What’s New on HartfordInfo.org

July 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.

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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:

HartfordInfo Today: Summer in the City – Quality of Life in Hartford
Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
HartfordInfo Today: The Foreclosure Crisis: What Does It Mean for Hartford and the Region
Immigrants and the Power of the Vote
Understanding City Services: Tax Collection Division
State Budget Options for a Stronger Connecticut

New Reports on HartfordInfo.org:

State Tax Decline in Early 2009 Was the Sharpest on Record – This analysis of state tax collections for all 50 states in the US shows that total state tax collections declined for the second consecutive quarter. In New England, Connecticut tax revenues declined the most. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "tax decline" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Landfill Considerations for Post-Closure Planning – A presentation made to the Hartford Landfill Post-Closure Community Advisory Committee on June 17. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "post closure" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Connecticut Early Care and Education Progress Report, 2009 – This report seeks to answer the questions: What has Connecticut done thus far to address the need for quality early child care and education; and are Connecticut’s efforts improving children’s readiness for school? Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "early care progress" in the Google search box and then click "Search"
Northwest Corridor Transit Study – This study examines mass transit in the area northwest of Hartford. It suggests a busway along the Griffin railroad easement would provide access to Bradley Airport and the Day Hill Road area of Windsor, and it proposes a bus transfer station near Union Station. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "transit study" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
State Budget Options for a Stronger Connecticut – This presentation was made as part of a program at the Hartford Public Library on June 2. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "budget options" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Human Capital in Hartford Public Schools: Rethinking How to Attract, Develop, and Retain Effective Teachers – This report examines the alignment of Hartford’s teacher policies with its goals for improving teacher quality, and reviews teacher policies linked most directly to teacher effectiveness. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "human" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
How Deep the Hole: Holding Job Losses to 100,000? The Connecticut Economic Outlook: May 2009 – This report suggests that if stimulus initiatives do not take hold by the end of 2009, Connecticut may see a deepening recession with job losses hitting 110,000 or more by 2011. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "deep" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Metro Chambers Position on Budget Negotiations - June 12, 2009 – Connecticut is facing unprecedented financial challenges. The business community, the principal source of Connecticut employment and tax revenues, is eager to work with the Governor and the Legislature and presents these suggestions in their June 12 position paper. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "metro chambers" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
MetroMonitor: Tracking Economic Recession and Recovery in America's 100 Largest Metropolitan Areas – The recession has had highly varied impacts on different metropolitan areas, even within the same broad regions of the country. The Hartford region has faired better than most in many ways. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "metromonitor" 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

Connecticut Science Center Opens – More than a decade after Adriaen's Landing was proposed, the Connecticut Science Center opened. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "science attraction" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Grass Roots Theater – Hartbeat Ensemble bring its wild, gritty political plays to Hartford parks.. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "parks theater" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
YMCA Moves Closer To North End Opening – The Greater Hartford YMCA has begun final countdown toward completion of its newest community center in the city in 35 years. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "ymca opening" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
A Free Ride – Hartford's Star Shuttle has turned into a goodwill ambassador for the city. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "free ride" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
IQuilt: Corridors Of Culture – The iQuilt is a plan to connect Hartford's cultural institutions with pedestrian and bicycling routes running from the Capitol and Bushnell Park to the river. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "iquilt" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Cinestudio At Trinity College, Now 40 Years Old, Is A Hartford Treasure – Cinestudio has evolved into Hartford's premier art-house and vintage-film theater. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "cinestudio" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Perfect Six Sense – The city of Hartford had all but written off the decaying apartment building at 87-92 Atwood St. on Asylum Hill. Now, a building that was headed for demolition is being reshaped into two row houses. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "perfect six" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Eminem Buys Hartford Music Producer's Beat – Doc Ish has reasons to be happy. High up on the list: He's been discovered by Eminem. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "doc ish" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Hartford Budget

Residents Complain About Hartford's New Budget – The Hartford city budget billed as a compromise plan, passed by a 5-4 vote. City residents expressed their displeasure in the city council chambers, angry about the tax increase. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "residents complain" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford: Not Time For State Oversight – The state should not oversee Hartford's finances even though there are deeply serious concerns about the city's financial picture. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "state oversight" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
The 1 Mill That Saved The Budget – Time was running out, with just 12 hours to go until the city's midnight deadline to pass its budget. But as the city council and Mayor Eddie A. Perez were stuck in deadlock, the mayor had sudden good news. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "mill" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Education & Youth

Sheff V. O'Neill Case A 20-Year Study In Persistence In Hartford – The choices available to Hartford students have grown in the past two decades, since a ground-breaking lawsuit was filed seeking equal education for all students, regardless of race or income level. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "sheff persistence" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Literacy Initiative Crucial For Hartford Students – A promising program working in five Hartford schools shows there is hope for improving literacy among elementary students. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "literacy crucial" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Teacher Report Doesn't Make Grade – Hartford should think twice before rubber-stamping the recent National Council on Teacher Quality report on the city's schools to guide its efforts. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "make grade" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
School Placements – More than 1,000 students from the suburbs have applied to attend Hartford Public Schools for next year. Not magnet schools. Regular public schools. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "placements" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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In the Neighborhoods

