Northside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance

The idea for NINA was born in 2001, when the major institutions of Asylum Hill came to a conclusion: there was real potential in this charming Victorian neighborhood, rich in culture and history, but parts of it had fallen on tough times.

The institutions of Asylum Hill - which include Aetna, The Hartford, ING, Mass Mutual, Saint Francis Hospital and Webster Bank - agreed to join forces to expedite the revitalization of Asylum Hill. And so, they committed their human and financial resources to form NINA, built on the model created by SINA (Southside Institutions Neighborhood Alliance) which focuses on the restoration of the South End of Hartford.

Today, NINA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, headed by Executive Director Ken Johnson, committed to making Asylum Hill a robust community for the people who live, learn, work, and play here.

Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for reinvestment in Asylum Hill by enhancing public safety, homeownership, economic development and education throughout the neighborhood.

NINA is working to create new homeownership opportunities by providing sustainable, affordable homes. Since 2006 NINA has restored ten historic distinctive properties in Asylum Hill which were sold to homeowners for $179,900-$275,000. All of NINA's homes are fully renovated and unique architectural features are retained and highlighted.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for first-time homeowners, professionals looking to eliminate their communte to downtown Hartford, and all those who appreciate fine architecture. To see the individual properties, click here.

Asylum Hill is an urban neighborhood and public safety is taken very seriously by NINA and neighborhood residents. NINA is a strong supporter of community policing to deter quality of life crimes. NINA meets regularly with police officers, residents and area businesses to discuss neighborhood hotspots and safety concerns.

NINA funds Hartford Police initiatives by supplying police bikes and other equipment to officers. NINA has been on the forefront of innovative policing solutions. NINA also worked with the police to provide Hartford's first wireless security cameras to deter crime in local hotspots.

Asylum Hill has a wealth of educational resources. From infancy through adult learning, Asylum Hill is home to organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Hartford Conservancy, School for Young Children, Covenant Preparatory School, and much more:

Local Grade Schools include: West Middle Elementary, Quirk Middle, Covenant Preparatory, Classical Magnet, and Hartford High School

More homeowners, safer streets, and better schools lead to opportunities for new business. NINA encourages and advises potential small business owners in Asylum Hill in order to create more restaurants, shops and services for Asylum Hill residents and the employees of local organizations.

Ken Johnson, Executive Director, has been a Hartford resident since 1981. Before leading NINA, he developed expertise in Hartford revitalization through his work with LISC, ONE/CHANE and the Hartford Development Corporation. Ken has a law degree from the University of Connecticut and a masters in public policy from Trinity College.

Julianne Lugo, Program Director, is a lifelong resident of Hartford. Before joining NINA, Julianne worked at two of NINA's member corporations, The Hartford Financial Services Group and ING. Julianne has a bachelors, masters in business and law degree from the University of Connecticut.

NINA's board of directors is compiled of representatives from our member corporations. Currently, NINA has seven board members who meet monthly: