By Tim Moore
As Hartford continues to grow, it is imperative that our elected leaders engage in open dialogue with property owners, developers, and real estate brokers so they can develop a firm understanding of the challenges from a perspective other than their council chair.
Councilman John Gale’s recent attempt to spur development is through a proposed ordinance that seeks to attach a $100 per day fine to any commercial storefront in the city that has remained vacant for more than 120 days.
If Gale is being honest, and his fines are intended to motivate downtown landlords to be more creative with filling their storefronts with temporary galleries or pop-up stores, then congratulations Councilman Gale – mission accomplished.