Developers Pitch Ballpark Plan to City Council, Residents

The developers hoping to build a baseball stadium for the Rock Cats in Hartford pitched their plan to city council members before an overflow crowd on Wednesday night.

Centerplan Construction detailed its $350 million vision for the area just north of Hartford's downtown during a city council committee meeting at the Parker Memorial Community Center on Wednesday night.

"I think people see the vision. I think people understand that we're trying to do something transformative in north Hartford," said Yves Joseph of Centerplan Construction.

The project would include a $56.5 million stadium which would be leased by the city for 25 years. The city would then make a final payment to purchase the ballpark.

The project would also include a supermarket, a brewery, apartments, houses, and office space which would all be built in three phases over five years.

"I am confident that this is not only going to be good for the city of Hartford, I'm confident this is going to be good for our region and the state," said Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra.

After the developers spoke, residents got their chance to weigh in on the proposal.

Some expressed support for the project saying it would revitalize an area that's been neglected for too long.

"Let's hope that this particular project is only the start," said Mike McGarry, a former city council member.

Others questioned whether the project makes fiscal sense.

"In whose imagination are these equity investors rushing towards DoNo?" said JoAnne Bauer of Hartford.

City council members plan to hold another hearing on the project next week.

This comes as the Rock Cats make another move.

The team is no longer affiliated with the Minnesota Twins and has instead signed a two-year deal with the Colorado Rockies.
 

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