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The What

The What: This Week in Southwest Connecticut

The What is your look around southwest Connecticut for the week of February 27.

The What: This Week in Southwest Connecticut
Happy last week of February! Stay safe and dry as we might be getting our first snow of the year. (Photo by Kelly Prinz)

Monday, February 27

Happy Monday!

This week, we’re exploring Stamford’s plan to reduce traffic deaths and injuries on roads in the city through multiple new initiatives and investments that Mayor Caroline Simmons announced on Thursday.

“I'm proud to be announcing five critical investments in our city's infrastructure, and specific projects that will contribute to our Vision Zero goals of making our cities safer for pedestrians,” Simmons said.

The investments include:

  • A $2.7 million Communities Challenge Grant for infrastructure improvements in the Latham Park area
  • Budget proposals of $1.2 million go toward citywide traffic signal improvements and $1.5 million for roadway design and reconstruction efforts as well as using $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to go toward bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure projects.
  • 19 pedestrian safety pilot programs through the city
  • A Washington Boulevard safety audit
  • A Vision Zero crash dashboard website

Learn more.

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This week, residents of southwest Connecticut are invited to two meetings on the future of I-95 for exits 7 through 9, which runs through Stamford. Connecticut’s Department of Transportation is currently conducting a planning and environment linkages (PEL) study of the area in an effort to “research ways to reduce congestion on I-95 between Interchanges 7-9, as well as develop concepts to replace the I-95 bridge over Metro-North Railroad and Myrtle Avenue.”

The meetings will take place on Tuesday, February 28 at 12 p.m. and Thursday, March 1 at 6:30 p.m. Each one will include: a presentation of the PEL Study process, a discussion of the existing conditions and data collection, and next steps for the study. After the presentations, attendees can ask questions and offer comments about the study. While the work will be taking place directly in Stamford, because I-95 is such an essential part of the whole region, residents are encouraged to attend the virtual sessions to learn about the project. Learn more.

ICYMI, go behind the scenes of Norwalk’s traffic operations with Amy Taber, the city’s traffic maintenance supervisor who was invited by the International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) to be a part of a team that creates the curriculum for their training programs.  

And if you’re looking for something to do this week, check out the new exhibit, “Alternative Realities,” at The Norwalk Art Space.

Let’s see what else is happening this week.

Stamford

The Transportation Committee of the Board of Representatives is also turning its attention to traffic and pedestrian safety in the city. The committee will consider a resolution at its meeting on Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. that aims to “advance and support the city of Stamford’s Vision Zero Initiative.” Learn more about what the city is doing related to Vision Zero.

Other meetings this week include:

Norwalk

There will be a Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing and Special Meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 6 p.m. where members of the public can weigh in on Mill Pond Holdings, LLC’s plans for 1 Cemetery Street in East Norwalk. The plans call for a 77-unit mixed-use development, with two buildings, 98 parking spaces and other on-site and off-site improvements.

The Land Use and Building Management Committee of the Common Council will review a recommendation for a short-term lease with the Americares Free Clinic, one of the few occupants remaining at 98 South Main Street, as the future of that site is discussed. The committee meets on Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

Other meetings this week include:

Fairfield

The Board of Selectmen will host its final budget deliberations and vote on the proposed budget at its meeting on Monday, February 27 at 10 a.m. After the Board of Selectmen advances the budget, it heads to the Board of Finance for more discussion and edits. Learn more about the budget process in southwest Connecticut.

As a part of a partnership between Connecticut Institute for Climate Resiliency and Adaptation (CIRCA) and the Town of Fairfield, there will be a meeting on Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. to address the flooding taking place at the underpasses along the New Haven line in town.

Other meetings this week include:

Greenwich

Greenwich is hosting two events this week related to election operations in the town and across the country. First the Greenwich Registrars of Voters invite local residents, in particular, members of the Representative Town Meeting, to an event titled Administering Elections & Best Practices in a Polarized Environment on Monday, February 27 at 6 p.m. According to the town, “the Registrars will share observations and experiences of collaboration on administering elections in today’s politically charged environment.” The event will also feature presentations from election officials across the country about their experience “as part of the Alliance for Election Excellence.”

On Thursday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m., the Greenwich Registrars of Voters are hosting a public screening of the film "No Time To Fail," which is a documentary about election workers. The event is part of “Poll Worker Appreciation Day.”  

Other meetings this week include:

Darien

The Board of Selectmen will meet on Monday, February 27 at 7 p.m. and review a request to authorize $817,000 for the Darien High School track. The board will also review and vote on a request to transfer funding for a harbor channel survey.

Other meetings this week include:

Westport

The Board of Finance will hear presentations from First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and Superintendent Thomas Scarice and Board of Education Chair Lee Goldstein on their proposed operating budgets for the town and school district at its meeting on Wednesday, March 1 at 7 p.m.

On Tuesday, February 28 at 12 p.m., the Planning and Zoning Commission Zoning Regulation/Affordable Housing Subcommittee will hear a presentation from Desegregate CT, a regional advocacy group that aims to support affordable housing and development in the state, on a state-level proposal the group is backing called “Work Live Ride.” The proposal aims “to assist the State and local municipalities in building more homes near their public transportation.”

Other meetings this week include:

Please note: All of these agendas and information here are current as of Sunday night. Meeting times and agendas may get adjusted throughout the week.

Thank you for reading!

If you are interested in being a part of our reporting or just want to share your thoughts, please reach out at coastalconnecticuttimes@gmail.com.

Have a great week,

Kelly Prinz

Founder, Reporter at Coastal Connecticut Times

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