People's Marketplace Operating Without a Lease in Newberry Building

From the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission meeting on July 9, 2026

The People's Marketplace is currently operating in the Newberry Building without a formal lease, RDC President Dudelston disclosed at the July 9 meeting.

The RDC voted on June 11 to extend the Marketplace's occupancy through December 15, 2026, based on the organization achieving 501(c)(3) status, serving 2,295 customers, and generating more than $10,000 in vendor sales. However, no lease was ever executed to formalize the arrangement.

Dudelston said the RDC has asked legal counsel to prepare a lease. Attorney Tyler Rothstein confirmed he would have a draft ready no later than July 10. Without a lease, there are no defined terms for rent, liability, maintenance, insurance, or termination — exposing both the RDC and the Marketplace to legal risk.

Source: YouTube transcript — Hartford City Redevelopment Commission

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.