PARK STREET REVITALIZATION CONTINUES WITH TROLLEY DEBUT

HARTFORD, Conn. (September 19, 2007) — Not to be mistaken for San Francisco, Park Street now has a retrofitted bus designed to replicate an old‐style trolley providing free, daily service. The new trolley is part of an ongoing effort to revitalize Park Street as a Northeast destination for all things Latino.

The Park Street Trolley, in conjunction with other projects on Park Street, will offer residents, shoppers, and business owners a valuable transportation service and help visitors experience authentic Latin culture.

SAMA, the Spanish American Merchants Association, has been the driving force behind the trolley project and other improvements on this important corridor. The organization hopes Park Street will develop a reputation as the “Calle Ocho of New England,” a reference to Miami’s 8th Street, or Calle Ocho, which is
known as Little Cuba.

Angel Sierra, SAMA President and a Park Street business owner, proudly said, “In addition to newly renovated building facades, and a soon to be operational state‐of‐the‐art public safety system, trolley services will allow many to experience this vibrant urban district that celebrates its Latino character.”

The trolley made its inaugural ride September 19th at 10:30 a.m. during National Hispanic Month. SAMA kicked things off with a ceremony that included remarks from Commissioner Joan McDonald, from the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Honorable Mayor Eddie Perez. In addition, Marilda Gandara, president of the Aetna Foundation, announced corporate sponsorship of the Park Street Trolley. Afterward speakers and guests boarded the trolley for the first trip.

“This is truly a unique and innovative approach to economic development,” said Joan McDonald, commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “Financial assistance is not the only way we can help businesses grow. This trolley will get cars off the road, ease the parking shortage, and help residents and shoppers get up and down the street quickly and conveniently.”

SAMA was established in 1982 as a non‐profit organization incorporated in the state to serve as a vehicle for the economic growth of businesses. SAMA was created to assist business people, in particular, Latinos, to acquire a better understanding of economic principles. Technical assistance is provided to promote business expansion, job creation, and entrepreneurship.