A draft of Hartford’s next master plan lays out an ambitious plan to promote equity, renewable energy and economic growth in the region ahead of the city’s 400th birthday in 2035.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission developed the 71-page plan relying on feedback from about 2,000 people that participated in public meetings and surveys tailored to asking residents how they view Hartford today and how they want the city to evolve over the next 15 years.
A new city plan must be developed every decade, according to state law. The city’s drafted plan builds off the “One City, One Plan” adopted in early 2010.
[Read the 15-year city plan here]
A number of recommendations were identified in the plan offering a blueprint on building 5,000 new housing units, expanding bus and rail service throughout the region, and increasing investments for arts districts and to spur entrepreneurship and 10 real estate developments.
The plan, supported by nonprofit iQuilt’s “Hartford 400” initiative, also establishes goals to cut gun violence in half, grow the city’s grand list, build on vacant and underutilized surface parking lots, convert closed schools to community centers, attract new grocery stores and restaurants, and brand Hartford as a “college town” by housing an additional 1,000 higher education workers and 1,000 students.
“To become more equitable and prosperous, we need to grow. To grow we need to attract new businesses and create jobs,” the plan says.
Other notable recommendations include:
- Expand Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks by promoting more domestic and international non-stop routes.
- Modernize the aging XL Center for “financial sustainability.”
- Retrofit all city and school buildings to renewable energy sources.
- Plant and maintain 3,000 new trees a year and expand solar usage by 300%.
- Promote Hartford as a sports city marketing the Yard Goats, Hartford Athletic, Wolf Pack and college teams.
- Create a regional tourism agency.
- Expand the CTfastrak bus service in an effort to create more access to job opportunities.
- Reconnect Hartford to the Connecticut River.
- Eliminate and move Hartford’s trash incinerator plant outside of the city to allow for redevelopment opportunities.
- Build high-speed communications infrastructure.
- Remediate 100 acres of brownfield sites to unlock redevelopment potential.
- Attract independent research institutions.
- See 10% of workers commute with bikes to reduce the number of cars on the road and to improve air quality.
Residents are urged to share feedback online or during public meetings scheduled throughout March. Additional information can be found here.
The city’s planning board, which will receive feedback from the city council and the Capital Region Council of Governments, is expected to vote on the plan on May 12.
