities throughout the country do just fine without guaranteed parking. Millions ride the subways, trains, buses, and ferry's into work in New York City each day. Parking is at a premium in New York City and thus most must go without it. And they are doing just fine. This is not to underestimate the individuals who take public transportation to work here in Hartford. However, people must realize that you are going to have to pay for parking at work here in Hartford. Parking is a luxury. Get over it. And we have plenty of it so we do not need to add any more spaces.

We have more then enough parking here in Hartford. New development projects do not need to include parking. Almost every single new development in the last 10 years has included a new parking garage (Convention Center, Science Center, Front Street, Trumbull on the Park, Hartford 21, Lofts at Main & Temple/Sage Allen...do I need to continue?). Even before the bulk of Front Street is up we have a new garage at the edge of the development on Columbus Blvd. This garage is not necessary right now. We must now work to fully utilize the parking that we have and work to decrease the number of surface lots downtown. Most of the spaces in surface lots downtown are never used - even during the business day. Development should be centered on those lots. Or these lots could be converted to park space or open market/farmers market spaces.

And finally one more thing on city parking...

1. I love the new parking meter stations in the city. They have been criticized by some but I personally think they are amazing. First they make paying for parking so much easier. I love that I do not need to worry about dragging my change around when looking for a space here. This means no one can complain about not having any money for the meter. Second, the machines are going to allow us to get rid of all the old single parking meters that are showing their age. Once the city gets around to completely removing the old meters and their poles our streets will be a little more aesthetically pleasing.

Taste of Hartford Winter 2010: Another Way to Support Hartford

2010-01-16T21:54:00.006-04:00

Finally another great way to support our cities finest restaurants has arrived. The Taste of Hartford Winter 2010 brings great food at great prices to the community. Please read the information below. Trust me, this is a great deal. These are three course gourmet dinners for $20.10 at places where entrees sometimes cost $20.10 alone.

I highly recommend going. Multiple times. There are also some newcomers to the list of participating restaurants. Enjoy.

The latest from the Greater Hartford Arts Council on the event is as follows:

The Summer 2009 Taste Of Hartford was an incredible success and, based on the feedback from the majority of our participants, we’re hosting a Winter version!

Monday, Jan. 18 to Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010

.25 cents of every Taste of Hartford purchase will be donated in support of the Greater Hartford Arts Council's United Arts Campaign.

Only $20.10 for 3-course gourmet dinners.

Visit the individual restaurants to take advantage of this special price. No tickets necessary.

Reservations strongly recommended.

Any restaurant coupons, substitutions, or other discounts cannot be applied to Taste Of Hartford special menus. Ask each restaurant for their own restrictions.

Hartford's finest restaurants are creating a fixed price multi-course dinner for only $20.10.

Formatted similar to the popular restaurant weeks in Northampton, Boston, and New York City, Hartford area restaurants will offer up a specialty multi-course menu throughout the week.

If you are a restaurant contact looking to participate,
please contact Lila Call at The Hartford Advocate at 860-548-9300.

THE MENUS FOR THE RESTAURANTS ARE AT:

Participating Restaurants: http://www.letsgoarts.org/Document.Doc?id=552

Agave
100 Allyn St., Hartford
860-882-1557
agavehartford.com

Bin 228
228 Pearl St., Hartford
860-244-9463
Bin228winebar.com

Black-eyed Sally’s BBQ & Blues
350 Asylum St., Hartford
860-278-7427
blackeyedsallys.com

Carbone’s Ristorante
588 Franklin Ave, Hartford
860-296-9646
carboneshartford.com

City Steam
942 Main St., Hartford
860-865-0492
citysteambrewerycafe.com

Costa del Sol
901 Wethersfield Ave., Hartford
860-296-1714
costadelsolrestaurant.net

Dish Bar & Grill
900 Main St., Hartford
860-249-3474
Dishbarandgrill.com

Feng Asian Bistro
93 Asylum St, Hartford
860-549-3364
fengrestaurant.com

Francesco’s Ristorante
318 Franklin Ave., Hartford
860-296-3024
ristorantefrancescos.com

The Half Door
270 Sisson Ave., Hartford
860-232-7827
Thehalfdoorhrd.com

Hook & Ladder
207 Main St., Hartford
860-246-4665
Hook-Ladder.com

J Restaurant Bar
297 Washington St, Hartford
860-527-7764
jrestaurantbar.com

La Fonda Bar Restaurante
269 Franklin Ave, Hartford
860-296-8256

Max Downtown
185 Asylum St, Hartford
860-522-2530
maxrestaurantgroup.com

Mayor Mike’s
283 Asylum St., Hartford
860-522-6453
Mayormikes.com

O’Porto Taste of Hartford
2074 Park St., Hartford
860-233-3184
oportohartford.com

Peppercorn's Grill
357 Main St, Hartford
860-547-1714

Sidewalk Café
236 South St, Hartford
860-956-8192
Sidewalkbar.com

Tisane Euro-Asian Café
537 Farmington Ave., Hartford
860-523-5417
Mytisane.com

Trumbull Kitchen
150 Trumbull St., Hartford
860-493-7417
maxrestaurantgroup.com/trumbull

U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV
165 Brainard Rd., Hartford
860-244-3311
Chowderpot.com

Vaughan’s Public House
59 Pratt St., Hartford
860-882-1560
Irishpublichouse.com

VIVO
200 Columbus Blvd., Hartford
860-760-2333
Waterfordgrouprestaurants.com

Wood-n-Tap
99 Sisson Ave., Hartford
860-232-8277
WoodNTap.com

Best of Hartford 2010 Advocate Poll. Vote Hartford!

2010-01-15T11:38:00.004-04:00

This is my desperate plea for all of my readers and twitter followers and friends to take time out of their busy schedules and vote Hartford in the Hartford Advocates Best of Hartford 2010 poll.

There are tons of categories to vote for your favorite everything in the Hartford area. The key though is to vote for businesses within the city limits that work day in and day out to make Hartford great. This is the place to give a shout out to your favorite local coffee shop in the city or your favorite bartender, politician, or place for a Margarita. Please don't be intimidated by all of the categories. You do not have to vote for all of them. But please take your time and try your best.

1st place winners receive a blurb in the Advocate and online. 2nd and 3rd place winners get the names of their businesses or themselves in the Advocate and online. I also believe winners somehow get plaques that they can put up in their businesses. I have seen them around the area for previous winners and I hope we can create some more for Hartford this year.

The link to the poll is:
http://www.hartfordadvocate.com/ballot/index.cfm?pid=70

Thank you so much!

The Future of Pratt Street

2010-01-03T22:07:00.006-04:00

Pratt Street should be one of the centerpieces of downtown Hartford. Unfortunately it has seen better days. Pratt Street was created the way streets should be. There are storefronts lining the street and there is just enough room for parallel parking on one side of the street. Many of downtown's streets are to wide and not pedestrian friendly. Many also have have an array of parking restrictions that limit parking making them even more unfriendly.

Most familiar with Hartford are aware of the vacancies and high tenant turnover that currently plagues the street. Some of the closings over the past few years that come to my mind are:

Joe Black's - 31 Pratt Street
Beckers - 44 Pratt Street
H-L Unlimited - 65 Pratt Street
Terra Mia - 77 Pratt Street
Cugino's - 77 Pratt Street
No Fish Today - 80 Pratt Street
Tanuki - 80 Pratt Street
Sweet Jane's Rock & Roll Eatery - 88 Pratt Street

Pratt Street has so much potential. It sits between two major downtown developments: Hartford 21 and the Lofts at Main & Temple. Some sort of action must be taken to get new tenants on Pratt Street. Much of street is owned by Northland Investment which is actively working to lease the space, but they have not had much success.

Two steps I feel should be taken to create more vibrancy:

1. Decrease rents. This is the only way downtown is going to be able to compete with the suburbs and find tenants in this tough economic climate. This economy could be the perfect time for those with secure personal financing to start a business. There is the old saying: buy low, sell high. This could be a great time for Northland to make Pratt Street rents a great deal and in turn attract a wonderful array of new businesses.

2. Move existing upper level tenants to street level. I know there are some retail stores that exist on the upper levels of some of the buildings on Pratt Street. Making it a great deal for tenants on the upper level to move down to street level will be helpful to both the tenants and Pratt Street overall.

Just some suggestions to think about!

Also the purpose of this post is not to draw a completely bleak picture for Pratt Street. The Russell literally just had a wonderful grand re-opening celebration, Vaughn's continues to hold its own, and Jojo's continues to brew some great coffee.

Downtown Violence Strikes Again. What Should We Do?

2009-12-29T20:58:00.003-04:00

The latest in a series of downtown nightclub related shootings occurred late Sunday night. Police are seeking to identify two suspects who fired a gun at a group of people. The incident started with a fight inside The Palace night club at 113 Allyn Street. Security escorted people from The Palace when someone fired at them while they were walking to their car around 1:20AM. The suspects were seen running towards Church and High Streets. No one was injured.

There is no question about it. Downtown violence has increased since the start of the summer due to shootings in and around downtown bars and clubs. The most notable incident lead to the forced closure of The Mansion (formerly Club Blu and soon to be Entourage). Many are quick to blame a dangerous mix of alcohol and anger as the culprit. Others are quick to blame Hartford because they see it as a den of urban violence. Last time I checked the brief story on the Hartford Courant website on the incident had 26 comments, some of which were simply despicable.

However, I have not seen an upsurge in nightclub related violence in other cities since the start of the summer. I have lived in London and New York City and have never been confronted with any safety issues nor have I ever been worried about my safety while out. Hartford is the city I grew up with though and I have to say as I make my New Years Eve plans in Hartford the recent shooting will stick in my mind. This incident will not stop me from going out but I fear for those who may be turned off from coming downtown.

The question I raise is what are we doing wrong in Hartford? I do not think I am making a mountain out a mole hill. We as a city, a region, and a state can not turn our backs on the violence throughout Hartford and not just downtown.

Some have suggested increased security at downtown clubs, which would be very much appreciated but will not fully solve the problem. Most bars and clubs have security but not metal detectors. Mandating metal detectors or pat downs may decrease violence inside clubs but not in the vicinity. Many of the downtown shootings occurred outside of clubs on the street or in parking lots. Metal detectors will simply move the violence outdoors and defer blame off of downtown clubs and bars.

We must get to the bottom of this and unfortunately I do not have all the answers. An increased police presence downtown would be very beneficial. Taking that even farther would be police who walked the streets. This would be police walking the beat. Something not seen very often these days. A trip downtown on Monday afternoon for example yielded three police cruisers idling with officers inside them. It would be more helpful to turn those engines off and have officers walking the streets, especially late at night when people are frequenting bars and clubs. There is usually a cruiser along Allyn Street or Union Place but there are no officers on the street unless there is a problem. Turning cruisers off would also save on gas money.

Getting beneath the surface of this problem will be difficult. Violence downtown will only cease by decreasing violence in our neighborhoods. I am not sure if these incidents have ties to any gang activity since I am not even sure gangs exist in Hartford. Hopefully violence city wide will decrease through an increased sense of community, getting illegal guns off the streets, and not solving problems and disputes with guns.

Some have mentioned that bars and clubs need to be held more responsible. While I am personally pro business it is not in the best interest of the entire city including all of its businesses if this violence continues. Club and bar owners must be aware of what is happening in and around their establishments. They must be held responsible for what happens on the dance floor inside plus the sidewalk outside. I have also heard that a radio station sponsored some of the parties where the fights and violence occured. I have not read an article or seen much information on these accusations but if the radio station has had involvement in this increase in violence they must be investigated.

Other cities have made significant decreases in crime over the last 10 years. Bringing Rudy Giuliani's broken glass theory to Hartford might not be a bad idea as well.

As I end we must not let this violence stop us from enjoying Hartford. Tomorrow night is First Night in the Capital City. We must get out and enjoy. We must look at all the positive things happening in Hartford as we step in 2010, which I hope treats everyone well.

Governor Rell Brings Commuters New Trains

2009-12-25T23:02:00.002-04:00

By now hopefully everyone has heard that the Metro North New Haven Line is one step closer to receiving brand new trains, something that is long overdue. On Thursday Governor Rell unveiled the first two M-8 rail cars at Union Station in New Haven. The arrival of these news cars is very welcomed news. In 2005 the governor backed a plan to replace the 342 car fleet as part of a $1 billion dollar transportation initiative.

The state entered into a contract with Kawasaki Rail Car to purchase 300 cars for about $2 million per car for a total cost of about $700 million. The price per car was successfully reduced from $2.5 million. Kawasaki won the contract for the cars through a bid.

The only bad news for some is that these news cars are being financed through fare hikes. A 1.25% fare hike will go into place next year, followed by a 1% hike each year after that for 6 years. Hikes will go into effect in January of each year. These cars have to be financed somehow and even though the cost of the Metro North is high these hikes are not outrageous and will successfully help make the region more competitive economically and improve service and comfort on an extremely busy line that directly connects Connecticut with New York City. Personally, I do not mind paying a little extra for more reliable and efficient public transportation network. As New York City and the MTA face another doomsday budget debacle I have stated that I would prefer a minor fare increase over massive service cuts to maintain the current fare.

To make up for the current budget deficit the MTA has discussed fare hikes on Metro North trains including those on the New Haven Line. Governor Rell is against this and stated that CT has continually financed its line, not cut financing for its line, and all fare hikes have to be approved by CTDOT in the first place. I am not sure how these proposed hikes fit into hikes directly from the state of CT to pay for the new cars.

