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	<title>UP|Connecticut</title>
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	<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:34:35 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>CCEDA to be replaced by new entity</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53177&view=findpost&p=1160134]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Probably a good move, expands the scope of the development agency.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:34:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title>Goodwin Breaks Ground On CT River Academy in East Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53140&view=findpost&p=1160112]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[they were half way through tearing down the old industrial buildings on Saturday AM when I drove by.<br />
<br />
honestly, just removing those blighted properties is a huge improvement.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 03:10:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Can someone make sense of this for me</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53172&view=findpost&p=1159952]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Hartford is always at the top or near the top of these lists yet it's never adequately publicized regionally, nationally, or globally. We are terrible at tooting our own horn around these parts. If somebody with half a brain was running the Metro Hartford Alliance, DECD, ect. this would be a TV, radio, and print ad right now. Malloy would be touting this at Davos. CT is home to two of the top 10 most productive cities in the world with Hartford being number 1! C'mon these guys need to seriously reevaluate their marketing efforts if this doesn't get splashed all over business publications worldwide over the coming year.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:26:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>Can someone make sense of this for me</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53172&view=findpost&p=1159913]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[who cares?  we win one for once!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
in all honesty though I recall seeing something like this(per capita economic output)  and we were #6<br />
<br />
<br />
I think, and it may be that highly productive city steam beer I just drank..... but I think it is when they tape the city population, 124K peeps, and divide  the cities grose domestic product by that....   and so since in Hartford we have companies with economic outputs that match compaines.. eg aetna, travelers, The Hartford ...... welll we win.<br />
<br />
<br />
NYC dominates us in econ output, but they have 7 million people... I dunno just recollection...<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 04:05:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Can someone make sense of this for me</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53172&view=findpost&p=1159861]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[<a href='http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2012/01/25/the_ten_most_productive_cities_in_the_world.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.slate.com/blogs/moneybox/2012/01/25/the_ten_most_productive_cities_in_the_world.html</a><br />
<br />
It looks great. How do they define productive?<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:04:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159807]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[DUDE!!!<br />
<br />
get over it, you are living in your own bubble here.   Malloy is a moderate democrat, yet you act like he is and extreme liberal.  <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/malloy_utc_executive_find_common_ground/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ctnewsjunkie.com/ctnj.php/archives/entry/malloy_utc_executive_find_common_ground/</a><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 02:13:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159791]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159791]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159704'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>The Voice of Reason, on 25 January 2012 - 11:33 PM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
FYI<br />
<br />
The CEO of UTC whom you quoted before was actually Greg Hayes, the CFO, and that very same person was at a forum on the subject at UHart later on and was put face to face with Malloy.  While he correctly framed his statement as most states are high cost and not competitive he ultimately praised  Connecticuts workers ability to perform high end manufacturing like the businesses UTC is in.   Also he said while CT has a long way to go, Malloy has been a lot more business friendly than past governors, and its a breath of fresh air.<br />
<br />
all that is of course paraphrased but pretty accurate if memory serves....   google it<br />
<br />
So, the the money guy at the biggest company (employer) in CT thinks things are getting better and that the Gov is more business friendly....<br />
since he holds 14,000 high paying CT jobs in is hands, does your opinion matter?   does mine matter?	NOPE, but his does<br /></div></div>
i tried googling what you said, but all i am finding is complaints about taxes from UTC. Sorry but I have a hard time believing the CFO said this considering he was complaining about taxes earlier. Anyhow if UTC really wanted to stay here, they would have not tried to close Cheshire.  I actually found a few Aetna articles complaining about taxes, and several other companies as well. I also found a blog with a bunch of small business complaining. Kinda of sad when there's more complaints then kudos, but please continue to for the one party rule. It's doing wonders for are state.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:50:24 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>drc72</author>
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		<title>Goodwin Breaks Ground On CT River Academy in East Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53140&view=findpost&p=1159705]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[yeah Its impressive.   but I guess schools dont pay taxes, so It will take a while before EHartford really benefits from from the peripheral economic activity<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:37:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159704]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[FYI<br />
