Tactical Urbanism and Chelsea Harbor Study: Projects in our small town of 40k residents - Norwich, CT 2024

On June 5, 2024 An information meeting was held at 5 PM at City Hall to present 3 options for road reconfiguration along the harbor and downtown.

This
project is the Chelsea Harbor Downtown Norwich Mobility Study.

David Bishop reported on the meeting.

His post is found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/E5jHMJoezQaFC2Mj/

OPTION 1 : Turn Sweeney bridge into a walk/bike path

OPTION 2: According to David Bishop's post

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/E5jHMJoezQaFC2Mj/

"Option 2 would make the Sweeney Bridge two way and west Main in front of the Marina would become a Dead End after the Marina. Access to Washington Square would no longer be possible on this road. The closed area would then become a Rose Garden event area."

OPTION 3: According to David Bishop's Facebook post "Option
3 has both the Sweeney Bridge and West Main in front of the Marina as
two way roads. Roundabouts would be on Washington Street at Washington
Square and entrance to the Sweeney Bridge."

The link to more information is found here:

https://envisionnorwich360.com/en/projects/chelsea-harbor-downtown-norw…

According to the website:

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There are a variety of improvements to the transportation system and
circulation that are being proposed. A list of the critical changes is
below, while a full overview map of the changes is on the back page.

• Chelsea Harbor Drive becomes a local street and is cut off from Water Street.
• Water Street/Route 2 becomes two-way, with one lane in each direction, carrying both eastbound and westbound traffic.
• With the removal of Chelsea Harbor Drive from the intersection, the
  traffic signal at the Water Street/Courthouse Square intersection can
  have a much simpler two-phase operation.
• Install a traffic signal at Water Street and Market Street to allow all vehicle movements from Market Street onto Water Street.
• Install curb extensions and a median island to reduce the crosswalk distance at Main Street/Broadway/Courthouse Square.
• Convert Washington Square into a roundabout, similar to Franklin Square.
• Convert Westside Boulevard into a pedestrian and bike “Bridge of Roses” with a park area at the west end of the bridge.
• Install a roundabout at the intersection of W. Main Street/Route 82 and N. Thames Street/N. High Street.
• The W. Main Street bridge/Route 82 becomes two-way between Washington Square and N. Thames Street/N. High Street.
• Install a traffic signal at W. Main Street and Falls Ave/the Norwich Marina.

These improvements will give the City of Norwich a blueprint to
move forward with transportation changes that will make getting around
downtown easier and more accessible for all users. An implementation
plan will be developed to recommend phasing and provide high-level cost
estimates of the different options.
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Take part of the survey - they use SurveyMonkey... The website stated open until September 1, 2024
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The Study will provide the groundwork for improved mobility along downtown Norwich. The need for improved pedestrian, bicycle, motorist, and
transit accessibility in the downtown, for residents coming from the
east and west side neighborhoods, and the waterfront area adjacent to
the Intermodal Transportation Hub, is essential to local regional
traffic flows, safety, and economic development efforts in the City of
Norwich.

All feedback will assist the Study Team in the development of alternatives to improve the City of Norwich and to make
it more livable, vital, and accessible for all people. Thank you for
your participation!

Here is a direct link to the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MFBKFVB

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Tactical Urbanism

Here is some information about the tactical urbanism plan for our small town.

" The test design will be located in proximity to Otis Library. Colorful book

spines will be painted in the cross walks and painted pages of books

will create a pathway down the sidewalk to the library and newly

installed parklet.

Enjoy a book outside in the parklet, meet a friend for a discussion, or just relax outdoors.

An extra feature of this Tactical Urbanism installation is the redirection
of one-way traffic on Cliff Street to eliminate the strange curve at
the stop sign.

• Improved pedestrian access and safety
• Visual enhancements
• Highlighting a valuable community asset
• Providing additional outdoor space in downtown "

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Conclusion

Many users online have indicated they do not feel safe downtown. Perhaps a better effort would be in a drug "crackdown" - Operation Crackdown: A downtown initiative to close the illegal drug operations - methadone, crack and fentanyl in Norwich.

Also, what about Operation Cleanup: Executing active warrants for 168 wanted criminals.

https://www.jud2.ct.gov/VOP/

Let's start there. Then, maybe we could feel safer about being in downtown. Stop Polishing a Turd and get to the root cause.