Home Care In East Hartford, CT

EAST HARTFORD — As a commercial real estate pro who mostly helps broker new McDonald’s, CVS, and Chipotle franchises, Matthew Nadler isn’t used to much interest from the news media. But in the last week alone he’s had three calls on the sale of a vintage East Hartford retail complex without a single fast-food outlet.

“All the deals I've ever done, I’ve never had so many calls about a deal,” said Nadler, executive vice president at Massachusetts-based Horvath & Tremblay.

The 12,494-square-foot complex at 36 Main St., which was first developed in 1985, sold for $2.1 million to New York-based Gates Place Realty LLC. The deal was recorded in the town’s property database on Feb. 20.

The two-story, fully leased plaza currently houses a School of Rock franchise, a salon, a fitness center, and several offices and sits on 1.12 acres. It was last sold in 2019 for $600,000 to Vista Tower LLC of Middletown, which made many improvements to the property over the years, Nadler said.

“They put some good capital into the building, longer-term leases,” Nadler said.

The media interest in the deal likely reflects the strong market for commercial real estate in East Hartford, a town that has seen major development milestones in the past few years.

New housing and mixed-use retail developments are in the planning stages for the town’s major east-west corridor, Silver Lane. A deal was struck earlier this month to move the last retail tenants out of derelict Silver Lane Plaza to make way for redevelopment.

North on Main Street, which spans the town from Glastonbury to South Windsor, new East Hartford Mayor Connor plans traffic calming and new development to create a version of Hartford’s pedestrian-friendly Pratt Street.

Also heating up East Hartford’s commercial real estate market is the visible and much-publicized new warehouse complex rising on land once part of Rentschler Field. Massachusetts-based National Development built a total of 2.5 million square feet to be used for warehouses and logistics operations, with tenants including Wayfair and Lowe's expected to move in early this year.

The plaza at 36 Main also has its location going for it — it’s barely a half-mile from the border with Glastonbury, which has a much more expensive and congested retail real estate market.

“A lot of the new developments over the years in Glastonbury have made space more challenging,” Nadler said. “The fundamentals of operating a property in East Hartford versus Glastonbury are more beneficial.”

Nadler added that he’s seeing more buyers from New York shopping for commercial real estate in Connecticut, seeking to move capital out of a market that’s seen as overly regulated.

“Connecticut isn’t too far for them, and there’s more upside down the road,” Nadler said.

EAST HARTFORD — As East Hartford's youngest mayor and its first mayor of color, 32-year-old Connor Martin is ready to put what he sees as his unique vision to work to try and revitalize the town.

Martin, who was former Mayor Mike Walsh's Chief of Staff, officially became East Hartford's mayor Monday morning. Surrounded by his family, friends and public supporters, Martin was sworn in by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz at the town's Cultural Community Center.

"I'm just filled with joy, so appreciative of all the people that showed up today," Martin said. "I wasn't expecting this many people, but I think it speaks to the support that I'll have as mayor, and hopefully these people won't let me fail."

One of the new mayor's top priorities is to change the economic realities for its residents, and along with it the economic perception of the town as a whole.

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"We're no longer going to be this blue collar town, this poor community that we get labeled as," Martin said.

"We have to start raising the household median income, bring in revenue through economic development, and bring in retail, entertainment, shopping," Martin added. "We want to give residents a reason to spend their money in East Hartford."

Walsh's somewhat sudden decision not to seek another term may have surprised some, but Martin's decision to quickly opt to run for the position wasn't a surprise to at least one person.

Martin's fiance, Beatrice Alicea, said that ever since 2018 when she and Martin began their relationship — when Martin was running for Town Council in East Hartford — Martin had plans to be mayor.

She said that Martin texted her that they needed to talk after Walsh told him that he would not be seeking re-election.

"I wanted to support him on this," Alicea said. "It was just taking a leap of faith. We didn't know what campaigning was going to look like, if and when he won. We're overwhelmed with gratitude."

Martin announced Monday that taking over his previous role as chief of staff would be Communications Specialist Ekaterine Tchelidze.

This was not a surprise to Tchelidze, but rather a secret she had to keep until now. She said Martin told her in September that if he won the mayoral election, he would like her to be his chief of staff.

