January 8, 2018
Norwalk is among the recipients of funding that will help the city to develop in ways that will encourage the use of public transportation and discourage vehicle dependence and congestion. The $125,000 grant, from the 2017 Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program administered by the Office of Policy and Management, will go toward analysis and creation of a transit-oriented development plan for the area surrounding the East Avenue railroad station in East Norwalk. The grant was announced by Governor Dannel Malloy’s office late last month.
Transit-oriented development integrates housing, office, retail and/or other amenities into a walkable neighborhood, within walking distance (generally a half-mile) of public transportation. Currently, the area around the East Norwalk train station is conducive to such development based on existing land uses and the lack of a cohesive vision for the area. The East Avenue planning study will analyze existing conditions, opportunities and constraints to transit-oriented development around the train station in order to develop a clear framework and vision for the future of the area. In addition, the study will establish guidelines for design and development. In these efforts, the city will partner with the Third Taxing District, the East Norwalk Neighborhood Association and the East Norwalk Business Association, as well as include the input of property owners, residents and businesses around the station to understand what their vision for the area may be.
In making the grant announcement, Governor Malloy stated, “Transportation isn’t just about cars, trains and buses – it’s about building vibrant communities and continuing to make Connecticut a more attractive place to live, visit, and do business.”
In total, eleven projects in towns and cities across Connecticut will receive $15 million in funding from the 2017 Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program. Other cities receiving grants include New Britain, Stratford and Wallingford.
For the full Governor’s announcement CLICK HERE