While it does not pay to dwell on the past I must emphasize to any naysayers that these new cars are long overdue. Anyone who has rode the Metro North into Grand Central has surely seen the new cars that run on other Metro North lines. There are times when these trains are not even filled at rush when New Haven line trains run at near full occupancy throughout much of the afternoon and evening rush. Many might also remember how in 2004 there were 100 trains that were put out of commission in 1 week due to problems related to the bitterly cold weather. The result was massive delays and service cuts.

These trains will help solidify the connection Connecticut has with New York City. It will also help solidify connections between the major cities of Bridgeport, Stamford, and New Haven. Right now, the Metro North is the strongest connection Connecticut has with New York City and we must invest in public transportation to maintain that connection. The next step of course is for improved rail service between New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield.

The only downside in my opinion is that commuters will not see these new trains until Fall, 2010 because the new M-8 cars can only be run with each other and must first be tested before they are put into service. The old cars will be used for expanded service on Shoreline East Railroad and branch lines, which is also great news.

It is said that these new cars are among the most advanced in North America and probably the world and run at top speeds of 100MPH. The New Haven line will be the only railroad in the world operating on this system. And while these speeds does not come close to the speeds of high speed rail in Europe it is a great start. Its also great to have that start right here in Connecticut.

Article I wrote for Manhattan College Quadrangle (Hartford mention)

2009-12-07T00:05:00.003-04:00

Please find an article that I just wrote for the most recent edition of my school's (for the next weeks that is) newspaper the Manhattan College Quadrangle. This article was in response to one written claiming the MTA is one most corrupt organizations out there whose service is despicable.

The reason I put it in here is because I throw in a reference at the end to public transportation in Hartford. I have been been proven wrong though by a recent blog post though that discusses how it is in fact possible to live car free in Hartford. And I have come to agree, BUT it should be so much more easier. There needs to be much better bus service and tons of new routes. This is something I must save for after I graduate in 2 weeks, when I will have plenty of time to discuss. Please read though! I have bolded the Hartford part.

Opinion Article in Response to “Fix the MTA”

After reading the recent article “Fix the MTA” I felt the need to respond to and clear up some myths as well as shed some light on the MTA and more importantly the future of public transportation in this city. Before I begin I must clarify that the price of a single bus or subway ride is $2.25 not $2.50 as stated in a previous article, a price that still pales in comparison to driving, taking cabs, or using the tube in London for that matter.

Before bad mouthing the MTA you must consider that they operate one of the most extensive public transportation systems in the world. According to the MTA the city has grown from having 28 subway stations in 1904 to 468, which means it has only 35 fewer stations than the combined total of all the other subway systems in this country. In addition to subways and buses in the five boroughs the MTA is also responsible for operating the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Bus, Metro North Railroad, and the regions tunnels and bridges. In total the MTA claims they serve 14.6 million people “in the 5,000 square-mile area fanning out from New York City through Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut”, a task that is by no means an easy feat.

Now nothing is perfect and I admit the MTA does have its faults. It has suffered from mismanagement and a budget deficit due to the economy. The MTA saw significant drops in revenue from real estate taxes, fares and tolls, and state dedicated taxes all due to the economy. The MTA had no control over the recession and the impacts it would have on the state of New York and the agency. The agency was left with no choice but to raise fares for subways, buses, and trains and tolls on tunnels and bridges. A major revenue booster that I was a personal supporter of was congestion pricing that would have automatically charged drivers a fee to enter into the most congested parts of Manhattan. This would have produced much needed revenue, increased air quality citywide, reduced congestion, and promoted the use of public transit. London has already successfully implemented congested pricing. The proposal unfortunately died in the New York State Assembly in August, 2008.

Despite these issues the MTA, its new head Jay H. Walter, and Mayor Bloomberg are forging ahead with massive projects and ambitious proposals that will change the face of public transportation in the city forever. The Second Avenue subway line is under construction which when complete will run along 2nd Avenue from 125th Street down to the Financial District. This will significantly decrease overcrowding on the Lexington Avenue lines. The MTA’s other current projects include constructing a new Fulton Street Transit Center, creating access for LIRR trains at Grand Central, and a new terminal at South Ferry. The agency is also implementing timers at key bus and subway stops that will let riders know when the subway or bus is arriving. These timers already exist throughout London and on the city’s L line. Future plans include extending the 7 line to the west side and creating access for Metro North trains at Penn Station

By now I’m assuming I may not have convinced all of you that the the MTA is perfect. For all I know some of you may be waiting at 238th street in train traffic as you read this article. I urge those of you who did not grow up in New York City to compare whatever system of public transportation, if any, your hometown has to that of New York City. I grew up in a small town about 30 minutes east of Hartford, Connecticut. Public transportation was and still is essentially nonexistent. There are only commuter buses that run during rush hour that you have to drive to in the first place to get into Hartford. A car is essential, even for those who live within Hartford itself.
As a major supporter of urban living, smart growth, and the use of public transportation it was essential for me to go to school in New York City. Despite the MTA’s flaws I guarantee you that the subways and buses here are an improvement over the public transportation your home town offers. If you are still not convinced I urge you to contact your elected officials on the local or state level to further discuss this issue.

SOURCES:

http://mta.info/nyct/facts/ffsubway.htm

http://mta.info/mta/network.htm

We Must Band Together for Our City

2009-11-26T11:17:00.003-04:00

Once again I apologize for the lack of posts - 3 more weeks until I am a college graduate.

Another Thanksgiving Eve has come and gone. As usual thousands flocked to downtown Hartford to go out. These are thousands of young people flocking into the city from all over the state. These individuals have the potential to bring a lot to the city. Going out in Hartford or any similar city got me to thinking. We in greater Hartford and the rest of Connecticut live in a separated society. We are a suburban centered state. There is arguably not one community in this state where you can go out to a great bar or club, do big time shopping, get affordable groceries at a real supermarket, visit museums and theaters and do all this without a car. Some may tell me this is possible in New Haven or West Hartford which has made great strides to achieving something like this. We must shoot higher though. We must look to New York City where this is all possible. Do we want to be New York City? Of course not, we must be unique but it would be nice to have a microcosm of New York City's urban dream here in Connecticut.

We are still in difficult economic times but we must band together to improve our capital city. The New Year is approaching and the city is abuzz with a second wave of massive development. We need to find reasons for all those young people out downtown last night to come to the city for more then just alcohol. We must find reasons for the everyone in greater Hartford to come to the city and maybe even move here. Only by working together can we achieve this. Residents, business owners, major employers, government officials, neighborhood groups, etc. must ALL work together and not turn our backs on the state's greatest city.

Novemberfest at Phoenix After Hours at the Wadsworth

2009-10-30T00:30:00.002-03:00

Novemberfest at Phoenix After Hours
Thursday November 5 from 5-8pm
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
600 Main Street
Hartford, CT 06103

Wadsworth is celebrating all things Dutch from Rembrandt, and Heineken, to Dutch Masters cigars, and even Nederpop beats from Amsterdam.

First Rembrandt paintings to Hartford in 70 years coming to the Wadsworth!

Evening starts with music by the Needle Drop

First 300 attendees get a free glass of Heineken and museum members can enjoy free Dutch Master Cigars

8:00pm film is Incognito

Free for Phoenix Employees and Museum members, $5 for all others

Visit www.wadsworth.org for more info

HEAD ON OVER!!!! ....2 days after EVERYONE should be voting on Nov. 3rd.

Please Stop Development of Newington's Cedar Mountain

2009-10-14T23:51:00.002-03:00

I could be making a mountain out a mole hill here but...

I was recently informed that Toll Brothers wants to construct condominiums on Cedar Mountain in Newington. A 28 acre parcel of the mountain would be developed. There was a hearing in town tonight because the area needs to be rezoned before the developer can apply to develop the land.

When will suburban sprawl stop in Connecticut? Will it ever? Newington is one of the poster child's of Greater Hartford towns that sold their souls to developers. Newington joins other notables like Windsor and Rocky Hill. The Berlin Turnpike's span through Newington is filled with big box stores, an array of strip malls and almost any chain store you can think of. Newington was even home to that famous Krispy Kreme we all remember, then it closed only to be replaced by a Citibank, that also closed.

This is not to say that Newington is a town with no center at all. Downtown Newington does exist, though the thousands that pass through daily on the Berlin Turnpike probably do not know this. The town's center is located in the vicinity of Cedar Street, Main Street and Market Square and though it is hurting in some regards it is still home to a great variety of businesses and is located within walking distance of a few residential streets. Anyone who has ever been to the Newington Extravaganza fireworks display over Mill Woods Pond knows the strong sense of community that still exists. Here, it seems as if everyone knows each other even though there are close to 30,000 people in town.

Downtown Newington and this sense of community are both in jeopardy though as Newington (and countless other towns) continue to practice poor development practices. Developments claim to be "pedestrian friendly", "mixed use" and using components of "smart growth" but in Connecticut there is usually a catch. For example, The Shoppes at Evergreen Walk is a mixed use life style center but there are no apartments or office space within walking distance, everyone arrives by car and there are still huge swaths of unused surface parking lots.

I do not know what was discussed at the meeting or how town residents feel about the proposal but I would hate to see Cedar Mountain, a still untouched piece of land, torn up to make way for a cookie cutter type development that will most likely be similar to the condos Toll House built on the site of the former Hartford Drive In.

Pratt, Job Cuts, Congress and CT

2009-10-12T22:50:00.003-03:00

So this has been a very rocky summer (and now fall) for East Hartford based Pratt & Whitney and its thousands of Connecticut employees. As we all know Congress cut spending on the F-22 fighter jet despite an uphill battle by US Senator Christopher Dodd (D-CT) and US Representative John Larson (CT-01) whose congressional district includes East Hartford - it is also his hometown.

While the F-22 was vital to Pratt & Whitney and the manufacturing jobs they have in the state, the vitality of the F-22 was also questionable.

I for one am glad to have had our members of Congress fighting on behalf of Connecticut and Pratt & Whitney in Washington, D.C. However, they lost and we must move on. We can't cry over spilled milk.

After the announcement came the news that Pratt would be closing plants in East Hartford and Chesire moving about 1,000 jobs out of state and overseas.

Fast forward to the recent Senate defense bill that includes $2.5 billion dollars for the production of 10 C-17 military cargo planes to be made by Pratt. The defense bill is still waiting final approval. However, no one is really sure if this means Pratt will keep jobs in Connecticut. Pratt doesn't say much usually but I am getting the feeling that they will still close the 2 CT plants and move the jobs. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and the Machinists Union are working on legal actions currently.

I am extremely opposed to the closing of the 2 Connecticut plants. I would be less opposed if the plants were being closed and the jobs cut due to the economy. But to have the jobs moved out of state or overseas is a slap in the face from a company that has Connecticut (and Greater Hartford) written all over it. Pratt & Whitney was founded in Hartford in 1925. In 1929 they become part of United Aircraft Corporation (now UTC) and moved from Capital Ave in Hartford to East Hartford. And as you know UTC is headquartered in Hartford. And Otis headquartered in Farmington, Sikorsky in Stratford and Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks are all part of UTC. So could this company be any more CT? (Ok in reality it could but the question sounds good)

Anyway back to the topic. We must fight to keep the 1,000 Pratt jobs in Connecticut. I simply find it unacceptable that since the company did not get what they wanted they decided to move quality jobs to a place where it is cheaper to do business. Additionally, Senator Dodd was the one who secured funding for a Pratt project in this most recent Senate defense bill. I ask the question: What are the Senators and Representatives from the states Pratt wants to move operations to doing? And what are those overseas doing for Pratt?

I know this is an uphill battle, there are many factors beyond our control (like the economy) and that some may disagree with me on this but I feel we must do everything we can to keep jobs like this in our state.

Big Weekend in Hartford! Lots of Events!!

2009-10-09T22:24:00.003-03:00

Despite the dreary weather currently hopefully there will be some clearing soon because this is a big weekend for the city of Hartford.

Tomorrow is the 2009 ING Hartford Marathon which means thousands of people will be hittingthe streets of the Hartford in less then 12 hours. All of the races start Saturday morning at Bushnell Park at 8am. The full marathon is 26 miles and the half marathon is 13 miles.

The full marathon moves from downtown Hartford over into East Hartford then South Windsor before heading back into East Hartford and then Hartford.

There will be party all day in Bushnell Park from 8am-3pm to cheer on the 8,000+ runners. Additionally, from 8am-11am Riverfront Plaza downtown, 8am-12pm Main Street East Hartford and 8am-11am Park Street Hartford are all hosting special spectator events.

And prepare for road closures throughout the race route in Hartford, East Hartford and South Windsor.

THEN on Sunday is the Columbus Day parade on Franklin Avenue in Hartford. There will be a 9am mass in Columbus Park on Franklin between Victoria Road and Bolton Street. The parade then starts at 10:30am. The parade starts at the northern end of the Avenue and works its way down to Columbus Park. Mayor Perez, city officials, bands, floats and maybe some other local officials will all be in the Parade so head on down!!!

Adios to Plaza Mayor...

2009-10-09T12:01:00.003-03:00

Its official. Plaza Mayor is no longer. The Hartford Redevelopment Authority officially voted to end the long stalled project that would have brought a mix of shops, apartments and a large plaza to the corner of Main and Park Streets. The city has no plans for the site.

