Mayor Perez’s Homeownership Plan

 

When I was a child, my mother worked tirelessly to provide her 9 children with a safe, affordable, and decent place to live.  This is an image that has stayed with me my whole life and has become a priority issue and focus--- first as a community leader and activist, and now as Mayor.  To me, the foundation of someone’s home serves as a metaphor--- it is the foundation of someone’s life.  So owning a clean, safe place to live is one of my administration’s top initiatives.

Homeownership is a symbol of accomplishment and creates a sense of pride. In Hartford, homeownership has increased sharply under my leadership.  2228 new units have been built in the City since 2002.   

We've come so far, so fast.  From the Goodwin Estates in the West End to Saint Monica’s in the North End to Rice Heights in Behind the Rocks to the Lofts on Temple Street Downtown--- the homeownership program in Hartford is real and people can see it happening in their neighborhoods. Some of our biggest success stories including reinventing public housing and helping renters transition to homeownership at developments like Dutch Point and creating affordable and environmentally smart units at 410 Asylum.  The key now is to keep these numbers and progressive initiatives growing.   

Bilingual homeownership courses are also available at our public libraries so that families can better understand what they need to do to prepare themselves and their finances--- in order to secure their own home.  Sure, there are tax and financial benefits to homeownership, but nothing can replace that feeling of turning the key and opening the door of your own residence.  Homeowners show that extra sense of community spirit by planting, renovating or picking up litter.  That “curbside appeal” is an infectious feeling--- one that can be embraced by residents and visitors alike. 

Eddie A. Perez

Mayor