In Norwalk, CT, the Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure project is an excellent example of how sustainable development can be achieved through the integration of green infrastructure. Sustainable development is a concept that emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. With the integration of green infrastructure into urban development, we can mitigate these impacts while still creating livable and functional spaces.
In this blog post, we will discuss the Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure project, its benefits, and its potential to inspire similar projects in other areas.
Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure Project: A Step Towards Sustainable Development
In Norwalk, CT, the Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure project is an excellent example of how sustainable development can be achieved through the integration of green infrastructure. Sustainable development is a concept that emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. With the integration of green infrastructure into urban development, we can mitigate these impacts while still creating livable and functional spaces.
In this blog post, we will discuss the Calf Pasture Beach Parking Lot and Green Infrastructure project, its benefits, and its potential to inspire similar projects in other areas.
Norwalk Transportation Master Plan Open House
Norwalk Transportation Master Plan Open House
December 6, 2022 6:00-8:00pm
Community Room
Norwalk City Hall
125 East Avenue, Norwalk
Sign up for the Open House
Get more information on Transportation Master Plan.
Public Meeting on the South Norwalk Train Station Transit-Oriented Development Study
Public Meeting on the South Norwalk Train Station Transit-Oriented Development Study
6:30pm
Via Zoom
30-Minute Cities: A New Urban Planning Trend?
The concept of “30-minute cities” was originally conceived for the city of Sydney, Australia as a way to make the city easily accessible to all. It is a concept that can be adopted in other parts of the world as a way to develop a city strategically so that people can reach important destinations around the city within a reasonable time using a variety of methods of transportation, including car, bus, train, even biking or on foot.
Access as a Driving Force in Urban Development
When planning for urban development around 30-minute cities, access is the focal point, or improving connectivity within a city. The goal is to reduce the amount of time people need to travel to get to critical points around the city such as work, school, shopping, health and recreational activities. Access also includes opportunities for all people, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity or physical or mental ability. One way to do this is to increase the number of available travel options close to where people live.Ways to Create 30-Minute Cities
Creating 30-minute cities takes a number of steps. Some include giving people a variety of ways to get around the city, including public transportation, private cars, taxi, ride-shares as well as walking, bicycling, and scootering. Others include creating important destinations in close-proximity to each other and to transportation hubs. There are a few approaches that cities can take.Urban Transportation
Cities can take both short-term and long-term steps to increase access to different types of transportation, as well as to improve the speed at which people can get from one place to another. Short-term actions can include retiming traffic signals, bike sharing programs, protected bike lanes, as well publishing public transportation timetables. Longer-term steps could include implementing rapid bus networks, and planning development around transit hubs.Urban Density Planning
Cities can promote and prioritize redevelopment that creates well-designed urban neighborhoods or centers where people can live, work and play within a 30-minute radius by foot, bike, car or public transportation. This is commonly known as transit-oriented development. This development should also offer a variety of housing options, including affordable housing, and different employment options to include access to a range of people.Private/Public Partnerships
To be successful, transit-oriented development needs both public and private input, support, and funding. Developing neighborhoods that include residences and businesses will need the participation and investment of private developers. Government participation is also key for infrastructure improvements to ensure a variety of transportation options and incentives to the private sector. The concept of 30-minute cities is certainly do-able for many urban areas. Better mobility, including integrated and varied transportation options, neighborhood planning, and public and private partnerships will all help to make our cities a better place to live, work and play.Transportation Master Plan
Recent Activity Next Steps Documents Draft Master Plan
About the Plan
The City of Norwalk is developing a holistic, long-term traffic management and transportation improvement plan for managing the various modes of transportation within the City. The plan will provide a roadmap for innovative transportation solutions that are safe, economical, accessible, sustainable, livable, and suitable for Norwalk that enhances connectivity and mobility. This plan will guide the transportation policy and investments in the City transportation network over the next 10 to 20 years. The Transportation Master Plan’s overall goal is to improve the various forms of urban mobility with future technologies and transportation modes in mind. Other goals include: citizens who need help getting to the doctor, to the visitor looking to shop, dine or visit an entertainment venue in town.- Minimizing traffic congestion
- Improving the quality of life
- Managing curb-space
- Promoting favorable public health and social equality
The plan will include the following:
- Upgrading existing roadways to provide increased capacity, efficiency and safety
- Increasing micro-mobility options including electric vehicle on demand shuttles, ride sharing, walking and biking
- Including Vision Zero initiatives that prioritize equitable transportation options and traffic safety through design, engineering, policies, enforcement, community engagement, and education
- Addressing on-street residential parking
- Assessing issues such as traffic calming and truck traffic
Recent Activity
- With input from our Technical Advisory Committee, key stakeholders, and the Norwalk community, we have created a Needs Assessment to highlight mobility issues and opportunities. This document sets the stage for the development of strategies to improve Norwalk’s transportation infrastructure and mobility opportunities.
- An ambitious set of goals and draft performance measures has been drafted to guide policy and project development to come from the Transportation Master Plan.
- Our online survey has generated more than 1,100 responses and we have more than 750 pins dropped in our virtual mapping activity to call out local concerns.
- A list of strategies was developed as a toolbox approach to addressing plan needs in the context of the six plan goals.
- A series of early action concept plans have been developed as part of the plan. These concepts illustrate the types of improvements that may address current funding opportunities, near-term solutions to known issues, and strategic or long-term projects to address plan goals.
- The complete Draft Transportation Master Plan is published online for public review and comment.
Next Steps
- Review and incorporate public feedback on the Draft Transportation Master Plan.
Documents
Public Informational Meeting (12/6/22)
I received a parking ticket, what do I do?
I’m commuting to New York, what are my parking options?
You can park daily at:
Is there daily parking at the South or East Norwalk Train Station?
- Yes, daily parking fee for the South Norwalk Train Station is $12 per day
- East Norwalk Train Station Monday through Friday, permit only parking. Saturday through Sunday, parking fee is $8.00 daily
Does Norwalk boot cars?
Yes, when you have two or more outstanding parking tickets.
How long can I stay in an on-street parking area?
The posted time limits are typically 2 hours. Except long-term meters on Monroe, Madison and Henry Streets around the South Norwalk Railroad Station, and 30 minute parking on Mott Avenue adjacent to the Main Library and in front of the Post Office on Belden Avenue. Please check posted signs upon parking.
