Windsor Council Advances Broad Street Project After Divided Debate

WINDSOR, CT — A debate over the Broad Street traffic-calming and pedestrian-safety proposal took center stage Monday night as the Windsor Town Council narrowly voted to move the plan forward.

After hearing from a packed lineup of speakers on both sides, the council approved a $2.91 million appropriation tied to the project and set a special town meeting for April 28 at Windsor High School.

The Broad Street proposal has been one of the town’s most closely watched issues. Town officials described the latest version as a reduced plan that drops roundabouts and signal replacement while keeping features meant to slow traffic and improve safety in the center of town.

Under the revised design, Broad Street would be reduced to one lane in each direction with center turn lanes and medians. The plan also includes on-street parking on one side, shorter pedestrian crossings through bump-outs and bike lanes.

Supporters told the council the project is needed to make downtown safer for walkers and more welcoming for residents and visitors. Several speakers said the current traffic pattern makes crossing Broad Street uncomfortable and, at times, dangerous.

Opponents argued the town was revisiting an idea voters had already rejected. Some said the project could worsen congestion, create problems for emergency access and fail to reflect public sentiment after the earlier referendum did not pass.

That tension carried into the council’s vote. The council approved the appropriation by a 5-4 vote, then separately voted 5-4 to schedule the April 28 special town meeting, where the matter will go before residents again.

Town documents show the project would be paid for with state and federal grants. Officials said the town has been awarded $4 million in outside funding, though the full project cost must still be authorized locally.

The Broad Street issue dominated the meeting, but it was not the only business on the agenda. The council also unanimously approved a $35,000 appropriation from the Capital Projects Fund for design services related to the train station HVAC replacement project.

Officials said the station’s heating and cooling system is past its useful life. Design work is expected to take several weeks, with construction funding expected to be requested later this year.

The council also approved the town’s Fair Housing Resolution and Policy Statement. In addition, members heard updates from appointed boards and commissions, including the Board of Education and Public Building Commission.

School officials said Dr. Noha Abdel-Hady will officially become superintendent on July 1. They also highlighted district achievements, including honors for staff and state titles won by Windsor High School athletic teams.

The Public Building Commission reported that restroom renovations at LP Wilson are planned during summer break. Members also shared updates on the Veterans Pool project and other building and HVAC work underway or in development.

Earlier in the meeting, town leaders recognized Dwayne Cyr for clearing more than 50 fire hydrants during the winter. The council also marked National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and proclaimed April as National Volunteer Appreciation Month.

The meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed FY 2026-27 budget before the regular session got underway. Later in the night, the council voted to remove the communications from council members portion of the agenda.