Hartford’s Planning and Zoning Commission has denied a proposal to convert 25 condominium units at downtown’s Bushnell on the Park into short-term rentals, siding with city planning staff and residents who argued the plan would undermine long-term housing and alter the building’s residential character.
The commission unanimously rejected the special permit application in a 5-0 vote during its July 28 meeting after the city’s Planning Division recommended denial, finding the proposal conflicted with Hartford’s zoning regulations and Plan of Conservation and Development.
Bushnell Condos LLC, affiliated with New York-based Gideon Asset Management, now known as Checo Acquisitions, sought approval to operate 25 furnished units in the 100 Wells St. building as short-term rentals for traveling healthcare workers, medical residents, business executives and other corporate travelers.
The company purchased 129 of the building’s 180 residential units in late 2014 for $14.3 million, making it the property’s largest owner.
In its recommendation, planning staff said converting 25 condominium units into short-term rentals would remove housing from Hartford’s long-term residential inventory, conflicting with city goals to increase homeownership and expand the housing supply.
Planning staff also determined the proposal conflicted with Hartford’s zoning regulations because the short-term rental units would be interspersed throughout a building occupied by permanent residents, rather than being physically separated like a traditional hotel or apartment-hotel. Staff said the arrangement would create an incompatible mix of transient guests and long-term residents sharing common areas.
The report also cited the property’s enforcement history. According to city staff, a notice of violation was issued in November 2025 after inspectors found unpermitted short-term rentals operating in 24 units. The report also referenced subsequent resident complaints alleging safety, sanitation and nuisance issues, as well as inspections conducted earlier this year.
The application drew opposition from neighboring residents. City planning staff said they received five public letters opposing the application, along with a letter from the South Downtown Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, before issuing their recommendation.
In one letter, Bushnell Tower Condominium Association President Matthew Lemaster argued the proposal would transform part of the building into a hotel-like operation, increase security concerns, erode the sense of community and reduce the supply of long-term housing.
During the public hearing, applicant Chaim Einbinder said the building and several other downtown residential properties have struggled with vacancies. He argued that allowing additional short-term rentals would generate cash flow that could be reinvested in building improvements.
The proposal would have allowed the company to operate furnished units on floors three through 11 as professionally managed short-term rentals. The application called for guest screening, controlled building access, an on-site manager during business hours and a security guard stationed at the building’s primary entrance.