<br />
The CEO of UTC whom you quoted before was actually Greg Hayes, the CFO, and that very same person was at a forum on the subject at UHart later on and was put face to face with Malloy.  While he correctly framed his statement as most states are high cost and not competitive he ultimately praised  Connecticuts workers ability to perform high end manufacturing like the businesses UTC is in.   Also he said while CT has a long way to go, Malloy has been a lot more business friendly than past governors, and its a breath of fresh air.<br />
<br />
all that is of course paraphrased but pretty accurate if memory serves....   google it<br />
<br />
So, the the money guy at the biggest company (employer) in CT thinks things are getting better and that the Gov is more business friendly....<br />
since he holds 14,000 high paying CT jobs in is hands, does your opinion matter?   does mine matter?	NOPE, but his does<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:33:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159686]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159686]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159606'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>beerbeer, on 24 January 2012 - 12:52 PM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
The Republicans are not much better but the Democrats are absolutely irresponsible and Malloy has continued their war with business.<br />
<br />
He passed the biggest tax increase in Connecticut history.<br />
He actually increased the size f Connecticut state government.<br />
He passed anti-small business health care mandates (the only one in the country).<br />
He gave state unions a four year moratorium on any layoffs.<br />
The Democratic legislature passed energy policies that made Connecticut uncompetitive with other states including the highest gas tax in America.<br />
In 2008 they passed global warming rules that don't affect global warming and handcuff Connecticut businesses.<br />
<br />
I mean, really, this stuff is insane. It is the most active anti-business agenda in the country. It has placed Connecticut last in the country in job creation.  Companies are sprinting towards the border. Even the head of United Technologies has said the business climate is better anywhere but Connecticut. When UT talks, these idiots should listen.<br />
<br />
These are the reason Hartford's vacancy rate is going up and not coming down. And it won't come down until these issues are addressed.  I'm not saying there are no successes. But the trend is awful. The state needs to wake up or Hartford will turn into a ghost town and the rest of the state will follow.<br /></div></div>
i'm cerainly not defending Republicans, and Rell was certainly not great by any means, but I doubt she would have pounded us with these many taxes the way Malloy has. Things where certainly a lot better under Rowland than Malloy or Rell. Voice of reason unless we keep taxes low and the State employess compensation in check we will continue to run huge budget shortfalls.. The governor already has already started complaining about shortfalls already, and this was after the biggest tax increase in the state's history was passed. i guess we need more taxes? where will it end?<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:41:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>drc72</author>
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		<title>Goodwin Breaks Ground On CT River Academy in East Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53140&view=findpost&p=1159681]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53140&view=findpost&p=1159681]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159478'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>The Voice of Reason, on 22 January 2012 - 11:43 AM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
I Like it, it fits in with their campus building.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.ehworks.com/newsletter.php' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ehworks.com/newsletter.php</a><br />
<br />
The Goodwin College expansion continues with the <strong class='bbc'>CT River Academy Magnet High School</strong>, which just this month received Planning &amp; Zoning approvals. This 480-student, environmental studies high school is to be constructed at 1-5 Riverside Drive, and will serve grades 9-12. Construction on this 103,000 sq. ft., 4-storey school is expected to start by October 2011 and should be completed by the summer of 2013.<br />
<br />
click the link for photos.   there is also info about the early child educations school they want to build on campus.<br />
<br />
and the academy of advanced design and  technology.  another huge school for 400 pupils and 80,000 SF.   I can only imagine that these buildings will also help Goodwin expand education programs and grow as a school!<br /></div></div>
<br />
I like it a whole lot. They really are making great use of that area which until they got there was pretty depressed and run down looking. They are definitely becoming one of the best things to happen to East Hartford in a long time.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:49:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>HFD/Conn Economic development</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=48040&view=findpost&p=1159656]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[OK, so here is more Banking news since its just my thing...<br />
<br />
Peoples bank has fared fairly well in the markets since they are stable and have tons of cash, so their stock is pretty strong.   Other stock of regional banks have struggled, and even after the markets revovered ad all, they still are lagging<br />
<br />
Peoples is in an amazing position to go shopping right now as they have for the last few years, and as far as targets in their near by territory there are some sweet looking options.<br />
<br />
I have been tracking a few.... <br />
<br />
