CT's Local Downtowns Are Key to Economic Vibrancy, Walkable Communities

Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC), recognized for its expertise as a resource for developing and sustaining vibrant downtowns, is urging the state to “prioritize our downtowns & town centers as the drivers of the state's economy, leaders of innovation & opportunity, and reinvigorate a Main Street spirit still strained by the Covid pandemic.”

The organizations missin is to assess, educate, convene, and advocate to develop and grow traditional downtowns, village centers, and urban mixed-use neighborhoods. Their statewide network of 80+ member communities impacts 1.9 million residents across the state.

CMSC supports Main Streets in communities across the state by advocating for specific legislative changes and general policies that enhance our downtowns' walkability, expand housing, encourage business, enable inclusivity and foster innovation.

In a recent Viewpoint article published by CT Mirror, CMSC interim CEO Kimberley Parsons-Whitaker pointed out that “right now, Connecticut doesn’t have enough walkable communities. The areas around our transit centers are underdeveloped, and restrictive zoning has created sprawl that pushes into environmentally sensitive lands and makes owning a car a necessity,” adding that “smart reforms can restore the vitality that historically made our communities so vibrant.”

At the State Capitol, CMSC actively participates in the legislature’s Main Street Working Group, chaired by Reps. Quentin Phipps (Middletown), Jane Garibay (Windsor/ Windsor Locks) and Jennifer Leeper (Fairfield).

Looking ahead to possible actions during the 2002 legislative session, just underway this month, CMSC has developed a series of organizational priorities that will direct their efforts at the Capitol and across the state.  The priorities fall into six areas of focus:  Economics, Place, Inclusiveness, Sustainability, Transportation, Stewardship.

Economics

·         Grow Tools & Resources for Small Businesses: Our downtowns and commercial corridors are home to the majority of our small businesses, the life-blood of Connecticut’s economy. However, many small shops and restaurants have been negatively impacted by Covid, rising inflation, supply chain & staffing issues, and third party apps & delivery service charges. In addition to increased financing, resources & technical assistance for small business owners, CMSC also supports increased transparency around third party fees and additional efforts to mitigate their negative impact on local restaurants.

·         Protect Community Investment Act Funds: The State must protect Community Investment Act funds. These monies provide the source funds for many beneficial programs that enable historic preservation, support affordable housing and protect open space.

Place

·         Maintain or Increase the Historic Tax Credit Cap: These tax credits are an invaluable tool in preserving and adapting CT's historic buildings. Maintaining or increasing the credits is an investment that generates a significant return for the State, with studies in Ohio and elsewhere showing a $6.20 return to the state and municipalities for every $1 of historic tax credit invested.

·         Provide Communities Tools to Address Abandoned and Blighted Properties: Clean, safe, attractive and fun are the key elements of a thriving downtown. Properties that are neglected and abandoned create a negative perception and often attract criminal or unwanted behavior. Removing the municipal population threshold for certain parties to petition the Superior Court for appointment of a receiver for a blighted and abandoned property will enable communities of any size to address this issue.

Inclusiveness

·         Support Diversity of People, Incomes & Uses in Our Downtowns: More than ever, people are recognizing that many in our communities have been shut out of opportunities to succeed. CMSC has signed on as a supporter of DesegregateCT in calling for zoning reforms that will help address housing supply & diversity. The state should support these efforts to encourage and grow a variety of housing choices at different price points, as well as encourage a diversity of people, incomes and uses in all Connecticut cities and towns.

Sustainability

·         Downtown Investment is Green Development: If you believe in smart growth, you must invest in downtown development. It’s simply a better choice for environmental sustainability, public health and smart design, since a ready supply of buildings and walkable streets and parks mean downtowns are inherently green with multiple opportunities for healthier living.

Transportation

·         Incentivize Transit-Oriented Development: Equitable transit-oriented communities are mixed-use neighborhoods with an array of housing options (including affordable homes), near train stations or CTfastrak stations. CMSC supports legislative changes that allow a mix of housing types "as of right" near transit stations; have at least 10% of the housing affordable to low- and moderate-income individuals and families; and have fewer or no parking mandates for new housing. Additionally, municipalities should continue to support and implement Complete Streets initiatives that further enhance connectivity.

·         Facilitate Walkable, Connected Communities: The state should prioritize and invest in connected communities that embrace safety and a variety of transit options for people of all ages and abilities. Legislative changes that increase pedestrian safety at crosswalks, create pedestrian safety zones, enable municipalities to change speed limits on municipal owned roads, and require motorists to yield to pedestrians will encourage walkable, connected neighborhoods for all to enjoy.

Stewardship

·         Support Managed Downtowns: Curating the many facets of a healthy downtown is essential to its success. Having downtown friendly regulations, public/private partnerships and community engagement are just some of the elements that need to be cultivated and well-managed. At the local level, this means support for local Main Street management organizations, while support for statewide financing programs, policies and legislation that enhance our downtowns is imperative.