The Hub of Hartford Committee, in partnership with the Capitol Region Council of Governments, will host a Public Workshop on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Lyceum Resource Center on Lawrence Street in the city to discuss issues and opportunities related to the I-84 Viaduct and its role in the city and the region. There will be an informational open house from 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. to learn more about the project. The workshop will take place from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

The goal of the I-84 Viaduct Study is to identify an array of preliminary alternatives to reconstruct, replace or remove the viaduct and evaluate their ability to serve the many transportation functions of the existing viaduct, improve the quality of life and provide opportunities for economic growth in the Capitol Region.

For more information on the I-84 Viaduct preoject, please visit www.crcog.org/viaduct.html.

Small Portion of Asylum Street to be Closed for Paving

The City of Hartford has announced that Asylum Street from Main Street to Trumbull Street will be closed to vehicles to allow for repaving from Wednesday morning, October 28th through Friday evening, October 30th. Click here for the entire press release.

Downtown Streets Scheduled for Repaving

The Department of Public Works announced a paving schedule today for several Downtown Hartford streets. Portions of Main Street, American Row, Central Row and Pearl Street will be milled between September 29th - October 1st and repaved between October 3rd - October 4th. See the press release for all of the details.

Weekday Event at XL Center Promises Major Traffic Congestion

MAJOR TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Commuters and Ticket Holders for Seminar Should Prepare for Major Traffic Congestion/Parking Issues and Take Steps to Prevent Delays

Good – yet challenging – news for Downtown Hartford on Wednesday, September 9 as the nationally renowned “Get Motivated" Business Seminar scheduled to feature General Colin Powell, Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former First Lady Laura Bush, and numerous other well-known figures (subject to change) will be held at the XL Center.

The sold-out event is expected to draw nearly 19,000 ticket holders to the XL Center – all during morning rush hour, when more than 75,000 regular commuters already are coming into the city. This additional traffic influx has the potential to cause one of the largest traffic jams in Hartford’s history.

► This surge of ticket holders traveling into Hartford for an 8 a.m. start (doors open at 6:45 a.m.) at the XL Center will certainly create major traffic issues during normal morning rush hour, and again during the afternoon rush hour, when the event concludes at 4:45 p.m.

► Commuters and event ticket holders alike should be aware that traffic congestion is expected to be at an all-time high. People expecting to park downtown may find lots and garages already filled to capacity. This has been the case in every city where the event has been held, creating massive traffic back-ups in Pittsburgh, Albany and Buffalo.

To try and reduce delays caused by large numbers of people and vehicles coming Downtown at one time, a consortium – including the XL Center, Hartford Hospitality Task Force, Hartford Business Improvement District, City of Hartford, State of Connecticut, Greater Hartford Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hartford Parking Authority, MetroHartford Alliance, and others – are working with event promoters to provide the public with commuting options, including special shuttle bus parking lots on that day. (In fact, the promoters report that Hartford is the first city ever to call them to try plan ahead and try to prevent greater traffic problems).

The corporate community is being contacted and urged to encourage staff to telecommute or to offer staggered work hours on that day so employees can avoid the morning and afternoon rush.

• Commuters and “Get Motivated” ticket holders are encouraged to consider the following options for transportation on that day (or any day, for that matter):
• Leave early for work or for “Get Motivated” event – doors open at 6:45 a.m.; event begins at 8 a.m.;
• Carpool with another person, and use the H.O.V. lanes (reserved for vehicles with two or more);
• Utilize public transportation, visit www.cttransit.com or call 860-525-9181 for schedules;
• Park your car at a suburban Park & Drive lot with a CT Transit bus (if available), or park your car at a lot and carpool in with another person;
• Use Amtrak. Two trains depart from Springfield, Windsor Locks, and Windsor early enough to arrive in Hartford by 8 a.m. –reservations are needed, www.amtrak.com or 1-800-USA-RAIL; or

• Ticket holders may utilize one of two special “Get Motivated” Shuttle parking lots for $5 per vehicle and take a free Shuttle bus to the XL Center from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. that day. The two locations are:

1. Hartford’s North Meadows-Exit 33 off I-91 [recommended for people coming from the North and the West]; and
2. Rentschler Field in East Hartford-Exit 58 off I-84) [recommended for people coming from the South and the East];

• If you are staying at a hotel, are going to the XL Center from work, or want to move around Downtown, hop aboard the Hartford Star Shuttle, a free service which loops the Downtown area every few minutes, stopping at major hotels and attractions. www.cttransit.com;
• If you know a short cut, use it; or
• If you have a bicycle, ride it.

