We're getting into a Cesspool worthy discussion (economics and civic leader criticism), but IMO, revenue generation begins and ends with customer and the demand thereof. In terms of a municipality, that means land owners and residents. Hartford is a city of parking lots. Sure, some are needed and LAZ may pay property tax, but what happens at 5:00 virtually every day? The people who still work in Hartford get in their cars and go back out to West Hartford, Manchester, Avon, Farmington, New Britain etc. etc. etc. No people, no businesses. No businesses, no added consumer revenue, either taxable or direct (transfer station fees, parks and rec. fees, pet licenses, etc.).
I think Hartford is doing an admirable job trying to introduce more residential apartment space (see 777 Main Street aka the old BOA building), but what it really needs is to entice a supermarket chain into downtown. Hartford can be a great walking city, and while it does need more attractions, it does no good when people who live there have to schlep themselves to the Whethersfield or West Hartford boarder for remotely any options. Convenience stores and specialty markets are obviously not the answer.
To tie back in to your post, Rentschler doesn't move the needle in Hartford, because it is not walking distance from downtown and there is no easy method to get downtown via public transportation. Like many others, I have been going to football games for 11 years. Never once have we gone downtown before or after a game.
