Sandy Hook Center—

Beautification Project Slated To Start Next Spring

By Andrew Gorosko

The town plans to begin construction next spring on an overall $1.25-million Sandy Hook Center beautification project, intended to economically revitalize the compact business district that centers on the intersection Church Hill Road, Washington Avenue, Riverside Road, and Glen Road.

Community Development Director Elizabeth Stocker said this week that she has met with seven of the nine property owners who own real estate along both sides of Church Hill Road between that four-way intersection and Dayton Street in refining plans for the beautification project. Ms Stocker said she hopes to meet with the other two owners.

That section of Church Hill Road represents the first phase of the streetscape beautification project, which is slated to break ground next spring, Ms Stocker said. Improvements along the other three streets would be made during a second construction phase that is now planned for the 2008-09 fiscal year, she said.

Church Hill Road improvement work will not start until next spring to prevent any interference with the upcoming Christmas holiday shopping season, Ms Stocker said. Construction bids for the work will be solicited this coming winter, she said. The construction will occur between 94 and 115 Church Hill Road. 

Recent talks with property owners have included discussion on improving the vehicle parking situation in Sandy Hook Center.

Ms Stocker said current plans would convert existing perpendicular on-street parking in front of businesses at 102 Church Hill Road into parallel parking. Although such a parking change would reduce the number of parking spaces there, it would make for a safer traffic situation, considering that the area is near the busy four-way intersection, she said.

Current plans also call for eliminating some existing perpendicular off-street parking next to buildings along Church Hill Road, she said.

Landscape architect Jane Didona of Didona Associates of Danbury is designing the Sandy Hook Center Streetscape Improvement Project for the town. The town will soon select the specific building materials for the beautification project, Ms Stocker said. A basic design for the project will be submitted for review by the state Department of Transportation (DOT), Ms Stocker said.

The town is planning a phased project intended to revitalize and economically stimulate the commercial hamlet. The work has been in the planning stages for the past several years. The $1.25-million project will include the design and installation of new sidewalks, curbing, decorative street lighting and crosswalks, plus landscaping elements. The work is keyed to improving pedestrian mobility and safety, as well as improving the area’s appearance and functioning.

The streetscape program is intended to generate new economic development by creating opportunities for business expansion and the creation of new businesses. The planned improvements are designed to create a positive image of the area and to help increase the value of properties there. The work is designed to attract residents and visitors to the area by enhancing its village ambience.

The town would cover $155,000 of overall project costs, with state and federal grants covering the remainder.