Hartford officials say they have dropped a $60 million public financing plan for a minor league baseball stadium and will seek private investment instead, following criticism by city residents about the cost to taxpayers.
Mayor Pedro Segarra announced the change Friday. He said the planned move of the New Britain Rock Cats to Hartford in 2016 has sparked interest in redevelopment around the stadium site and $60 million in bonding is no longer needed.
City officials didn't elaborate on the planned public-private stadium partnership. Segarra says the city is seeking proposals from property developers and construction managers for the partnership, and he expects revenue generated by the redevelopment to help pay for the stadium.
Rock Cats officials have agreed to sign a 25-year lease if the city builds a stadium.
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