Sandy Hook Center Streetscape Panel Begins To Outline Revitalization Plan

By Andrew Gorosko

An ad hoc town panel has started planning for the physical revitalization of Sandy Hook Center, a compact business district extending outward from the intersection of Church Hill Road, Washington Avenue, Riverside Road, and Glen Road.

A 12-member steering committee had its initial session February 26 to draw the outlines of the multiphased project intended to revitalize and economically stimulate the commercial hamlet alongside the Pootatuck River. The project has been in the planning stages for the past several years.

Known as the Sandy Hook Center Streetscape Project, the overall program is estimated to cost $1.25 million for physical improvements along sections of the four streets.

The project will include the design and installation of new sidewalks, curbing, decorative street lighting and crosswalks, plus landscaping elements. The project is keyed to improve pedestrian mobility and safety, as well as improve the area’s appearance and functioning.

Initial design and construction work will focus on the section of Church Hill Road extending from Dayton Street to the Pootatuck River. The town will use a $475,000 state grant for the improvements to both sides of Church Hill Road. Construction along Church Hill Road is expected to start later this year.

Later phases of the streetscape project would focus on Washington Avenue, Riverside Road, and Glen Road. That work is projected to cost $775,000. Of that amount, $620,000 would be covered by a federal grant, with the remaining $155,000 assumed by the town.

The streetscape program is intended to generate new economic development by creating opportunities for business expansion and the creation of new businesses. The planned improvements are intended to create a positive image of the area and to help increase the value of properties there. The project is designed to attract residents and visitors to the area by enhancing its village ambience.

The project’s design is intended to help eliminate travel conflicts between pedestrians and motorists. Traffic-calming devices will be used to slow the flow of traffic through the area, creating safer pedestrian conditions.

Steering Committee

Members of the streetscape planning panel include three people who live or work in Sandy Hook Center — Lisa Breault, a property owner and resident; Mary Fellows, a business owner and tenant; and Michael Kerler, a business owner and tenant.

Also on the panel are Kathleen Christie, an Economic Development Commission member; Duane Giannini, a Police Commission member; Sten Wilson, a Planning and Zoning Commission member; Ronald Bolmer, the town engineer; Fred Hurley, the director of public works; James Mooney, a police lieutenant; Rita Macmillan, the town land use director; Elizabeth Stocker, the director of community development; and Jane Didona, a principal in Didona Associates, a landscape architecture firm.

Although the town has been approved for the $475,000 state grant for Church Hill Road design and construction work, it is still awaiting word on its requested $620,000 state grant, which would cover improvements along the other streets, Ms Didona told committee members. The town has hired Didona Associates for streetscape design work.

The firm hopes to seek competitive bids by August for the Church Hill Road improvements, Ms Didona said.

Although vehicle parking is not a component of the streetscape project, Ms Didona urged committee members to keep parking in mind when planning for the future.

First Selectman Herbert Rosenthal said the steering committee will serve an important role in getting the streetscape project accomplished.

“Unfortunately, these projects take a long time,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be great. It’s going to be the community’s vision,” he said.

 Sandy Hook Center commercial property owner Mike Porco said the town needs an overall vision of what the area could become. Mr Porco said that downtown Ridgefield, downtown New Milford, and Washington Depot could serve as models for the future of Sandy Hook Center.

The steering committee plans to meet again March 25 to continue planning the streetscape project.

In 2002, the town extended United Water’s public water supply to Sandy Hook Center. In 1997, the town extended sanitary sewers there.

In 1995, the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) created Sandy Hook Design District (SHDD) zoning to permit mixed land uses and to foster the creation of pedestrian amenities and adequate parking.

During the past several years, private property owners have made a range of physical improvements at their Sandy Hook Center real estate. Both new development and redevelopment have occurred.