Author Archive
My testimonial to this project.
6-22-2011
My testimonial for the revitalization project and Renaissance Downtowns.
My name is David Haberfeld, I have lived in Bristol for 5 years. This testimonial is meant for Bristol residents, investors and developers who will consider being a part of this revitalization project.
I am not a developer, but I am a real estate investor. I moved into the 2nd property I purchased in Bristol and quickly learned the area and saw a profitable market here. When real estate values fell, there were great deals here for a landlord in Bristol and there still are today. I am not an expert but I am also not a novice. I currently own property on Gridley, Divinity, Park, West, School, and Prospect streets. I have gotten my feet wet here.
I knew nothing about the revitalization of downtown when I bought these properties. I just saw good deals. I am here for the money as all investors are. I now have the added bonus of being a part of this unique project and revitalizing a city and fixing neighborhoods.
My real world example of how Renaissance will make this work is going to be replicated many times over.
I purchased in the West End because prices were low and felt I could handle the West End but always believed that the corner of Summer St and Main St were too rough for me. I avoided the area and had no desire to invest there. When Renaissance came around and made the Main St and Summer St areas a high priority to try to clean up the neighborhood and make a real difference there I wondered if I had missed opportunity, so I began following their efforts in the area. Renaissance rallied the willing property owners who all would like to see the neighborhood cleaned up and are seeking out investors willing to join the efforts in taking up the properties that are for sale there. Despite this I would still be skeptical of being a landlord in the area on the open market if it wasn’t for the large arts community in and around Bristol that Renaissance introduced me to. They have shown me that they are interested in being there, close to their new bare bones cafe on Main St, and by bringing all these people together, the community, the landlords, the police and investors like me, they have a great chance to achieve their goals. Now I know I can fill a building with good people which instantly makes me interested in investing in that neighborhood. Renaissance showed me demand and now I want to provide them with a product. I’m now looking to invest in that challenged area of Summer and Main and if I get the opportunity, I will work to keep it clean, attract good tenants who I’ve met through Bristol Rising, and make a strong effort, along with the other property owners on that street to improve that corner and make it a more desirable place to live.
In my example, the arts community has taken the place of running a campaign because they have showed me the demand I need to purchase property there. For the people who would invest in the downtown, they will campaign and find and create the demand you need to build the products that Bristol has said we want. Renaissance has shown me that they are resourceful, intelligent, modern, and creative and I have great confidence that they will succeed. I am not just saying this as a Bristol Rising member, I am an investor and putting my money on it, and the money of others who back me. I believe in this project and I believe in Bristol.
Name: Solkanar
Submitted by Solkanar
I wanted to wish the team good luck on their Thursday presentation to the city.
I wanted to drop a quick note to say we appreciate your hard work and efforts. I know that each of the Renaissance team knows they have signed on for more than just a job.
Your methods, technology, positive attitude, and business savvyness will get you everywhere here. Your excellent handling of the overwhelming pessimism of this city doesn’t go un-noticed.
The optimistic minority like myself will always be there to do what we can to help you achieve your goals, which we have now adopted to be our own goals as well.
Best of luck on Thursday. It’s a large step. And we’ll be there in orange. Happy Easter! -David
PS: If I added “Ryan Porter moves to downtown Bristol” to the survey site. How many votes do we need to get a feasibility study?
Name: Solkanar
Submitted by Solkanar
Malloy makes his decision on the busway today!
Today is the day Malloy makes his decision on the busway. Well, I’m sure he’s already made it, but today is the day he tells us what it is. Cross your fingers and post it up here when you hear it. I’ll be on the road.
I heard him say he supports bristol rising. Can’t support Bristol rising and the busway at the same time can you? lol
Name: Solkanar
Submitted by Solkanar
Bristol supports rail!
In the Bristol Press today, it said that the city has now taken a formal stand against the busway and in favor of rail. Good news!
Name: Solkanar
Submitted by Solkanar
Contact Us
860-582-0030Bristol City Hall 2nd Fl111 N. Main St.Bristol, CT 06010
Connect!