Even with all of these actions, people still should expect significantly more rush hour traffic than normal. Please be patient and make every effort to provide lots of time for your trip into and through Hartford.

Information on driving/parking suggestions and “Get Motivated” shuttles will be posted and updated at www.xlcenter.com

* DIRECTIONS TO “GET MOTIVATED” SHUTTLE PARKING IN HARTFORD AND EAST HARTFORD:

Recommended for people driving from the West (from Waterbury):
NORTH MEADOWS IN HARTFORD Take I-84 East to I-91 North exit (Springfield). Take I-91 North to Exit 33 – Jennings Road. Police officers will direct you to parking areas.

Recommended for people driving from the North (from Springfield):
NORTH MEADOWS IN HARTFORD Take I-91 South to Exit 33 – Jennings Road. Police officers will direct you to parking areas.

Recommended for people driving from the East (from Vernon): RENTSCHLER FIELD IN EAST HARTFORD Take I-84 West to Exit 58. Police officers will direct you to parking areas.

Recommended for people driving from the South (from New Haven): RENTSCHLER FIELD IN EAST HARTFORD Take I-91 North to Exit 25 (Route 3-Glastonbury). Bear left at end of Route 3 onto Route 2 West. Take Exit 4 to I-84 East (Boston). Take Exit 58 to Rentschler Field. Police officers will direct you to parking areas. OR Take I-91 North, pass the new CT Science Center in Hartford on your left, to Exit 33 – Jennings Road. Police officers will direct you to parking areas.

Recommended for people driving from Route 2 (Norwich): RENTSCHLER FIELD IN EAST HARTFORD Take Route 2 West. Take Exit 4 to I-84 East (Boston). Take Exit 58 to Rentschler Field. Police officers will direct you to parking areas.

Call for Hartford Artists - Awesomest Art Thing Ever

Supported by funding from the 2009 Hartford Arts & Heritage Jobs Grant Program, the Hartford BID announces a call for artists to submit creative proposals to fill unoccupied storefronts in downtown Hartford. The BID is looking for 6-8 exceptional proposals from artists and hopes to display a compelling and varied group of artwork in September 2009 that will enhance the vibrancy of downtown Hartford. Each winning artist or collaborative proposal will be awarded an honorarium of $1,500. Modest funds are also available for artist materials. Residents of Hartford, artists who maintain or lease studio space in Hartford, or students enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program in Hartford (including University of Hartford) are eligible to apply. Deadline for submissions is August 24, 2009, at 10 a.m. Please visit www.Hartford.com for submission guidelines, project FAQ, and to download an application. Artists may also request an application from storefronthartford@gmail.com.

100 Pearl Street Gallery Opens New Show

100 Pearl Street has announced the opening of a show in their first floor art gallery.

Ilya Gotfryd presents Anastasiy Safari in
"Luminescence Framed"
Fine Art Photography show

The 100 Pearl Gallery and Ilya Gotfryd proudly present Anastasiy Safari’s “ Luminescence Framed" Fine Art Photography show. Inspired by the artist’s imagination, travel and current residence in Russia, these photos come to you from the many corners of the world.

We invite you to take this opportunity to recapture and celebrate the bouncing rays of light of Safari’s vision and imagination.

Anastasiy Safari’s “ Luminescence Framed"
Grand Opening Reception
Monday July 27, 2009
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
100 Pearl Gallery
100 Pearl Street Hartford, CT

The show will remain open until September 25 during regular gallery hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday - Friday Saturday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

For additional information please contact: Elizabeth Marsh (100 Pearl Concierge): (860) 293-3374

This past Thursday evening at the General Meeting of the Hartford BID, the following property owners or their designees were elected to a 5-year term on the organization’s Board of Commissioners:

Class A Commissioners: Six (6) largest Property Owners

Suzanne Kempf, Northland Investment Corporation
Hank Hoffman, The Hartford
Tom Luszczak, Travelers
Michael Algiere, CityPlace
Mike Marshall, Aetna
David Jakubowski, State House Square

Class B Commissioners: Four (4) of next ten (10) Property Owners

Peter Donohue, Capital Properties
Jerry Hayes, Phoenix
Mark Wolman, Waterford Group
Martin Kane, Talcott Realty Investors

Class C Commissioners: Three (3) of next seventy (70) Property Owners

Elizabeth Judd, Konover Commercial Corporation
Todd Lavigne, TJL Ventures
Bert Kaplowitz, LAZ Parking

Class D Commissioners: Two (2) of the remaining Property Owners

Christian ‘Red’ Wright, 103-105 Allyn Street LLC
Frank Lord, 266 Pearl Street

Class E Commissioners: Three (3) lessees (at least one retail operation.)