The project was both a victim of community outrage and the economy. Some opposed the size of the residential towers that would have towered over the rest of the neighborhood, possibly blocking views. And then of course there is the economy. This project did not get the shovel in the dirt before the recession started. It was not as lucky as Hartford 21 or Trumbull on the Park. Many also questioned who would want to live in an upscale apartment at Main and Park when they could just have easily lived at Hartford 21 and dealt with less safety issues. The horrific hit and run on Park Street last summer (Summer 2008) did not help....

Alas I think we have to wait for the market to take this parcel somewhere. We shouldn't have to rely on the city to actively develop the site. We must wait for someone to want to build something on the site, when the economy is better and the developer is certain he or she can get the funding they need.

Another idea....Make the parcel a small park or little plaza with benches, some bike racks and maybe allow a few vendors to set up and sell food (maybe some Park Street restaurants which are within walking distance of the site). Right now the site is an eyesore. It is a mix of overgrown grass and rocks that makes this section of the city look bad. It is an extremely busy intersection that looks shabby and I am not afraid to say that.

Maybe we can do something to the site while we wait to see where the market takes it...

Some sad news from the Bronx...

2009-10-09T11:21:00.002-03:00

First I have to apologize for my lack of blogging. Ive been back at school and juggling five classes and an internship so I have had not much free time at all.

That being said I start with a sad story from the Bronx, even though this is a blog about Hartford this story is yet another example of manufacturing jobs being moved out of the northeast. Something those of us in Hartford (and Connecticut in general can relate to)

I go to Manhattan College in the Riverdale section of the Bronx (for 2 more months at least until I graduate). Before moving into Manhattan this semester I lived on campus in Riverdale and to anyone who has ever taken the 1 train all the way to 238th Street you most definitely will have smelled the aroma of fresh baked cookies in the air as you step down onto Broadway. That smell officially ceased yesterday afternoon.

That distinct aroma in this section of the Bronx was from the Stella D'oro Factory that for years had been produced at a nondescript factory between Broadway and the Major Deegan Expressway. Problems at the factory started more then 1 year ago when a labor dispute between the worker's Union and Connecticut based Brynwood Partners broke out. Brynwwood bought Stella D'oro in 2006 and before the dispute broke out had asked union workers to take cuts in benefits and wages because the factory was not able to create a profit with its current costs.

For almost 1 year workers picketed outside the factory behind a few small gates. I remember them there, sometimes there were just a handful, other days more. They were there in rain or shine, cold or warm and during snowstorms. In July workers were ordered to return to work after Brynwood had to work with the National Labor Relations. However, just as they returned to work the company came through on their earlier promise and announced the factory's closing.

The closing yesterday afternoon officially ended an 80 year old tradition of making cookies in the Kingsbridge neighborhood. Brynwood has sold Stella D'oro to Lance Snacks from North Carolina which will move the factory to Ashland, Ohio where there are no unions.

In all 155 jobs were lost in a neighborhood that does not have many high quality jobs, especially those in the manufacturing sector. The Kingsbridge neighborhood has a bustling retail strip full of local and national chains combined with a diverse population (it is of course New York City) however there are not many high paying high quality jobs. Neighboring Riverdale is one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the Bronx, and in the city - home to private schools, 2 colleges, upscale mansions but no factories.

Sadly, this closing is the end of an era. I ask you to think of this next time you think of purchasing some Stella D'oro cookies - for some reason your not buying your cookies at Modern Pastry on Franklin Avenue in Hartford!

Also of note is that Italians as well as Jews were devout customers of Stella D'oro because their products were Kosher. A five minute walk leads you into Riverdale's heavily Jewish population that once had a factory that met Kosher requirements around the corner. Key word once...

Time to Roll Out the Welcome Mat to AETNA

2009-08-22T17:44:00.004-03:00

Despite the recession the City of Hartford's welcome mats are getting a good work over this summer. During the August 14th weekend Northeast Utilities moved their corporate headquarters and 180 employees to downtown Hartford. Now the Hartford Business Journal is reporting that AETNA is weeks away from moving about 3,000 employees to their Hartford headquarters from Middletown. This is great news, something I have been very excited for since AETNA originally announced their consolidation plans. Usually change of any kind mixed with the private sector doesn't bring good news to Hartford. Change with MetLife, ING and WFSB landed them out of the city. ING's move of 2,000 workers out of Hartford to Windsor left room for AETNA to move most of their Middletown employees to Hartford.

After the move about 6,400 AETNA employees will work in Hartford, roughly double the number of current AETNA employees in the city. People who routinely pass by the AETNA campus will easily notice the changes the corporation has made to accommodate its new employees. A new 1,100 space parking garage has been built on Flower Street, adjacent to the Atrium, the building ING occupied that now AETNA occupies. The 1,400 space garage near the Rogers Building has been expanded and renovated.

There are about 1,000 AETNA workers who will start tele-commuting instead of being moved to Hartford. While, I would much rather see them move to Hartford I cannot complain because 1,000 jobs have not been cut or moved to the suburbs. (Ulitamtly I would like to see everyone commuting to AETNA by public transportation, if we really want to start talking about wish lists).

There is also a data center in Middletown with several hundred employees that will remain open.

The obvious loser here is the City of Middletown. While Hartford and Middletown are both cities I support this move because the AETNA Middletown campus was simply a suburban office park with a Middletown address. The AETNA Middletown campus was not located downtown and could easily have been picked up and moved to Windsor's Day Hill Road. The Middletown campus was located at 1000 Middle Street and was built in 1984 for $145 million and at one time housed 4,800 employees. Later GE acquired the building and AETNA kept the land underneath while leasing the building. AETNA's lease is up at the end of 2010.

It is unknown what will become of the building and I honestly don't care. There is speculation GE may buy the land (200 acres) from AETNA. What GE would do with it I am not sure. Either way I see this move, which is still in progress as amazing news for the entire City of Hartford. This is the kind of influx of workers Hartford needs to improve itself and slowly make up for the 4,000+ jobs lost by MetLife, ING and WFSB's move.

Downtown Nightclub Noise

2009-08-17T21:19:00.004-03:00

First off I am must state I am a strong supporter of all clubs and bars in Hartford including those downtown. With this in mind I must bring up the question of the noise levels at certain downtown clubs. The summer weather typically brings more people out of clubs, bars and restaurants and out onto the streets. This is the same with the music from some downtown clubs. I will not call out certain clubs because I do not believe the noise is creating a true problem, yet anyways.

There has been an abundance of new housing built downtown as all city supporters know. However, for better or worse this housing is not located near the city's top bars and clubs that are open till late in the morning with music blasting onto the streets (literally). The only downtown housing that I can see being impacted from loud music are the residents at Hartford 21 and since I have not been into those residences I don't even know for a fact if they can hear the music over on Allyn, Ann or Asylum Streets.

Since the number of residents being impacted is low to possibly non-existent the noise is not causing a problem. This will hopefully change over time as more people move downtown. The noise though is a bit perplexing though because noise of this amount is heavily regulated in other cities. I have been to clubs all over the world including those in New York City, London, Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Florence and Amsterdam and none of these have clubs with noise of this amount pouring out onto with windows and doors wide open onto the streets. I just hope that as more people do move downtown the noise levels are regulated by the proper government agencies so the clubs, bars and restaurants as well as the residents can all coexist happily.

And for the record the picture attached to this post is the first picture of a club downtown that I found in my pictures.

Check out my shout from my good friend Lianna J

2009-08-17T20:51:00.002-03:00

http://liannaj.blogspot.com/ I would like to show off my first blog shout on Lianna J's blog, a friend of mine plus a college student and up and coming musician! Scrool down to "hit me like a brick" :)

UPDATE: MeLao Nighclub Closed

2009-08-15T09:27:00.002-03:00

There is now a banner on the site of the former MeLao Nighclub that says Destino Nightclub LLC and a lists a phone number. This company was listed as a start up in the Hartford Business Journal in March, 2009. Hopefully a Destino Nightclub will be opening soon.

Mayor Mike's Closed, Grand Reopening Coming

2009-08-12T23:18:00.002-03:00

Drove by Mayor Mike's today at 283 Asylum Street in downtown Hartford and it appears they have closed for renovations and a rearranging of the menu. According to signs outside the restaurant a grand reopening is scheduled for this Fall. If anyone knows anything else about this please let me know.

Their website has also been deactivated to the best of knowledge.

H-L Unlimited Going Out of Business in Hartford

2009-08-12T23:09:00.003-03:00

After 20 years at 65 Pratt Street in downtown Hartford signs line the windows of H-L Unlimited that the store is going out of business. The business thanks their generous customers who have served them over the years.

This is not good news at all as Pratt Street vacancies appear to be at record highs. Despite the addition of 2 new restaurants over the last year or so Sweet Jane's Rock N Roll Cafe shut its doors as well as the Fiona Stone Boutique. These new vacancies add to the already multiple retail vacancies on the street.

Northeast Utilities Moving Downtown August 14th Weekend

2009-08-11T10:33:00.002-03:00

Its finally happening. A corporation moving jobs from the suburbs to the city, an occasion that is usually the other way around (can anyone say WFSB, ING, MetLife). Anyway, I cant wait for Northeast Utilities to move their headquarters from Berlin to 56 Prospect Street in downtown Hartford.

About 180 managers and support staff will be calling the capital city their new work place. They will be working out of a former Phoenix Companies building that is 93,000 square feet. NU paid $8.7 million for the property last December.

These are high paying corporate jobs that are coming to the city, something that does not happen often. I cannot express how important this is.

This is an excellent move considering NU is New England's largest utility system and it only makes sense that their headquarters be in the capital city of the state they proudly operate out of. Not to mention they will be closer to the political core of the state on both the state and federal government levels.

MeLao Nightclub Closed

2009-08-11T10:18:00.003-03:00

After a quick drive by yesterday it appears that the MeLao Nighclub which opened last summer (I believe) has closed. This closing has not been confirmed and there is no information about the closing on the Internet. Their Myspace page's last advertised event at the club was for June 12. The sign has been taken off the building as well as all wording on the windows. The club was located at 89 Arch Street and shared a building with the popular Arch Street Tavern. Although this is currently a desolate area for nightlife it is just across the street from the future Front Street project and an abundance of restaurants, bars and clubs already in this area would give potential Front Street tenants an incentive to lease.

Mansion Still Closed: Action Must Be Taken To Fix This Now

2009-08-09T16:05:00.002-03:00

The Hartford Courant's Cityline is reporting that downtown Hartford's Mansion nightclub is still closed, about two months after violence erupted inside and outside the club forcing the State Department of Consumer Protection to take action and close the club. There have been ongoing negotiations between club owners and the state.

I am in full support of the club being shut down. Despite my support for city businesses, including downtown clubs and bars which draw much needed people downtown the violence at the Mansion was scaring people away. People do not want to come downtown when there have been shootings and stabbings.

The Mansion has been shut down during what some would consider peak season for any bar, restaurant or club. People tend to go out when its nice outside and that usually occurs in the summer. In Hartford peak season is also during the academic school year when thousands from area colleges and universities are back in the region and Hartford becomes the place to be. Again, these college students will be deterred from coming downtown when they return to school if they feel it is unsafe.

At the same time downtown is minus one club. A cluster of bars and clubs is essential for every successful city. It allows people to come to one place and club/bar hop. In major cities people can go from one district of clubs to another via public transportation. This would be amazing for Hartford but lets not get ahead of ourselves. Right now we need to create the best downtown nightclub scene we can. (The recent shootings near Room 960 that resulted in 2 arrests at the end of July is not helping)

The process of creating the best downtown club scene possible is being hurt right now by having a prime downtown space that has been outfitted for a club closed. The club owners and the state must come to a decision immediately on the future of the Mansion. Either the owners and the state come to an agreement on how the Mansion should be run to prevent ANY future violence or the club should be sold to new owners who are willing to operate a successful and popular club that is draws people from all over.

On Vacation till August 9th...

2009-07-31T21:12:00.002-03:00

Sorry no new updates till then. Enjoy the 1st week of August!

Taste of Hartford Extended to August 9

2009-07-29T14:04:00.002-03:00

Yes its true the Taste of Hartford which started July 27 has been extended to August 9. A ton of restaurants throughout the city are participating this year in what truly is the best deals at city restaurants of the year.

There are 32 restaurants participating and for $20.09 you get a 3-course gourmet meal. Hartford's Restaurant Week is based off ones in New York City and Boston. Sadly there is no actual festival on Constitution Plaza like there used to be but the deals you receive at these restaurants makes up for the lack of the actual festival. The Taste of Hartford has created quite a buzz and looks to be bringing tons of people to the city to cash in on this deal.

For more info and menus of what each restaurant is offering go to:
http://www.letsgoarts.org/Page.aspx?pid=295

Participating Restaurants this year are as follows:

Agave Grill
Arch Street Tavern
Black Bear Saloon
Bin 228
Black Eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues
Bocca Rossa
Brazil Grill & Pizza
Carbone's Ristorante
City Steam Brewery Cafe
Costa Del Sol
Dish Bar & Grill
Feng Asian Bistro
Francesco's
The Half Door
Hot Tomato's
J Restaurant Bar
Kasmir
La Casona
Max Downtown
Mayor Mike's
Morton's
O'Porto
Peppercorns
Tapas on Ann
Tavern Downtown
Tisane Euro-Asian Cafe
Trumbull Kitchen
U.S.S. Chowder Pot IV
Vaughn's Public House
Vivo
Wood-N-Tap

CNN's Black in America II showcased Hartford's Capitol Prep

2009-07-23T00:01:00.002-03:00

Just finished watching CNN's Black in America II with Soledad O'Brien. The show was amazing, heart breaking and inspirational all at the same time. One aspect of the show that should bring hope to many throughout Hartford and around the country was the story of Hartford's own Capitol Preparatory Magnet School at 950 Main Street (G. Fox) in downtown Hartford.

