Mayor David Martin is proud to announce the City of Stamford has been awarded a $600k Community Connectivity Grant from the Connecticut Department of Transportation as a result of an application to create improvements on Lower Summer Street. This project would transform Lower Summer Street (Broad Street to Main Street) into a promenade facilitating more foot traffic for local businesses.
“This ambitious project continues my vision to make our City more accessible for all residents, improve the quality of life, and provide an economic boost to local businesses,” said Mayor David Martin. “I appreciate the State Department of Transportation for recognizing Stamford’s accomplishments in innovative transportation projects by approving this project.”
The Lower Summer Street Promenade project was inspired by municipal designs in European cities that incorporate roadways into a vibrant community destination. This project would include:
- Widen sidewalks on both sides of Lower Summer Street
- Install prominent wayfinding signs to highlight nearby parking structures that offer 24-hour parking (West Park Garage and Summer Street Garage),
- Install a canopy of lights hanging over the roadway to facilitate pedestrian lighting,
- Installing a raised intersection to increase pedestrian safety and improve connection to Kiwanis park, and
- A dedicated bike lane.
“Businesses and residents love when their City is more accessible,” said Transportation Bureau Chief Jim Travers. “Creating more pedestrian friendly environments is what adds to the viability and vibrancy of downtown businesses and community spaces.”
the walking connection from Main Street to Bedford Street adding to the liveliness of Stamford’s downtown,” said Stamford Downtown Special Services District President David Kooris.
This project includes a $200k match from the City of Stamford in addition to the $600k Community Connectivity Grant.
Stamford’s Board of Representatives affirmed Connecticut’s Department of Transportation ‘Complete Streets’ policy in 2015. Complete Streets commits municipalities to design and support safe access for all users by providing a comprehensive, integrated, and connected multi-modal network of transportation options. “Mutli-modal” refers to all forms of transportation such as motor vehicles, bicycles, pedestrian, and public transportation.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program provides construction funding for local initiatives that will improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians in and around community centers, encouraging more people to use these healthy and environmentally sustainable modes of travel. The City of Stamford previously received a Community Connectivity Grant for the Boxer Square Project on Stamford’s West Side — a project that received a $400k grant that was recognized by the American Transportation Awards. Governor Ned Lamont announced earlier this year the State of Connecticut would be awarding $5 million in funding to 10 towns and cities across the state under this grant program.