Brooke Baran, Connecticut Culinary Institute
Jim Lewis, Harvey & Lewis Opticians
Mike O’Connell, O’Connell, Flaherty & Attmore


These elected Commissioners will be joined by appointed Commissioners in Class F and Class G.

Class F Commissioners: City of Hartford Mayor or his designee and City Council member

TBD - Mayor’s Office
TBD - City Council

Class G Commissioners: Alliance, Arts Council, and BFDH

Oz Griebel, MetroHartford Alliance
Kate Bolduc, Greater Hartford Arts Council
Stathis Manousos, Business for Downtown Hartford

Congratulations to all who were elected or have been appointed to serve on the BID Board.

Mayor Calls General Meeting of Property Owners

In accordance with Article XIII, Section 28-229a of the Hartford Municipal Code, Mayor Eddie A. Perez has called a General Meeting of taxable property owners of the Hartford Business Improvement District (BID) for Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at Hartford City Hall, 550 Main Street, Hartford, 2nd floor, Function Room.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect a new Board of Commissioners to govern the Hartford Business Improvement District. The BID was reauthorized in a municipal referendum that concluded on June 25, 2009. The election of Commissioners will take place following a review of the election process and a call for nominations to serve on the board.

For more information about the Hartford BID or specific questions about the general meeting and election, please call Michael Zaleski at 860-728-2274.

Parking Changes Coming to Pratt Street

The Public Works Department has notified property owners and tenants on Pratt Street of upcoming changes to on-street parking regulations. Effective July 20th, there will now be loading zones at each end of the street, two hour metered parking in two sections and one handicapped parking section.

Hartford BID Reauthorized for New 5-Year Term

Taxable property owners in Downtown and Asylum Hill overwhelmingly voted in a city referendum to reauthorize the Hartford Business Improvement District (BID). Hartford City Clerk Dan Carey announced the results early Thursday evening after the ballots were opened and counted. Support from more than 50% of the actual properties representing more than 50% of the assessed value was needed to pass the referendum. According to results released by Carey, 73% of the properties in the District voted in favor of renewing the BID. These properties represented more than 85% of the assessed value of the District.

The Hartford BID is now reauthorized for a 5-year term, commencing with a general meeting of the property owners that will be held later this summer.

BID Executive Director Michael Zaleski thanked the taxable property owners of the District for their support and noted that the results surpassed the results from the original referendum in 2006. Zaleski stated, “The property owners of Downtown Hartford and Asylum Hill showed in this vote that they believe in what the BID is doing. We received the endorsement of property owners large and small are humbled by this overwhelmingly show of support.”

Zaleski noted that strong support from the City of Hartford, specifically Mayor Eddie A. Perez and members of the Court of Common Council, made the successful referendum possible. He also cited the strong relationship that the BID has developed with the Hartford Police Department and Department of Public Works.

Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez called the vote an, "enthusiastic endorsement of the progress that is being made and a strong investment in Hartford’s future.”

Lawrence R. Gottesdiener, Chairman, Northland Investment Corporation stated, "As downtown's largest property owner, Northland was pleased to vote in support of the city referendum to reauthorize the Business Improvement District. Through the BID's partnership with major stakeholders in the city, we are confident they will continue to improve the pedestrian experience, cleanliness and most importantly the safety of the urban core."

Business improvement districts are public/private partnerships that provide enhanced services within a defined commercial area. More than 1,000 cities nationwide have turned to the BID model to provide supplementary clean, safe and promotional programs in their business district. In Connecticut, Stamford, Danbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, New Britain, Manchester and Hartford’s Park Street all have viable business improvement districts.

Community Honors Jack Hale for Two Plus Decades of Service

Mayor Eddie A. Perez (right) is joined by Councilman Matt Ritter (left) in congratulating Jack Hale

Last Friday, more than 100 people gathered at the Elizabeth Park Pond House to honor Jack Hale for his service to Knox Parks Foundation and the city of Hartford. Hale, the former executive director of Knox, recently left after more than 20 years leading the non-profit horticultural organization. Speakers saluting Jack included Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez, Hartford BID Director Michael Zaleski, former Councilman Bob Painter and community leader Nancy Macy.

