BFJ Planning directed a year-long study on behalf of the CT Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to determine the highest and best use of the Hartford-Brainard Airport property. The methodology encompassed market and fiscal assessments, environmental and flood control evaluations, and airport regulatory and contractual obligations. The study culminated in a recommendation to keep the airport open but to close the seldom-used crosswind runway for development of industrial uses on the site. This recommendation was based upon the analysis of alternative uses, the high development costs of such uses, and the isolation of the airport from adjacent community and neighborhood services.