State Grant Going To Downtown Manchester Improvement Project

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester officials Monday announced that the town is receiving a state grant totaling $7.5 million from the Community Investment Fund grant to fund a project to construct 'safety and streetscape improvements to the downtown area.

"The project is intended to do what the Manchester community has asked us to do for many years — invest in Downtown to make it an even better destination for everyone ... residents, business and property owners, customers, employees and visitors town officials said.

Manchester Planning & Economic Development Director Gary Anderson outlined some details and justifications:

• No plans have yet been finalized.
• Downtown Manchester currently rates as a high crash area with numerous accidents and even fatalities.
• Complete Streets projects typically result in increased business activity and private investment.
• A "road diet" is designed to make vehicular traffic through Downtown slower, smoother and safer.
• Conceptual plans show no net decrease in the number of on-street parking spaces and additional off-street public parking spaces.
• The town is actively working with representatives of the Manchester Road Race to ensure these improvements will enhance and not negatively impact, the race and other important Downtown events.
• A mix of diagonal, parallel and off-street public spaces will remain.

Residents can click here to see the project web page.

A series of "open houses" will also be on tap.

A citizens group has been formed to highlight several "issues" some residents have with the Downtown Manchester Improvements Project. See the details of the group here.