New Vision For Regional Market

Consultant Offers Ideas For Future

HARTFORD — The Hartford Regional Market — already known for its springtime plant and shrub sales by local farms — could take on a higher profile as a tourist attraction.

A preliminary report from the consultant hired to evaluate future redevelopment options for the run-down property in Hartford’s South Meadows envisions an expansion of the existing farmers market. Some options include food trucks; a stage for musical entertainment and other performances; makerspace for food processing; community gardens and other public gathering spaces.

R. Michael Goman, a principal of the consulting firm Goman + York of East Hartford, said a study of similar markets around the country shows it is not unusual for such attractions to draw from as far away as a 40-minute drive.

“So, 40 minutes on the interstate highways, that covers a lot of distance,” Goman said. “That reaches up into Springfield and so on. If executed well, it can be a big attraction for central Connecticut.”

Goman + York pointed to farmers markets that successfully expanded over time.

The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles now encompasses a broad variety of vendors. In addition to produce, the vendors sell clothing, art, handcrafted goods and other items. The market also hosts events. One big difference is the climate in Los Angeles, which allows the market to operate outdoors yearround.

The Eastern Market in Detroit can draw 45,000 or more on market days with 200 or more vendors. The market brings people in from well beyond Detroit, and also has vendors selling a wide variety of food and other items, Goman + York said.

Cost estimates are still being worked out, but the expansion of the farmers market could be $5 million or less. A final report is due out late next month, Goman said.

In Hartford, the 32-acre regional market is well located near both I-84 and I-91 and is divided between two uses: the consumeroriented farmers market and commercial food distribution businesses such as FreshPoint and Capitol Sausage & Provisions.

The quasi-state Capital Region Development Authority, which is taking over ownership of the market, hired Goman + York to assess alternatives. The state Department of Agriculture will still retain control of the day-to-day operations.

Before attempting an expansion of the farmer’s market, however, Goman said other steps should first be taken. They include:

Get caught up on maintenance.

The State Bond Commission approved $750,000 last month for a list of long-delayed repairs. CRDA said they will get underway the week of Nov. 5. The repairs include repaving parking and areas around loading docks; improving drainage to eliminate the problem of standing water; repairing fencing; adding a security station at the entrance gate; and running water lines and power to the farmers market area.

Sign long-term leases with existing commercial tenants.

Options must be opened up so longtime commercial tenants can expand, even if future redevelopment is contemplated. One alternative is signing long-term leases with clauses that require the tenant to either move within the complex or leave it altogether if redevelop- ment unfolds. The advantage is that long-term leases allow commercial tenants to obtain financing from lenders while, at the same time, keeping redevelopment options open, Goman said.

Consider an enterprise fund, authority or co-op structure.

These structures would allow the market to respond quickly to the needs of tenants.

In addition to an expansion of the farmers market, redevelopment could include some of the buildings occupied by commercial tenants.

Controversy erupted earlier this year over the run-down market when the General Assembly decided to transfer ownership of the market from the agriculture department to CRDA in the last hours of the legislative session.

That move publicly stirred up fears from tenants about the market’s future that have been festering for years under the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Tenants complained they have been operating without leases unable to expand or reinvest in their businesses.

Under a multiyear redevelopment plan, Goman said the number of jobs generated by the regional market could easily double from the current 500.