Black in America dedicated more then 30 minutes to showing how Capitol Prep thanks to its founder and principal Dr. Steve Perry is making dreams a reality for a special bunch of students. The school has been open for 4 years and is not like any other public, private or magnet school out there - which is why it works so well. The school is designed as a college-preparatory school where students go to school year round as well as on Saturday's. For just 30 openings the school received 2,000 applications from 22 towns showing the competition to get in is high. That is because, as the principal and Soledad O'Brien both pointed out 100% of students who graduate from the school go on to 4 year colleges or universities.

The school has been named one of America's Best High Schools by US News and World Reports and the State of CT's most improved middle school.

Black in America showed the story of how Dr. Perry rose from growing up in the projects where he was kicked out of preschool to becoming the founder and principal of this prestigious school. Dr. Perry can be seeing rising at dawn and picking students up in his own car to bring them to school. He can also be seen greeting students on Main Street every morning as they head in to school. He makes sure everyone is in the proper uniform and he even serves as the proper parent figure many children lack.

This is truly an amazingly inspirational piece and I wonder how great the success rate would be if more students were brought into the Capitol Prep system of education. Students in Hartford have great potential that cannot be underestimated and it is people like Dr. Perry and every teacher at Capitol Prep who are bringing this potential into the light.

The only thing CNN left out was that by Fall, 2010 (hopefully) Capitol Prep will have moved down the block into bigger quarters at the old Barnard Brown School which is still within walking distance of Capitol Community College so Capitol Prep students can still take classes there.

I strongly urge everyone to find Black on America Part II online somewhere or on ITunes or Amazon and watch it. Even if it costs money, it is worth it, trust me.

Sprawl Continues: New TARGET Opens in Lisbon, CT

2009-07-22T18:13:00.002-03:00

Despite the recession it appears suburban sprawl is keeping its stronghold on Connecticut. A new Target store opened its doors today at 195 River Road (Route 12) in the southeastern part of the state. The store sits across the street from a Wal Mart, Home Depot, Kohl's, Old Navy and down the road from a Better Val-U Supermarket.

While I favor Target over Wal Mart for a variety of reasons its sad to see more land torn up for suburban (or rural) big box stores. The Lisbon Target is part of a new store model for the company. The Lisbon store is one of 42 nationwide that is equipped with a new layout that provides 35 aisles of groceries. The store employs 196 people which includes 6 managers.

According to the Norwich Bulletin the new Target has its work cut out as it looks like the competition in eastern Connecticut for consumers has heat up for all retailers (both big and small). There are Wal Mart Supercenters in Waterford and Windham and they are working on another one for Brooklyn. Montville and Dayville have fairly new Stop & Shops. Tri Town Foods is expected to come to Montville. The Norwich Wal Mart was recently renovated. And a new Target opened at Killingy Commons back in October.

Guardian Angels were were in Hartford's North End Today

2009-07-19T22:48:00.002-03:00

As violence continues to plague Hartford and even starts to become a way of life for some the Guardian Angels visited the city. The Guardian Angels are an international group that started in NYC that works to reduce crime. They came to see if they could start a Hartford chapter. The group's founder Curtis Silwa was contacted by many people in the North End because of the violence in their neighborhood. Mr. Silwa and about a dozen Guardian Angels in red berets walked the streets of the North End in the Albany Avenue & Garden Street area.

Hopefully the Guardian Angels will receive enough interest from the community so that they can start a chapter. This is a tremendous opportunity for the people of Hartford to take a stand against the violence. Members receive extensive training and serve as foot patrols that are visible in their red berets and jackets. Mr. Silwa told the Courant that if members witness a crime they may conduct a citizen's arrest.

18-24 volunteers will be needed to start a chapter. Those volunteers will undergo a 3 week training program. A previous effort to bring the Guardian Angels to the city in the 1980s failed. The group has chapters around the world including chapters in the UK, Italy, Japan, Israel, South Africa and New Zealand. Chapters in the Northeast include those in New Haven, New York City, Albany, Brockton and Poughkipsee. Chapters are under development in Norwalk, Newburgh and Yonkers.

And just to update everyone the city has had 18 homicides so far this year, 3 more then during the same period last year.

Taste of Hartford Restaurant Week Coming July 27

2009-07-17T23:20:00.003-03:00

Mark your calanders for July 27 - August 2 for the Taste of Hartford: Hartford's Restaurant Week. Granted its not the old Taste of Hartford many people remember that was an actual festival, restaurant week offers a great opportunity to dine at many of the city's finest restaurants at a VERY good price. Multi - course meals are just $20.09. Hartford's Restaurant Week is based on similar programs in NYC and Boston.

Go to the website to see the list of participating restaurants. You wont want to miss out. Seriously. http://www.letsgoarts.org/Page.aspx?pid=295

Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz this Weekend in Hartford!

2009-07-17T19:06:00.003-03:00

The 2009 Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is this weekend July 17th, 18th and 19th at Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford. The festival is the largest free jazz festival in New England. This year is the 18th year of the event sponsored by the same organization that produced Monday Night Jazz Festivals in Hartford.

The festival features concerts tonight (Friday) and all day and into the night on Saturday and Sunday. It also looks like the weather will hold up for most of the festival as well!

Official Festival Website: http://www.hartfordjazz.com/indexa.html

Hartford Hospital Wins Awards

2009-07-16T17:36:00.003-03:00

This week Hartford Hospital made the news, and in a good way.

For the 3rd consecutive year Hartford Hospital was named one of the nation's 100 most wired hospitals by Hospitals & Health Networks Magazine, the journal of the American Hospital Association. Also named among the top 25 most wireless hospitals nationwide in the same report.

Hartford Hospital's Institute for Living was named one of the best psychriatry hospitals by U.S. News Media Group's "America's Best Hospitals" report.

City of Hartford's Development Services Increasing Pressure on Development

2009-07-16T17:07:00.004-03:00

This week Hartford Courant's Cityline reported that two long stalled developments in the city are getting pressure to move forward or else the City's Development Services department will take action.

Over at 1161 Main Street more commonly known as the Butt Ugly Building the City made it public at a recent Redevelopment Agency meeting that they will be working to acquire the property and if they cannot come to an agreement with the owner they will use eminent domain to take the property. There is a 90 day time frame where the City will attempt to work on an agreement with the owner. According to City Records the owner is Edwards Development LLC of Miami Beach, Florida. The property includes the vacant building and a parking lot that is currently operational. There was talk last year that the city was working to knock down the building because it was a safety hazard. This never happened and the City announced at the Redevelopment Agency meeting that the building had scaffolding put on it and is currently safe.

At Plaza Mayor, a project that is on life support and has been for quite some time is getting a push from the City or else it will take action. Four years ago plans emerged for the 2 acre parcel at Park and Main Streets downtown to build luxury townhouses, retail space and a huge square like many cities in Europe have. However the recession has affected the developer's ability to secure financing and the City has written a letter to the developers giving them until October 1, 2009 to make significant progress or the City will consider terminating the agreement between the developer and the City. The developer Plaza Mayor LLC is made up of Carlos Lopez of the Solaris Group of Hartford and Damon Hemmerdinger of A&C Company, LLC of New York City.

Houlihan's Glastonbury Closes, Humphrey's Wethersfield Opens

2009-07-15T19:46:00.002-03:00

Sometime over the last few weeks Houlihans at 40 Glastonbury Blvd. in Glastonbury abruptly closed their doors. They even went as far as completely boarding up the fairly new building and blocking the entrance with cones and "No Trespassing" signs. The site was previously home to a Bennigan's Restaurant that closed.

Recently, after about a year of renovations and what appeared to be massive delays of some sort Humphrey's Bar & Grill opened their doors at 1151 Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield. The restaurant is part of a Connecticut chain with locations in Fairfield and New Haven counties. They also have outdoor seating and look to be doing fairly well.

Smith & Hawken Closing ALL Stores

2009-07-15T19:37:00.002-03:00

Smith & Hawken announced today that there going under and closing all 56 stores nationwide including 3 in Connecticut. Their online store is now shut down and closing sales have began at all retail outlets. This comes after the company's year long efforts to find a buyer failed.

The stores are in 22 states and are about 4,000 square feet a piece and are all in leased space. The company also leases 412,000 square feet of space in an industrial building on Marcey Street in Chicago according to the CoStar Group.

Back in Spring, 2008 the company closed their store in Manhattan's SoHo and then closed 2 stores in the Twin Cities in Fall, 2008. Honestly, if you can't survive in SoHo, especially if your a national retailer your chances of survival are minuscule.

CT locations to close are:

Glastonbury
Shops at Somerset Square
140 Glastonbury Blvd.

Westport
1045 Post Road East

New Canaan
30 East Avenue

Hartford Updates...including Riverfest Info

2009-07-08T23:22:00.003-03:00

As you can see I have not had much time to blog lately but here's a look at what is happening in and around Hartford right now...

Riverfest 2009 is this weekend! This popular event in its 29th year returns again thanks to Mohegan Sun, Travelers, Riverfront Recapture, the City of Hartford and Town of East Hartford. There will be free entertainment including live bands, musicians, clowns and other entertainers, kids activities and more. The evening will be topped off by a fireworks celebration over the CT River. So the important information: fireworks will be shot from 2 barges in the CT River at 9:30. Fireworks can be viewed from Mortensen Riverfront Plaza and Charter Oak Landing in Hartford, Great River Park and Founders Plaza in East Hartford as well as pretty much anywhere near the water in both communities. Unfortunately due to logistical issues there are no events/food/etc. at Charter Oak Landing in Hartford but the park will still be open for fireworks viewing. And just so everyone knows Riverfest has not been on the 4th of July for 20 years. Riverfest site: http://www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Riverfest

The Mansion Nightclub will likely remain closed this weekend. The state's Division of Liquor Control at the Department of Consumer Protection shut down the establishment back on June 12 after multiple violent incidents resulted at and around the downtown club.

Governor Rell vetoed a bill that would have allowed MDC to use ratepayer money to pay for museum exhibits - most notably including a water program at the new Science Center downtown. Maybe be a questionable use of taxpayer funds but it would have been a great program for the new science center and a continued boost for the city. To bad....

Mayor Timothy Stewart is responding to Wal Mart's decision to close their Farmington Avenue store in New Britain by consulting Capital Workforce Partners who will work with the 162 people who will lose their jobs when the store closes. Wal Mart wanted to expand but city officials did not approve the expansion and so Wal Mart claims they are not able to make good profits so their closing, its also thought a new Sam's Club (owned by Wal Mart) in Newington and the saturation of Aldi supermarkets may have affected this decision. City officials say the only loss to New Britain is 162 jobs since Wal Mart owns the property and they are confident someone will reuse the building. Granted I hate Wal Mart I do not see this property becoming anything anytime soon.

After Lee Erdman retired as the City of Hartford's Chief Operating Officer, David Panagore the City's Director of Development Services is acting COO.

Intense Storms Hit, Possible Tornado in Wethersfield

2009-06-27T09:50:00.003-03:00

An intense line of storms rolled through the Greater Hartford area yesterday causing extensive damage, knocking out power and snarling traffic from Farmington to Newington, Hartford, Wethersfield, Rocky Hill and over into Glastonbury, Hebron and Marlborough.

The intense weather pounded the southern end of Hartford and Wethersfield around 4:45 in the midst of rush hour. Strong winds, heavy rain and large hail caused people to seek shelter and get off the roadways. Within minutes numerous roadways between the Berlin Turnpike and Silas Deane Highway in Wethersfield and between Maple Avenue and Wethersfield Avenue in Hartford were flooded. Power was knocked out to much of Wethersfield including the entire Silas Deane Highway. Trees and downed power lines could be seen blocking multiple roads in Wethersfield including Wolcott Hill Road, Ridge Road, Church Street, Nott Street, Griswold Road, Route 3 and Prospect Street.

The National Weather Service will most likely be out in the area of Church Street & Wolcott Hill Road in Wethersfield where it was beleived a possible tornado rolled through. This stretch of road saw entire trees uprooted, cars smashed, driveways blocked, damage to some homes and downed power lines. As of 8:00pm last night residents in this neighborhood could be seen walking up and down their block, taking pictures, watching as CL&P tried to work and dodging limbs and power lines.

The Silas Deane Highway was at a standstill between 4:45-7:00 as portions of the roadway were flooded and emergency vehicles attempted to rush through. The windows at Connecticut Outfitters were entirely blown out causing severe damage to the whole store.

Today the cleanup begins. The DMW in Wethersfield is closed. The Pitkin Community Center served as a shelter for those who needed it last night. The town library remains closed. The Westfarms Mall in Farmington in uncertain if it will open at 10:00AM because they do not have power. Truly an intense round of storms that sadly goes to show that the State of Connecticut as well as many towns are not prepared for a major natural disaster.

Mansion Hartford Update: There Closed

2009-06-13T22:58:00.003-03:00

Well its official. On Friday the State's Department of Consumer Protection suspended The Mansion's liquor license after 1 person was shot in the club (the same night 5 others were shot outside Papa's Pizza) last weekend and 4 people were stabbed early Friday in a nearby parking lot after leaving the club. I have to applaud the Department which in its press release said that it was only the 2nd time they had suspended a liquor license (last time was in 2007 in Danbury). However, this action is only temporary and it has taken way to long.

