Hartford officials are exploring a proposal to ease zoning restrictions on homeless shelters, responding to a growing homelessness crisis in the city. For over three years, the South Park Inn, which has operated on Main Street since 1984, has sought a new location to consolidate its services. The shelter is among several facing increasing demand as homelessness continues to rise.
The proposed changes would allow shelters to be located in areas currently designated for a mix of residential, office, and institutional uses, rather than being confined to industrial zones. Shelter operators argue that industrial zones limit access to essential services such as transportation, grocery stores, and other social services. Theresa Nicholson, executive director of South Park Inn, emphasized the need for more accessible locations, stating, “Being in an industrial zone means limited transportation.”
City officials have identified several major thoroughfares, including Farmington Avenue and Washington Street, as potential areas for new shelter placements. While the proposal aims to increase shelter availability, it still requires a variance from the city’s zoning board of appeals, meaning that any new site would need to undergo a review process.
Despite the intention behind the proposal, it has not been without controversy. Leaders from Hartford’s neighborhood revitalization zones have raised concerns about the lack of community involvement in the planning process. The Asylum Hill Neighborhood Association has expressed strong opposition, arguing that the proposed changes could negatively impact their community. In a letter to the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, David MacDonald, executive director of the Asylum Hill NRZ, stated, “We firmly believe the state NRZ statute requires NRZ review and approval of all proposed housing in our neighborhood.”
Hartford Mayor Arunan Arulampalam acknowledged the challenges of balancing community input with the need for more shelter space. “We have to do it in a way that values the input of neighborhoods, but that allows for shelter space to be created in the city that’s dignified,” he said. He noted that the proposal is not targeted at any specific shelter, as multiple organizations are seeking relocation to better serve their clients.
The city has taken a measured approach, pausing the initial proposal for further study. Officials expect to revisit the plan by February 2024. The urgency of addressing homelessness is underscored by recent statistics indicating a national rise in homelessness, with the number of individuals experiencing homelessness increasing to 771,480 in 2024, a significant jump from the previous year.
In Connecticut, the homeless population rose nearly 10% in January 2025, with a total of 3,735 individuals recorded living in shelters or outdoors. The city of Hartford alone has 334 beds in year-round shelters, down from 348 the previous year, according to data from Journey Home. Mayor Arulampalam noted that Hartford houses 90% of the region’s permanent shelter beds despite representing only 10% of the population in the greater Hartford area.
Shelters across the city are reporting increasing demand. Nicholson indicated that South Park Inn anticipates a 25% rise in requests for beds in 2026, while Marilyn Rossetti, CEO of The Open Hearth, described a constant influx of inquiries from those seeking shelter. “The minute someone leaves, it’s full. There’s a waiting list,” Rossetti stated.
The ongoing need for shelter services is evident, especially as the city prepares to open 133 warming center beds on December 1, which will remain operational until March 31. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the urgent need for emergency shelter during the winter months.
Nicholson expressed hope that the city will find a viable solution that addresses both the needs of the homeless population and the concerns of local residents. “We want to serve an underserved population well and humanely,” she said, noting the challenges of relocating shelters amidst community opposition.
As Hartford navigates these complex issues, the interplay between zoning regulations, community needs, and the increasing demand for shelter services will remain a crucial focus for city officials.