the dream buy is Hudson City...   Based out of NJ, they are culturally alot like Peoples bank, did the huge stock raise and evn have some cash of their own on hand... but they tried to grow too quickly, so have has some sour loans especially on long island.   this bank dominates NJ and parts of NYC/LI and has I think 8 branches in CT.  they have 50 billion in assets (almost double what peoples has...28B) but their market value is still depressed and hovering just above 3.7 billion  while peoples is at 4.5B    A month or two ago it was 2.8B to 4.2B...   I look at this as a dream buy because Hudson City is a much bigger bank, but according to an article in the courant its apparently a possibility.... who knew? (me I guess)  But this ties into their terrotory and culture perfectly.  If PBCT put 1B in Cash and the rest in stock, they would still likely have to give away 3.8B in shares giving significant ownership to HCBK shareholders (assuming 30% premium). But you never know because banks have been selling at lower levels lately, and its possible they could get a better price.  <br />
<br />
the resultant institution would have 78 Billion in assets and 500 or so branches making it one of the bigish boys in regional banking.   Think Soverign, Citizens M&T.   It still wouldnt be a powerhouse bank like Fleet was, but it would be well on its way and surely help Bridgeports employment base.<br />
<br />
Astoria Federal is another bank I have been tracking and I see its acquisition is MUCH more likely.. so much so I think owning shares in it might be smart. (Just a personal feeling, I don't work in Banking or mergers or anything)  AF has 14 billion in assets and its market value is a much more digestible 900 Million.  PBCT could buy these guys comfortably and even hold cash for other acquisitions or what have you.   AF is struggling worse than HCBK but has rallied recently.  <br />
the resultant bank would have a great NYC presence, Long Island would be much stronger, and the bank could reasonably say it had a decent market share in NY.  42 Billion in Assets and 450 Branches or so.   Not too shabby, but also still able to likely make other moves to fill gaps and maintain flexibility.  The recent article also mentioned this possibility making me feel smart...<br />
<br />
Lastly Susquahanna Bank in PA to me seems a pretty damn good fit.  It has 18 Billion in assets, but is mostly in PA MD and NJ, so there would be a small gap through NYC in territory.  at $1.44 billion market cap its a hefty buy, but not too much bigger than AF.  Its more stable than AF too, but ya get what you pay for.    230 branches would bring PBCT to almost 600 branches, and 46 Billion in Assets.  A pretty significant bank, but one that would need to fill in the NYC gap as soon as possible.<br />
<br />
Reference image <img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':)' /><br />
<a href='http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SusquehannaBank_footprint.png' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SusquehannaBank_footprint.png</a><br />
<br />
regardless, PBCT will make some moves, I am interested to see how that will help Bridgeport. and CT in General.<br />
<br />
Here is the article.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.courant.com/business/hc-peoples-united-acquisitions-20120124,0,5729416.story' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.courant.com/business/hc-peoples-united-acquisitions-20120124,0,5729416.story</a><br />
<br />
<br />
So As an Also, Webster bank came out as being interested in Mergers, so it seems they are finally stabilized, healthy and have some cash... (remember they have private equity backers.  It will be interesting to see where Webster tries to expand.   they are however clearly in a different league than Peoples bank.<br />
<br />
and lastly, Rockville bank, Farmington bank, and Savings Institute Financial are all cash rich after public offerings.  each have about 20 branches and about 1-2 Billion in assets.  I am sure they will all be looking to grow organically and through acquisitions.    while at the same time Brookline bank from MA just bought Bank of Rhode island, and berkshire hills bank just bought CT Bank and Trust.  <br />
<br />
The little mergers rarely grow jobs much, just move them around, but all those companies are at the point where they are starting to affect the economies of their regions (like Rockville Bank renting 20K SF in Glastonbury and moving jobs there (Eventually that should hold almost 100 jobs)<br />
<br />
<br />
Thats your banking update...Next one will likely be some merger headline.   and if you think this doesn't matter, go look and see what PNC banks growth has done for downtown Pittsburg...<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:16:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159652]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[thanks for the reasonable response Beer!<br />
<br />
not that I am in full agreement with you.<br />
<br />
I think the states issues began long before Malloy Rell or Roland came to office.  its in the small town with every amenity mentality that causes never ending sprawl and replication of services in even the smallest towns.<br />
<br />
There is a reason people congregate into cities, and if the cities are not supported, the towns will fail as well.  we have a whole state confused by its identity.. are we NY are we New England?  <br />
<br />
we are fighting NU on buying a Mass company because people lost power on a freak storm... seriously?  the states biggest tax payer and a massive economic engine for the state in being held back from expanding into Boston because feelings were hurt?   The NSTAR Acquisition could bring significant job opportunities to CT and Hartford specifically, but we need to fight their ability to grow... dot through taxes or politics, but because we are a state collectively of whiney spoilt beotches.... hows that for ya? <br />
<br />
I think that arguing about politics is kinda funny because they are just a cartoonish representation of those whom elect them.  Malloy would at least bribe NU to stay in state and grow jobs here even if he angers small businesses.  <br />
<br />
Rell et all did nothing to lower takes, did nothing to lure business, and somehow managed to nothing significant even though the state had unprecedented surpluses and revenue growth...   its called planning for a future..<br />
<br />
I think Malloy is doing that, but I think the truth is that there needs to be pain before there can be gain at this point, and the Gov only has limited powers in the state., so for s part he is doing pretty good.  he is not the devil, and he is not destroying the state.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:25:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159606]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[The Republicans are not much better but the Democrats are absolutely irresponsible and Malloy has continued their war with business.<br />