At the beginning of this situation (which has been going on for a few years when the place was Club Blu) I sided with the club owners. This establishment added another option for young people downtown. On a good night you can find Allyn Street, Ann Street and Union Place packed with people going to all the different bars and clubs. Despite what others may think about this, I think its great. It is definitely a very welcomed sense of vibrancy. Anyway there has been violence at Club Blu and now at The Mansion and I fear this is impacting the success Hartford has seen over the last 5 years. We cannot let one bad apple ruin the rest.

For some reason other downtown clubs and bars (including the Palace which is huge) can manage to remain safe and violence free. The Mansion however cannot. It is sad it took so long for action to be taken and it is sad to see no action taken by the Chief State's Attorney's Office which could (I am assuming) enforce the nuisance abatement act since one of the shootings occurred inside The Mansion.

Lawrence Gottesdiener (Chairman of the Board of Northland - downtown's largest property owner) says the action is no cause for celebration and says The Mansion must be closed permanently. Michael Zaleski head of the downtown Business Improvement District agrees saying that nightclubs like The Mansion should not be allowed downtown.

This may go a bit far. The Mansion cannot stay the way it is. However, I feel that the above statements may insinuate that clubs (in general) not be allowed downtown and this should not be the case. Every great city has a great nightlife for young people and Hartford should not be any different. Mr. Gottesdiener has made tremendous investments in downtown Hartford and I applaud him for that, however it must be noted much of Northland's retail space remains vacant and Northland has not brought any new bars or clubs to any of their retail space.

So my solution is The Mansion should remain closed. The club should be forced either to undergo a restructuring with oversight from HPD, the Dept of Consumer Protection and the Chief State's Attorney's Office or be forced to sell to a new owner. I am sure there are plenty of club owners who would be more then happy to open up downtown. The Black Bear Saloon opened downtown, amidst a recession and there doing great!

Night of Violence Hits Downtown Hartford

2009-06-10T22:47:00.003-03:00

Don't have much time to blog currently but I must update everyone on the violence that erupted downtown this past weekend.

Friday night the XL Center hosted the Hot Jam 8 which was touted as one of the hottest concerts of the year. Afterwards many downtown nightclubs hosted major after parties including the Mansion Nightclub. (This was the same night Dave Matthews was playing for thousands in the North Meadows, more on that down below)

Early Saturday morning shots erupted inside the Mansion Nightclub (formerly Club Blu and before that the Russian Lady) at 183-191 Ann Uccello Street. One person was injured and it was reported that club goers fled for their lives. Moments later shots rung out at Papas Pizza at 54 Union Place. 5 people were injured. Videos show more then one person shooting. Although it has not been said if these shootings were related I think they have to be. Come on!

Police have arrested a 21 year old in connection with the Pizza Shop shootings. He was arraigned at Superior Court in Hartford on Monday and is being held on $800,000 bond. After the court appearance tensions flared outside the court between the victim's families and the suspects family. Screaming and yelling ensued and police were forced to break them up.

Recently the Executive Director of the Hartford Business Improvement District sent a heated letter (I thought it was heated) to the Mayor, Police Department and City Council. He urged the city to enforce a municipal code that would force the Mansion to have police details. He urged extending bans on 24 hours establishments to late night eateries like Papas Pizza where intoxicated people tend to congregate. He also blasted the State's Attorney Generals Office because past attempts to enforce the Nuisance Abatement Act on the club failed because incidents did not occur inside the actual club.

It was announced today that the Mansion Nightclub will have a police detail and Papas Pizza will voluntarily close at 7pm.

These events created a hectic weekend for HPD who were busy Friday night dealing with the Dave Matthews Band concert at the Comcast Center in the North Meadows that drew thousands. On this note, it was a fairly calm concert. HPD arrested 38 people during both shows (Friday and Saturday nights). There were no major incidents like there were in the past.

Business Closing: Ambassador of India (All 3)

2009-06-03T23:43:00.003-03:00

While doing the below post on West Hartford Center it came to my attention that after 13 years of serving Indian food to greater Hartford all 3 Ambassador of India restaurants have closed.

The locations were at:

960 Main Street, Hartford
968-Rear, West Hartford
2333 Main Street, Glastonbury

West Hartford Center In Danger?

2009-06-03T22:15:00.003-03:00

After reading the slew of comments that followed the Courant's article on the closing of Allen Collins in West Hartford last Friday I decided to check out the situation myself. Numerous posters noted that the West Hartford they grew up in was much different then the one of today. Many of the stores from the 1950s and 1960s are gone, Blue Back Square was built and rents have skyrocketed to rates around $40 per square foot in the Center causing many retailers to shut their doors.

What I have done is compiled a short list of change in the Center. What's new, what's closed, and what's closing. I haven't included Blue Back Square, simply the Center. BBS is to new and its to early to see any turnover or closures. Also please keep in mind this isn't a comprehensive list. I am sure I am missing things, as this is West Hartford not Hartford and thus not my area of speciality.

Pizza Hut, 39 South Main Street, CLOSED (2,700 square feet for rent)
Town Center, 29 South Main Street (2,300 square feet for rent)
Mediza, 35 Lasalle Road, CLOSED
Allen Collins, 8 Ellsworth Road, CLOSED
Honore Gallery, 995 Farmington Avenue, CLOSED
Ritz Camera Center, 982 Farmington Avenue, CLOSED
Three Dog Bakery Inc., 967 Farmington Avenue, CLOSED
Robeks Juice, 967 Farmington Avenue, NEW
Manhattan Bagel, 966 Farmington Avenue, CLOSED (was leasing office of BBS for a while, now back on the market - 3,100 square feet)
Cocoa, 980 Farmington Avenue, NEW (replaced Puerto Vallerta)
E.I. Wilde, 973 Farmington Avenue, CLOSING (Retirement Sale)
La Perla Jewelers, 971 Farmington Avenue, MOVED to 95 Memorial Road at BBS (former space for rent - 1,410 square feet)
Kuboo's Children's Clothing, OPENING SOON (replacing Maggie Moo's)
Maxi Muscle, OPENING SOON at 968 Farmington Avenue
Vacant Space for Rent at 16 Lasalle Road, next to Blue Acorn (1,079 square feet for rent, no food or service uses)
Vacant Space for Rent at 990 Farmington Avenue between Chico's and Elbow Room (800 Square Feet)
Dream Dinners, 7 South Main Street, NEW
Portion of Lemon Grass Restaurant, 7 South Main Street (750 square feet for rent)
Ben & Jerry's, 5 1/2 South Main Street, NEW
Coldwell Banker Residential Mortgage Division, 36 LaSalle Road, CLOSED or MOVED (7,500 square feet for rent)
State Farm, 1001 Farmington Avenue, CLOSED or MOVED (1,288 square feet for rent)
Former bank space (cant remember which one) at 43 South Main Street (1,644 square feet)
Mimi Maternity, 971 Farmington Avenue, LEASE UP SOON OR CLOSING? (2,909 square feet for rent)
Ambassador of India, 968-Rear Farmington Avenue, CLOSED. (1,200 square feet for rent)

I guess I will let everyone decide for themselves if they think West Hartford Center is in danger or if its failed already. Personally, I think it has changed but I don't think it has become a failure and I don't think its in to much danger. There are areas being hit much harder by this recession across the country and in West Hartford itself (New Park Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and New Britain Avenue comes to mind with the vacant Volkswagen and Pontiac dealership boarded up and abandoned and a flat vacant lot where a car wash used to sit). Anyway what I think needs to happen is that the town must work with small business owners to open up shop in the Center. In order to do this though rents must be lowered. The rents in the center are outrageous and are forcing people not to open up shop here. On a positive note, there is a lot of turnover in the center with new stores coming in, as you have seen above. Some of these stores are great (Robeks Juice comes to mind) while I think the Center could live without MaxiMuscle - but we must remember that they are opening up despite the recession.

New Business: Mishy & Dave's Hip Hop Shop

2009-06-02T21:46:00.002-03:00

Address: 735 Wethersfield Avenue
Neighborhood: South End

It appears that Tatry, the popular South End Polish restaurant has closed up shop and in its place has opened Mishy & Dave's Hip Hop Shop. I'll be honest I am not quite sure when Tatry closed but City records show that the property was sold in March, 2009 for $250,000.

Anyway the new venture appears to be clothing store in a bit of an odd building. They have a great new sign that is red and black that definitely draws your attention from the street but the building itself could use some outside renovations or simple cleanup. There have been a few times when the weathers outside I have seen a gentleman outside besides some racks of clothes that had been brought outside.

I wish them the best of luck and hope they might invest in the building a little bit and spruce it up!

990-1000 Wethersfield Ave Fence Open 24/7

2009-05-29T23:02:00.002-03:00

Why is the gate to 990-1000 Wethersfield Avenue open 24/7. I drive by it some mornings (when I take Wethersfield Avenue instead of Franklin Avenue) and see the fence to the property open regularly. I thought this may have been because someone was doing some work but sadly I don't think that is the case. I returned tonight around 7:30pm to find the fence still open.

This property has long been on the city's blighted property list and is definitely not a welcoming sign to Hartford when entering from Wethersfield. The properties have a long and troubled history. Originally Hartford developer Jose Reategui's Rego Realty Corp. brought 990 Wethersfield Ave from the city with the intent of knocking everything down and building elderly housing. Historic preservationists stalled the plan because they wanted to save 990 Wethersfield Avenue - a wonderful brick building built around 1940. After the project stalled the city took the property back. Reategui came back to the city with a revised plan to save the historic building and build 24 market rate apartments inside. The city originally bought 990 Wethersfield Avenue in 1999 and first sold it to Reategui in 2004 who also owned adjacent 1000 Wethersfield Avenue (the former Marc Anthony's). Reategui eventually got the property back from the city and now owns both 990 and 1000 Wethersfield Avenues however they are listed as being owned by Margaret Properties LLC whose address is that of Rego Realty Corp.

Besides gutting the interior of 990 Wethersfield Avenue a while ago there has been no work at both properties for a while. This begs the question, why is the fence left open? This is just asking for trouble. The area is sparsely populated after hours and anyone can now easily enter the property causing trouble. This is not acceptable. Obviously no one can force a property owner to close their fence however if something happens this would be the reason why.

Congrats to Abrantes Bakery in Hartford

2009-05-28T00:10:00.003-03:00

I must congratulate the Abrantes Bakery at 1851 Park Street in Hartford as they celebrate 25 years in business. The bakery is well known for its Portuguese bread. I wish them the best of luck for another 25 years on Park Street!

(I've also found out that the bakery might be expanding and opening up a 2nd location in Plainville. The bakery was the top bidder at an auction of the former Bantam Bread Co. building and related equipment at the end of April. The building is located at 33 Whiting Street)

Housing Official Owns Blighted Home in Hartford

2009-05-27T23:51:00.002-03:00

Hartford Courant reporter and blogger Helen Ubinas recently brought to light the condition of a nationwide housing official who owns a blighted home in Hartford.

I must first applaud Helen Ubinas for this story (even though to my most recent knowledge Helen does not actually live in Hartford - even though most of her news is about Hartford).

Anyways it turns out that the owner of 647 Broadview Terrace (southwest corner of the City, one block back from the New Britain Ave and White Street fork) is Denise Viera who has headed housing departments in Windsor and Hartford, was the founding executive director of the CT Fair Housing Center and served as a legislative appointee to CT's Blue Ribbon Commission on Affordable Housing. Now Denise Viera works as the deputy director of the Washington DC based community capacity development office at the Department of Justice whose mission is to work with communities to prevent crime and revitilize neighborhoods.

Coincidentally, Denise Viera's home is in need of some repairs. The reports show some overgrown bushes and grass, trash problems, broken windows and a broken gutter. I haven't been out to see the house (yet) so I cant speak for myself. However this is truly a pity since Denise Viera has numerous neighbors who maintain their homes in a city where this can be difficult (especially in a recession).

FOX61 reported that the City has sent letters and Denise Viera owes the City money. More action must be taken to show that the City of Hartford will not let this happen in any of its wonderful neighborhoods. The City should send out crews to clean up the house and send Denise Viera the bill - it has done this before and should do this again. Unfortunatly it appears that her home has not created a situation where the Nuisance Abatement Act could be used - partially because except for her home the rest of the neighborhood is very stable. However, neighbors interviewed on FOX61 stated that they recently have seen drug deals go on outside the house. Is this what a federal official wants happening outside her home?

According to the City's assesor's website she has owned the home since March, 1992. If she cannot take care of it she should sell. In the meantime the city must take action to set a presedence.

4 New Business Openings in Hartford!

2009-05-22T17:06:00.003-03:00

We have 4 new business openings that I have noticed over the past two weeks in Hartford. Great news and they couldn't be opening up during a better time of the year. The weather is getting warmer (its been in the 80s in Hartford this week), people are getting out more because of the nicer weather and it appears (to me at least) that there are some bright spots in the economy.

Here we go...

Le Petit Cafe has opened its doors on Temple Street next to Saigon Kitchen and two doors down from the recently opened DD's Gyros and Spuds. I believe there was a Le Petit Cafe in State House Square and am assuming this is the same restaurant that decided to move itself out of the food court and onto the street. Great move and they are definitely building the pedestrian traffic and number of cheap (but good!) eats on Temple Street.

