Blue Back Square


Blue Back Square is a mixed-use development located adjacent to West Hartford Center, in West Hartford, Connecticut. It is an example of New Urbanism, combining retail and residential space. Talk of the new square started in 2003, with construction from late 2006 to early 2008. Blue Back Square was named after the Blueback Speller, by Noah Webster, who was once a West Hartford resident.

Controversy

When the project was first introduced, controversy arose over the transfer of town land for the project as well as the issuance of bonds. Land that was proposed for transfer for the development included open space behind Town Hall and the former Board of Education building. The town decided to have a referendum to settle the matter after a petition campaign was mounted to force a vote. In a two-question referendum, one on the issuance of bonds and the other regarding the land transfer, town residents approved the project, with about 60 percent in favor and 40 percent opposed.

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