Stratford Mayor Supports Transit Oriented District

Town Hall Press Release

In 2012, the Town of Stratford was awarded a $225,000 grant through the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management to identify strategies supportive of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) in Stratford Center. Through a partnership with the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council (GBRC), the two entities worked to update the Town’s zoning regulations to further the TOD concepts envisioned in the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development. The primary goal of the initiative is to spur economic development and revitalize Stratford Center for residents, commuters, businesses and visitors.

The term Transit Oriented District commonly refers to an area of compact, mixed-use development within walking distance of transit, typically between a quarter and half-mile. Stratford’s TOD is the area generally within a one-half mile radius of the train station. In addition to the economic revitalization of Stratford Center, the TOD plan will address traffic congestion in the area, promote a safe bicycle and pedestrian network and identify strategies to obtain state and federal funding.

Mayor John Harkins has been and remains an ardent supporter of the TOD concept, which was included in the 10-year Plan of Conservation Development (POCD). The POCD was unanimously approved by the Planning Commission in December 2013.

“The concept of the TOD is long overdue. The more we grow our grand list on the commercial side, the less tax burden we have on the residential taxpayer,” said Harkins. “The TOD concept allows for commercial mixed-use development that would contain units of housing and some retail space on the first floor, and other commuter-friendly enhancements.”

Harkins added, “Not only would this effort rejuvenate Stratford Center, but more importantly it would bring jobs, housing opportunities for young and old alike, and also bring much needed new opportunities for retail business to our downtown.”

“The high costs of transportation and housing have long impacted residents in our region. The concept of TOD addresses these issues and will allow the Stratford to grow its grand list and lessen the tax burden in a sustainable manner. In addition, it will bring jobs, housing opportunities and new retail opportunities to Stratford Center,” said GRBC Executive Director Brian Bidolli.

“We are thankful to the Stratford residents who have provided guidance during the feasibility study, Plan of Conservation and Development and the revitalization plan, as well as those community members who provided input at last year’s Stratford Main Street Festival. We look forward to future community guidance that will make TOD a reality in Stratford.”