Task Force Looks To Beautify And Enhance Glenville

GREENWICH, CT — A newly-formed task force made up of residents is looking to enhance community character and create a sense of place in their section of town.

The Glenville Beautification Task Force in conjunction with the Pemberwick Glenville Association held a public forum via Zoom last week to inform residents about the work they've been doing and what lies ahead. The task force was created in January of 2021, and aims to springboard off the ongoing work and plans related to the Glenville Traffic Corridor Project.

"We're focused on creating a more pedestrian friendly environment, and also making our public spaces more enjoyable while at the same time preserving the historic elements that really are so unique to Glenville and this neighborhood," said task force co-chair, Karen Matrunich.

Another co-chair, Abbe Large, said Glenville is unique to Greenwich.

"No matter what other part of town we may go to dine, shop or play, our sense of community is so unique here," she said. "I've realized over time that the grass isn't necessarily greener on the other side. It's greener where we water it. Let's join together to preserve our past and grow our future and let's work together to leave this place better than when we found it."

Matrunich outlined some of the ideas the task force has for enhancing Glenville.

The Glenville Green is an area she believes is "really ripe for improvement", and benches, improved landscaping, an enhanced use of trees and better walkways could be added.

"We would definitely like to make that into a more park-like setting so that it becomes a community gathering place and not just a pass through. It's kind of a diamond in the rough in the middle of our town and there's opportunity to improve that space," Matrunich said. "These are changes that can be made for relatively modest cost, yet they can have a major impact on the look and feel of the green."

Another element involves the addition of pedestrian level lighting in central Glenville to give the area a "historic feel.

"The idea would be that the lighting would enhance walkability in the evening and create a real sense of place," Matrunich said. "When you round that corner coming into Glenville, you'll see those lights and you'll know that you've really arrived. The place will be kind of sparkling there."

Another idea detailed expanding the use of the American Legion building in Glenville, which is located on the green. Matrunich said part of the building can be used as an educational space to showcase local history.

Ornamental traffic signal poles could also be installed to create a more village feel, Matrunich said.

All of these ideas are consistent with the town's Plan of Conservation and Developement, or POCD, according to Planning & Zoning Director Katie DeLuca.

For First Selectman Fred Camillo, revitalizing and re-imagining different parts of town has been a priority for him during his first term as Greenwich's chief elected official. He said the goal is to have every section of town doing what the Glenville Beautification Task Force is doing.

"Glenville has 34 acres of beautiful landscape. It's got great parks and waterfalls, it's got the Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center where I used to lift weights many years ago in the basement," Camillo said during last week's public forum "There's great camaraderie. The people there have a lot of pride in their section of town. It really is a treasure. We think there's so much more we can do there... We don't want it to be just a cut through between central Greenwich and the airport. It's much more than that."

The task force will prioritize its plans, and then look to establish public/private partnerships in order to get some projects done. They also plan to have further outreach with the business community in the area to get their input.

Fundraising events will be held in the future, and Matrunich said there will be opportunities to contribute at all levels, whether it's through things like brick naming rights or community events. A kick-off community event is expected to be announced soon.

For more information on the Pemberwick Glenville Association, click here. To keep track of the beautification efforts in Glenville, click here. Residents can also submit questions and comments to glenvillebeautification@gmail.com.