Share the Vision...
Share the Benefits.
Dear Community Member,
The South Meadows Marketplace Alliance (SMMA) was
established to be an influential force for promoting the economic and social health of the I-91 exit 27 / South Meadows business district.
We are neighbors, friends, colleagues, current and future business associates. And while diverse in size and vocation, we are united through an alliance dedicated to improving our neighborhood.
As dedicated founding members, we invite you to join
our respected Alliance.
Jon Smith
Chowder Pot IV
Dave Director & Neil Fleisher
Connecticut Lighting Centers
Mark Greco & Carrie Ward
Stone Depot
Ken Vallera & Keith Santos
All Waste, Inc.
- Our Past
- Our Present
- Our Future
Founded in 1994 as the South Meadows Problem Solving Committee, the South Meadows Marketplace Alliance (SMMA) was funded by the United States Department of Justice as a component of a larger, community policing effort. Monthly meetings with city officials, Police Department representatives, and area business people addressed public safety and revitalization initiatives designed to improve and protect the South Meadows community.
Over the years, the SMMA has met with area leaders that include past mayors, our current Mayor Eddie Perez, Police Chief Darrel K. Roberts, Fire Chief Charles Teale, State Senator John Fonfara, Representatives Art Feltman, Evelyn Mantilla and Kevin Roldan, Congressman John Larson’s staff members, City Council Members, and officials from the Public Works Department, the Department of Licenses and Inspections, and more.
Our combined efforts have yielded notable successes that today include:
- Greatly reduced neighborhood crime and street racing
- Odor abatement actions
- Sidewalks and synchronized traffic lights on Airport Road.
- Improved water drainage control
- Zoning modifications
- Traffic analysis & modification
- Road surface improvement
Instrumental in these successes has been the collaboration and support of our Community Service Officer specifically assigned to assist our neighborhood; and Wayne Benjamin–Hartford Economic Development Office.
Their presence, along with the dedication of SMMA members, has provided the strategic thinking, influence, and action needed for positive change.
Currently, the SMMA is managed by staff from the United Connecticut Action for Neighborhoods, Inc. (UCAN—A non-profit organization with a 30-year track-record in helping neighborhoods thrive). Alta Lash, UCAN’s Executive Director, has been providing guidance over projects that include this initiative to increase membership. Through increased membership support, we will ensure the realization of our goals and vision.
Our Goals: To strengthen our neighborhood’s foothold on the climb to continued successes addressing both civic and commerce issues.
Our Vision: Through increased advocacy and expanded programs, we endeavor to improve our neighborhood’s profile as a thriving, safe, familiar area that offers visitors a variety of shopping advantages, and area merchants a united community with secured integrity and enhanced value.
