Branford Officials Serious About Development Near Train Station

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

BRANFORD, CT – Promising it’s a “study that won’t sit on a shelf” town officials and consultants held the second “Transit Oriented Development Workshop” recently concerning development near and around the Shore Line East train station.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove said the study “is very important and we want to make sure we truly develop this area – and we want to develop it in a cohesive way” that ensures that the town of Branford remains the special place it is.

Officials pointed to Stony Creek Brewery owner Ed Crowley’s recent announcement that he is planning to build a hotel near his brewery, one of the hottest tourist attractions in the state, as an indication that development activity is indeed happening.

The well attended hearing at the Branford fire headquarters heard presentations concerning proposed development potential but also heard consultants state repeatedly that they wanted to ensure that any project proposed didn’t infringe on what neighbors and Branford residents like about the town.

The second workshop came a month after the initial, well attended, first workshop held at the Branford Senior Center.

The highlights of the presentation by the consultants show:

--- the train station is under utilized;

--- a need to connect the station to rest of town;

--- a need for Branford to Stamford train service.

One of the ideas that was talked about at length at the recent meeting was the idea that a walkway may be developed as part of linking any future development projects for use by walkers and bicyclists.

Consultants said that now that the second workshop has been completed there will be a third workshop, likely in September, to discuss continuing work on the project.