The University of Connecticut plans to move its West Hartford campus to the former Hartford Times building on Prospect Street, but Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra isn’t thrilled with the decision.
“We supported UConn’s second choice for a site, which is close to our downtown area which we are trying to develop,” Segarra said.
UConn's second-choice location was One Talcott Plaza. Segarra said he believes city officials were left out of university planning discussions and weren't able to fully voice their opinions.
The UConn Board of Trustees is waiting to sign a binding document that would make the new site official.
Today the board approved $1 million for preliminary planning.
UConn President Susan Herbst is optimistic about the move.
“We think we will get past any tensions,” said Herbst. “We so want to move into the city of Hartford. We want to bring thousands of students there, and faculty and staff.”
Herbst said the location is ideal because of its proximity to the science center and museums.
Segarra, on the other hand, said he believes the school would be best suited to an area surrounded by entertainment.
“Because there was not a good process for us to have the discussion, I don’t think that alignment happened the way we had hoped for,” Segarra said. “Having said that, we are thrilled that they are coming to town.”
Residents hope it will give the neighborhood a boost.
“It would allow more businesses to open,” said Shandia Drummond of Hartford. “There would be more young adults to work in these businesses while they’re in school.”
City officials are set to hold another planning meeting next week.
The new campus could open its doors in 2016.
Photo Credit: NBCConnecticut.com