Downtown Hartford: Reality vs. Perception

by Kelsey Sterling
DTHartford Staff

Downtown Hartford, also known as the “insurance capital of the world,” earned its name for the numerous financial service industries and bustling streets crawling with its daily swarm of businesspeople.

Drive through downtown, however, and you must pass through one of the poorest areas in the state. Downtown Hartford consists of a rundown, low-income section next door to the city’s highly successful business district.

For several decades Hartford was among the wealthiest cities in the United States. Today, however, it is among the poorest in the nation. Hartford has history, arts, culture more to offer – but only parts of it. The other parts are poverty-stricken and dangerous. What is the reason for these disparities?

“Hartford is actually very wealthy. It’s the drastic disparity between rich and poor that makes it appear like Hartford is poor. We're really rich - and really poor,” said Hartford resident and owner of community development company Civic Mind Studios, TJ Clynch.

Is it all about perception? Many are unfamiliar with Hartford’s successes – they hear of the poverty and violence occurring on a regular basis and immediately disregard the city’s strengths. “Most people are unaware of Hartford’s history,” Clynch said. “It is also easier to be part of the problem, rather than be part of the solution. We suffer from “outsiders” kicking dirt on the city whenever they get a chance.”

Hartford resident Sharon Arsenault said, “Growing up in Hartford was a lot safer than it is today. In my neighborhood there weren’t bars on the windows like there are now.” This is a typical view of the state’s capital nowadays. Many agree that run-down buildings equal an unsafe living environment and only the wealthier population has opportunities in the city.  “Only people with money go to the nice parts of downtown – it’s too expensive now,” said Arsenault.

The source of this discrepancy is difficult to pinpoint. Like any city, Hartford is what its population makes of it. It has underdeveloped areas, good areas, and better areas. Clynch said, “Poor decisions and policy from the government hasn't helped, but we're all to blame. You can't blame Hartford. Hartford is a place – the people make it what it is, the good and the bad.”

So what is the appeal of these “bad” areas that account for the high urban population? Crystal Cyr, United Healthcare project manager said, “I would think this would attribute to the lower cost to purchase a house in Hartford. Purchasing a house is significantly lower than other towns.  Also, I believe the state offers low income housing benefits for living in the City of Hartford for renting apartments, too.” These low living prices appeal to those with low incomes, and thus this area of downtown is inhabited predominantly by lower income families.    

The lower income section most are familiar with is Albany Avenue, connecting the University of Hartford to downtown. Other low income sections are Park Street and the north end of the city. The catalyst for Hartford's economic transformation was the development of the highway. Interstate 91 was built along the river to provide ramps to the G Fox Mall. This created a simple way to live in the suburbs and drive into the city. Later, the mall closed – leaving a giant highway running through the center of the city.

Education, or a lack thereof, may be another cause for blame. “The low level of education offered in the City of Hartford makes it more difficult for children raised in the area to be successful. Less education and opportunities equals low income, and the vicious cycle continues through generations,” said Cyr.

According to greatschools.org, ratings are based on the city’s public school’s test results. Hartford’s school system received a two out of ten on the scale – a disturbingly low number that calls for attention. Cyr, a Plainville resident and mother of two young children said, “I believe the city of Hartford needs to focus on putting more standards and budgeting in the education of children of the city to ensure they have the same opportunities that the children of the smaller towns have.”

Maybe this vicious cycle of poor education and lack of opportunity is causing issues in the North End. Below average school systems generally produce underprepared youth, and therefore, they have a higher chance of living in a type of Hartford “vacuum”.

“People with low incomes find it difficult to survive – they want what every American wants. Without the opportunities given to them by education or their parents’ lack of education and simply teaching them right from wrong is why people make poor choices. They choose to try to make money by pursuing other things like selling drugs. It all stems from lack of education,” said Cyr.

These alternative decisions may account for many of downtown Hartford’s shortcomings – lack of education, lack of economic stability, and overall lack of support from outsiders. Considering many of the successful businesspeople working in the city’s big companies are not typically from Hartford, this is a probable conclusion.        

Can cars also be blamed for the onset of the city’s inconsistencies? Tyler Kleykamp, chairman for the Connecticut Geospatial Information Systems Council said, “After World War II, cars were inexpensive and the economy was booming. People fled the city for the suburbs, leaving behind urban cores.” This urban core is prominent throughout the streets of the lower income section, mostly illustrated by the abandoned business properties. 

Downtown was not initially intended as a residential area. “While there are some apartment buildings, downtown is primarily an employment and entertainment area. Also, the business district has special taxing authority – the ability to levy property taxes beyond what the city does – to provide for maintenance, beautification and other things, whereas the more deteriorated areas are primarily residential and rely on individual property owners to fund improvements,” Kleykamp said. The reality of our state's capital is largely inconsistent with its perception from outsiders and residents alike.