"I started in East Hartford in May 2018," Tchelidze said. "I'm very excited to continue serving our community. East Hartford has a bright future, and we have amazing goals. I'm very excited to be a part of the team to help make those goals a reality."

Martin also assured his supporters that they can expect the town staff to prioritize them, as they work for the residents.

"Coming as chief of staff, I see the cracks in our foundation, I get to see the lapse in customer service," Martin said. "I wanted to send a reminder to everybody that as you work here in East Hartford, you work on behalf of our residents. They are our number one customer, number one priority. Their satisfaction is our number one goal. You need to come into this place everyday at 8:30 a.m. with that mindset, and you need to leave it with that same mindset."

Martin said that first on his mayoral to-do list is to meet with directors, and prep for the annual town hall where he will meet with residents to share his vision for the town.

Martin said that some of the vision includes the construction of apartments where the Showcase Cinemas movie theater used to be, which will take place in the early 2024, and the redevelopment of the Church Corners Inn, which should also begin in spring.

Martin said that being East Hartford's youngest mayor is monumental to him, and he is up for the challenge, but he has encountered people who are wary of him being a young mayor.

"I remind everybody that I've been doing this work with Mayor Mike, and before that on the Town Council here in East Hartford, so I know this local government, I know the projects," Martin said. "I have a masters degree in management and leadership, and over 12 years of management experience."

Martin said that while he sees his new role as mayor as bringing in a new generation to politics, he is not pushing the older generation aside.

"At the end of the day I tell the older generation this, that I still need you. I need you to show me the mistakes that were made in the past, and help make my generation not make those same mistakes in the future," Martin said. "I don't want the older generation to go away, and my mayoralship does not signal any of that. It signals a renewed partnership between two different generations who are both in the same workplace looking to move East Hartford forward, and we have to do that together. We need that, and we need their guidance."

EST HARTFORD — A newly executed agreement between the town and the developers of the Founders Plaza property near the bank of the Connecticut River transfers $6.5 million in state funding for demolition of the former Bank of America building.

The new agreement, approved by the Town Council at a special meeting Monday, also reduced the minimum number of apartments expected to be built and the timeframe for construction of the first phase.

The agreement now calls for permits to be pulled within four years for 150 units in the first phase instead of the 300 that had been discussed in recent weeks. The original plan, unveiled last summer after Lexington Partners, the lead developer, bought the property for $4 million, called for 1,000 units to be built along with 300,000 square feet of commercial space, a pedestrian bridge over the river to Hartford, and a transportation center.

East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin said Tuesday that "150 units is actually the minimum, which is still significant, but ultimately the project's goal is to have 300 units in the first phase. Later phases will also include additional units of housing, to be discussed in the future."

The developers have since set aside the bridge and transportation center to focus on the housing for the $840 million project, which originally included $125 million to $150 million in public improvements.

Christopher Reilly, president of Lexington Partners, said last week that even though interest rates have started to stabilize, they are still high and lenders have taken a step back, prompting the company to rethink the rollout of the project.

"We're phasing out the project in more manageable increments," he said.

Reilly said the financial factors will also have an impact on how quickly the first phase, which he estimated will cost $110 million to $120 million, will begin construction.

The new agreement also calls for the $6.5 million demolition grant to be converted to a loan if the building permits are not issued within four years. The new provision would call for the loan to accrue interest at the rate of a 15-year treasury bond, plus 4 percent.

Martin said the measure was simply put into place in order to protect the state's and the town's investment, while also setting expectations and milestones, encouraging the developer to meet these benchmarks.

"I have full confidence in this project," Martin said.

Reilly said Tuesday that they still intend to build 300 units in the first phase, but added that due to capital market uncertainty, finding a lender now for 150 units should be less of a problem.

As for the grant possibly being converted to a loan, Reilly acknowledged that it was an incentive to build.

"That's expensive," he said.

The new agreement with Port Eastside LLC also has a future provision for tax abatements, tax fixing agreements, caps on fees, or other incentives in order to complete the project.

Every year, area farmers offer Connecticut-grown fresh fruits and vegetables this summer as the East Hartford Farmer's Market during the months of July-October.