1st Floor Cafe has opened at One Constitution Plaza in the space formerly occupied by Zuzu's (I think). The Cafe has breakfast sandwiches, bagels, muffins, grinders, panini's, sandwiches, salads, coffee and cold drinks. Great to see that this space was not occupied by another Dunkin Donuts. The Cafe is open Monday-Friday from 6am - 6pm and they are bound to do well with all the people working in Constitution Plaza, at the former WFSB site and visiting the new science center.

Dunkin Donuts appears to be opening another downtown location, this one inside State House Square. I will be honest, this is quite excessive now considering employees at State House Square can visit a Dunkin Donuts on Market Street (street level), Main Street (Residence Inn by Marriott - Street Level) or on Asylum Street. Not to mention there's Jojo's on Pratt Street and the 1st Floor Cafe at Constitution Plaza. Now workers don't even have to leave the building to get their coffee. Great.....NOT!!

Finally, the last opening is not truly confirmed. Its The Franklin Bar & Grill at 447 Franklin Avenue in the South End. The building is beautiful, covered in red brick on the corner of Brown Street & Franklin Avenue. There are banners on the front that say the restaurant is now open. And it appears there's a new wooden deck on the front. But it also looks like they may still be doing work on the building and I have not been by at dinner time or at night to see if its actually open so I cant confirm this opening. But if it isn't open yet I'm sure its opening soon. Looks to be another nice addition to the avenue!

Stunning Number of Drag Racing Arrests in Hartford this Weekend

2009-05-18T22:24:00.003-03:00

The Hartford Courant is reporting that this past Friday 149 people were arrested in connection with street racing in the city's South Meadows neighborhood, as part of the department's efforts to crack down on illegal racing. The police said they made 149 misdemeanor arrests for loitering and various motor vehicle violations. 24 hour gas stations on Brainard Road and the Burger King on Airport Road were targeted.

Personally I think these numbers are astonishing. I know street racing is a major problem in Hartford that the Hartford Police is having a difficult time controlling this problem. A few years ago and even to this day (somewhat) people race up and down the Berlin Turnpike when the weather starts getting warm all the way from Wethersfield through Newington and Berlin. Others gather in huge groups at various parking lots including Best Buy and Dunkin Donuts, some in between racing others to simply show off their cars. However, Wethersfield, Newington and Berlin cops have been cracking down on racing over the past few years and I beleive this is why the racing has spread and grown in Hartford's South Meadows.

It is reported that people come from all over the state as well as from New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey to race on the streets of Hartford. Videos of racing in Hartford can be found all over You Tube. The Police have put down speed bumps or strips (whatever you want to call them) on some streets but they cannot put them in every street in the area for various reasons. Consequently enforcements need to be stepped up which the HPD has shown it is doing. I must urge though that there are 16 other neighborhoods in Hartford, some with much more pressing issues then street racing and I hope that all neighborhoods receive the equal surveillance they deserve.

New Britain-Hartford Busway Open House this Tues & Wed

2009-05-18T22:17:00.002-03:00

There will be two open houses on the proposed New Britain-Hartford Busway. This plan is progressing and will become a vital link to the Capital Region. These two open houses (which will be the same) will feature bus routes and schedules, 11 station designs, rights of way, appearance, roadway design and multi-use trail.

New Britain on TUESDAY MAY 19, 2009
4:00-8:00pm
Central Connecticut State University
Founders Hall (Davidson Hall, Building 1)

West Hartford on WEDNESDAY MAY 20, 2009
4:00-8:00pm
Elmwood Community Center (Saint Jacques Auditorium) - 1106 New Britain Ave

Hartford's Fiona Stone Botique Closing (Again), Moving to the Burbs :(

2009-05-12T00:07:00.003-03:00

Downtown Hartford's Fiona Stone Boutique is closing, sadly for good this time I think. The store originally opened in 2003 (I believe) at 218 Pearl Street (Goodwin Hotel retail space in the back of the hotel). The store closed when the hotel closed. In February they had a reopening at a new location at 73 Pratt Street. Sadly they are closing their Hartford store to take a break and they will be reopening in West Hartford (a sad blow to downtown - hope they haven't realized that West Hartford is not fairing that well in the recession either). They are supposed to reopen in West Hartford in the fall.

Norwich's Heritage Discovery Center's Foreclosure Could Lead to Downtown Development...

2009-05-11T23:43:00.003-03:00

Some mixed news out of Norwich today as a Superior Court judge in New London approved the foreclosure of the Norwich Heritage Discovery Center buildings on Main and Water Streets downtown, a key downtown intersection, ripe for redevelopment. The property is to be awarded to Janny Lam, a downtown developer.

The sad news here is that the future of the Norwich Heritage Discovery Center does not look good. Years ago it was thought that the two building complex would be completely renovated and converted into an interactive history museum. This would have been amazing for downtown Norwich. It would have given families a reason to come downtown to visit the museum, walk around and have a bite to eat at a downtown restaurant - a nice alternative to the casinos.

However, the project did not get off the ground. The center had been given an $800,000 dollar loan by the City of Norwich to renovate the buildings, no word on what happened to the loan. Anyway, the museum plans appear to be gone and that is sad but the good news is that by transferring this property to a reputable developer it appears likely that these buildings will finally be redeveloped. The developer hopes to bring a mix of retail and residential units to the buildings.

AETNA First Thursday on May 7th!!

2009-05-07T00:23:00.003-03:00

AETNA First Thursday, an event designed to bring people to downtown Hartford to enjoy arts and heritage is happening tomorrow May 7th. A variety of events are available throughout the city.

This is truly a great initiative that works to get people out of the house and into the city. Events are throughout the day at venues such as TheaterWorks, Bushnell Center for Performing Arts, Hartford Public Library, Christ Church Cathedral, Butler McCook House & Garden, Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford Stage, Real Art Ways, CT Historical Society and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. There literally is something for EVERYONE. Would also recommend grabbing dinner and some drinks downtown before heading out!

Check out the link at the Greater Hartford Arts Council for a full schedule of events.
http://www.letsgoarts.org/Page.aspx?pid=280

UHART Students Charged in April Robbery on Campus

2009-05-06T18:27:00.003-03:00

4 University of Hartford students from Brooklyn, NY and Elmont, NY (Long Island) have been charged with the on campus robbery that shook the school last month around Easter. The accused students pushed there way into an on campus apartment as the victims were trying to leave. The suspects wore bandannas and had a gun. According to the University of Hartford president security on campus has been stepped up.

This is a very tragic and scary incident, just as the shooting of a Wesleyan University student in Middletown today is but it must be pointed out that the accused are students. They are not Hartford natives. This robbery should not have a negative impact on the city of Hartford. There was lots of talk after the robbery about how dangerous Hartford is and that due to the university's location these robberies were not a big surprise. However, there is proof now that the university's location had nothing to do with these robberies. Hartford's reputation, just as Middletown's (after toady's shooting) should not be impacted at all.

Violence Hits Downtown Middletown

2009-05-06T17:46:00.002-03:00

(Sorry for the delay in posts but I have been very busy)

Today a gunman shot and killed a Wesleyan University student inside the Red and Black Cafe which is inside Broad Street Books at 45 Broad Street. The store and cafe are just 1 block from Main Street heading towards the heart of the Wesleyan campus.

The incident occurred around 1:00pm today and has wrecked havoc throughout the city. Police are still searching for the gunman. As a result public and private Middletown schools in the area went into lock down and Wesleyan University students and staff were told to stay inside. The university's annual "Spring Fling" was also cancelled today.

According to The Middletown Press which appears to have more information on this incident then Hartford Courant reports that the victim was a 20 year old female student who was shot 5 times by her ex-boyfriend. They are also reporting that Police know the victim are working on locating him.

If what is in the papers is accurate this is NOT a random act of violence in downtown Middletown, which is a true urban success story. The victim knew her attacker. Middletown and especially downtown Middletown and the neighborhood surrounding Wesleyan are very safe. There is no need to put down Middletown because of this trajic incident. Comments on the Middletown Press website calling Middletown dangerous after this incident are incorrect. Middletown is a wonderful little city and this should not impact it's reputation.

Swine Flu Spreads Around CT and the Globe

2009-04-29T23:04:00.003-03:00

The Swine Flue pandemic continues to unfold and has not left Connecticut out. Despite efforts nationwide to contain the flu, it continues to spread. The LATEST updates as I write this blog at 10:10 EST on Wednesday April 29th are that Mexico's Health Secretary has ordered all nonessential Mexican government offices and businesses to close from May 1 - May 5.

Also of importance the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to 5 (its second highest warning). They are warning of widespread human infection from the Swine Flue that started in Mexico. All countries are being told to immediately activate emergency preparedness plans.

As the flu spreads schools across the country have been forced to close because of possible cases amongst the student and/or faculty bodies or as precautionary measures. In Connecticut Wethersfield and East Haddam schools were closed today (Wednesday).

On Thursday Wethersfield and East Haddam schools will remain closed. The Wells Road Intermediate School in Granby will be closed Thursday. Vernon Schools will be closed Thursday and Friday. The Rotella School in Waterbury will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Down in NYC where entire schools have been impacted 2 schools in Queens will remain closed Thursday and Friday along with 3 schools in Brooklyn.

Everyone must take precautions to stay healthy. Wash your hands often. Stay hydrated. Follow the news regularly for updates. And finally, if you get sick see a doctor ASAP - do not hesitate.

Bushnell Park Carousel Opens for 2009

2009-04-28T10:46:00.002-03:00

On Saturday the downtown Hartford's famed Bushnell Park Carousel opened up for the 2009 season. The best part is that rides are still only $1 all season long.

The famed carousel puts Hartford on the map because it is one of less then 200 antique wooden carousels still in operation. The carousel opened back in 1914.

EVENT: CT Highway Toll Hearings

2009-04-26T21:09:00.002-03:00

Transportation Strategy Board Leaders have set up two hearings to get Connecticut driver's inputs on reviving tolls on state highways.

The first hearing is Wednesday April 29 from 6:00 - 9:00pm at Gateway Community College in New Haven at 60 Sargent Street

The second hearing is Tuesday May 5 from 6:00 - 9:00pm at the University of Connecticut Waterbury Campus at 99 East Main Street (Multi purpose rooms 113 and 116)

Reinstalling electronic tolls at the state's borders and at busy highway routes is being considered. Tolls were originally removed in CT in the 1980s.

Everyone should go out and support the use of tolls as a way to generate income from out of state drivers and companies who use CT highways free of charge - when CT drivers and companies must pay to use highways and bridges in MA and NY.

Implementing tolls would create revenue that could be used to fund mass transit statewide including finally getting the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line on track which would finally connect New York City to Hartford.

Meadow's Music Theater Name No More...Again

2009-04-26T20:50:00.002-03:00

Hartford's beloved Meadow's Music Theater lost its popular name a few years ago after its naming rights were sold. The theater, for a few years was the Dodge New England Music Center, although many locals still called it the Meadows (in the same way many locals call the XL Center, the Civic Center).

Well Dodge gave up those naming rights which, meant for a short time the theater was back to its old Meadow's now.

However, Live Nation and Comcast have entered into a 7 year agreement to rename the theater the Comcast Theater - starting this summer. Well for Meadows fans, at least they have a few more days to call the Meadows by its true name.

O Trinity College - What Will They Think of Next? ...Seriously

2009-04-23T23:55:00.003-03:00

So a recent Trinity Tripod (that's the school newspaper) poll asked readers "Do you think Trinity should be fenced in?" The results:

58% - yes, it would increase our safety
36% - no, we don't need it
6% - I'm not sure

Well I'm glad 36% of the Trinity community has a brain on their head. As a strong supporter of Trinity College I cannot express strongly enough what a horrible idea this is. This is even horrible to bring up as a question for the school newspaper.

Trinity builds itself on working with the community. Trinity has done a lot for Hartford over the last 20 years. Trinity students are out in the city working and volunteering. The college has made tremendous improvements to its campus. The college also has a "Center for Urban and Global Studies." What would the college be saying to the city that it calls home by fencing itself in? This preposterous move would be contradictory to the developments Trinity has made in Hartford.

Yes there is violence in Hartford. Yes Trinity students do experience violence in and around their campus (although students at most urban colleges and universities worldwide are subject to violence on or near their campuses, however the real life experiences they gain by living in these cities is much more important). Fencing Trinity off though is not the answer. A stepped up campus police force and increased Hartford Police presence (with campus police and city police doing their jobs) is the answer, not a fence.

Phoenix Cuts Hartford Jobs

2009-04-23T00:40:00.003-03:00

Bad news came from the Phoenix Companies today: that they are eliminating 170 jobs, 75 of them in Hartford, to cut costs. The Courant reports that these layoffs are part of a plan the company announced in February to cut its workforce by 25% - meaning eliminating 250 of its 1,100 jobs.

The 75 Hartford job cuts represent 12.5% of Phoenix's 600 jobs in Hartford. The Courant is speculating that more Phoenix cuts are to come.

Recession Hits Greenwich: Goodbye Coach

2009-04-23T00:06:00.002-03:00

To cut costs Coach has closed 4 stores in tony towns because of high rents - one of the closings was the downtown Greenwich store at 243 Greenwich Avenue. Stores also closed on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, in Green Valley Ranch outside Las Vegas and in the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco.

The Greenwich store opened in 2005 in a prime retail spot that was previously vacated by Chico's. The two level store was 4,541 square feet.

Looking over some Greenwich blogs, locals didn't seem to sad to see the chain retailer close. They were disheartened to see a vacant space that is now apparently boarded up. It is unknown who will occupy this space - especially in this climate.

For Coach Greenwich fans the closest stores are in Stamford, Westport, White Plains or in Manhattan, where there are 10 stores.

