Greenwich Selectmen To Continue Discussion On Pedestrian Safety Plan In Byram

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Board of Selectmen will continue to discuss a pedestrian safety plan and a trial project proposed for a tricky area of Route 1 in Byram during the next scheduled meeting on Aug. 14.

"We have received a lot of questions and feedback from residents about the proposed pedestrian safety improvement plan," First Selectman Fred Camillo said in his weekly newsletter to the community on Friday.

The meeting is slated to start at 10 a.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room and will also be available via Zoom.

"At that time my colleagues and I will consider the trial project on Route 1 in the vicinity of Byram Road and Pemberwick. I want to be clear that what the Board of Selectmen is considering right now is only a short test period to evaluate what might happen in a longer-term solution. The test period would run from August through Oct. 31, but I stress that no decision has been made and we are continuing to take public feedback about this," Camillo added, saying a vote on the proposed test period is possible at the Aug. 14 meeting.

"We also want to make sure we make the best decision for the Town and we may continue to seek alternatives by extending the discussion to another meeting," Camillo said.

Temporary materials would be used to implement a "road diet" where Route 1 would be reduced to a single through lane in each direction at potential crosswalk locations at Byram and Pemberwick Roads. There are two options being considered for Route 1 Northbound.

Michael Kiselak from the Greenwich Department of Public Works said the trial project would help inform officials on a future pedestrian safety improvement plan.

Several residents pushed back on the proposal when it was first presented in late July, saying the trial project would actually reduce safety. Some also said the plans were devised without public input.

Camillo said there will be a sign-up sheet for members of the public who want to speak in person at the Aug. 14 meeting. Residents can also submit comments online here.