The Knox Parks Foundation grows and maintains the Hartford BID's more than 275 flower planters that beautify the Downtown and Asylum Hill. Jack Hale has started his own consulting business that focuses on successful green programs.

Picture of the Day.....6.16.09

More than 275 flower planters are being delivered throughout the Hartford BID,
including these four in front of the Greater Hartford Welcome Center on Pratt Street
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Picture of the Day.....6.05.09

10th Annual Black Eyed & Blues Fest last night in Bushnell Park
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Reauthorization Ballots in the Mail

Ballots for the referendum to reauthorize the Hartford Business Improvement District were mailed out by the Hartford City Clerk on Thursday. The ballots were mailed to owners of the 255 taxable properties in the District. Property owners have until close of business on Thursday, June 25th to return the ballots to City Hall. The returned ballots will be opened and counted that afternoon and the results will be announced.

Delivery of BID Flower Planters One Short Week Away

Hartford BID flower planters in Knox's Laurel Street greenhouse
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Crews from the Knox Parks Foundation are busy making final preparations for the delivery of almost 300 flower planters to the streets of the Hartford BID. The Hartford BID contracts with Knox to grow, deliver and maintain the flower planters that are located throughout the entire District. Knox grows the flowers from seed in their two greenhouses located on Laurel Street just outside of the BID boundaries. Delivery is expected to commence early next week.

Picture of the Day.....5.27.09

Front entrance to Aetna on Farmington Avenue
Photo credit: Amy Lord for the Hartford BID

Press Conference Promotes Destination Hartford

Jordan Polon of the Hartford BID speaks at the Destination Hartford press conference
Photo credit: Sarah Barr, Mayor's Office

Mayor Eddie A. Perez held a press conference on Thursday outside the Hilton Hartford Hotel to promote the city of Hartford as a ‘staycation’ destination for the summer. With the Memorial Day holiday weekend upon us, Mayor Perez was joined by representatives of the Hartford Business Improvement District, the Connecticut Science Center and the Greater Hartford Convention and Visitors Bureau to promote the many great attractions and destinations that Hartford has to offer. The Rising Star Committee has worked to package 8 weekends throughout the summer to help attract visitors to Hartford. These are weekends that loaded with events and have the potential to bring in thousands of people to the city.

Facade Work Continues at 410 Asylum

Construction work continued on the facade of 410 Asylum Street today. The building, currently being renovated by Common Ground, is expected to open later this summer with street level retail and more than 60 apartments on the upper floors.

Asylum Street Streetscape Progressing

Construction crews have almost completed the north side of the new sidewalk installation on Asylum Street. Construction of the new sidewalk on the south side will start later this summer.

Picture of the Day.....5.15.09

Taken today, McKinnon's Irish Pub on Asylum Street sporting a
new sidewalk, decorative fencing and blooming geraniums
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Picture of the Day.....5.14.09

Travelers Tower
Photo credit: Awilda Maldonado for the Hartford BID

Hartford City Council passes amended BID ordinance

This past Monday, the Hartford City Council unanimously passed an ordinance amending Chapter 28, Article III of the Hartford Municipal Code. The amended ordinance allows for a reauthorization referendum to take place among taxable properties in the Hartford BID.

The referendum, which is tentatively scheduled for early June, must be held within 60 days of May 11th. Taxable property owners in the BID will receive additional information on the reauthorization effort next week.

10 Reasons to Support the Reauthorization of the Hartford BID

1. SAFER STREETS - The daily presence of the BID’s Security Ambassadors provides a reassuring presence to employees, residents and visitors who frequent the District. Aggressive panhandling in the District has decreased because of the presence of our security team.

2. INCREASED POLICE PRESENCE - As a direct result of the BID, the Hartford Police Department has inserted three new beats and two new patrol areas in the District. In addition, a HPD Deputy Chief attends regular monthly BID Board meetings.

3. CLEANER STREETS - BID Cleaning Ambassadors pick up more than 100,000 pounds of litter and debris each year. Recent budget cuts by City Public Works and other departments make the day-to-day work of the on-street BID clean team vital.

4. GRAFFITI REMOVAL - Prior to the existence of the BID, the District was a popular place for graffiti vandals. Today, graffiti is almost non-existent, and when it does appear, our Cleaning Ambassadors remove it within 24 hours.

