| RETAIL DISTRICTS - Parkade |
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Parkade |
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The
Broad Street/Parkade area became the retail center for Manchester
and much of the eastern Hartford region beginning in the
late 1960's. Located close to the geographic center
of Manchester, Broad Street connects to Route 6/44 (Center
Street), on its southern end and the Middle Turnpike on
its northern end. This area evolved from a mixed use
industrial street into a retail center that was anchored
by two community shopping centers totaling over 500,000
square feet.
Recently, the area has experienced renewed investment.
Determined to work with the business and property
owners in this district to develop and complete a revitalization
plan, the Town of Manchester commissioned the Parkade/Broad
Street Revitalization Study in 2003. The project identified potential markets for this
district and made recommendations for streetscape improvements.
Following up on the recommendations in the 2003 Revitalization Study, the
town's planning and public works departments supervised the development of a streetscape improvement concept plan. This plan calls for a uniform treatment of Broad Street to include landscaping, sidewalks and curbs on both sides of the street, and better driveway access management. The street would also be resurfaced and drainage problems would be corrected. Now that the report is complete and the costs estimated, the Town administration is seeking funds to begin the final design and construction phase of the project.