MDC Begins Replacing Century-Old Sewer System – The largest public works project in Hartford history started recently, a massive effort to redo part of the city's century-old plumbing and curtail the millions of gallons of sewage and storm water that overflow into the basements, streets and streams. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "century sewer" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
No Equestrian Center, No How – Months of debate over whether to build a multi-million-dollar equestrian center in Keney Park came to a close recently. The Hartford City Council voted 8 to 1 against the plan.to name the Ebony Horsewomen the tentative developers for the project. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "no equestrian" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Elizabeth Park's New Rosarian Has Big Plans – It's not surprising that roses give their best for Marci Martin, the new consulting rosarian for Hartford's Elizabeth Park Rose Garden. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "rose garden" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford's Mount Trashmore: A Vision Of Beauty – For over 60 years, the Hartford landfill has been greeting visitors from the north with a slap in the face. However, now that it is closed, many positive possibilities for recreation and beauty present themselves. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "mount trashmore" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Westbrook-Bowles Housing Project: Get It Right – Although it will lengthen the process, the Hartford Housing Authority was right to pull the plug on talks with the developer of this project. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "westbrook" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Pardon Me – Connecticut is granting more pardons than ever for those committing nonviolent crimes. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "pardon me" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Economic Development

Potential Tax Hikes Worry Hartford Business Owners – Hartford’s businesses face, on average, a higher percentage increase in taxes than those faced by homeowners. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "tax hikes worry" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Apartments Offer Relief For Tenants Who Lose Jobs – A major property manager has launched its Rent Assurance Program, which enables renters to walk away from a lease if they lose their income. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "rent assurance" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
A Crucial Game At Travelers, Golf Aside – To some folks along Corporate Row, the networking is the Travelers Championship golf tournament that really matters. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "golf" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
City Ready To Pull Plug On Plaza Mayor – City officials are about to terminate their support for the stalled $32 million mixed-use Plaza Mayor project intended to serve as the gateway to Park Street. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "plug" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Transportation

Commuter Transportation Battle Has Been Heating Up – In a few years, a rapid-transit busway to Hartford might start out in downtown New Britain, offering commuters an option to traffic-choked I-84. Or, perhaps the rail tracks will be restored to create a Waterbury-to-Hartford commuter train system. But it looks like Connecticut can't have both. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "transportation battle" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Don't Detour Rail To New Britain – Tom Condon expresses the opinion that the New Britain-to-Hartford busway would be a good thing. There are proposals that would redirect a rail line through New Britain which would likely add years to that project and would mean years without transit between Hartford and New Britain. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "detour" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
In The Busway's Path – The New Britain-Hartford busway is still just a proposal, but for property owners along the 9-mile route it's already a harsh reality. The state has spent millions taking properties through eminent domain and demolishing buildings along the proposed route. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "busway path" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Downtown Development

Funding Woes – Connecticut's spectacular new $165 million Science Center opened its for the first time on June 12. But state funding for the center and other cultural and arts institutions may get vaporized. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "woes" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford Extends Life Of Business Improvement District – By a 188-67 vote, downtown and Asylum Hill property owners approved a five-year extension of the Hartford Business Improvement District. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "extends district" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
City Wants To Demolish Decayed Building, Site Planned For Redevelopment– The crumbling H.B. Davis Building 's days are numbered — finally. The structure, known widely as the " Butt Ugly Building," could be purchased by the end of 2009 and demolished soon after. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "city wants" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Arts & Culture

Poetry in Motion – Since it started nearly four years ago, the Love Jones Experience has introduced new poets and singers every week while expanding its roster of regular performers. The event has helped to usher in a new poetry movement in the city. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "poetry" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Four Public Projects Put Art In The Streets, Parks Of Parkville, Frog Hollow – Four artists have been invited to Hartford by Real Art Ways to create works for a show opening today called "Real Public." Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "street art" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Debating The Future Of The Old State House In Hartford – The 213-year-old downtown landmark has been plagued by financial uncertainty from its earliest days to this summer, as the state budget crisis leaves its immediate future uncertain. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "debating" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Arts Funding a Hit– Even groups left out of Hartford 's arts stimulus program support the spirit of the effort. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "arts funding" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

Hartford History

Why Saving Twain's House Was A Tough Sell – Eighty years ago, during the effort to save Mark Twain's house, a Hartford woman let supporters know why their campaign wasn't going well. "A considerable percentage of the persons who might contribute neither particularly liked Mr. Clemens, nor approved certain of his books." Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "tough sell" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
From China To Hartford, Elsie Jane Yung's Historic Connection – Elsie Jane Yung was a Connecticut resident in spirit only, but she chose Hartford as her final resting place for reasons that go back to the 19th century. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "elsie" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Hartford's Jimmy Francoline, 91, Recalls His Baseball Glory Days – Jimmy Francoline recalls being a member of the Hartford Bees in 1943 during the time when many minor leagues shut down because of World War II. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "glory days" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
A Nostalgic Trip Back To The North End's 'Old Neighborhood' –“Remembering The Old Neighborhood," a compilation of memories and photos of Hartford 's North End from more than 150 former and current residents captures a time long gone and a place now greatly changed. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "old neighborhood" in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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Notable Transitions

Activist Known As Minister Out On The Street – Carl Dudley was an activist, an organizer and a maverick always ready to try to make a difference in his community. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "dudley" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Looking Back with Hartford's Mr. Green – Jack Hale is leaving the Knox Foundation after many years. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "mr. green" in the Google search box and then click "Search."
Harry Gray, Builder Of United Technologies Corp. And Philanthropist, Dies At 89– Harry J. Gray, the executive who built United Technologies Corp. by redefining the hostile takeover, and then became a leading Hartford area philanthropist along with his wife, Helen, died July 8. Go to www.hartfordinfo.org and type "harry gray"in the Google search box and then click "Search."

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