This past Saturday I shared the stage at the Hartford Public Library with some very good and interesting thinkers who participated in the daylong event known as TED^x Bushnell Park. Organized by a local entrepreneur Steve Yannicke, the tag line for the website is “ideas worth spreading” and I was asked to talk about the relevance of historic preservation in Hartford. Over the course of several days I was introduced to some amazing people with very interesting ideas and concerns. For anyone with the least bit of curiosity about what impacts their lives, this worldwide forum presents ideas, challenges and solutions which will simply expand horizons. The local initiative was truly inspirational.

The block of speakers to which I was attached fell under the title Redrawing the Cityscape. I joined David Panagore, urban consultant, who spoke of “Why Streets Matter, Why They Need To Be Complete;” David Fink, policy director, Partnership for Strong Communities, who spoke on “Why Mixed Income Housing?;” and my topic “Historic Preservation: The Foundation for Community Economic Development.” The message I have been articulating is that historic preservation should not be viewed as the preserve of the upper-income folks but that it represents the “foundation” upon which communities can create or recreate a true sense of them.

I spoke of attending an open house last week which celebrated the historic rehabilitation of two houses on 47-49 Wolcott Street. These twin duplexes were built in the 1860’s. Now restored they will become homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in a neighborhood which is in great need to celebrate a new sense of pride. Each of the former townhouses has now been subdivided into one two-bedroom unit and one one-bedroom. The intent is that the smaller unit might be rented to generate income to help pay the mortgage. This is a simple solution to creating homeownership and to making housing affordable and yet preserving the historic home. In their remarks Mayor Pedro Segarra, Jim Jones, president of Trinity College and Marty Gavin CEO of the Children’s Medical Center all referred to the historic significance of these two buildings. They were new when Abraham Lincoln visited Hartford to voice his anti-slavery message and met Harriett Beecher Stowe at the same time. It is efforts of organizations such as Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance (SINA) which do the difficult work to bring about this sort of community revitalization. It represents the future of historic preservation work – linking arms with community development which can continue to make Hartford a “livable “ city.

The Connecticut Legislature adjourned with several wins for those of us involved in historic preservation.

We who work with funds from the Community Investment Act (CIA) joined forces to rebuff an attempt to redirect money to fill funding gaps in other budget items. CIA funds are designated for:

• open space
• agriculture viability and dairy support
• historic preservation
• affordable housing

Through the efforts, in part, of Connecticut Preservation Action (CPA) and other organizations, we were able to establish the economic benefit these funds bring to communities throughout the state. Due to this effort, the fund has been left intact.

Senate bill SB 960 Historic Preservation Ordinance was passed. This enabling legislation allows for town and cities in Connecticut to establish historic commissions. It allows their creation but does not force any to be created.

SB 960 bill offered an added benefit to us preservationists in Hartford. Several years ago a municipal ordinance established the Hartford Preservation Commission however, recent objections have been raised regarding its right to exist. Once again, CPA & HPA went to bat to encourage passage of this enabling legislation. This has the effect of strengthening the ability to main the Hartford Preservation Commission.

Legislation was also passed which broadens the potential utilization of the Connecticut Historic Home Rehabilitation Tax Credit program. This powerful financial incentive is somewhat unique in the country. It offers capital to homeowners who are renovating properties listed on the historic register, an incentive for projects contributing to preservation efforts in the State. We at Hartford Preservation Alliance would be happy to discuss these credits with any homeowner wishing to do work on their houses. Our organization is equipped to offer advice, guidance and consultation. For additional information, homeowners can contact Mary Dunne (mary.dunne@ct.gov) at the State Historic Preservation Office for further information. It is our goal to have these credits fully-utilized – only by demonstrating homeowner demand can we seek additional credits in the future.

As part of the new website of the Alliance I introduce myself.  I am Frank Hagaman and initiating this blog marks the six-month anniversary of my being hired to take preservation in Hartford forward in what I hope to be new directions.  Built on a fine and sound foundation,  the Alliance is now poised to explore new possibilities to promote and encourage historic preservation.  I come to this organization with backgrounds in both finance and preservation –  a “reformed” banker who went on to found an affordable housing development corporation.  I wear hats which are fundamental to the adaptive reuse of the amazing historic fabric of this city.  The Alliance will join the effort to make Hartford into a place to call home as I have done having returned to Connecticut after twenty years away.

Please explore our website.  We are constantly adding new information and content.  This will grow to be a resource for anyone wishing to know information on things historic in Hartford.  I plan to write more on various topics so please stop back often.  Your comments, questions and concerns are most welcome.  It is my hope to make this blog interactive.

So welcome . . .