Eager to fill vacant storefronts, Hartford officials want to adjust zoning regulations to allow first-floor office space uses in mixed-use properties along key downtown streets and other commercial arteries.
City officials have filed for a zone change that would allow, by right, office uses in the city’s DT-1 zoned and MS-1 zoned properties.
Both districts, which include a combined 678 commercial properties, generally allow for retail and service uses, but currently restrict office use to upper floors.
The (Downtown) DT-1 District is the highest intensity district and includes some of the city’s largest office buildings on Main Street, Trumbull Street and Columbus Boulevard, according to city zoning regulations.
The (Main Street) MS-1 District includes some of the main commercial corridors in the city.
“I think this is a positive move for the city,” said Erin Howard, the city’s planning and zoning director. “It’s really hard to do commercial development right now and hard to fill spaces. This will support small businesses and property owners. It will fill properties that otherwise wouldn’t be filled.”
The city proposal was introduced to the Planning and Zoning Commission in February. A public hearing is expected later this month.
At the same time, the city is also moving to rezone five adjacent commercial properties along Albany Avenue from NX-3 (Neighborhood Mix) zoning to MS-1 zoning.
Howard said the idea is to also allow more flexibility to keep these properties in productive use.
The NX-3 zone allows for retail shops, but by special permit, Howard said. A change to an MS-1 zone will allow offices and shops by right.
Four of the Albany Avenue properties are owned by limited liability companies headed by the Andaleeb family, of Bloomfield, which is very active in development efforts in the Albany Avenue area.
These include a 2,420-square-foot retail building at 885 Albany Ave.; a 0.15-acre parking lot at 895 Albany Ave.; a three-family apartment building at 907 Albany Ave.; and a bank building at 919 Albany Ave.
The fifth property, at 949 Albany Ave., hosts a convenience store and service station and is owned by New Paltz, New York investors.