<br />
He passed the biggest tax increase in Connecticut history.<br />
He actually increased the size f Connecticut state government.<br />
He passed anti-small business health care mandates (the only one in the country).<br />
He gave state unions a four year moratorium on any layoffs.<br />
The Democratic legislature passed energy policies that made Connecticut uncompetitive with other states including the highest gas tax in America.<br />
In 2008 they passed global warming rules that don't affect global warming and handcuff Connecticut businesses.<br />
<br />
I mean, really, this stuff is insane. It is the most active anti-business agenda in the country. It has placed Connecticut last in the country in job creation.  Companies are sprinting towards the border. Even the head of United Technologies has said the business climate is better anywhere but Connecticut. When UT talks, these idiots should listen.<br />
<br />
These are the reason Hartford's vacancy rate is going up and not coming down. And it won't come down until these issues are addressed.  I'm not saying there are no successes. But the trend is awful. The state needs to wake up or Hartford will turn into a ghost town and the rest of the state will follow.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:52:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159562]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159562]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159476'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>The Voice of Reason, on 22 January 2012 - 11:27 AM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
Malloy has done more to curb the anti business lean in this state than anyone in a long time.<br />
<br />
You guys are so damn party politic based that you loose the fact that our democratic gov is more pro business and more anti union than Republican Jodi Rell and Rowland.<br />
<br />
How about in CT we just accept that we have good leaders, absent leaders and corrupt leaders.   Right now we have one that seems to be one of the better leaders.  He may be a democrat, but Ill tell ya he appears more conservative that Rell did, and its just rediculous to me that people need to winge about him because of his party affiliation.  crap I hated Rell for being an ineffective waste of time.  I liked Roland for being a big thinker, and I like Malloy for his attempts at shaking up the unions and their pensions and honestly trying to solve our long term financial issues(successful or not he has put in some solid effort that will bring long term benefits if not short term fixes)<br /></div></div>
LMAO!!!! Conservative????????????? Give me a break! Oh yeah raising taxes on small business, and individuals really makes for a pro-business agenda, Come on now! You want really economic growth? Cut taxes across the board, and bring State employee costs down to provate sector levels, and I'll bet you a million dollars we would be booming again. Sorry but Malloy is just a typical tax and spend liberal. Were dead last last in job creation.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:21:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>drc72</author>
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		<title>PROPOSED: iQuilt Pedestrian Enhancements</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=52632&view=findpost&p=1159501]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[<span style='color: #292727'><span style='font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif, serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'>The plan was developed not because so much is wrong with downtown Hartford that it needs to be "fixed" or "saved." It was developed because so much is right that needs to be </span></span></span><a href='http://articles.courant.com/2012-01-15/news/hc-op-suisman-iquilt-0115-20120115_1_iquilt-bushnell-park-greenwalk#' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>completed</a><span style='color: #292727'><span style='font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif, serif'><span style='font-size: 12px;'>, connected and leveraged in order to make Hartford economically competitive. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style='font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif, serif'><span style='color: #292727'></span></span><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:13:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>Nick Pirce</author>
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		<title>PROPOSED: iQuilt Pedestrian Enhancements</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=52632&view=findpost&p=1159480]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=52632&view=findpost&p=1159480]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1145647'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>Bill Mocarsky, on 16 June 2011 - 09:00 AM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
I'm glad that the Gold Street area, which seems to be the most resolved element right now, is a top priority. I always thought that street needed to be straightened and aligned with Atheneum Square.<br />
<br />
In the aerials below, notice how Gold street looks like a road running through a suburban office park. Notice the two odd pieces of useless land on opposite sides of the street. One parcel is the lawn next to Busnell Tower. The other is filled with boulders.<br />
<br />
It looks like the concept would join these odd parcels into one rectangular shape.<br />
<br />
What should be done with the rocks?<br />
<br />
Would this be a good site for a farmer's market?  <br />
<img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/attachicon.gif'	alt='Attachment' /> <a href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=6860' target='_blank'>Gold street 1.jpg</a><br />
<img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/attachicon.gif'	alt='Attachment' /> <a href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=core&module=attach&section=attach&attach_rel_module=post&attach_id=6861' target='_blank'>Gold street 2.jpg</a><br /></div></div>
<br />
<br />
