Residents Looking Forward to Streetscape
By Robin Vinci | Editor at July 16, 2024 | 6:15 pm | Print
This week the City Journal asked our Facebook group for comments on what everyone thought of the Streetscape Project happening downtown.
The project, started under Mayor Timothy Stewart, includes fixing up and enlarging Central Park, adding street signs with more descriptions, fixing sidewalks from the police station to CTFastrak and the library and putting in new signage on the Route 72 Bridge.
The project’s goal was to better utilize downtown, fix parking problems and spruce up downtown leading to increased business.
Adrian Baron, a member of the Polish Business Association who helped with the design said, he was, “very happy with Public Works and the streetscape design plan. It was nice they reached out to the general public for input throughout the process. New Britain is beginning to get some character back.”
“I like it,” said Resident Tracy Ellison Green. “Downtown is looking better each day.”
Gayle Sanders Connolly said she loved it and that, “change is a good thing and doing it with grants even better!”
Funds for this project are coming from state grants. Most grants are available because the City has the CTFastrak.
“I am excited about the streetscape,” said Scott Clark. “Been taking care of other areas now, focus on downtown especially where visitors spend most of the time there.”
Former Alderman Paul D. Catanzaro said it was a good first step.
“I’m sure it will look nice once it’s completed, however, unless the homelessness problem is addressed, I’m afraid that it will end up looking the way it has for years,” said Shelley Sophia
“Steven and I are excited and optimistic that it will eventually bring more business for existing businesses and more new businesses to New Britain. 50+ years and still going strong,” said Sheri Amato from Amato Toy and Hobby which is located downtown.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Miriam Geraci who has announced her candidacy as an alderman. “It will make downtown much nicer and restore it back to the look of an earlier time. It will help bring more foot traffic downtown and bring new business which equals new jobs.”
Erin Morran Cowles said. “I’ll be very excited when there are jobs downtown.”
“I am excited to see these changes and hope the improvements spur investments in shops and restaurants downtown, and larger businesses all over the city,” said Catherine Cheney. “The best weapon against poverty is job creation.”
“I think the streetscape project is great and long over due,” said Cynthia Hanulak Thibeault. “It will be nice to see the town back in shape.”
Former Mayor Timothy Stewart chimed in saying that, “for many of us who still live here I’m excited to see the changes coming to the downtown. Perhaps then we can attract some much needed new life to the area.”
Present Mayor Erin Stewart commented on one of the changes taking place at the park that includes new food trucks.
“More options mean more people coming downtown, which means more opportunity,” said Mayor Stewart.
The Central Park part of the project is expected to be done in the late fall and will include a new artificial Christmas tree and the ability to put up an ice skating rink.
The City is still looking to make the Route 72 bridge less intimidating and more friendly with a beehive design that will accentuate the City logo.
