Property Owners Oppose Greenwich Avenue Intersection Improvements

GREENWICH, CT — Last week, a pre-application calling for safety and aesthetic improvements at two Greenwich Avenue intersections was presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission, and met with some objection from local residents and property owners.

The pre-application process allows for a non-binding discussion with the commission about the pros and cons of a proposal before a substantial investment is made in developing plans, reports, and studies.

Similar to the Elm Street/Greenwich Avenue intersection improvement project which was completed last summer, the latest plans focus on the intersections of Arch Street/Havemeyer Place, and Fawcett Place/Grigg Street.

Construction would add bump-outs which help enhance the visual connection between pedestrian and driver, and reduce the crossing distance and crossing time for pedestrians in crosswalks. Arch Street would be more closely aligned with Havemeyer Place. Currently, motorists have to travel on Greenwich Avenue the wrong way for a short distance in order to go from Arch to Havemeyer.

The plan also incorporates the creation of 3,600 square feet of new greenspace plus new sidewalks, curbing and pavement. There would also be improved lighting, signage, benches, bicycle racks and decorative crosswalks.

However, the project would take away parking spaces on Greenwich Avenue, which landlords and residents say are desperately needed for those looking to shop or dine along the corridor.

First Selectman Fred Camillo has expressed a desire to see improvements at several intersections on Greenwich Avenue, and elsewhere around town.

"The main goal of this project, and the entire Greenwich Avenue project, is to improve safety for all users on the Avenue," said Jason Kaufman, a senior civil engineer with Greenwich Department of Public Works.

Kaufman said there are concerns about car accidents occurring on Greenwich Avenue, particularly at several locations where parking spaces conflict with crosswalks and stop sign approaches.

Kaufman noted 43 parking spaces would be lost in the entirety of Greenwich Avenue as a result of these projects, but DPW plans to add new accessible spaces, plus several standard and ADA spots directly adjacent to the Avenue. A net loss of 29 spaces can be expected, Kaufman said, equalling a 7 percent reduction in total spots.

Many of the lost spaces overlap with approximately 39 spaces "that are direct contributors to the high rate of parking-related crashes on Greenwich Avenue," Kaufman said.

Resident Lucy Krasnor said she's opposed to the project because of the impact on parking, which has plagued the central Greenwich area for decades.

"Greenwich Avenue is basically like New York City's 5th Avenue. We have to keep it vibrant. If it's impossible to find a place to park, people are simply not going to use the Avenue and it will make commercial retail less viable," Krasnor said. "I'm very concerned about that. I don't think these bump-outs are needed, I don't think it's a dangerous situation and I think removing the parking is just a terrible idea."

Martin Rader, who works for a local real estate business that owns several buildings on Greenwich Avenue, including the building the popular restaurant Meli Melo is located in, said he objects to the project.

"We worry it could hurt our tennant and hurt us," he said.

Jonathan Martin, who spoke as a representative for a Greenwich Avenue business owner, echoed those sentiments.

"These are huge numbers that are going to be incredibly impactful and have huge ripple effects on the tennants, retailers and building owners," Martin said. "I think everyone is for pedestrian friendliness, but Greenwich is a large town and everyone can't walk to Greenwich Avenue."

Several other residents spoke out against the project, citing concerns that a lack of parking would deter business in the area.

P&Z Chairwoman Margarita Alban said she found the proposal to be consistent with the 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development. The POCD serves a guiding document for the town on physical and economic development.

Alban said the intersection improvement project preserves community character and sense of place, sustains and improves the natural environment and landscape, and maintains economic vitality and thriving commercial centers.

Commissioner Nick Macri urged Kaufman and project planners to implement top-notch landscaping at the intersections, which he called "the heart of Greenwich", so that more pedestrians are attracted to the area.

Alban agreed with Macri.

"I know [people] are simultaneously concerned about the parking, but there is research as cities try to become more pedestrian friendly that we can ween people away from parking three feet from their retail destination and become more sustainable," Alban said. "It's a hard transition to make in the United States. We are definitely a nation that loves our vehicles."

Alban said the commission will have to weight the benefits versus concerns from business owners and "thread the needle" as debate on the project continues.

"The DPW understands and hears the outpouring of concern about losing parking spaces on the Avenue," Kaufman said. "We are committed to making every effort to save parking where appropriate while also relocating some to nearby areas and adjacent cross streets."

Kaufman said DPW has "a robust outreach plan" in order to get feedback on the project from all stakeholders.

Full renderings and details on the latest proposal can be found on a specially created DPW website. Residents can also leave feedback on the site.