A Path to Improvement; West Cheshire Village Takes Shape

Brick sidewalks are just part of the streetscape upgrade on West Main Street that is giving the area the long-sought look of a village district.

New period street lighting, street signs and brick sidewalks are pulling together an architectural design that's aimed at creating a visually appealing sight for motorists and pedestrians.

Plans to extend the Farmington Canal Linear Park from West Main Street to Jarvis are dovetailing with the town's upgrade project.

Public Works Director Joseph Michelangelo said the second phase of the streetscape will include the area west of Willow Street to the culvert over the Farmington Canal. 

The state Department of Transportation is scheduled to replace the culvert beginning in the last week of August, Michelangelo said. The aging culvert directs the Farmington Canal under West Main Street.

Economic Development Director Gerald Sitko said the goal of creating a village district on West Main Street is getting closer. "It really could come together. We hope over the long term it will be developed there."

Asked if the West Main Street area could become a destination such as Plantsville Village in Southington, Sitko said that was the goal. "That's the concept," he said.