It represents a global neighborhood equation that includes an educational component spanning grades K-12 and a science component focusing on health and technology. Three new schools, a new health and technology center, an early childhood and family resource center, and a boys and girls club are to be established in the target area. The initiative also calls for the wiring of the neighborhood to connect major institutions and provide residential units access to computer networks and educational resources. A key element of the initiative is the development of a new Allied Health and Technology Center on a vacant site near Trinity's campus. The Allied Health and Technology Center will include a hands-on laboratory, major exhibits, exhibit construction and a research division.
Home ownership is another key element.
The effort by Trinity fits neatly with our HouseHartford plan which is based on linking housing to community economic development initiatives. This Fannie Mae commitment represents a second commitment to Hartford in less than a year. Our focus is on children and education, and the real key is home ownership and families with a vested interest in the survival of their neighborhoods. This is not about gentrification but rather about the difficult task of community-building, and we will use an approach that is inclusive, not condescending. The specific program for the latter school and regional resource center is being developed in collaboration with area school superintendents.