5. COLLECTIVE VOICE - Through the BID, the property owners have a collective voice with City Hall.

6. FOCUSED ATTENTION - The sole focus of the BID is the economic vitality and competitiveness of Downtown Hartford and Asylum Hill. The organization exists to serve the interests of its property owners.

7. TARGETED MARKETING - The BID is committed to marketing the District to metro Hartford and beyond. Through a strong online presence, social networking, event production and traditional media, the BID is dedicated to positioning the District as the best place to work and play in our region.

8. RAPID RESPONSE- The BID has the ability to address and resolve issues with short notice. If a good idea is suggested that can benefit the property owners, we can implement it quickly without bureaucratic red tape.

9. ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY – The BID is accountable to its property owners. A sunset clause ensures that the BID never loses sight of its core purpose. The property owners have direct control over the policies and direction of the organization.

10. WEATHERING THE STORM - The BID provides baseline services that are critical to downtown revitalization. It’s important that the central business district be properly positioned to flourish when economic times improve.

Picture of the Day.....5.13.09

This bus shelter on Pearl Street continues to evolve.
Photo credit: Jordan Polon for the Hartford BID

City Leaders Call for Enhanced Commuter Rail

Photo credit: Rodney Crockett for the Hartford BID

Michael Zaleski, Executive Director of the Hartford Business Improvement District joined Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, City Director of Development Services Director David Panagore, Vicki Shotland of the Greater Hartford Transit District, and Paul Mounds from Congressman John Larson’s office at a news conference on Monday at Union Station to speak in favor of increased commuter rail service for Downtown Hartford. The news conference was held in conjunction with National Train Week. According to Mayor Perez, enhanced commuter rail can lead to job creation, enhanced pedestrian traffic and more business for the city.

Picture of the Day......5.1.09

State House Square, October 2008
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Picture of the Day....4.28.09

Taken April 19th, Hartford Police Department bicycle patrol officers pose for a pre-parade
photo while crew members of the BID's clean team put final touches on the bus banners.
Photo credit: Rodney Crockett for the Hartford BID

BID Commissioner Awarded Rising Star Award

Photo credit: Jim Foye, MetroHartford Alliance

On Monday, Jerry Hayes, a Hartford BID Commissioner representing Phoenix, received a Rising Star Award from the MetroHartford Alliance recognizing his many years of service to the city. Hayes was specifically lauded for his work on the committee that led to the establishment of the Hartford BID and his dedication to the city's Sheldon / Charter Oak neighborhood. Congratulations, Jerry.

HBID Annual Meeting One Week Away

Annual Meeting of the Property Owners
May 4, 2009, 5:30 p.m.
City Arts on Pearl / Theaterworks
233 Pearl Street Hartford, Connecticut 06103

Please join the Board of Commissioners of the Hartford Business Improvement District for the Annual Meeting of the Property Owners. The meeting provides taxable property owners in the District with an opportunity to review the proposed 2009/2010 BID budget and comment on the organization’s activities and priorities. There will be a short presentation by the Board and ample opportunity for comments and questions. A reception will follow the formal business meeting.

Please call Michael Zaleski, Executive Director of the Hartford BID at 860-728-2274 with questions or email mzaleski@hartfordbid.com.

Picture of the Day......4.21.09

The UCONN Women's Basketball team makes its way onto the parade route on Sunday.
Photo credit: Jordan Polon for the Hartford BID

Picture of the Day......4.8.09

The Bushnell Park Carousel is scheduled to open later this month.
Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Moving to Hartford?

Thinking about moving to Hartford and renting or buying a place? A new web site, www.LiveHartford.org, provides visitors with a significant amount of information about living in the city. The site, which was recently launched by the MetroHartford Alliance, allows visitors the opportunity to see Hartford real estate listings and has links to the web sites of many city apartment buildings.

Picture of the Day....4.6.09

55 Farmington Avenue
Photo credit: Amy Lord for the Hartford BID

Picture of the Day....4.3.09

Taken today, crews from the Metropolitan District work to fix a water main
break on Market Street that closed the street to traffic earlier in the day.

Photo credit: Michael Zaleski for the Hartford BID

Graffiti Removal Program Aims for Eradication Within 24 hours

Recognizing that its often what you don't see that makes a difference, the BID has set a goal of removing graffiti tags within 24 hours of their appearance in the District. The BID's Cleaning Ambassador team has a trailer mounted power washing unit that is capable of removing even the most stubborn graffiti tags.

To report graffiti, please call the BID's Operations Manager Rodney Crockett at 860-331-4646 or the main office at 860-728-2274.