Coach at Westfarms in Farmington and Buckland Hills in Manchester remain open.

New Business: 111 Lounge

2009-04-22T19:30:00.003-03:00

Address: 111 Allyn Street
Neighborhood: Downtown

So not sure when exactly they opened but downtown Hartford's Standing Stone is no more. In its place is the 111 Lounge, a much welcomed upscale and hip lounge. According to their Myspace page they have 2 full service bars, a V.I.P. mezzanine, and lounge spaces. Unlike Standing Stone which was only open Wednesdays-Sundays, the 111 Lounge is open 7 days a week.

111 Lounge is a great addition to the downtown nightlife scene. Enjoy and good luck!

Best of Hartford Advocate Readers Poll 2009: Congrats Hartford Businesses!

2009-04-20T00:07:00.015-03:00

The Hartford Advocate has released its Best of 2009 Readers Poll and we'd like to recognize all the businesses located in Hartford that won something. Adult entertainment establishments sadly have been excluded from the list.

DINE FINE

Best American/Continental Restaurant: (1st) - Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street; (2nd) Dish Bar and Grill, 900 Main Street; (3rd) Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave - the one in Hartford of course!
Best Bakery: (1st) - Mozzicato De Pasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop, 329 Franklin Ave.; (2nd) Modern Pastry Shop Inc., 422 Franklin Ave.
Best Bar & Grill: (1st) - Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave., (3rd) City Steam Brewery Cafe, 942 Main Street
Best Brazilian Restaurant: (1st) - Churrascaria Braza, 488 Farmington Ave.; (2nd) Chale Ipanema, 342 Franklin Ave.; (3rd) Barca Restaurant & Tapas Bar, 1429 Park Street
Best Breakfast Spot: (1st) - Mo's Midtown, 25 Whitney Street
Best Burrito: (3rd) - Agave Grill, 100 Allyn Street
Best Caribbean Restaurant: (1st) - The Russell, 103 Pratt Street
Best Dessert: (1st) - Mozzicato De Pasquale Bakery & Pastry Shop, 329 Franklin Ave.; (3rd) Trumbull Kitchen, 150 Trumbull Street
Best Fish Market: (2nd) - Tinkers Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market, 2074 Park Street
Best Greek Restaurant: (1st Place) - Tapas, 126-130 Ann Street
Best Hot Dog: (1st) - Woody's, 915 Main Street
Best Indian Restaurant: (3rd) - Ambassador of India, 950 Main Street
Best Irish Restaurant: (1st) - Half Door, 270 Sisson Ave., (2nd) Vaugn's Public House, 59 Pratt Street
Best Italian Restaurant: (1st) - Carbone's Ristorante, 588 Franklin Ave.; First & Last Tavern, 939 Maple Ave.
Best Jamaican Restaurant: (1st) - Scotts' Jamaican Bakery, 1344 Albany Ave.; (2nd) Jahmske's Caribbean Restaurant, 1291 Albany Ave
Best Japanese Restaurant: (3rd) - Feng, 93 Asylum Street
Best Korean Restaurant: (1st) - Ichiban Korean and Japanese Restaurant, 530 Farmington Ave.
Best Local Burgers: (2nd) - Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave.
Best Mediterranean Restaurant: (1st) - Tapas, 126-130 Ann Street,
Best Mexican Restaurant: (2nd) - Agave Grill, 100 Allyn Street; (3rd) Monte Alban Restaurant, 531 Farmington Ave.
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant: (2nd) - Aladdin Halal Restaurant, 121 Allyn Street
Best Pacific Rim Restaurant: (1st) - Feng, 93 Asylum Street
Best Peruvian Restaurant: (1st) - Piolin, 417 New Britain Ave.; (2nd) Goal International, 395 Franklin Ave.
Best Place for Late Night Eats: (2nd) - Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave.
Best Place for Romantic Dining: (1st) - Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street
Best Place to Dine Before a Show: (1st) - Bin 228 Panini & Wine Bar, 228 Pearl Street; (2nd) Trumbull Kitchen, 150 Trumbull Street; (3rd) Vito's by the Park, 26 Trumbull Street
Best Place to Hold a Wedding/Banquet: (3rd) - The Society Room of Hartford, 31 Pratt Street
Best Polish Restaurant: (1st) - Polish National Home, 60 Charter Oak Ave
Best Portuguese Restaurant: (1st) - O'Porto Restaurant, 2074 Park Street, (2nd) Primavera Pub, 271 Newington Ave.
Best Pub Food: (1st) - Wood-n-Tap, 99 Sisson Ave.
Best Puerto Rican Restaurant: (1st) - Comerio Restaurant, 158 Park Street
Best Restaurant: (2nd) - Dish Bar and Grill, 900 Main Street
Best Restaurant When Your Enemy is Paying: (1st) - Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street; (2nd) Morton's The Steakhouse, 30 State House Square
Best Ribs/BBQ: (1st) - Black Eyed Sally's, 350 Asylum Street
Best Seafood Restaurant: (3rd) - USS Chowder Pot IV, 165 Brainard Road
Best Service in a Restaurant: (1st) - Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street
Best Southern/Cajun Restaurant: (1st) - Black Eyed Sally's, 350 Asylum Street; (2nd) Rajun Cajun Restaurant, 2790 Main Street
Best Spanish Restaurant: (1st) - Costa Del Sol, 901 Wethersfield Ave.; (3rd) La Casona, 681 Wethersfield Ave.
Best Steakhouse: (2nd) - Morton's The Steakhouse, 30 State House Square
Best Sushi: (1st) - Feng, 93 Asylum Street
Best Vegeterian Restaurant: (2nd) - Alchemy Juice Bar, 203 New Britain Ave.
Best Wine List: (1st) - Bin 228 Panini & Wine Bar, 228 Pearl Street

COCKTAIL SHAKER

Best Brew Pub: (1st) - City Steam Brewery Cafe, 942 Main Street
Best Place for Margaritas: (2nd) - Agave Grill, 100 Allyn Street
Best Place for Martinis: (1st) - Tisane Tea & Coffee Bar, 537 Farmington Ave., (3rd) Max Downtown, 185 Asylum Street
Best Place for Wine Selection: (2nd) - Spiritus Wines, 367 Main Street

MUCHO MOCHA

Best Chain Coffeehouse: (1st) - Starbuck's, 185 Asylum Street & 200 Columbus Blvd., (2nd) Dunkin Donuts - throughout the city
Best Coffee: (3rd) - La Paloma Sabanera, 405 Capital Ave.
Best Espresso Drinks: (3rd) - La Paloma Sabanera, 405 Capital Ave.
Best Local Coffeehouse: (1st) - Tisane Tea & Coffee Bar, 537 Farmington Ave., (3rd) La Paloma Sabanera, 405 Capital Ave.
Best Speciality Drinks: (3rd) - Tisane Tea & Coffee Bar, 537 Farmington Ave.
Best Tea: (1st) - Tisane Tea & Coffee Bar, 537 Farmington Ave., (3rd) JoJo's Coffee Roasting Company, 22 Pratt Street

SEE & BE SCENE

Best Art Cinema: (1st) - Real Art Ways, 56 Arbor Street; (2nd) Cinema City, 235 Brainard Road; (3rd) Cinestudio, 300 Summit Street
Best Bang for your Buck: (1st) - Pigs Eye Pub, 356 Asylum Street; (2nd) Pour House, 103 Allyn Street
Best Bar: (2nd) - Pig's Eye Pub, 356 Asylum Street; (3rd) Koji, 17 Asylum Street
Best Bartender: (1st) - David Alan Roth at Koji, 17 Asylum Street; (2nd) Nick Salerno at DISH, 900 Main Street; (3rd) Chris Vincent at Tisane, 537 Farmington Ave.
Best Beer Selection in Bottles: (2nd) - The Spigot Cafe, 468 Prospect Ave., (3rd) The Half Door, 270 Sisson Ave.
Best Beer Selection on Tap: (3rd) - West Wings Bar & Grill, 310 Prospect Ave.
Best Blues Club: (1st) Black Eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues, 350 Asylum Street; (3rd) The Russell, 103 Pratt Street
Best Club: (1st) Up or On the Rocks, 50 Union Place, (2nd) Palace, 115 Allyn Street; (3rd) Polo Club, 678 Maple Ave.
Best College Bar: (1st) - West Wings Bar & Grill, 310 Prospect Ave.,
Best College Radio Station: (2nd) - WRTC 89.3FM at Trinity College, 300 Summit Street
Best Concert Venue: (1st) - The Meadows, 61 Savitt Way; (2nd) Webster Theater, 31 Webster Street
Best Dance Club: (1st) - Up or On the Rocks, 50 Union Place; (2nd) Room 960, 960 Main Street; (3rd) Palace, 115 Allyn Street
Best Dance Night: (1st) - Shag Frenzy at The Warehouse, 45 Bartholomew Ave., (2nd) Polo Club, 678 Maple Ave., (3rd) Cloud 9, 7 Congress Street
Best Gay Bar: (1st) - Polo Club, 678 Maple Ave., (2nd) Tisane Tea & Coffee Bar, 537 Farmington Ave
Best Happy Hour: (2nd) - Feng, 93 Asylum Street
Best Jukebox: (1st) Mad Dawg's, 76 Union Place; (2nd) The Spigot Cafe, 468 Prospect Ave.
Best Live Music Club: (1st) - Black Eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues, 350 Asylum Street; (2nd) Webster Theater, 31 Webster Street; (3rd) Sully's Pub, 2071 Park Street
Best Local Hero: (1st) Mayor Mike Peters; (2nd) Nick Salerno of DISH; (3rd) Luis Cotto of the Hartford City Council
Best Meet Market (Pick Up Joint): (1st) - Pour House, 103 Allyn Street; (2nd) Palace, 115 Allyn Street; (3rd) Black Bear Saloon, 187 Allyn Street
Best Movie Theater: (1st) - Bow Tie Cinema City, 235 Brainard Road
Best Museum: (1st) - Wadsworth Atheneum, 600 Main Street
Best Neighborhood Bar: (1st) - Red Rock Tavern, 369 Capital Ave., (2nd) The Spigot Cafe, 468 Prospect Ave.
Best New Bar: (1st) - Black Bear Saloon, 187 Allyn Street; (3rd) Sisson Tavern, 86 Sisson Ave.
Best Place for Going out on a Wednesday: (2nd) - The Half Door, 270 Sisson Ave.; (3rd) Pour House, 103 Allyn Street
Best Place for Kareoke: (3rd) - Sully's Pub, 2071 Park Street
Best Place for Last Call: (2nd) - Pig's Eye Pub, 356 Asylum Street; (3rd) Koji, 17 Asylum St
Best Place for Open Mic: (1st) - Sully's Pub, 2071 Park Street; (2nd) Black Eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues, 350 Asylum Street
Best Place to Hear Jazz: (1st) - Black Eyed Sally's BBQ & Blues, 350 Asylum Street; (2nd) The Russell, 103 Pratt Street
Best Place to Shoot Pool: (2nd) - Pig's Eye Pub, 356 Asylum Street
Best Professional Theater Company: (1st) Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street; (2nd) TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl Street; (3rd) HartBeat Ensemble, 555 Asylum Ave.
Best Pub: (1st) The Half Door, 270 Sisson Ave.; (3rd) Vaughn's Public House, 59 Pratt Street
Best Theater Venue: (1st) Hartford Stage, 50 Church Street; (2nd) Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, 166 Capital Ave.; (3rd) TheaterWorks, 233 Pearl Street

FAB SCHWAG

Best Camera Store: (2nd) - Camera Bar, 75 Asylum Street
Best Eyewear Store: (1st) - Opticians Unlimited, 42 Pratt Street
Best Indie Bookstore: (2nd) - Jumping Frog, 56 Arbor Street
Best Jewelery Store: (1st) - Lux Bond & Green, 68 Pratt Street
Best Lamps/Lighting: (1st) - Connecticut Lighting Centers, 160 Brainard Road
Best Local Clothing Shop-Men's: (1st) - Stackpole Moore Tryon Tuesday's, 242 Trumbull Street
Best Local Clothing Shop-Women's: (2nd) - NIRO Couture, LLC, 241 Asylum Street, 3rd Floor
Best Tuxedo Store: (1st) - J.T. Ghano, 496 Farmington Ave.; (3rd) Mr. Tuxedo, 137 Sisson Ave.

BODY & SOUL

Best Barber: (2nd) - Professional Barber Shop, 97 Pratt Street
Best Chiropractor: (2nd) - Capital Chiropractic Center, 99 Pratt Street, Suite 400; (3rd) Araya Chiropractic Wellness Center, 10 Mayflower Street
Best Place for Botox: (1st) - Hartford Plastic Surgery Associates, P.C., 100 Retreat Ave., Suite 500; (3rd) Connecticut Surgical Group, 85 Seymour Street
Best Cosmetic Surgery Center: (1st) - Hartford Plastic Surgery Associates, P.C., 100 Retreat Ave., Suite 500; (3rd) Connecticut Surgical Group, 85 Seymour Street
Best Place for Theraputic Massage: (3rd) Prossage Muscle Therapy, 100 Allyn Street
Best Community College: (3rd) Capital Community College, 950 Main Street
Best Four Year College: (1st) University of Connecticut, Hillside Road, Storrs (But they do have the Business School downtown and UCONN Law in West Hartford!)
Best Hospital: (1st) Hartford Hospital, 80 Seymour Street; (2nd) Saint Francis, 114 Woodland Street

WHEELIN' & DEALIN'

Best Foreign Dealership: (3rd) - New Country Motors, 1 Weston Park Road
Best Place for Brakes: (2nd) - Midas, 53 Maple Ave.
Best Place to Buy Auto Parts: (1st) - AutoZone, 1487 Albany Ave.; (2nd) Napa Autoparts, 722 Wethersfield Ave

New Tower for Downtown New Haven?

