The next phase of the New Fairfield sidewalk project will start this week! New Fairfield First Selectman, Susan Chapman Tweeted today @SusanNFCT "Next phase of the Streetscape (sidewalk) project starting this week in #NewFairfield."
Chapman explains, "In 2005, Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials (HVCEO) conducted a study for the Town of New Fairfield. The study resulted in recommendations to increase the appeal and beautification of the center of Town that included sidewalks, plantings, and lighting, among other things."
According to Chapman, implementing sidewalks in the center of Town has also been a part of the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development and portions of this plan have already been implemented. "I was able to secure external funding in the form of a STEAP (Small Town Economic Assistance Program) grant to move forward with the next phase of this plan."
The new sidewalks will connect many of the shopping centers that are currently not connected with existing sidewalks. The project will make use of the current landscaping whenever possible to keep the costs low. The residents of New Fairfield enjoy being active and these new sidewalks will make our Town center more pedestrian friendly with additional places to walk.
"We have a beautiful Town center and I know that many of our local business owners are very excited to have sidewalks extended to their store fronts. Sidewalks will also make the Town center more attractive for new businesses and will compliment the recent renovations at retail property next to the post office and the retail property occupied by Bruno’s/Dunkin Donuts," says Chapman.
This next phase of the sidewalk project will further the plan for the Town center, but won’t complete it, according to Chapman. She remains committed to finding ways to secure additional funding to keep the plan and New Fairfield moving forward.
*Image courtesy of Susan Chapman via Twitter
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