Pacific Street Streetscape Project Would Enhance Safety, Officials Say

STAMFORD, CT — The Stamford Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department last week held the first public meeting on the Pacific Street Village Streetscape project.

The project, which is currently in the semi-final design stage, would increase pedestrian safety, provide traffic calming measures, and enhance roadway greenery on Pacific Street between Dock and Henry Streets, according to Luke Buttenwieser from the city's transportation department.

Buttenwieser noted that the project stems from the 2018 South End Neighborhood Study, which identified the Pacific Street area as "a key small business commerce section."

The goals of the project are to:

• Increase pedestrian and motorist safety
• Expand mobility options
• Support small businesses
• Increase greenspace and tree plantings
• Increase lighting
• Slow vehicle speeds
• Enhance walking to the train station

Pedestrian-level street lighting would be added, along with new bioswale rain gardens. Bioswales were added earlier this year near the Stamford Government Center.

There would also be new street tree plantings, new crosswalks and bumpouts, which decrease crossing times and distances for pedestrians and slow vehicles down. New raised crosswalks and intersections are also planned, Buttenwieser said.

The project also ties in with the city's Vision Zero initiative which aims to eliminate traffic-related deaths by the year 2032, and the desire to implement green infrastructure.

The total estimated cost of the project is $938,687 and is 60 percent funded by the CT Office of Policy and Management Transit-Oriented Development Grant Program.

Stamford will contribute $375,474 to the project.

Overall, Buttenwieser said the project has been well-received by residents, who commented during the public hearing.

Rob Lockhart, director of program services at Pacific House, the homeless shelter at 597 Pacific St., said parking is always a concern for staff and guests. He asked if there was any plan to increase parking in the neighborhood or surrounding area.

Buttenwieser explained that there is "no availability" to add parking, and existing parking would not be taken away.

Stamford is currently wrapping up its parking study right now, after which officials will have a more holistic view of what parking needs are like throughout the city, Buttenwieser added.

Capt. Thomas Barcello of the Stamford Police Department offered support for the project, as it would free up resources for police officers.

"We appreciate the traffic calming measures. We're always happy to be a part of the solution. The more points of attack we can do, especially with infrastructure, the more it could free us up to do other things," Barcello said. "This way it comes when we're not there. You've got our full support when it comes to issues like that."

One resident said bumpouts, which have been controversial in Greenwich, aren't the right solution for the area and would create more congestion.

The Stamford Transportation, Traffic & Parking Department hopes to work through city board approvals for the project and finalize the design in late summer/fall of this year, Buttenwieser said.

Construction is tentatively scheduled for spring 2024.

For more information, check out the project webpage.