The Capital Region Development Authority Board of Directors agreed Thursday to pay up to $650,000 to buy the former Blind Pig Pizza Co. space at 89 Arch St., just over the edge of the Front Street entertainment district.
The CRDA board also voted to support the formation of a special “Business Improvement District” in the Parkville neighborhood with a grant of up to $30,000. Among other things, the formation of a district would allow for a relatively small additional tax on buildings in the area to support additional services, such as extra street cleaning or marketing. A district could also lobby for district interests, seek grants and hold property.
Blind Pig
CRDA staff said the 3,780-square-foot retail building at 89 Arch St., was always meant to be a part of the Front Street district, but that officials had shied away from using eminent domain to gain control of it.
CRDA opposition to a proposed cannabis retail shop in the space helped scuttle the proposal last year. Officials said they “elected to act” now to buy the property since it’s been put up for sale. It hit the market in late 2021, following the closure of Blind Pig Pizza.
CRDA staff said they’ll honor any current lease at the building if a purchase is successful. The building is currently vacant but there is a possibility that a restaurant tenant may sign a lease, according to CRDA Executive Director Michael Freimuth.
Parkville Business Improvement District
The CRDA board also agreed Thursday to support efforts to launch a Business Improvement District for the Parkville Neighborhood with up to $30,000.
Modeled after the downtown Hartford Business Improvement District, a new Parkville organization could levy an additional tax on properties in the district to fund improvements, events and marketing efforts. It could also own property, apply for grants and lobby for more support for the area.
The downtown business improvement district adds 1.48 mills to the tax bills of properties in the district to pay for additional services.
The creation of a new business improvement district would require approval from the city council and a majority of property owners in the district. Proponents believe they can get everything in place for a launch late this year.
“We think this is a transformational program, if we can get it going,” said Trinity College President Joanne Berger-Sweeney, a CRDA board member.