Many food retailers acquire their produce from distributorships and/or the regional market in Hartford. Much, if not most of this produce is grown out of state and shipped to Connecticut by truck or rail. Under Connecticut farm fresh regulations, the East Hartford Farmer's Market is only allowed to sell Connecticut-grown fresh fruits and vegetables. This produce is often sold the same day it is harvested.

The functions and objectives of the market are commercial, social, community service and public health-oriented. The primary public health mission of the market is to permanently alter the food purchasing, preparation and consumption behavior of the public-at-large toward a healthier lifestyle.

Good health through good nutrition is the theme of this year's market. Farmer's markets also draw consumers to downtown areas, assist the state's agricultural industry and help preserve open space and Connecticut's rural community character.

All Connecticut farmers' markets are affiliated with the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmer's Market Coupon Program. They are authorized to accept their produce and vegetable vouchers.

The Farmer's Market is co-sponsored by the East Hartford Health Department, the Parks and Recreation Department and the East Hartford libraries. These organizations and other agencies plan to conduct health, education and outreach activities at the market. Showcased events will be announced as the season progresses.

For questions about parking and vendor payment options, visit the Farmers' Market FAQ

SENIORS FARMERS MARKET NUTRITIONAL PROGRAM:

ELECTRONIC BENEFIT CARDS WITH $24.00 FOR SENIORS

Eligible if, you are 60 years of age or older; If you are a disabled individual under the age of 60, you must live in a housing facility where congregate nutrition services are provided, and have a maximum household income not more than the 185% of the annual poverty income guidelines*

The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is an electronic benefit card, available to eligible East Hartford residents that will be distributed by the Department of Health and Social Services. This is a supplemental food program, in which eligible participants receive an e-card annually to pay at a farmer's market authorized locations throughout Connecticut.

Effective October 5, 2023, East Hartford Social Services advises residents that signed up for the senior farmers’ market nutrition program (SFMNP) may have received additional benefits that must be used by November 30. If recipients spent all $26.00 on their SFMNP electronic benefits card before September 28, you may have received additional funds deposited on your card. Residents can use the additional funds to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and fresh cut herbs at area farmers’ markets. There are three weeks left for the East Hartford Farmers’ Market. The Town market season will end on Tuesday, October 24. If you have questions about your SFMNP benefits card, or whether you received additional funds, residents can contact the social services office at (860) 291-7295.

EAST HARTFORD LIONS CLUB AND TOWN PARTNERSHIP:

VOUCHER FOR $20.00

Farmer's market food access partnership to help individuals in need of assistance to purchase fresh produce.

To receive the voucher, you:

Number of household members/Income

1 - $32,805; 2 - $44,370; 3 - $55,935; 4 - $67,500

5 - $79,065; 6 - $90,630; 7 - $102,195; 8 - $113,760

Please provide proof of all income in the household.

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or food stamps), WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children or CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) or SFMNP

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES, STATE OF CT – SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM:

If you receive SNAP benefits, bring you EBT card to the table with the sign that says "SNAP/EBT accepted here" at participating Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands. The Market Master will swipe your card for the amount that you want and give you Market Tokens that can be used at all the stands at that market.

CT FRESH MATCH – END HUNGER CONNECTICUT:

This is a partnership with CT Department of Agriculture to increase SNAP customer access to CT Grown farm products at farmers’ markets. When SNAP recipients shop at participating farmers’ markets, Connecticut Fresh Match doubles SNAP, allowing households to stretch their benefits, incorporate more fresh produce into their diets, and support local farmers. Markets match SNAP with tokens or coupons to be spent on fruits and vegetables. Just bring your EBT SNAP card.

WIC:

WIC clients will be receiving an email inviting you to setup your farmers' market benefits account in the SoliMarket system. This app can be downloaded to your smartphone and will be used to access your farmers' market benefits for fresh produce purchases. WIC clients without an email will receive an electronic benefits card by mail with instructions for using the funds at participating markets.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FARMERS' MARKET BROCHURE

The East Hartford Farmers’ Market is asking for residents and organizations to help fight hunger and food insecurity experienced by residents of our community. As a 2023 East Hartford Market Partner, your donation will help residents buy fresh produce at our market. Donations will help residents that rely on food pantry assistance to purchase fresh produce. Available funds will also be used to provide additional support for SNAP, WIC and senior market nutrition program recipients.

