Norwalk Leaders Celebrate State Funding For Sidewalk Upgrades

NORWALK, CT — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Norwalk officials welcomed Friday the State Bond Commission's release of $600,000 to help the city improve sidewalks near Route 53.

According to a news release provided by Duff's office, the improvements will provide access for children to walk safely to school in the Chestnut Hill area of the city.

"It's hard to think of a better investment than funding infrastructure that ensures our students can safely walk to and from school," Duff said in a news release. "No family should have to worry about their kids navigating unsafe conditions or facing unnecessary risks on their way to class. I'm grateful to Governor [Ned] Lamont and the State Bond Commission for prioritizing the safety of Norwalk's students and pedestrians with this much-needed funding."

The project was one of several items to receive funding during a special meeting of the State Bond Commission on Friday.

The grant will help the city enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility by upgrading sidewalks and related infrastructure in the Chestnut Hill area. These improvements will create safer routes for students walking to and from school, according to Duff's office.

"I want to thank Governor Lamont, Senator Bob Duff and the State Bond Commission for continuing to invest in Norwalk through this $600,000 commitment to improving our sidewalks in the Chestnut Hill area, where children and families walk to and from school," Mayor Harry Rilling said in a news release. "We are committed to increasing walkability and connectivity across the city, especially near our schools, neighborhoods and downtown areas, to help expand safe, accessible transportation options for everyone. Sidewalks are a crucial component of increasing safety for pedestrians while also reducing our overall carbon footprint through convenient and comfortable alternatives to driving cars."

Duff also noted Friday’s agenda represents the final meeting of 2024 for the State Bond Commission, which also approved funding this year for several Norwalk community projects, including:

• $2.5 million to Norwalk to offset the cost of constructing a roundabout to provide safer access to the new South Norwalk Elementary School.
• $3.5 million for the Carver Community Center to support the renovation and expansion of the center. This project will make enhancements to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act as well as make necessary security upgrades.
• $241,000 for equipment and improvements to the Notre Dame Health and Rehabilitation Center.
• $300,000 in new funding for expansion and renovations to the Music Theatre of Connecticut.
• $268,922 for upgrades and improvements at Side by Side Charter School.
• More than $3.4 million for the Norwalk Housing Authority for the creation of housing units.
• $3 million for the Norwalk Redevelopment Agency for streetscape improvements in South Norwalk.

"Sidewalks play a pivotal role in creating a more walkable environment, encouraging physical activity, ensuring pedestrian safety, and creating a sense of community," Jim Travers, the city's director of transportation, mobility and parking, said in a news release. "This project, made possible by funding secured by Senator Duff, comes on the heels of our recently adopted Complete Streets legislation aimed at creating safer, more accessible streets for everyone. By prioritizing infrastructure that supports walking, cycling, and public transportation, we are building a more sustainable future for our residents."