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March 23, 2022

Opinion: Hartford City Councilor says redevelopment of Brainard Airport will enhance quality of life

PHOTO | Contributed Hartford-Brainard Airport has seen declining activity over the past decade, but closing it for redevelopment wouldn't be cheap or quick.
By James Sanchez

On Oct. 12, 2021, I submitted a resolution, which was adopted unanimously by my colleagues on the Hartford City Council. This resolution addressed a parcel of land, approximately 201 acres, known as “Brainard Airport/Airfield.” It is my belief that this land is underutilized and offers little direct benefit to the City of Hartford. 

As an elected leader we have a tremendous opportunity to prioritize equitable development that will enhance the economic mobility of our residents. Brainard Airport occupies land that is 100% tax revenue exempt and 99% personal property exempt. The inability for our city to collect the appropriate taxes from such a large piece of land places Hartford at a disadvantage. 

Councilman James B. Sánchez

This loss of revenue impacts homeowners, renters and businesses that must pay more to help make up the difference. In fact, Hartford currently has the second highest mill rate in the state creating an unnecessary barrier to sustainable small businesses, startups, and homeownership. 

Additionally, the fuel used by the planes flying out of the airport present an environmental and health risk, which further disenfranchises a population that already suffers from poor health outcomes.

The fundamental reality is that Hartford does not receive adequate returns from the airfield to justify its operation. Our land value estimate from 2016 totaled nearly $29,545,000, which if taxed, would produce an annual tax bill of $1,536,429. 

Today, our total estimated value for the airport is almost $42,885,000, which would produce an annual tax bill of $2,230,149. This projected revenue could be invested into meaningful programs to help break the cycle of generational and systemic poverty that persists in Hartford.

As we continue this dialogue, I think it is important to understand a few key points and facts. 

  • Per our Town and City Clerk records, from July 1, 2020, to May 18, 2021, the city of Hartford collected a meager $8,720 in aircraft registration fees. 
  • According to our City Assessor, in terms of business personal property, the city of Hartford has collected a nominal $13,500 per year for the last two fiscal years.
  • Bill No. 1095 introduced in January 1993 made “Aircraft exempt” from local taxes and has stifled any and all applicable fees.
  • Our state PILOT payment in 2019 included approximately $360,000 for the airport and was only increased by $9,000 in the following fiscal year.

The fact of the matter is that Hartford currently subsidizes support services for the entire region through the hospitals, government buildings, nonprofits, and universities that call our city home. 

These essential institutions provide tremendous value to our neighboring cities and towns and help support individuals experiencing homelessness, people struggling with addiction, students, families, the elderly, and many more. 

However, none of these entities can be taxed. To add to this list only exacerbates our financial shortcomings. 

As a lifelong resident it is my duty to help forge a future that is prosperous for my community. I believe the redevelopment of Brainard Airport will enhance the quality of life for Hartford residents and the entire region. 

For all these reasons and more, I am proud to sponsor this effort. 

James Sanchez is a member of the Hartford City Council.
 

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