Through it all, we have kept our chins up, despite the fact that we've all ragged on the city at one time or another. In spite of the excitement generated by projects such as Riverfront Recapture, the new Bushnell theater, the Science Center and Adriaen's Landing, something in back of our minds prepares us for failure. We simply would not be Hartfordites if this was not so. As much as we want to believe the city will succeed, a little voice nags that circumstances will let us down again, so we might as well not get our hopes up. In order for Hartford to succeed, then, citizens must admit their fears and come to terms with them.
Some pessimism regarding projects planned in Hartford is justified.
The Hartford Civic Center Mall, while slated for a makeover, has never met the hype of its corporate owners. The former G. Fox Building and its environs on Main Street are worse, with ugly, unkempt storefronts and a history of inaction. Across the river, plans for the new Science Center of Connecticut are mired due to slow fund-raising. The plan is being hailed as Hartford's rejuvenation savior. Anderson, who is in the early stages of meetings with the development authority, says stabilized housing prices and a desire among people in the community to work together are indicators that Hartford is already experiencing positive change.