В Норволке утвердили проект строительства новых тротуаров и озеленения на Джордж-авеню

NORWALK, Conn. — The city has unveiled design plans for new sidewalks on George Avenue, a project neighbors have asked for since at least 2012. The sidewalks will run along the west side of George Avenue from Route 1 near Westport Avenue to Tierney Street. The Norwalk Transportation Mobility Planning Bureau presented the plans on Monday at a community meeting at City Hall. Transportation, Mobility and Parking Director Jim Travers said the sidewalks were first identified as a need in the city’s 2012 Transportation Master Plan. That plan was updated again in 2022. He said funding for sidewalk projects across the city usually comes through competitive state and federal grants, not automatic city budgeting. “I don’t think that sidewalks were a priority for the city [in past years],” Travers said. He said the city completed only two miles of new sidewalks the year before he joined the department, but built 12.5 miles last year. The design includes a continuous five-foot sidewalk and 35 new street trees. Amenity zones along the corridor will vary, with some sections featuring brick paving while others will have grass. No existing trees will be removed, Travers said. The city plans to plant a mix of native trees, including oaks and maples, along the corridor. The plan also includes a raised crosswalk near the entrance from Westport Avenue, similar to ones recently installed on West Rocks Road. New crosswalks will connect George Avenue to Tierney Street and other nearby streets. Travers said the raised crosswalk and street trees are both intended to slow down traffic without removing any travel lanes. Sidewalks will only be built on the west side of George Avenue for now. Travers said funding limits forced the city to choose one side, and staff chose the west side to avoid removing on‑street parking on the east side. He said he’d love sidewalks on both sides and asked residents to submit comments if they want the east side added in a future phase. The project will also work alongside a recent drainage project completed by the city’s Department of Public Works. Travers said adding green space along the corridor can help absorb rainwater and reduce flooding citywide, even though George Avenue does not have major flooding problems. Public comment on the design will remain open through Aug. 25. After that, the city will finalize the plans, put the project out to bid, and select a contractor over the winter. Construction is expected to begin when the 2027 construction season opens.