looking at the more finalized plans for Gold, I think they are heading in the right direction.  I am glad to hear that corner of lawn in front Bushnell on the park is not owned by the condo.  it has allowed them to make this plan work and to have the road point directly at the capital dome creating nice sight lines.  The rocks are staying because some people love that stuff, but hopefully people will interact with them, and well we will see what the final plan is.   But I don't se this making a huge difference until the Travelers Plaza is also done.  thats really the draw to that area in their plan and this park extender would reach its potential only after having bookends.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:03:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>Goodwin Breaks Ground On CT River Academy in East Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53140&view=findpost&p=1159478]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[I Like it, it fits in with their campus building.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.ehworks.com/newsletter.php' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.ehworks.com/newsletter.php</a><br />
<br />
The Goodwin College expansion continues with the <strong class='bbc'>CT River Academy Magnet High School</strong>, which just this month received Planning &amp; Zoning approvals. This 480-student, environmental studies high school is to be constructed at 1-5 Riverside Drive, and will serve grades 9-12. Construction on this 103,000 sq. ft., 4-storey school is expected to start by October 2011 and should be completed by the summer of 2013.<br />
<br />
click the link for photos.   there is also info about the early child educations school they want to build on campus.<br />
<br />
and the academy of advanced design and  technology.  another huge school for 400 pupils and 80,000 SF.   I can only imagine that these buildings will also help Goodwin expand education programs and grow as a school!<br />
<br />
<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:43:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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	<item>
		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159476]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Malloy has done more to curb the anti business lean in this state than anyone in a long time.<br />
<br />
You guys are so damn party politic based that you loose the fact that our democratic gov is more pro business and more anti union than Republican Jodi Rell and Rowland.<br />
<br />
How about in CT we just accept that we have good leaders, absent leaders and corrupt leaders.   Right now we have one that seems to be one of the better leaders.  He may be a democrat, but Ill tell ya he appears more conservative that Rell did, and its just rediculous to me that people need to winge about him because of his party affiliation.  crap I hated Rell for being an ineffective waste of time.  I liked Roland for being a big thinker, and I like Malloy for his attempts at shaking up the unions and their pensions and honestly trying to solve our long term financial issues(successful or not he has put in some solid effort that will bring long term benefits if not short term fixes)<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:27:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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	<item>
		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159445]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159445]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159185'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>HartfordTycoon, on 18 January 2012 - 01:59 PM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
I don't agree that there are too many rank and file state workers. When is the last time you went to DMV and said, gee there are too many people working today! I think there are way too many managers though and probably way too much overtime being paid out. <strong class='bbc'>I do agree that the pensions and health benefits for retired state workers need to be reformed and brought into line with what we have in the private sector</strong>. I feel like my personal property taxes are obscene as well. I don't enjoy paying taxes, don't get me wrong. I think there needs to be a middle of the road approach taken to getting these issues under control.<br /></div></div>
Hate to break it to you, but nothing will ever change with the Democrats in control. Lets be realistic here, do you honestly think malloy is gonna do all that to his union constituency? Never in a million years. All his threats during the budget battle was smoke and mirrows. We are dead last in job creation.   At least with Rowland we made some progress on that, but even he could of done a hell of a lot more. I completely lost hope when malloy got elected. Look what happened in the 80s without an income tax, CT and Hartford was booming. Hartford was on the verge of a major expansion. The income tax throw all that out the window. So sad what could of been.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:50:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>drc72</author>
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	<item>
		<title>Downtown Hartford Residential Projects</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=44163&view=findpost&p=1159307]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[On Sunday, on Meet the State, Governor Malloy called for 3,000-4,000 new housing units in downtown Hartford. And today, he announced the formation of the CRDA, which will coordinate state and city efforts in Hartford's redevelopment. Both are good news for the iQuilt, <a href='http://theiquiltplan.org/news/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://theiquiltplan.org</a>, which was cited in the Governor's press release and in news articles in the Courant and Hartford Business Journal.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to the just-released i"Pocket Guide" to the iQuilt Plan (right click to save to disk): <a href='http://iq2.squarespace.com/storage/iQUILT%20PLAN%20Pocket%20Guide%20Jan%202012.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://iq2.squarespa...0Jan%202012.pdf</a><br />
<br />
The full 120-page Overview is supposed to be online on January 24.<br />
<br />
There has been a lot of news coverage of the iQuilt recently:<br />
<a href='http://theiquiltplan.org/news/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://theiquiltplan.org/news/</a><br />
<br />
The Plan is also relevant to other Urban Planet discussions on downtown Hartford, including proposed renovations of the XL Center, and the State of Connecticut possibly relocating many of its office into downtown commercial space, and freeing up its holdings, especially around Bushnell Park, for housing.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:19:57 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>disegnourbano</author>
