What’s New on HartfordInfo.org

April 2009

What’s New on HartfordInfo.org is a periodic update announcing recent additions to HartfordInfo.org. Please feel free to forward this message to others. To be added to the distribution list send an email message through our feedback page.

HartfordInfo.org, a program of the Hartford Public Library, is a gateway to information and data on issues important to those who live and work in Hartford and the region.

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New Data on HartfordInfo.org:

Foreclosures Data – Data on residential foreclosures in Hartford from January 2006 to February 2009 is presented in this spreadsheet. Got to www.hartfordinfo.org, and click on Foreclosure Data in the center panel under Data Sets.

New Community Programs on HartfordInfo.org:

To view any of these recent programs, go to www.hartfordinfo.org and click on the View Community Programs box on the right side of the page:

Why Don't We Vote?
Climb Every Mountain: Hartford's Budget Challenge
- Part I: The Big Picture
- Part II: The Local Picture
- Part III: A Complicated Picture

New Reports on HartfordInfo.org:

Hartford Mayor's Proposed Budget FY 2009-2010 – The City of Hartford's Recommended Budget for 2009 to 2010, as proposed by Mayor Eddie A. Perez, is presented here in parts for easy viewing. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "recommended budget " in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Public Schools’ Recommended Operating Budget FY 2009 - 2010 – The recommended operating budget presented to the Hartford Board of Education by Superintendent Steven Adamowski on March 3, 2009. The budget recommends a reduction of 254.6 positions or approximately 8 percent of the Hartford Public Schools’ workforce. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "operating budget" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Connecticut Equestrian and Exhibition Center Project – Ebony Horsewomen have proposed the development of an equestrian center at Keney Park. Collected here are a variety of documents, plans, and press coverage of the proposal. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "equestrian" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
2009 Economic Recovery (Stimulus) Resources for Hartford – A collection of documents about the economic recovery package for Hartford. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "stimulus resources" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Higher Education - Building Connecticut's Workforce – This report from the Connecticut Departments of Labor and Higher Education is a comprehensive report on the employment of 2007 graduates of the State’s public college system. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "building workforce" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
2009 Connecticut Health Disparities Report – Produced by the Connecticut Health Disparities Project, this report provides a recent picture of health disparities in Connecticut. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "2009 health" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Public Attitudes Toward Municipal Services in Hartford – The results of public opinion polls conducted for the City of Hartford about attitudes toward various municipal services from 2007, 2008 and 2009. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "2009 survey" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
2008-2009 Connecticut Kids Count Data Book: Three on a Seesaw: Balancing Early Care and Education, Families and the Economy – Highlights data and policy information related to early childhood education and family economics. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "seesaw" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Public Schools 3-Year Strategic Operating Plan – The Hartford Public Schools have put in place a number of reforms since 2007. This multi-year strategic plan is designed to operationalize much of the work that has already begun and to explicitly outline the major goals that need to be accomplished to move reform forward. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "operating plan" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Testimony on H.B. No. 6435, An Act Concerning Election Day Registration – Testimony by Miles Rapoport, President, Demos on the advantages of Election Day Registration (EDR). Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "EDR" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
State of the City Address 2009 – Mayor Eddie Perez addresses the City Council, reviewing progress of efforts to improve education, crime incidence, neighborhood and economic development, and homeownership. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "2009 city address" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
The iQuilt: Capital District Vision Plan and Hartford's Pathways of Innovation – A document which outlines a new concept plan for Hartford which promotes a formal development of what is called "The iQuilt", a loose grid of park-to-river pedestrian routes which would weave together Hartford’s key cultural sites and institutions around the theme of cultural innovation. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "iquilt" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hispanics and the Criminal Justice System: Low Confidence, High Exposure – At a time when Latinos are interacting more than ever with police, courts and prisons, their confidence in the U.S. criminal justice system is closer to the low levels expressed by blacks than to the high levels expressed by whites, according to a pair of nationwide surveys by the Pew Research Center. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "exposure" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
A Portrait of Unauthorized Immigrants in the United States – Unauthorized immigrants living in the United States are more geographically dispersed than in the past and are more likely than either U.S. born residents or legal immigrants to live in a household with a spouse and children. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "unauthorized" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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New Articles on HartfordInfo.org:

Through agreements with the Hartford Courant, Cityline Blog, the Hartford Business Journal, the Hartford News, the Hartford Advocate, and the Northend Agent's, HartfordInfo.org continues to offer selected articles as permanent additions to the web site. Some recent additions include:

