Ideanomics plans to unveil its site plans for West Hartford’s Fintech Village on July 19, but in advance is providing a ‘Fintech First Look’ to neighbors.

View looking east across Trout Brook Drive into the heart of the Civic Plaza. Courtesy of Ideanomics

By Ronni Newton

Ideanomics is now set to reveal its plans for Fintech Village the global center for innovation that the company plans to build on the former UConn West Hartford campus, and is preparing to submit site plans and permit applications to the town as soon as possible.

Two weeks after Ideanomics finalized an agreement with the state allowing substitution of a performance bond for a surety bond, which freed up funds for remediation, the company is poised to begin clean-up of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and asbestos on the site, and provide a “Fintech First Look” as part of the neighborhood outreach process.

A letter from CEO Alf Poor was mailed Tuesday to the 276 residents and property owners located within 500 feet of the property, informing them of the commencement of the remediation, which involves demolition of four of the five campus buildings. Poor’s letter, which was shared with We-Ha.com, also announces that representatives will be going door-to-door from Monday, July 15 through Friday, July 19, to share the plans with neighbors and address questions and concerns.

Brian Flaherty and Chris Zaccaro of Hartford-based public relations firm Sullivan and LeShane, as well as members of the Ideanomics team, will be included in the outreach.

On Friday, July 19, more detailed plans will be available on the company’s website, www.fintechvillage.us, and will be shared with media. Included will be architect’s renderings and a “3-D graphic fly-through” of the Fintech Village campus. Imagery will also be on display at Town Hall, the Noah Webster Library, and the Bishops Corner Library.

“Fintech Village is being designed to fit organically into the natural beauty and scale of the campus’ 58-acre landscape,” Poor’s letter states. “It will be open, accessible and walkable, with green spaces and recreational features which reflect West Hartford’s 2018 Community Visioning Process.”

Renderings that have been provided show plans for a “wetlands overlook” as well as a public art gallery to be included on the site, among other amenities.

Flaherty confirmed that the ballfields – the Miracle League and other Little League field – will be staying on the property but will have improved accessibility from the parking area. “The fields are a significant feature, and will remain,” he said, but there will be a better pick-up and drop-off area, with dedicated and more accessible parking.

As the process continues, online material will be updated regularly, and Ideanomics plans to also provide updates through e-alerts, mail, and notices to local media outlets. The public will be informed of any meetings and hearings during the process, Poor’s letter states.

The neighborhood outreach team, which will carry photo identification indicating that they are with Ideanomics and Fintech Village, will be in the neighborhood Monday through Friday, July 15-19, from noon-5 p.m.

They will be going door-to-door, but anyone specifically interested in meeting can contact the team at [email protected], or call Flaherty at 860-878-0082. They will attempt to accommodate requested dates, and ask that anyone who leaves a message or sends an email please include a name and phone number.

Information will be left at the door of anyone who is not home.

“We are very excited about the work that lies ahead, and working with you, the West Hartford community, local businesses and your municipal officials throughout the permitting process to bring Fintech Village from blueprint to reality,” said Poor in his letter. “Please remember that if you have any questions, you can also reach me via email at [email protected].”

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View from the interior residential road to the Community Center. Courtesy of Ideanomics