Economic Development

Innovative Business Development and Neighborhood Revitalization I will: Establish an aggressive outreach effort to attract new businesses to Hamden.
Support this effort with programs to help new and existing businesses thrive and grow in Hamden.

Economic Development has been stagnant for years. The slow growth of our grandlist has been at the expense of existing property owners. I will bring innovative business development and neighborhood revitalization to Hamden. A technology-driven world is here now and we must meet the needs of our businesses and entrepreneurs. I will work with community members to revitalize neighborhoods that have been neglected and overlooked for far too long. A strong economy will bring good-paying jobs to the people of Hamden and strengthen our grandlist to lessen the burden to taxpayers.

I know that these proposals will take time and money. But each represents an investment in Hamden that promises to return many times its cost and reduce our taxes.

Hamden has a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest $18 million from the American Recovery Act. These funds need to be spent on infrastructure and building a 21st century Hamden. We have 2 years to make this happen or the funds go back to Washington. We need to move quickly and effectively so we can have long-lasting impact.

A drive around Hamden reveals that our land-use policy was cobbled together in pieces, and over a long period of time. Now we have some neighborhoods that are thriving, while others are crushed by poverty. The downtown business district is bustling but is only navigable by automobile. Thousands of our residents are unable to get to a grocery store. Streetscapes have been allowed to deteriorate.

My administration has changed our T zones to be less restrictive for business development.

Adaptive Reuse of Buildings

Hamden has a large number of buildings that are either abandoned or not being used in ways that are as productive to the community as they can be. It’s time we talked with those building owners to learn what regulations and resources stand in the way of returning those structures to uses that are as productive as they can be.

Bring schools on to the planning team

Our educators are the crown jewel of Hamden. The schools and Hamden’s diversity are why I moved to Hamden. Their voices should be part of a job readiness dialogue that includes business leaders and thought leaders from all parts of the town. Hamden Engineering Careers Academy (HECA) students have assisted on projects for energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements.

Make it easy to start a business

Starting a business involves many obstacles. That’s why I plan to introduce a three part Hamden is Open for Business program:

*Improve the time it takes for Zoning permits and Building permits. Improve the process through Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning and Zoning Commission

  • Assist businesses and non-profits with funding through grants and financing.

  • Highlight the businesses currently in Hamden as well as the businesses moving into Hamden.

Incentivize Innovation

My administration will encourage innovation to flourish in Hamden. With the establishment of a cooperative relationship with Hamden businesses and marketing through the town website and social media of a Hamden Hotspots Map. The Mayor’s office will implement a Mayor’s Innovation Awards program -- with a scholarship prize from the mayor -- to recognize and support new ideas from our tremendous pool of smart thinkers here, we will make it easier to do business in town.

Infrastructure

From roads, to water pipes, to fiber optic cable, getting people and information around town requires planning. If infrastructure is preventing businesses from investing in Hamden, we need to invest in infrastructure. 80% of our working residents, though, commute to other towns. Let’s help Hamden be a great place to live and work with improvements to how we treat our people and businesses. This isn’t just a fond wish. This is a genuine expression of the values that can help get Hamden back on the path to flourishing.

Workforce Development

We will partner with nonprofits that specialize in training unemployed residents in construction related jobs. On the job training can result in beautification efforts and facilities improvements for the cost of materials. Economies grow from the bottom up, not from the top down. Providing good paying jobs, training Hamden residents, and helping families with basic needs in the next initiative will encourage growth in Hamden.

Public Safety Net

The Keefe Community Center badly needs renovation. We will increase our outreach through a partnership with the Greater New Haven Coordinated Access Network. We will continue to work with the Food Security Task Force and United Way to end hunger in Hamden.

Improve public transportation

My administration will work with the Connecticut Transit District to improve the routes and frequency of public transportation to ensure residents can conveniently travel to and from their employment. The Town of Hamden is partnering with New Haven to bring Bus Rapid Transit to Dixwell Avenue.