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		<title><![CDATA[IN PROGRESS: Front Street @ Adriaen's Landing]]></title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16144&view=findpost&p=1159267]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Convention center attendence up 50%.  This has to help businesses look at Front st too.<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.courant.com/business/hc-convention-center-attendance-20120118,0,790041.story' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.courant.com/business/hc-convention-center-attendance-20120118,0,790041.story</a><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:35:56 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordHope</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159242]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Another building was foreclosed today, this one on Constitution Plaza. City Place 2 is headed there fast. <br />
<br />
The high tax, anti-business regulations that have emptied these building are coming home to roost. Maybe the the city and state need a true crisis to come to there senses.  Heck, even the governor of New York was smart enough to balance the budget with no tax increase and they are just as liberal as Connecticut. Malloy treated businesses to the biggest tax increase in the state's history and piled on the regulations while giving the unions four years of no cuts. It's insanity.<br />
<br />
That's my problem, Democrats punishing businesses and rewarding unions.  It get Democrats re-elected but it has hurt the state for decades and is about to put the state into critical care.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:18:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159187]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159187]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159184'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>beerbeer, on 18 January 2012 - 01:59 PM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
I support public spending that has a payback to citizens either through infrastructure, quality of life, or safety nets.<br />
<br />
I believe government has a responsibility to keep the citizens safe, to provide sanitation and education. These are all areas where the state has real responsibilities.<br />
<br />
I support mass transit because I see the payback in communities all over America. Where public transit goes, economic development, jobs, population growth and entertainment follow. It is a real investment. There is real payback.<br />
<br />
I cannot support higher energy prices to placate environmentalists, or anti-business measures to placate unions, or higher taxes that only add to bloated bureaucracy of state government.<br />
<br />
I don't feel I need to reconcile these views. I see them as consistent. Government has a role. But that's all, a role. It should be as small and intrude as little as possible.<br /></div></div>
<br />
I agree with much of what you say. Unfortunately I don't feel like many Dems or Repubs share these middle of the road views. Repubs would just as soon not fund any mass transit or spend public money on economic development and Dems allow the public employees to walk all over them. If only there was some sort of 3rd party somewhere in the middle that believed in investing in things for the public good and that the free market would not always be the answer but also that government  <span style='color: #282828'><span style='font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif'>bureaucracy needs to be seriously trimmed and that public employees should have the same retirement packages as private sector workers. I don't see anyone who espouses these views so I support what I see as the lesser of two evils. For me, it's more important to see that public investment in infrastructure, economic development, and education than it is to risk having all of these things neglected so that the size of government can be reduced. </span></span><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:16:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159185]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159185]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159179'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>Luca Brasi, on 18 January 2012 - 01:02 PM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
It gets funded through cutting spending and smaller government. Have you seen the pension and benefit deals state workers get? Its insane. Since when was someone supposed to get wealthy as a state worker? We are one of the most taxed states in the country as evidenced by the loss of business and jobs in this state. The answer is not to continue raising taxes on those who drive the economy because those people leave. As a business owner in Hartford and Connecticut, I can tell you the amount of tax I pay every year is obscene. 20 years ago, the state had no lottery money, no casino revenues and no income tax... we have all that now and are still broke. Its not hard to figure out the problem.<br /></div></div>
<br />
I don't agree that there are too many rank and file state workers. When is the last time you went to DMV and said, gee there are too many people working today! I think there are way too many managers though and probably way too much overtime being paid out. I do agree that the pensions and health benefits for retired state workers need to be reformed and brought into line with what we have in the private sector. I feel like my personal property taxes are obscene as well. I don't enjoy paying taxes, don't get me wrong. I think there needs to be a middle of the road approach taken to getting these issues under control.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:59:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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	<item>
		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159184]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159184]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I support public spending that has a payback to citizens either through infrastructure, quality of life, or safety nets. <br />
<br />
I believe government has a responsibility to keep the citizens safe, to provide sanitation and education. These are all areas where the state has real responsibilities.<br />
