[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6694213,"mediaKeyId","2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e","parentId",2623602,"title","Hartford residents, skaters and police clash over enforcement and parking at Heaven Skate Park","audioSeconds",2427,"startMs",0,"endMs",2427000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e&start=0&end=2427","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e/thumbnail_0.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6694213/Hartford-City/Hartford-County/Connecticut/Hartford-residents-skaters-and-police-clash-over-enforcement-and-parking-at-Heaven-Skate-Park","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694213-e5582dbe8e9ba4df8a9525ea69bde120/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196281&Signature=fp57z~A7vb1eWxqqc3e~FHjFPi~6n14n3a6X16JX5nuq0-wXLuGbbRvv3f5~~yUZuYY5Z1ryKWYzxqHiQM5yEwYoStv3-Vy1SWKy3zYG6kaHTmW6tauZZvtUP~IYJwkRSpqI3~Fbspc-bBN~j3HnNCx3eqHZqcPxH9ofwpxYNeJFjPkvJqH6mQbvO67nJqtQB7l8N5z8OLVnWDXQpRo5VF4RWBs0TgsqaljJNCOi694HYfD2UoY1O2GYAjAZxebILjoyEuKcCzVAg5SlQcLh-6gGbMzz4ETNdJBhek0Fpu24l0Z4MmWA6JkWfizi3EwdhPQSGV-ugnEqHRPQfHLCzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Hartford, CN","date","2025-01-13T11:37:18.95Z","article","Hundreds of Hartford residents and skate-park users told the City Council that recent enforcement measures restricting vehicle access to Heaven Skate Park are driving away families, artists and low-income youth who use the site for recreation and community events.

Speakers said enforcement has been amplified in recent months and asked the council and city staff to allow vehicle access for small events, keep the park lit after dark and ease permit requirements for pop‑ups. “You shouldn't have to apply for a permit, which is what DPW is asking for, if you wanna hold a paint event,” said Paul West, chief of police, adding that enforcement of the dusk‑to‑dawn rule at Heaven Skate Park is a recent change and has affected events and community access.

Why it matters: Heaven Skate Park is used by young skaters, artists and community groups for rehearsals, art projects and small pop‑up events. Speakers and park developers said limiting vehicle access and strict permitting reduces community-organized activities and forces youth to gather on streets rather than in a supervised, well‑lit park.

What speakers said and asked

A representative for Heaven Skate Park (identified in testimony as a park user) described the site as “a space of freedom” where families and youth gather, and urged the council: “Leave it open for the kids and people who want to go there and actually just clear their mind.” Curtis Thomas, a local artist and developer for Heaven Skateboard, presented a written request for transparency and immediate reopening, saying the closure and poor communication were causing “significant anxiety and frustration among [the] skate and the wider community.”

Police Chief Paul West said the site serves a demographic of young skaters and artists who often use the park after typical recreational hours. West said enforcement of the park’s dusk‑to‑dawn ordinance is essentially new for Heaven Skate Park and has been occurring only in the past couple of months; he urged the council to consider that the park’s users include low‑income artists and families who rely on nearby vehicle access for supplies and safety during events. “We’re talking a max of maybe, what, four to six cars?” West said about the parking demand for many events.

City staff response

A city official identified in testimony as the Recreation and Parks chair (Councilwoman Billadieu) and other staff said the city enforces an ordinance that closes parks from dusk to dawn unless a special event waiver is issued. Staff clarified that the park area in question has been locked to cars but is treated like other parks on the city’s books: “All of our parks are closed at…dusk,” a staff speaker said, adding that a waiver would be required for events that run past dusk.

Requests and next steps

Park advocates urged the council to explore options including targeted waivers for small community events, improved lighting, clearer public communications and reduced permitting burdens for small pop‑ups. Council members said they would seek additional conversations with the Recreation and Parks chair and the park’s community organizers to identify short‑term fixes; council leadership acknowledged the need for follow up but did not record a formal vote or ordinance change during the meeting.

Context and background

Speakers said Heaven Skate Park hosts drum lines, pop‑up food and clothing drives, art installations and video shoots. Several public speakers argued that keeping the facility accessible and lit provides a safer outlet for young people who might otherwise congregate in streets or unlit areas.

