"If we can't work this out, why would any other private investor come to Hartford?"
Mayor Pedro Segarra
Whether or not Hartford's city council decides to move ahead with a $350 million development project just north of its downtown is about a lot of things. It's about entertainment and amenities and opportunity and jobs. It's also about the future, and everybody sees the future differently.
At a public hearing at Hartford City Hall Monday night, Mayor Pedro Segarra asked it this way: what will they think of us if we don't build it?
"Are we going to be the city that cannot get a $350 million development deal together?" Segarra asked. "If we don't allow this to happen, picture us a year form now wondering what went wrong. If we can't work this out, why would any other private investor come to Hartford?"
Resident Bernadine Silvers asked it this way: what will they think of us if we do build it? "I want you to know that when you're gone, and your grandkids know who you are, and everybody else that looks in the history books knows who you are," she said, "and there's a big, empty building sitting there in the middle of our downtown, they will know that you had something to do with it. That's the reason I'm scared about that stadium... I just want you to know that I'm concerned, and I want all of you to please look at the things in this city that were supposed to be good ideas, but they were follies."
Jobs were a big focus. Neil Berry said he's concerned the long-term jobs won't be good for the city's black and Puerto Rican residents.
"One of the gentlemen told me," he said, "that the jobs they're offering the people of Hartford are, 'Get your hot dogs, get your peanuts.' The unions are here, of course, for the construction jobs. My question here is, who is this for? Why is it when corporations invest in Hartford, it has to be appealing and friendly to the races that don't live here, but refuse to invest in something appealing and friendly to the races that already live here?"
Next came Deandre Newkirk. "I grew up in the North End of Hartford, on Bedford Street, you know, real, real poor neighborhood. We had nothing growing up as kids, no real place to go and have a hot dog, see something as fun as a baseball game," Newkirk said. "We believe that this stadium is a great idea. It will bring jobs to my local. It will bring jobs for other people, who aren't qualified for electrical work. I think that development is exactly what we need in Hartford. I'm a lifelong resident. I've lived here all my life; I pay taxes in this state, and I'm here to say, on my own accord, that I think it's a good idea."
Jimmy Cosgrove owns Salute Restaurant in Hartford. "It's just so nice to see some positive energy, some positive things going on in the city," he said. "I'll give you one example: the skating rink. When that's up during the winter months, you know what it's like when you drive into work every day, and you see people skating, or you could see a positive effect? It puts you in a better mood. We're going to turn an eyesore into something people are proud of. I think it's a great idea, and hopefully you guys go for it."
John Rose got up to speak against the plan. He was the top lawyer under former Mayor Eddie Perez. He cautioned the city council.
"I'm a firm believer in development," Rose said. "I believe that this city ought to be developed, and become the great and wonderful place it has long had the opportunity to be, but let me tell you, if you don't take care of the developer, he will take care of you. They're smarter. We used to have a saying when you did commercial development. The developer never had two nickels to rub together. He had your money to rub together. Let's not have that. "
In the end, one reserved voice stood out. Carmen Rodriguez said she's not in favor or opposed to a stadium. She's in favor of Hartford. She pointed to Councilman Ken Kennedy as she spoke.
"I see Ken Kennedy nodding his head, as always," she said. "I know you love Hartford, and I know each and every one of you love Hartford, and these people here, whatever moved them, love Hartford. That's all I'm going to say. I ask that you look for the best plan."
The city council is continuing its deliberations.
