Important Information About: The City and Town Development Act

Connecticut City and Town Development Act

What does the adoption of the Connecticut City and Town Development Act (the “Act”) provide for the Town?

• Adoption of the Act provides a qualifying municipality, such as East Hartford (the “Town”), with certain powers to undertake programs and projects to revitalize the Town.

What powers to revitalize the Town does the Act provide?

• The ability to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, improve and equip development property.
• The ability to hold, manage, operate and dispose of development property.
• The ability to issue bonds and notes for revitalization projects and programs.
• The ability to make loans and provide other forms of assistance to “sponsors”.

Is the Town liable for payment of bonds issued under the Act?

• No.  The Town will not be liable for the payment of principal or interest on bonds issued under the Act and the debt service on such bonds is not included in the limitation as prescribed by the Connecticut General Statutes.

Does the Act provide the Town with the power to take property?

• Adoption of the Act does not give the Town any additional eminent domain powers.  The Town may have the power of eminent domain elsewhere in the Connecticut General Statutes, depending on the project, but the Act does not provide any additional power.

Who will decide what actions the Town will take under the Act?

• Any actions to be taken under the Act must first be approved by resolution of the Town Council and by approval of the Mayor.

How long will the Act be in effect?

• The Act is effective for five years from its adoption.

What area of Town will be subject to the Act?

• The Act will be effective for the portion of Silver Lane from Forbes Street and Mercer Avenue and for the “South Meadows” area, which includes the Founders Plaza and riverfront development areas.