DANBURY – Powered by a $4 million state grant, the City of Danbury will continue to improve the city’s streetscape downtown as part of a $20 million revitalization project. The grant will allow the city to move ahead with the second phase of the Downtown Danbury Streetscape Renaissance Project.
“This is our opportunity to transform the heart of our city into a more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly, economically viable community,” said Mayor Alves. By upgrading the sidewalks, lighting, and making other improvements to the roadways, Danbury can better show investors, developers, current property owners, and residents that we’re invested in our community.”
At a recent press conference earlier this month, Alves was joined by Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Department of Transportation Special Advisor Carlo Leone, CT DOT officials and members of the Danbury state delegation to announce the continuation of and additional LOTCIP (Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program of the Connecticut Department of Transportation). That agency provides state funds to urbanized area municipal governments in lieu of federal funds otherwise available through federal transportation legislation.
Through LOTCIP and the Community Investment Fund, the city has received $9 million dollars. The project is partially funded by a state grant that the city received from the Office of Policy and Management Responsible Growth and Transit-Oriented Development grant program.
According to Alves, the second phase includes the construction of new sidewalks, crosswalks, ADA-accessible upgrades, landscaping, and parking improvements along Main Street, White Street, and Post Office Walk.
“This project represents our shared vision for a more accessible, greener, and more welcoming Main Street,” said Farley Santos, city economic & community development advisor.
In addition, to add to the beautification, there will be modern streetscape amenities including new trash receptacles, round stone planters, Belgium block edging, banner poles, and more.
According to the Mayor’s Office, the city is tagging 70 trees that need to be removed and replaced with tree species that are pedestrian-friendly and will support the new sidewalk design and infrastructure. The city will plant 79 trees and 82 trees will remain. The Danbury Cultural Commission is also inviting community members, families, and businesses to be part of the landscape project to help name a tree through a sponsorship.
All of these projects will serve as a way to help boost the city’s economy.
“Through strong partnership and advocacy at the state and local levels, these enhancements will strengthen infrastructure, improve accessibility, and support the continued growth of our city center and vibrant downtown,” Alves said. “Our administration will continue seeking the investments that shape and drive the future of Danbury.”
According to City Hall, the first phase, completed in 2021, comprised various improvements along National Place, Ives Street, Railroad Place and Delay Street. Going forward, the city will continue to source other grants to support further enhancements for the city.
Danbury’s Streetscape Renaissance Project includes the installation of infrastructure for the future, such as fiber optics to support advanced traffic light systems and the replacement of overhead electrical wires with underground lines.
“Combined with over $100 million in public and private investment along Main Street, we’re seeing new energy and new opportunity take shape,” the mayor said. “That’s economic development in action. And we’re just getting started.”
