Land around Dunkin Donuts Park has been tied up in litigation for years, but the parking lots around the ballpark known as the Downtown North development could be moving in a new direction.
“That would be amazing because this area needs it,” Michelle Liss said.
This week, the potential new developer of the area, RMS Companies, made a pitch to Hartford City Council to allow them to move forward with the first phase of their plans.
More than two years ago the city terminated its contract with DONO LLC and Centerplan after they failed to complete the stadium’s construction.
Centerplan later sued the City of Hartford for wrongfully terminating its contract, leaving the land in limbo.
Hartford’s city attorney said Wednesday that Mayor Luke Bronin has now requested city council approve plans for the city to move forward with its negotiations with RMS Companies to develop the area, a decision that could be made by the end of this month.
Yard Goats fans were torn on the pending litigation about what to do next around the ballpark, to finally get the development off the ground or leave it the way it is at ground level.
Local
Hartford’s Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Julio Concepcion told NBC Connecticut, “We strongly support the redevelopment of the parcels in Downtown North. This is critical, not only for the economic growth of our Capital City, but for connecting two neighborhoods that for far too long have been divided. This project will have long-lasting benefits to these neighborhoods and the entire city."