Good News in Hartford

Trinity College Men's Squash: 200 Straight Wins, One Family – Trinity College was recently seeking its 11th straight championship of college squash — and 11th straight perfect season. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "squash family " in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Schools Embracing Community – Three groups in Hartford are developing community schools which serve as hubs of activity in the neighborhood and provide expanded services for students and their families. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "schools embracing" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Landmarks Grace Library Photo Murals – Seventeen dramatic floor-to-ceiling color photographs of Hartford landmarks were recently installed in the Hartford Public Library’s main reading room. The photos were shot by Jack McConnell, who was enlisted to produce photos of neighborhood scenes. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "hartford landmarks" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Stowe Center Aids Twain House – Mark Twain and Harriet Beecher Stowe were friendly neighbors for years, so it may be only appropriate the two cultural institutions that bear their names are carrying on that legacy. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "stowe aids twain" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Alan Green Changing Culture At Hartford Housing Authority – Before he can put his full focus on the tenants who live in the 4,000 units he oversees, Alan Green has had to first turn his attention to fixing a dysfunctional agency. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "alan green" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Economic Development

A Future That Colt Should Shoot For – The success of Hope Artiste Village in Pawtucket, RI, should hearten Hartford. Lance Robbins, whose company, Urban Smart Growth, has made rehabilitation and reuse of historic buildings its specialty, has taken over the development of the Colt factory complex. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "colt future" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Say Cheese – Since the early ‘70s, Mozzicato-De Pasquale Bakery and Pastry Shop in Hartford has made a national name baking and selling Italian breads and pastries. Six miles away cheesemaker Sam Maulucci & Sons built its reputation, starting in 1960, distributing ricotta and mozzarella. Now, cheese has united the two cross-town family businesses. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "say cheese" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford 's Webster Theatre, State's Biggest Rock Club, Sold To MassConcerts – More than 70 years of family ownership has ended with the sale of the Webster Theatre in Hartford to a Massachusetts concert promoter. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "webster" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Delta Puts Brakes On Bradley Amsterdam Flight – It was a short-lived "miracle." Northwest Airlines has indefinitely suspended its nonstop flight between Hartford and Amsterdam , which had been scheduled to resume June 3. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "delta" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Jobs & Labor

How Big an Impact? – Close to 100 people jammed into a recent meeting of the Maple Avenue Revitalization Group to listen to officials from the Metropolitan District Commission describe the organization's massive $1.6 billion Clean Water Project and address the issue of whether the project will produce jobs for Hartford residents. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "big impact" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
State Businesses Ready To Fight Union-Friendly Laws – State and federal efforts to increase union participation have drawn the attention of many in Connecticut 's business community who fear increased costs and a loss of jobs. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "union laws" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Faith Community

Rell Not Responding To Clergy Call For Health Care Reform – Members of the Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care agree: accessible and affordable health care is a matter of faith. They want to talk to Gov. Rell about their proposal for universal health care. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "rell clergy" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Trying To Fill Gospel Music Void – The radio dial in some states is brimming with gospel music. In Connecticut , however, the gospel signal is weak. The Rev. Maurice Pipkin is trying to fill some of that gap. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "gospel void" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

In the Neighborhoods

Quiet Please! – If you're into really loud music, Hartford may no longer be the place for you. During the first quarter of 2009, 171 noise ordinance violations were issued. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "quiet please" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Street in Limbo – For several months, one of Asylum Hill's most beautiful thoroughfares, Imlay Street, has been left hanging, stuck between what it used to be and what developer David Nyberg was planning to make it. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "street limbo" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Still Racing – Hartford street racers were shut down on Wawarme Avenue , so they've taken their show to another road. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "still racing" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Negotiations Stall Between Hartford Housing Authority, Developer – - A $300 million plan to knock down 770 units of public housing and build anew on prized land in the city's northwest corner is close to dead.. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "housing negotiations" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Downtown Development

The Maharishi's Empty Hotel – The clock is finally ticking for Hartford 's 1960s-era Clarion Hotel, the 12-story eyesore in spooling white concrete worthy of an Eastern Bloc nation that sits in the way of hoped-for redevelopment of Constitution Plaza downtown. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "empty hotel" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Plans For Downtown Office Tower At Broadcast House Advance – Office vacancies for prime space in downtown Hartford are hovering near 20 percent. But that isn't considered a likely obstacle to financing a new, $40 million, 12-story office tower planned for the old Broadcast House site on Constitution Plaza. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "plans advance" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Basketball A Driving Force In Bringing Traffic To Downtown Businesses – The Big East Tournament attracted many people from out of town to downtown Hartford , boosting business. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "driving force" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Government

