Stratford Waterfront Vision Plan - An Overview

Stratford’s Waterfront Vision Plan, including the Hunter Havens property project now underway, continues to move forward as various town agencies implement parts of the plan.

The effort came as part of the Stratford Planning Commission’s update of the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). According to the 2004 study, “One of the primary components … was to study Stratford’s waterfront … to improve the appearance … create better access to the Housatonic River, and to identify uses and disposition of the publicly held land along the waterfront.”

The 36-page study was completed by BFJ Buckhurst Fish & Jacquemart Inc. in association with RGR Landscape Architecture & Architecture, and it defined “a recommended layout for the [greenway] trail, identifying connections to surrounding streets and properties,” and suggested “alternative designs for signage, markers and lighting.”

Among the broad-brush ideas discussed was a public greenway and trail along the Housatonic River waterfront that could, in a best-case scenario, extend from I-95 near the The Dock shopping center all the way south to Stratford Point at the mouth of the Housatonic River where it meets Long Island Sound.

The plan acknowledged that waterfront ownership limitations would mean that “portions of the greenway will need to utilize existing roadways,” including lower Elm Street, Shore Road, and possibly parts of Stratford Avenue, Ferry Boulevard, Housatonic Avenue and other routes. 

“A key section of the proposed Greenway occurs between Birdseye Street and the [former] Stratford Army Engine Plant” and was “identified as the initial segment of the trail because land is publicly owned, [as] portions of the Army Engine Plant site have already undergone remediation efforts and this section offers spectacular views along the Housatonic River.” 

The town owns a considerable portion of the land between Birdseye Street boating area and the former Army plant, including the wastewater treatment plant, Hunter Haven property, the Frank DeLuca softball field and Honeywell parcel. 

“Most of the construction of the greenway would occur across the Hunter Haven property and a portion of the Honeywell parcel,” the plan said. 

“The Hunter Haven site is a strategic undeveloped piece of property … [that] offers exceptional views of the Housatonic River and Long Island Sound. 

“Placement of the greenway across the riverfront would provide new public access to the river and create the possibility of a continuous riverfront trail between Birdseye Street” and the former Army plant, “and possibly even further south to Short Beach.”

“New access to the Hunter Haven property could also result in a larger park-like setting, including a possible nature walk along the wetland system.

“An existing right-of-way between the ballfield and the Honeywell parcel provides direct access to the Hunter Haven property, the proposed greenway and ultimately the Housatonic River.” 

In addition to riverside greenway potential, the study identified Frash Pond, located on the west side of Main Street and north of the airport Access Road as a possible greenway connection. 

“The connection could run along the Honeywell/Army plan property line to Main Street, where the trail would cross the street to the pond. 

“There has been some commercial development adjacent to Frash Pond along Main Street, but there is the possibility to create a more attractive pedestrian environment along the pond’s edge with improved landscaping.

Waterfront Potential at Former Army Plant

 In addition to the greenway areas discussed above, the plan discusses the potential for the former Army site now owned by the town.

“… 15 acres of land along the waterfront will be reserved for waterfront purposes … [providing] an opportunity to redesign the waterfront, provide new uses and create public access along the waterfront for recreational and aesthetic purposes. 

“… Plans for recreational and pedestrian use [of the former Army site] include the existing jetty in the middle of the property. The jetty extends for approximately 850 feet into the river and covers approximately three acres.”

The 2004 also provided recommendations for the Birdseye boat launch area and the town’s wastewater treatment facility, as well as the area used by public works for recycling materials and the DeLuca Ballfield. 

The plan also makes formal recommendations for moving the project forward including drawings, cost estimates and signage and landscaping. 

To read the entire plan, go to: Waterfront Vision Plan.