Ending

Council members signaled an intention to hold further conversations with Recreation and Parks staff and park organizers about vehicle access, lighting and permitting. No formal ordinance change or vote was taken at the meeting.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of Hartford Public Comment January 13th, 2025 Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","Hundreds of Hartford residents and skate-park users told the City Council that recent enforcement measures restricting vehicle access to Heaven Skate Park are driving away families, artists and low-income youth who use the site for recreation and community events.","taxTitle","Hartford City, Hartford County, Connecticut","taxId",5895,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6694199,"Veteran housing classification, sewer rehab and flood‑insurance urged during public comment",307,2664000,2971000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e&start=2664&end=2971","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e/thumbnail_2664000.jpg","/articles/6694199/Hartford-City/Hartford-County/Connecticut/Veteran-housing-classification-sewer-rehab-and-floodinsurance-urged-during-public-comment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694199-ea1b09380707bcd29913ef446413aa82/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196281&Signature=WYU0AGFcKXwLOU1GL6t3ThzsUKwJ6XeONslLOFy5X5GGxauYRH1BTs7~zuXwoOY8rdH97EFKXJVbBuB3zZ5k9fDYPQtZxbmgBcaczll1Zp4O13nDvxzkJ7Zx5aF~bnOXuzMRfeDiUuFhstvxGQAbxX57nRM1T1Xgm-WRaQSDayVecLpHxEwBXGK6pS~vUDbAfIP4IiICeV5OHMvjdf6z3kY1MsKQDmyPP9n1-bIKLBGsJbXdVW1eBbKAWa5X3bGgCTLWy9yD21Fup2Ql1x9mnMjAcb0J7-luhM7Y~Mh-rGqUYwznkQWboi2GCNOwTPGIl3JlJGYWT6WJ32tCD1fnTg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bridget Prince, a veteran and Hartford resident, urged the City Council to pursue three priorities: add veterans as a classification in public‑housing regulations, require developers receiving public funds to set aside units for veterans, and push state and federal leaders to pursue infrastructure funds for sewer rehabilitation and flood mitigation.

Prince said she had received correspondence from a state legislator, Senator Martha Markey (referred to in testimony as the chair of the housing commission), confirming outreach to housing authorities and the veterans’ committee on the issue. She asked council members to consider a local resolution or referral requiring developers who receive city financing to reserve units for veterans.

Why it matters: Prince said many veterans face homelessness, mental‑health challenges, joblessness and other social needs that public housing set‑asides could address. She told the council the city should pursue available federal infrastructure funding to complete long‑needed sewer rehabilitation work, and called for improved flood‑insurance options for residents whose property and contents are not covered under current FEMA policies.

City follow-up and context

Cynthia Jennings and other speakers urged the council to support environmental‑justice and infrastructure funding efforts at the state and federal level, including proposals discussed by the governor and legislative leaders. Council members did not record a formal vote; speakers asked the council to coordinate with state representatives and relevant agencies to pursue funding and regulatory changes.

Ending

Advocates requested the council explore a resolution or policy tying city financing to veteran set‑asides and to press state and federal partners on sewer rehabilitation and expanded flood‑insurance coverage; council staff were asked to follow up with the advocates and legislative contacts.","A veteran advocate asked the council to classify veterans as a protected group for public housing set‑asides and to press the state and federal government for sewer rehabilitation and flood‑insurance programs; speakers said funds are available but action is needed to secure them.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":44,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6694204,"Mother and son tell council of alleged warrantless entry, restraining arrest; council staff to follow up",3464000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e&start=3464&end=3464","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e/thumbnail_3464000.jpg","/articles/6694204/Hartford-City/Hartford-County/Connecticut/Mother-and-son-tell-council-of-alleged-warrantless-entry-restraining-arrest-council-staff-to-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694204-591f97f3247cd5e20de49eefe218cfd0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196281&Signature=axkkzxtwZbB-fEbQwKOdNisUSdc3IGarDF81gApiOfM1WG9GORt3FYaE2PNZusoTsHQ9Doighm-lyiSjnFoIcTX-qZxvRsFNO8c6YUFUe8JQC5t8f9Hpdi6x1ZFaFBmoei1FTi8Hyr0bGyY4ZMAp-EQ-qp1yvKyGXn~O9jtoN9B6PBE6vL40zcOOq86CczniCi5nwBlhGNnXdGeWDw2n2-40U-PgVrTvH86xBPPfov~jOVk9eULl2Lyx6Xpi8uCDwYNgPCXj-U6A6YyGqe1XCz2rRott2CRCCPuHlfqEdZDopm3UNukjm0ws0Tox9Rapt1a-xlqcAu-xiDBR4vA1Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Karen Jackson, a former Bridgeport councilwoman and Hartford resident, told the City Council that Hartford Police officers forcibly entered her son’s apartment on Sept. 24, removed him in handcuffs and issued an arrestable ticket she described as unwarranted. Jackson said she requested body‑worn camera footage and was required to pay for records despite describing herself as indigent; she said the family has not received satisfactory responses from the mayor’s office or police records staff.

