Greenwich, Stamford To Work On Multi-Use Trail Together

GREENWICH, CT — In an effort to improve trail access, promote healthy lifestyles and increase economic vitality, Greenwich and Stamford will be connected like never before.

On Monday at Binney Park in Old Greenwich, Gov. Ned Lamont was joined by elected officials and department heads to tout a recent grant of $270,400 from the state's Recreational Trails Program for planning and design work on a two-and-a-half mile multi-use trail which will stretch from Binney Park up to Boccuzzi Park in southwest Stamford.

The grant is part of $9 million in state funding which will be used to plan, build, expand and improve a total of 50 multi-use trails across Connecticut.

Lamont and other elected officials highlighted the bipartisan collaboration between the two municipalities on the project, and what it will mean for thousands of residents of all ages.

Monday's event featured comments from Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons and First Selectman Fred Camillo.

There were also remarks from state Reps. Hector Arzeno (D-151); Matt Blumenthal (D-147); Rachel Khanna (D-149); Stephen Meskers (D-150); Corey Paris (D-145); state Sens. Ryan Fazio (D-36) and Ceci Maher (D-26); as well as Greenwich Land Trust Executive Director Will Kies.

"We're one state, and paths like this just remind us that Stamford and Greenwich are one region, and together as one state we work together," Lamont said. "I'm proud of what this means. This is the first of probably 100 different trails we're going to continue to build, and what we're doing along old railways, what we're doing along old canals, opening up the state and making sure that everybody from every single zip code has access to what makes this state so beautiful."

Camillo said the partnership on the trail reinforces what Greenwich is all about.

"I'm very, very proud to say that here in Greenwich we continue to focus on pedestrian safety, an active lifestyle, adding open space and adding trails," Camillo said. "But it's even more enjoyable for me to say that, with my good friend Mayor Caroline Simmons, we continue to work together on projects."

About two years ago, Pedal Greenwich, an advocacy group for bicyclists in town, brought up the idea for more trails in town.

The group, which has since transformed into the Bicycle Task Force and ultimately the Active Transportation Task Force, worked with Stamford and respective public works/transportation departments to put the multi-use trail into play, according to task force member and Greenwich resident, Bob D'Angelo.

"This is really exciting," D'Angelo told Patch Monday. "It's way more than just recreation. We're talking about economic vitality for merchants to see bikers, kids that are struggling maybe mentally. Biking is just a beautiful form of independence that all kids seek."

D'Angelo hopes more sections of Greenwich can be connected through similar trails.

Simmons said the trail will help promote more equity, pedestrian friendliness and access to open space.

"This is a wonderful example of collaboration, access and connectivity between our towns, and to encourage more bike and pedestrian friendliness in our cities," she said.

Meskers, who represents the Greenwich shoreline, said he's excited to see the trail come to fruition.

"I think what you see here before you is a bipartisan collaboration to move the state and move our city and or town forward," he said. "This shows you that government does work."

Paris, who represents the area in Stamford where the trail is being proposed, joked that the project will finally end a debate about with Meskers about which district is better.

"Now we can't fight anymore about it because we'll be connected," Paris said to Meskers. "I'm happy I can walk over and see you whenever I like."

Arzeno called Monday a "turning point" for Greenwich.

"Many of us have been advocating for years for more bike and recreational trails in our town. I hope this is just the beginning," he said.

Mike Lambert, bureau chief of outdoor recreation for the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (CT-DEEP), said that according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the value of outdoor recreation in 2021 contributed nearly $4 billion to the state and supported nearly 40,000 jobs.

"Trails provide economic benefits of drawing visitors to our towns and cities, using our trail resources, and connecting visitors to our local businesses and amenities," Lambert said, noting that the Greenwich/Stamford project will support sustainable opportunities for commuters using Metro-North.

"This trail, when completed, will serve as an important connection between Greenwich and Stamford, and will be able to host a wide variety of outdoor recreation interests, providing numerous public benefits," Lambert said. "At CT-DEEP, we like to see when municipalities work together and partner on these important regional concepts, and I know Greenwich has a great partner in the city of Stamford."

It's unclear when exactly the trail will be constructed. Lambert said the design and planning grant will last three years.

"What we've learned over the years is that trail work takes a long time, especially when you're planning around highly developed areas," he noted.

It's also not known yet how, or if, features like parking lots will be incorporated.

Kimberly Bradley, Connecticut trails and greenways program coordinator at CT-DEEP, said connections and points of access may be reviewed as part of the design work. Subsequent funding opportunities through the program can provide access for parking lots and other facilities, she said.

The proposed path predominantly follows the official East Coast Greenway (ECG) alignment, except for a short connection to Binney Park north of West End Avenue.

The ECG is a walking and biking route that stretches 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida. The path is for non-motorized users for recreation, and it also stops at points of interest.

The ECG through the area has some sidewalks, but it does not currently have any protected bicycle facilities.

Greenwich Public Works Deputy Commissioner Jim Michel told Patch last week that his team will soon work with Stamford officials.

"Since there is no design or set plan beyond the route, we look forward to working with the community to receive valuable feedback when designing the project," he said