<br />
I support mass transit because I see the payback in communities all over America. Where public transit goes, economic development, jobs, population growth and entertainment follow. It is a real investment. There is real payback.<br />
<br />
I cannot support higher energy prices to placate environmentalists, or anti-business measures to placate unions, or higher taxes that only add to bloated bureaucracy of state government.<br />
<br />
I don't feel I need to reconcile these views. I see them as consistent. Government has a role. But that's all, a role. It should be as small and intrude as little as possible.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:59:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159179]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159179]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<br />
It gets funded through cutting spending and smaller government. Have you seen the pension and benefit deals state workers get? Its insane. Since when was someone supposed to get wealthy as a state worker? We are one of the most taxed states in the country as evidenced by the loss of business and jobs in this state. The answer is not to continue raising taxes on those who drive the economy because those people leave. As a business owner in Hartford and Connecticut, I can tell you the amount of tax I pay every year is obscene. 20 years ago, the state had no lottery money, no casino revenues and no income tax... we have all that now and are still broke. Its not hard to figure out the problem.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 19:02:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>Luca Brasi</author>
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	<item>
		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159160]]></link>
		<guid><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159160]]></guid>
		<description><![CDATA[<p class='citation'><a class='snapback' rel='citation' href='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?app=forums&module=forums&section=findpost&pid=1159153'><img src='http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/public/style_images/up2011a/snapback.png' alt='View Post' /></a>beerbeer, on 18 January 2012 - 07:45 AM, said:</p><div class="blockquote"><div class='quote'>
This guy is responsible for the largest tax increase in Connecticut history and the first bill forcing small business to buy health care.  These are anti-business measures that hurt the entire state.  Asking Starbucks to stay open on week ends isn't the solution to Hartford's problems.  The business climate created by Malloy and a generation of Democratic politicians is.<br /></div></div>
<br />
The budget is balanced and state aid to cities and towns was not cut. We didn't have massive layoffs of state employees leading to even higher unemployment either. He's lured the Cigna headquarters back to the region and is making a sound investment with the Jackson Labs deal. I don't get you sometimes, Beerbeer. You support public spending on a new arena in Hartford yet want to see massive tax decreases and I assume layoffs of public sector workers. I'm not sure how to reconcile that. Most on the right would never want tax dollars to go to something like a new arena or even mass transit but you seem to support those pro-urban policies. I'm not sure how those things get funded though in your world.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:17:58 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53148&view=findpost&p=1159153]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[This guy is responsible for the largest tax increase in Connecticut history and the first bill forcing small business to buy health care.  These are anti-business measures that hurt the entire state.  Asking Starbucks to stay open on week ends isn't the solution to Hartford's problems.  The business climate created by Malloy and a generation of Democratic politicians is.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:45:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[I really think when all is said and done that this governor will be great for Hartford and the other cities of CT. I agree with everything he said about thousands of more housing units, Starbucks, and the NHL and XL Center. Sounds like he will not be in favor of doing nothing and just letting the XL center crumble. Also sounds like he would be willing to assist with getting more housing built downtown. The city needs to keep adding housing downtown until there are enough units for about 10 - 15 thousand residents downtown. There are many ignorant people who do not realize that housing downtown has been a complete success and that we just need to keep adding units. I'm glad those people are not in power. Ideally downtown Hartford would boast a population about the size of a small CT town and start to have that critical mass and affluent population that will really make national retailers and developers notice.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:33:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title><![CDATA[IN PROGRESS: Front Street @ Adriaen's Landing]]></title>
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		<description><![CDATA[Signs of life at Front Street. Imagine that. According to the article the movie theater is now under construction and Infinity Hall Hartford is picking up serious steam. Now if they can get a few restaurant/lounge type places Front Street could be pretty inviting to locals and visitors alike. Also with an operating retail district in phase 1 the housing in phase 2 becomes that much easier to get financing for. It's been a long, tough battle but I think it is finally going to start paying off.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:22:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>36 Lewis St.</title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=53141&view=findpost&p=1159065]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[I love hearing this type of news.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 05:18:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>Chessplayer</author>
