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