[beerbeer]

Any city fight with CenterPlan would be about money and shouldn't affect the new developer. There is no scenario where CenterPlan gets back its position as developer of the site.

[JayCT]

Was debating if I should post this on the Connecticut Transportation thread or here. Since it relates to Hartford, I thought here would be best.

FYI - It is my understanding that it was Ms. Gold's idea to move the train tracks to the west and lower I-84 west of downtown so she might be a bit biased. She does have some good points though. Jay

Op-Ed: John Larson's Tunnel Undermines A Real Project - Hartford Courant

[East of the River]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Was debating if I should post this on the Connecticut Transportation thread or here. Since it relates to Hartford, I thought here would be best.

FYI - It is my understanding that it was Ms. Gold's idea to move the train tracks to the west and lower I-84 west of downtown so she might be a bit biased. She does have some good points though. Jay

Op-Ed: John Larson's Tunnel Undermines A Real Project - Hartford Courant

If we had an economy that was growing and a less combative public ..... Larsons plan would be the best. But we Don't so a decked over 84 seems a good compromise. I would also shoot for decking over more of 91 like near then convention center.

[JayCT]

As part of the bipartisan budget deal approved by the State Senate last night, the XL Center will get $40 million for improvements and/or land purchases BUT the City of Hartford must put the arena up for sale to a private developer by June 30, 2019.

I am not sure how interested private developers will be in a 40 year old arena that faces stiff competition from nearby casinos, open-air summer venues and smaller theaters. It seems to be a way for the state to back off from its commitment to the city which if anything IMHO, is a very poor move at this point. It is clear that people are moving back to cities these days, even Hartford, but basically closing a major venue like the XL Center would do nothing to improve Hartford or position it for the future. Jay

XL Center slated for $40M; headed to sales block | HartfordBusiness.com

[JayCT]

Now that a State budget appears to be imminent and Hartford looks to be getting much of the PILOT money they need, Mayor Luke Bronin is still not ruling out a bankruptcy filing for the city. Jay

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin Says State Cash Helps, But Bankruptcy Still Possible - Courant Community

[Mike 75]

Originally Posted by JayCT

Now that a State budget appears to be imminent and Hartford looks to be getting much of the PILOT money they need, Mayor Luke Bronin is still not ruling out a bankruptcy filing for the city. Jay

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin Says State Cash Helps, But Bankruptcy Still Possible - Courant Community

The fiscal problems of the city are structural, and will not be resolved with an influx of $40 million. They are looking at increasing budget deficits every year for the foreseeable future.

[JayCT]

Five options have emerged for the relocation of Union Station and the bus depot as part of the massive I-84 reconstruction project in Hartford. In order to construct the preferred option of lowering I-84 below existing grade, the train tracks and station must be moved to the north and west of I-84. Three of the options would place the station north of Asylum Street and two would place it to the south at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Broad Street. Not sure which location is best but it would be great if they could save the massive Capitol View apartments at the corner of Asylum and Garden. Not sure if that is possible since new tracks are supposed to be constructed below grade directly adjacent to them. Jay

Options Emerge For New Hartford Train Station As Part Of I-84 Reconstruction - Hartford Courant

[JayCT]

Looks like the city received three bids to redevelop Dillon Stadium. That is great news. Hopefully this will go forward. Jay

Three Developers Make A Pitch For Hartford's Dillon Stadium - Courant Community

[JayCT]

There appears to be good and bad news over on Front Street. The good news is that the final component of the project, apartments on Arch Street, has begun construction. The bad news is that Nix, the embattled seafood restaurant, has been closed. The owners have not been paying their rent so the court order it closed and turned over to the landlord. Earlier this year, the owners had closed their Evergreen Walk location in South Windsor. They also had a dispute with the owners of Front Street over foul odors coming into the restaurant from what is thought to be a clogged sewer line.

Final Piece Of Hartford's Front Street Now Under Construction - Hartford Courant

Court shutters Nix's in downtown Hartford | HartfordBusiness.com

In other news downtown, two developers are vying for the right to develop two long vacant parcels at the corner of Main Street and Park Street overlooking South Green. The properties have been the location of a couple of projects in the past that never went anywhere including a couple fo high-rise proposals that would have been out of scale with the neighborhood. Both of the developers have a great record of successful development. One just completed the historic Capewell foundry conversion to apartments nearby. The other, Spinnaker Properties has a very strong record in Fairfield and New Haven Counties. Either one would make a great developer for the city. I hope the city moves quickly on this since the site has been vacant for way too long. Jay

Two Developers Vie To Build On Pivotal Corner of Park, Main Streets In Hartford - Hartford Courant

[beerbeer]

Construction has begun on the rehab of Pearl and Trumbull. Same company that rehabbed the Sonesta Hotel on CP. Bringing that dead corner to life with around 200 apartments should make a big difference in the heart of downtown