Her son, Gabriel Frazier, said officers broke down his apartment door, detained him without a warrant while he and his wife were inside and later required him to attend court; Frazier said the incident has caused medical problems and the loss of his job. “They broke my front door and came inside and violated my rights,” he told the council. Frazier said he is scheduled to appear in court and that officers have asked him to acknowledge probable cause as part of a resolution to the case.

Council follow-up

Council members asked staff to collect contact information and follow up with the family to investigate the circumstances and to seek the requested body‑worn camera records. A council member asked when the incident occurred; Jackson said Sept. 24. The council did not take a formal vote at the meeting but directed staff to reach out to the family and to assist in obtaining records.

Context

Karen Jackson said the family has experienced what she called multiple incidents with police across jurisdictions and described ongoing distress for her son. The council’s public comment period produced no immediate affirmation or denial from police leadership during the session; council staff committed to follow up with city public-safety staff and the family.

Ending

Council staff agreed to obtain contact details and pursue the family’s requests for records and information; no formal city action, formal complaint filing or disciplinary outcome was recorded during the public comment period.","Karen Jackson and her son Gabriel Frazier told the council that Hartford police officers broke down a door without a warrant on Sept. 24, arrested Gabriel and issued an arrestable ticket; the council asked staff to collect information and contact the family for follow-up.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6694208,"Council takes claim resolution on Hartford’s colonial history to committee of the whole after public comments",1283,493000,1776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e&start=493&end=1776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e/thumbnail_493000.jpg","/articles/6694208/Hartford-City/Hartford-County/Connecticut/Council-takes-claim-resolution-on-Hartfords-colonial-history-to-committee-of-the-whole-after-public-comments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694208-f9cb1b1af2415164afae0981c432b6bb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196281&Signature=g-FNXhh3eQ88Y8Mu1Uys2zHxfvI7bGBp8rJKMXla3EXUwCp3gKsfBIAGMWWv9reuyLKl4MVBfJbDHluDqzw9bDENq1WZnTP~LqsMULMRCR4bOOl0nnwbV2cjpjtiF0rW30inrNOVA3609r-~zP0fa5RrQjRWd8QClxihOjuwx~VTpqtrVwiEFp2gV1YYgd99KT-UMlSxRT8p2zRPs87jq2d21IxxmZlN9FlwmpBqU8aMEILaJrt7fz4mudVJ0Q5XB1ZSsuWsYSbLw9s9qgAw9e-9H0glRphw-mL8Ox6LAqGPGYo6PSptPJuee4yn0omu5YTH2D45z5iLC8osb9sY-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A draft resolution titled “Resolution 5.1: Historical impact of colonialism in Hartford” drew public testimony urging the City Council to recognize historical harms, support cultural events and pursue policy responses.

Retired Hartford Fire Department Chief Charles ATL Sr., who identified himself as a lifelong Hartford resident and member of the Hartford Circus Fire Memorial Committee, said remembrance and public education had reduced local fire incidents and argued similar attention should be given to violence prevention. “We have sowed the seeds of violence, so we've got violence. Let’s begin sowing seeds of peace,” he said.

Why it matters: Testimony connected the proposed resolution to broader public-safety, cultural and environmental justice concerns. Speakers asked the council to back cultural events and to carry the issue forward to formal committee consideration.