2009-04-16T22:32:00.003-03:00

The New Haven Register is reporting that a 9 story 104 unit residential tower has been proposed by the Housing Authority of New Haven to be built across from Yale New Haven Hospital. This is of course with the help of the Authority's developer - Trinity Financial of Boston.

The property for the proposed site is owned by Yale and the housing authority is saying that the deal could involve the hospital taking over the housing authority's the 16-story William T. Rowe housing project at 904 Howard Avenue in exchange for the land for the new tower. The parcels could also be purchased or a combination of both could occur.

Either way this is great news. Hopefully it will all get built and no disputes will erupt between the Housing Authority and the developer like they have recently done in Hartford (see the post below!). This project would add more market rate & affordable housing to downtown making it a denser and more populated neighborhood and would take away some vacant/surface lots from downtown.

Future of Hartford Projects Rebirth Uncertain Now

2009-04-16T21:47:00.003-03:00

The future of the rebirth of Westbrook Village and Bowles Park housing projects in northwest Hartford is uncertain these days reports the Hartford Courant. The $300 million dollar proposal called for the knocking down the housing projects (those 2 story brick barrack style buildings off Albany Ave & Mark Twain Drive) and building an entirely new housing development on the site. Similar projects have been completed at what are now known as Charter Oak Terrace and the Townhouses at Dutch Point.

However the Courant says the Westbrook Village and Bowles Park projects are "close to dead" as tension has erupted between the Hartford Housing Authority and their chosen developer Corcoran Jennison of Boston over the level of involvement the Hartford Housing Authority should hold.

Right now it is to late for this project to move backwards or stall. Many units that became unoccupied over the last few years were never reoccupied and thus sit vacant with boards over the windows. This is a c common step as property owners slowly try to get residents out of a development to make way for a new one. Despite the horrific barrack like buildings these projects are known for at least when they were previously operating at their fullest potential - by being fully occupied and housing the needy. Now they are simply taking up space for people who need affordable housing. Everything possible must be done to get this project back on track ASAP.

5 Camera Shops to Close in Greater Hartford

2009-04-16T20:30:00.003-03:00

5 Camera shops will be closing soon as part of the demise of the camera shop as we know it.

Ritz Camera recently announced it will close 300 of its 700 stores in the coming months. Ritz filed for bankruptcy protection in February, 2009.

The Ritz stores to close in Connecticut are:

982 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford (West Hartford Center)
526 Silas Deane Highway, Wethersfield
111 Albany Turnpike, Suite 203, Canton (Shoppes at Farmington Valley)
470 Lewis Ave, Meriden (Meriden Square)

Also closing is Midtown Photo at 390 Main Street in downtown Middletown which has been a Middletown icon for years. This unfortunately leaves a prime vacant retail spot in downtown Middletown.

For anyone freaking out about these shop closures there is no need to fear - The Camera Bar at 75 Asylum Street (between Main & Trumbull) in downtown Hartford is still open!!

New Business: Bocca Rossa

2009-04-16T20:06:00.002-03:00

Location: 942 Main Street (Residence Inn by Marriott ground level retail)

Neighborhood: Downtown

So Bocca Rossa opened last week on Friday April 10th I believe in the spot formerly occupied by Bistro 942 and Europa Cafe - both of which were short lived. They are between Dunkin Donuts and City Steam in the retail space along Main Street.

I don't know to much about Bocca Rossa other then that they are a wine bar and lounge. These types of businesses seem to be holding steady during the recession (as people keep drinking when times get tough). Location wise - they may not be in the heart of the nightlife district over by Allyn and Ann Streets - but Bocca Rossa seems like a more sophisticated place and hopefully they will bring some more foot traffic to that area of the city both day and night - adding to the crowds that Room 960, Dish and City Steam draw to Main Street.

As always enjoy and good luck!

New Business: DD's Gyro's and Spuds

2009-04-16T19:49:00.005-03:00

Location: 24 Temple Street (between Main and Market)

Neighborhood: Downtown

Not sure when exactly they opened but DD's Gyro's and Spuds has opened up in the space formerly occupied by Rosco's Big Dog, which sadly closed at the end of December, 2008. Considering the economy it is great to see a new tenant come in so soon.

DD's offers an array of Gyros with everything from Chicken to Lamb inside. They also have vegetarian specials (falafel, roasted eggplant, stuffed vine leaves). Don't forget the baked potato's and the tons of toppings that come with them as well as some great salads.

Enjoy and good luck!

UBS Jobs Cuts to LIKELY to hit Stamford and New Haven

2009-04-16T16:52:00.002-03:00

Sorry for the lack of news the last few days but do not worry numerous posts will be coming out over the next few days to get everyone up to date.

First off, Swiss bank UBS which employs 3,589 people in Connecticut according to the Hartford Courant will be cutting its global workforce by 10%. Overall there are 76,200 UBS employees worldwide and that means 8,700 job cuts.

Stamford, which serves as a co-headquarters for UBS will likely face the brunt of the job cuts because of this. Back in 1997 UBS made news by deciding to relocate major operations from Manhattan to Stamford. In 2002 UBS continued their dedication to Stamford by completing a major expansion to their offices downtown at 677 Washington Blvd. According to a 2002 UBS Press Release the company completed a 36,000 square foot expansion to its trading floor making it the largest securities trading floor in the world. At that time there were about 4,000 employees in Stamford occupying 1 million square feet of space.

UBS also has operation in downtown New Haven at 265 Church Street.

Alas this is just more bad news for Connecticut's financial services sector, with more cuts from other companies expected to follow suit.

Moe's Southwest Grill Coming Downtown!!

2009-04-10T16:17:00.002-03:00

Moe's Southwest Grille a national company with locations already in West Hartford, New Haven, South Windsor and Milford have signed an agreement to open up a new restaurant in the food court of State House Square downtown reports the Hartford Business Journal. The restaurant is expected to open in May.

This new downtown location is part of Moe's Hartford and Fairfield County expansion. Sites are being looked at in Avon, Bristol, Newington, Middletown, Bristol, Southington, Wallingford, Waterbury, Enfield and Glastonbury.

While its great to see a new addition to the city restaurant scene one must hope that over saturation of the market doesn't hurt Moe's in greater Hartford. I wish the new downtown Moe's the best of luck - considering there is already a fairly new one mere miles away at Blue Back Square in West Hartford. On a positive note Moe's will be a much welcomed new addition to the downtown restaurant scene considering there are no restaurants like it of its kind and there aren't many sit-down chain restaurants downtown.

Also - it would have been nice to see the restaurant sign a lease with more street frontage (as opposed to the State House Square food court) but I can't complain that much since they chose downtown in the first place. After all they may have been attracted to the site by the success of Morton's Steakhouse also in State House Square.

Property Taxes Likely to Increase....Again

2009-04-09T14:26:00.002-03:00

Municipal leaders including the mayors of Hartford, New Haven, Stamford and New Britain gathered at the Legislative Office Building today over possible cuts to municipal aid. The Courant reported that more then 200 municipal leaders gathered in Hartford. The issue is that the General Assembly might cut millions from Governor Rell's aid proposal.

The dire situation that many municipal governments are experiencing is only likely to get worse if aid is cut. Leaders say the only option they have right now is to raise property taxes to make up for lost state aid. Leaders have already cuts tons of jobs - New Haven Mayor John DeStefano has cut 67 city employees last month and will cut 124 more in June.

Cuts in municipal aid will once again be placing a burden on the less fortunate - those living in the state's urban areas where the mill rates are already the highest in the state. (A mill is equal to $1 of tax for each $1,000 of assessment). For 2005 Hartford's mill rate was a 64.82, Bridgeport's 42.28 and New Haven's 44.85. In comparison Darien's mill rate in 2005 was 13.40 and Newington's was 25.76.

Plans Still Moving Forward for New Downtown Office Tower

2009-04-08T11:58:00.005-03:00

Despite the recession plans are still moving ahead and on schedule for the construction of a new office tower at the former Broadcast House on Constitution Plaza downtown. The Hartford Courant is reporting that Abul A. Islam is likely to get the financing they need for their new $40 million dollar, 12 story office tower, courtesy of First Commercial Mortgage, Inc.

Why are they so confident? Because the new tower will be the city's first green office building and that will likely draw new out of state tenants. Islam plans to apply for city tax breaks, demolish Broadcast house starting in May and complete construction in late 2010 or early 2011.

If this project is built this will bring the first new office tower to the city in years. Over the last 5 years the Hartford skyline has grown with the Hartford Marriott Downtown and Hartford 21 but no new office tower has been built as part of the city's turnaround. Two floors of the new office tower would be occupied by Islam's own company, currently located in Middletown.

This is a very exciting project. The renderings posted on the windows of Broadcast House look great. However, everything must be done to make sure that Broadcast House is demolished and the tower is never built. The last thing Hartford needs is another vacant lot or dare I say it another surface lot. City leaders must make ensure that construction will in fact begin after Broadcast House is demolished. Looking at the bright side this office tower will hopefully open its doors after the recession meaning there will be some sort of demand for "green" office space downtown.

The latest from the Courant:

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-broadcast-house-redevelop.artapr08,0,6125205.story

There is a future for Colt Gateway

2009-04-07T21:38:00.004-03:00

A California developer is breathing new life into the city's stalled Colt Gateway project. The Hartford Courant has confirmed that Lance Jay Robbins and his Urban Smart Growth company will be taking over the project from Homes from American Holdings which ran into trouble when its lender (USA Capital) went bankrupt. The Colt Gateway project is a crucial project for the city but it is very complex due to the vast size of the property and to add insult to injury the property isn't exactly downtown - its in a developing part of the South Meadwos, that's slowing gaining in activity but doesn't quite have much hustle and bustle...yet.

The work's that been done at the Colt complex so far looks great. But there is still a tremendous amount of work to be done. The buildings that house Insurity Inc.'s headquarters and the CREC offices including a branch of the River Street School look great, its just a matter of completing the rest of the project. The main building that houses the famous blue onion dome still needs to be restored as soon as possible. The iconic vacant building can still be seen entering the city on I-91 North.

When done hopefully with the help of Urban Smart Growth as well as local, state and federal leaders Colt Gateway will house more offices, apartments and shops and be a National Park. Its already a National Historic Site. Urban Smart Growth definitely has a great track record in redeveloping historic sites nationwide. They are in the process or have successfully renovated properties in Los Angeles, Providence, Pawtucket and Columbus, OH to name a few. The closest project to Colt that the Courant mentions is the recently finished Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket that was a 650,0000 mill on 14 acres - Colt is 700,000 square feet on 17 acres, so therefore I am optimistic to say the least that Colt will be fully redeveloped by Urban Smart Growth...eventually.

The latest from the Courat:

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-colt-gateway-0407.artapr07,0,2252570.story

Legal Business Gets Tough for Large Firms, Job Cuts Follow..

2009-04-05T23:05:00.006-03:00

Two major law firms based in Hartford, CT announced job cuts this week because of the economy. Shipman & Goodwin based at 1 Constitution Plaza announced 26 jobs cuts throughout their 4 offices (all in Connecticut - Hartford, Stamford, Greenwich, Lakeville). 4 lawyers and 16 paralegal and administrative jobs will be lost in Hartford according to the Hartford Courant. This past Tuesday Robinson & Cole based at 280 Trumbull Street announced 30 job cuts throughout its 7 offices in the northeast. Hartford will lose 5 lawyers and 9 administrative support jobs. Overall Robinson & Cole has 250 lawyers nationwide, 150 in the Capital city (before the cuts). Shipman & Goodwin has 135 lawyers total, 100 of whom are in Hartford. The Courant also reports that Day Pitney LLP with an office at 242 Trumbull Street cut 66 jobs nationwide back in February, 31 of them in Hartford.

While these numbers may be small, many of these job cuts are well paying jobs that come from major law firms that serve corporate America, which consequently has a large presence in Greater Hartford. With dozens of law firms of all sizes located throughout Hartford we must hope that no more job cuts come in the next few months...although that's easier said then done.

The latest from the Courant:

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-shipman-goodwin-hartford-040.artapr04,0,6205537.story

Sighs of Releif over sale of the Hartford Steam Boiler

2009-04-04T20:40:00.007-03:00

For now (at least) city and state leaders can breath a sigh of relief over the recent sale of the Hartford Steam Boiler, headquartered at 1 State Street in downtown Hartford, CT. The insurance company was founded back in 1866, survived the Great Depression and hopefully will survive the current recession under the new ownership of the Munich Re Group, which became effective April 1, 2009. The Hartford Courant reported that HSB was sold for $739 million dollars. Munich Re assured city and state leaders that they do not plan to move the company out of Hartford (it is after all called the HARTFORD Steam Boiler) or lay anyone off. Right now there are 389 employees in Hartford.

HSB was sold by the very controversial AIG and so any new ownership brings more certainty to the corporation. We must now hope that the company remains stable and rides out the recession, remains headquartered in Hartford and does not lay anyone off - Connecticut's capital city has seen enough of that already.

The latest from the Courant:

http://www.courant.com/business/hc-hartford-steam-boiler-0401,0,906249.story