State officials are preparing to direct more than $31 million toward economic development and community projects in Hartford under a $3 billion bonding package slated for a Dec. 18 vote by the state Bond Commission.
Hartford’s share includes about $17.5 million routed through the Capital Region Development Authority.
The bond commission agenda, which covers statewide agency operations, municipal grants and community-focused investments, is widely expected to pass; items that reach the panel are almost always approved. CRDA-directed funding for Hartford includes:
- $5 million for repairs and maintenance at several downtown public parking garages managed by the agency.
- $4 million for a loan supporting a $13.64 million renovation of the 96-room, 64-year-old Capitol Hotel at 440 Asylum St., where new ownership plans to add nine rooms and upgrade common areas, the grounds and the underground garage.
- $2 million for a grant program to assist tenant buildouts for new retailers and restaurants near the recently renovated PeoplesBank Arena.
- $3.5 million for a loan to developer Carlos Mouta’s Parkville Management for a $4.6 million expansion adding 47 apartments to the mixed-use building at 1429 Park St. The former factory already includes 96 residential units, office space and ground-floor retail, including Dead Language Beer Project.
- $3 million for environmental compliance work and retail tenant fit-outs in the Front Street arts and entertainment district.
Another $3.8 million is slated for the next phase of a five-year, $60 million project to repair and upgrade Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, also administered through CRDA.
“We are pleased to be receiving these funds for important projects in Hartford and East Hartford,” CRDA Executive Director David Steuber said. “It reflects a number of important work streams we are engaged in at CRDA.”
Steuber said the planned renovation of the Capitol Hotel will advance ongoing efforts to strengthen hospitality options in Hartford’s downtown business district. He added that the CRDA-focused investments on the bond agenda are designed to reinforce one another and align with the agency’s broader mission of boosting the region’s economic vitality.
Hartford is also positioned to receive $13.75 million in community development funding recommended by the state’s Community Investment Fund 2030 Board after its Sept. 30 meeting. Those allocations include:
- $250,000 for Community Renewal Team to plan a mixed-use affordable housing development on Windsor Street.
- $5 million to construct a new public library branch at 234 Barbour St.
- $2 million to support restoration of Connecticut’s first synagogue at 21 Charter Oak Ave.
- $6.5 million for a North End project that will combine affordable housing, daycare services and community-oriented retail, led by the Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford Inc. and Citadel Community Development Corp.
