What an exciting time to be in East Hartford!

As we realize our Master Plan of Development for Rentschler Field, support the expansion of Goodwin College, and attract technology-based companies to the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) incubator, it is clear that we are on the brink of an amazing period of economic growth and development.

The Master Plan for Rentschler field entails utilizing 700 acres of developable land, formerly an airfield, to create a mixed use development. The Center for Economic Analysis estimates that this development could increase employment annually by over 6,300 jobs and increase population in the region by more than 4,700 people annually.

Cabela’s – the leading name in outfitting – is building a 185,000 sq ft retail outlet at Rentschler. This store is a magnet for shoppers and a tourist destination, with a décor that mixes animal displays, huge aquariums stocked with native fish, and an indoor mountain centerpiece.

Goodwin College, founded in 1999, but whose history dates back to its beginnings in 1962 as The Data Institute Business School, recently unveiled plans to clean up and develop over 30 acres of property on the Connecticut River, by building a new $90 million riverfront campus. This expansion promises to increase the college’s ability to turn out highly-skilled workers, increasing the productivity of area businesses.

The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) is working
in partnership with industry, government and academia to develop new technologies. CCAT’s incubator, the Connecticut Regional Innovation Center, has space available for start-up and small technology-based companies, especially those seeking technologies for fuel cell, laser, nanomaterial, medical device or aerospace markets.

Given these examples of building, expansion and technological development, we have every reason to be thrilled about the changes in East Hartford’s immediate future. Clearly, there's no better place to be.

Melody A. Currey
Mayor, Town of East Hartford
mcurrey@easthartfordct.gov

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