After Fighting, Council Hires Attorney – The city council decided recently to hire its own attorney, but not until after a nasty exchange between councilors. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "council hires" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Earth To Eddie: Big Tax Hikes Wrong Medicine For Hartford – In this editorial, the Courant expresses the opinion that Mayor Eddie Perez should cut the city budget rather than raise taxes. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "earth to eddie" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Grand Jury Winding Up Work In Perez Case – As the grand jury investigating Hartford Mayor Eddie A. Perez apparently nears its expiration on April 24, 2009, the inquiry that has asked dozens of people thousands of questions has left a lot of people with just one: Is that it? Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "perez case" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Education & Youth

Array Of State Science Programs Targets Middle School Girls – When Hartford Public High School opened themed academies this fall, the Engineering and Green Technologies Academy quickly filled with mostly boys, while the Nursing Academy enrolled mostly girls. That trend — boys prefer certain classes, girls others — has prompted several new programs in the state.Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "science programs" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Coaching Parents – Community organizer Janice Flemming is helping parents navigate the city's changing school system. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "coaching parents" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Stayin' in School – There are different opinions about a 2007 law that bars out-of-school suspensions for non-violent offenses. Some say it threatens to undermine a school reform effort. Others believe the law will result in costly in-school suspension programs to baby sit troubled kids. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "in school" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Substance vs. Style – Dr. Steven J. Adamowski's reform of Hartford Public School is making progress, but it's also rubbing some people the wrong way. Critics suggest that parents feel disrespected and not part of the process. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "rubbing people" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Don't Let Budget Undo Hartford 's Education Gains – In this opinion piece, the authors suggest that two decades of hard-won progress toward giving Hartford's schoolchildren desegregated, equal educational opportunity will be unraveled if the budget submitted to the General Assembly by Gov. M. Jodi Rell is approved. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "undo education" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Use School Money Wisely To Protect Innovative Successes – In this editorial, the Courant expresses the opinion that although it was prompted in part by a lawsuit, Connecticut in the past dozen years has become a hotbed of educational innovation. But the budget crisis threatens a decade of progress. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "money wisely" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Arts & Culture

The Studio @ Billings Forge Draws Avid Crowds To Concerts – Hartford 's newest arts space opened its doors in the dead of winter, during the worst economic downturn in generations. What initially appeared to be a classic case of bad timing has begun to look like the triumph of an underdog. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "billings forge" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford 's Cultural Institutions Take Steps To Weather Economic Storm – A look at the ability of the Wadsworth Atheneum, the Bushnell Center, The Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the Hartford Stage to survive the economic crisis. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "economic storm" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Staging A One-Man Revival – TheaterWorks, which owns its beautiful 1927-vintage Moorish Revival building on Pearl Street, has renovated much of the three-story building, now called City Arts on Pearl. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "arts on pearl" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Notable Transitions

Mentor, Educator Gave What He Received: Respect – Vern Davis' life was shaped by the education he received, and he spent his adult life trying to pass on that gift to others. He was one of the first Black principals in the Hartford Public Schools. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "vern davis" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Fiddle Contest Organizer Paul LeMay Dies – With little more than charisma and force of will, Paul LeMay managed to turn an improbable idea into a Hartford phenomenon, bringing tens of thousands to the city for an annual fiddle contest. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "paul lemay" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Jane E. Hart Was The Bubble In The Champagne – For generations, Jane Hart was one of Hartford's best-known dancers, a beautiful woman who exuded grace, glitter and glamour. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "jane hart" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Other Major Developments

Hartford No Longer Has General-Interest Bookstore – Even though Hartford has a celebrated literary history, Connecticut's capital city today has no general-interest bookstore. It hasn't for years, and isn't likely to get one soon. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "hartford bookstore" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Outside Prison Walls – Theresa C. Lantz, Connecticut correction commissioner, has retooled the correction system from one that emphasized incarceration to one that prepares inmates to return to their communities. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "prison walls" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Right Road For Transit – Tom Condon writes that we have bus service in much of Connecticut , but we don't have first-class bus service. It is time that we did. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "right transit" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Homeless In Connecticut : More Families Seeking Shelter In Recession – The face of homelessness is changing. Although the number of individuals who are homeless hasn't changed, more and more of those crowding into the few shelters that will take them are families. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "seeking shelter " in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Capitol Crows – After spending several years roosting near Flatbush Avenue by I-84, a colony of crows that sometimes numbers 15,000 or more has moved east. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "capitol crows" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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