Sponsors will be recognized at the market and through the Town's communication channels. Show your shared commitment to health programs that support East Hartford quality of life. For more information, view the EH Market Partner Information.

Our market is interested in adding more vendors to serve the community. If you are a farmer or market vendor that produces honey, milk, eggs, or other foods, or locally produced crafts, please complete the vendor application using the links listed below. Market organizers will review completed applications and notify vendors whether your application is accepted. Vendors are advised to review the East Hartford market guidelines. Click the links below for further information:

EAST HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Dozens of tenants in East Hartford have been without heat for days in these frigid temperatures.

Tenants said the landlord did not take proper action and now the town is stepping in.

All four of the buildings at the Chapman Apartments have been without heat since Sunday.

The town stopped by Thursday and determined it is not safe for residents to live there.

Now tenants are being relocated to hotels.

“I have two cats in my building and it’s just like, I’m worried for them, for their safety, for other tenants that don’t have cars, are elderly, that have children. I’m worried for these people,” said Sharon Noe, Tenant, Chapman Apartments.

After a 10-hour day at work, Noe came home to learn she and her cats had to move to a hotel tonight.

She said it is better than living without heat, something she and tenants in 4 other buildings at the Chapman Apartments have had to do since Sunday.

“I literally was late to work two hours yesterday because I had to heat water on my stove and give myself a bird bath because there was no water pressure, no heat,” Noe explained.

“It’s sad to say that hardworking people are living here, and we have to not have heat,” said Damien Hewitt.

Hewitt has been living at the Chapman Apartments for over a year.

“I have to use the oven just to heat up my studio, which is unfair,” Hewitt said.

For several days, residents in more than 60 units have not had heat.

“The heat went out January 14th 7:30 p.m.,” said Laurie Young.

Tenants complained to the landlord but said proper action was not taken. The Chapman Apartments are owned and managed by Stratus Equities.

Stratus Equities is a company owned by Michael Kohen. He is from New Jersey.

The I-Team investigated Kohen and his companies in 2022 after he was fined and cited for multiple health and safety violations at several Hartford properties he once owned.

The I-Team followed Kohen to his office in New Jersey but were unable to find him.

Today, Kohen did not answer our phone calls.

“They are a landlord and a company that we constantly have problems with their buildings. We constantly get complaints from the residents, we are constantly on them as it relates to building code violations, health code violations,” said East Hartford Mayor Connor Martin.

Martin said the town was alerted to the issue Thursday morning and immediately took action.

The property manager had until 3 p.m. to try to fix the boiler. It wasn’t fixed, so tenants were moved to hotels.

“We are going to keep the pressure on them. They have an obligation to their tenants just as we have an obligation to our residents,” Martin said.

The I-Team also went to Stratus Equities’ management office inside one of their other apartment complexes on Park Avenue in East Hartford.

Although no one would answer questions, the I-Team ran into Shirley.

She lives across from the management office and says she hasn’t had heat for a few days.

She said she’s been using her electric fireplace and electric stove to stay warm.

“Are you keeping this on all day and night?” the I-Team asked.

“Yes. Basically,” Shirley said.

“What have they told you about fixing the heat?” asked the I-Team.

“It’s just a lot of wait and see,” Shirley replied.

The mayor says building inspectors would be checking out the Park Avenue apartments to see if they can help there.

What are your rights as a renter?

“Tenants in Connecticut have the right to have their home heated to at least 65 degrees. And that applies year-round,” said Sarah White, staff attorney for the Connecticut Fair Housing Center.

If your heat is not working, you should:

“This time of year, every year, unfortunately, we hear from folks who don’t have heat in their buildings. Sometimes in multiple buildings across cities,” White said.

Eyewitness News reached out to Stratus Equities for a comment but did not hear back.

The mayor is urging tenants who have issues with their landlords to reach out to the town.

For more information on tenants’ rights, CLICK HERE.

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