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Supporters tell council lease of 280 Enfield Street and grant release would boost food security
Summary
At a June 16 public hearing, community members and nonprofit staff urged the Hartford City Council to approve a lease of 280 Enfield Street and release grant funding to support local food security and job programs. The hearing recorded no opposition and was closed without a vote.
Assistant Majority Leader Thomas J. Clark read a resolution approving a lease of 280 Enfield Street and the release of associated grant funding. Councilwoman Kelly Billedoux opened the public hearing and invited testimony.
Speakers representing community organizations and employees from the organization working at the site testified in favor. Christian Hayden, identified as managing director of Veil International, said, “this is a great program to, support the food food security in the city of Hartford and support it.” Father Mike Johnson, director of the Franciscan Center for Ministry and staff at Saint Patrick Saint Anthony, said the proposal would “make a huge difference” in efforts to transform vacant spaces and expand sustainable agriculture and food access in the North End of Hartford. Workers at the organization (identified in the record as Anthony Harris and Timothy Collazo) described employment and youth opportunities they attributed to the program: Harris said working there “has given me opportunities, staying out of the streets” and Collazo said the work “has changed, like, so much in Hartford and given back to the youth, given employment.”
No speakers opposed the lease or release of grant funds. The hearing record does not include the amount of grant funding, the proposed lease terms, the name under which the organization will operate at 280 Enfield Street, or any council vote. The council closed the item after testimony.