What happened at the meeting

Leigh Mixteshan Rossi, who identified as Mohican, Mohawk and Cherokee and a long‑time Hartford resident, supported the resolution and the city supporting cultural events such as the Suq'a'a harvest festival. Cynthia Jennings, a former city councilor and resident, urged the council to stand with advocates in seeking legislative and federal funding for infrastructure tied to environmental justice and flood mitigation while supporting the resolution.

Council procedure

Council leadership told speakers the resolution will proceed to the committee of the whole for further presentation and discussion, and invited authors and witnesses to return for the committee meeting. That referral was described in public comment rather than as a formal vote recorded on the council floor during this session.

Ending

Advocates asked for continued council participation and for the city to coordinate with state and federal partners on related infrastructure and environmental justice initiatives; the council referred the resolution to the committee of the whole for subsequent deliberation.","Speakers urged the council to adopt a resolution addressing the historical impact of colonialism in Hartford; retired fire chief and indigenous residents linked the topic to public-safety and cultural support. Council leadership said the item will go to the committee of the whole for further review.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6694195,"Public comment highlights: school honor, civic-engagement project and calls to restore vocational education",861,686000,1547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e&start=686&end=1547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2623602-2f01f15d82fe7fdfc09990ec69d8262e/thumbnail_686000.jpg","/articles/6694195/Hartford-City/Hartford-County/Connecticut/Public-comment-highlights-school-honor-civic-engagement-project-and-calls-to-restore-vocational-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6694195-13cc2eb1adbb60766e06b43e9e7d4bb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771196281&Signature=RwuFsWrWRE4ZJvixuTanHZHkDOmd9upIxIBY9GcdkotiVoaMaFzB54Ex7mD9v8r4lXkxeGxTd~KpJZ8ypBx-YWOpCDaresv0IFGK4kChRSLbJc5EVAS6q2twz90tkUJbHwSUOWb~0XTtqeFSQOszGdYD2wgMDlG2TLlNH~Se~dw6RGihE9kqs0bc3GXGwZDxEJGjK7Vw1008Z5QYKpgu0KL-YrZH26MGysuSN1Ly1WdKJg14RqD9OvxE6qosAuj1Ypb8qRG3-IVVV6i4tZm-PLQs328PF3UE3esibVup4eNLebblyLuEYQ-CwuKywC91VFS35JngPoZi-NpY54e8Xg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several shorter public comments touched on education, civic participation and personnel recommendations.

Renzulli Academy recognition and city-clerk recommendation

Raquel Calderon said Renzulli Academy was recognized as a Category 1 school of distinction in Connecticut for high performance in math and ELA and urged the council to note the accomplishment. She also recommended a candidate, Erekloosa, for the vacant city clerk position, praising his professionalism.

Civic engagement and voter registration

Mike McGarry said he is compiling a comprehensive directory of Hartford organizations to boost civic participation and voter registration, and said the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has expressed interest in supporting the effort.

Education and workforce suggestions

Michael Downs urged the council to restore family consumer‑science and vocational courses to Hartford public schools to provide students with basic trades skills in plumbing, carpentry and related fields.

Youth engagement and livestreaming

Manuel Quispet, a 22‑year‑old Hartford resident and student leader, urged the council to press for stronger police‑recruiting incentives, better pay for officers in hard‑to‑staff districts, and expanded youth civic participation; he suggested the city broaden livestream platforms (for example, to Twitch) to reach younger audiences.

Ending

Council members thanked speakers and noted various follow‑up possibilities; no formal council actions were recorded on these items during the meeting.","Speakers used public comment to celebrate Renzulli Academy’s Category 1 recognition, recommend a city clerk candidate, propose a civic-engagement booklet, ask for restoration of family consumer-science classes, and urge expanded youth participation and livestreaming platforms.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Hartford residents, skaters and police clash over enforcement and parking at Heaven Skate Park

Veteran housing classification, sewer rehab and flood‑insurance urged during public comment

Mother and son tell council of alleged warrantless entry, restraining arrest; council staff to follow up

Council takes claim resolution on Hartford’s colonial history to committee of the whole after public comments

Public comment highlights: school honor, civic-engagement project and calls to restore vocational education