Hartford's North End neighborhood has been the focus of a Downtown North/Downtown West Master Plan (December 2013). This area lies north of Interstate 84, which in the late 1960s severed the neighborhood’s direct connection to downtown. Once a diverse community, it has since struggled with poverty, lack of resources, and numerous vacant parcels. Despite these challenges, the area contains prime developable real estate in Hartford. As the 8th smallest capital city in the United States by land area, Hartford’s vacant or underutilized spaces, such as those in the Downtown North area, offer significant potential for infill development. Hartford has experienced little to no population growth for nearly fifty years, reflecting a broader trend within the state. Following urban renewal projects and race riots that demolished many structures in the Downtown North/Downtown West area during the 1960s, Hartford’s population drastically declined, driven by "white flight" to the suburbs. Until recently, there had been little incentive to attract residents back to the city. However, a national trend is emerging where young professionals and people without children are returning to urban centers, especially in affordable and emerging neighborhoods. The City of Hartford, along with the University of Connecticut, the University of St. Joseph, and Trinity College, have all expressed interest in revitalizing the greater downtown area. The Master Plan embodies this vision for the neighborhood’s future. The redevelopment plan centers on the land around the junction of Interstates 84 and 91, just north of Downtown Hartford. Much of this land is vacant, used as parking lots, or underdeveloped. The project’s vision statement aims “to harness the full potential of Downtown North and Downtown West by creating a seamless environment.” With the Connecticut River to the east and Downtown Hartford to the south, the predominantly African American, West Indian, and low-income neighborhoods to the northwest—including Upper Albany and Clay Arsenal—are particularly vulnerable. These communities face challenges related to limited resources, lack of political influence, and inexpensive housing stock, which could be impacted by the proposed development.