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		<title>Governor Malloy talks about Hartford</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[Gov. was on Channel 3 yesterday and talking about building apartments and I-84. <a href='http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/governor-calls-for-new-housing-in-downtown-hartford-and-a-full-service-starbucks/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://dennishouse.wordpress.com/2012/01/15/governor-calls-for-new-housing-in-downtown-hartford-and-a-full-service-starbucks/</a><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Jan 2012 02:39:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>grock</author>
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		<title><![CDATA[IN PROGRESS: Front Street @ Adriaen's Landing]]></title>
		<link><![CDATA[http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=16144&view=findpost&p=1159030]]></link>
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		<description><![CDATA[Looks like the Infinity rumor was true.  This would be pretty awesome for the city!<br />
<br />
<a href='http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news22160.html' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://www.hartfordbusiness.com/news22160.html</a><br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:29:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordHope</author>
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		<title><![CDATA[Hartford's iQuilt Plan for Downtown]]></title>
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		<description><![CDATA[The iquilt is interesting.<br />
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I would be happy if they just followed through on the plans for Bushnell Park. Making the rink permanent and moving the carousel nearer to the pump house both make sense. It would also make sense to turn the pump house into a  permanent restaurant and warming hut.<br />
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The restoration of flowing water is an aesthetic home run.<br />
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One thing I didn't see on the plan was the removal of the parking lot on the north side of the capitol. It doesn't belong in the park. If they built underground parking there that would be fine. But it is totally unneeded as there is a parking structure to the west of the capitol.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:37:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>beerbeer</author>
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		<title><![CDATA[Hartford's iQuilt Plan for Downtown]]></title>
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		<description><![CDATA[Here's a link to the just-released iQuilt Plan in the form of a "Pocket Guide": <a href='http://iq2.squarespace.com/storage/iQUILT%20PLAN%20Pocket%20Guide%20Jan%202012.pdf' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://iq2.squarespa...0Jan%202012.pdf</a><br />
<br />
The full 120-page Overview is supposed to be online on January 24.<br />
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There has been a lot of news coverage of the iQuilt recently:<br />
<a href='http://theiquiltplan.org/news/' class='bbc_url' title='External link' rel='nofollow external'>http://theiquiltplan.org/news/</a><br />
<br />
The Plan is also relevant to other Urban Planet discussions on downtown Hartford, including proposed renovations of the XL Center, and the State of Connecticut possibly relocating many of its office into downtown commercial space, and freeing up its holdings, especially around Bushnell Park, for housing.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:53:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>disegnourbano</author>
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		<title>CONCEPT: New Arena For City?</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[I think it would be a home run if the state decided to allow a casino downtown and one of the specs that the state submitted to prospective developers called for a new 20,000 seat, state of the art Arena. 2 birds one stone. I think that Bridgeport and Hartford should both be allowed to have casinos downtown. I think Malloy would be much more likely to embrace this sort of idea than any of our other recent governors. I'm glad he is trying to allow for Sunday sales of liquor and also letting bars and restaurants stay open later during the week. You can't be a boring, uptight state and expect to be an entertainment destination.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Jan 2012 02:18:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>HartfordTycoon</author>
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		<title>The skating rink in Bushnell Park</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[So, with IQUILT, one of the early steps apparently to build a permanent ice rink and move the carasel down over by the pump house.  I guess with federal funding and all, this is a pretty doable thing, and I gotta say it would be a great asset to the city.    Im imadgining the permanent rink structure would be convertable to misters for summer or a fountain.  I have seen quite a few of these set ups and they are VERY nice and function most of the year bringing people together from all walks of life.<br />
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<br />
I wanted to add that I didnt see any kind of food vendors down there, just a guy selling hats and stuff.<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 22:35:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>The states big plans for Hartford</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[I think we would all love to see the parking lots go away, but they would need a lot more space than that building.   CT river plaza at 560Ksf will only satisfy 1/6 of their potential need.  and states being states, Id count on a soulless box.<br />
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Anyhoo, CT River plaza at 30 million is a steal compared to building a 600k SF building on a parking lot for probably 150 Million<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:51:28 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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		<title>CONCEPT: New Arena For City?</title>
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		<description><![CDATA[PREACH!<br><br><b>View information on projects and add your own in our new Project Database: [<a href="http://www.urbanplanet.org/forums/page/databases/project_db">Link</a>]</b>]]></description>
		<pubDate>Sat, 14 Jan 2012 18:37:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<author>The Voice of Reason</author>
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