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Trail plan revised after utility easement issue; DEP recreational trails grant announced
Summary
A planned Red Mountain trail connection to the Ocean State Plaza was rerouted because a utility easement conflict could not be resolved; the commission also noted a DEP recreational trails grant has opened with a required 20% match and may be a future funding source for a Newfield Road bridge or related trail projects.
Staff updated the commission on changes to a planned Red Mountain Trail connection and flagged a new state grant opportunity for trail work.
Reroute after easement conflict: Staff said an unresolved utility easement over a privately owned plaza parcel prevents the planned mid‑block connection through Ocean State Plaza. The design will instead continue along existing sidewalks to North Elm Street and use an existing crossing; the planned direct connection into the plaza will not be built as originally proposed because of the easement and sight‑line concerns. Staff said the change alters elements of the grant match and project scope and that the project could be delayed a year or two while design and grant requirements are renegotiated.
DEP grant and Newfield bridge concept: The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection recreational trails grant has opened, and applicants must provide a 20% local match. Staff said the commission may consider the grant for future projects such as a pedestrian bridge over the Naugatuck River at Newfield Road and related multiuse trail work; staff suggested city‑level match contributions could include trail paving or right‑of‑way improvements. Staff said they will meet with state grant managers to confirm whether the revised scope still fits the grant match and timeline.
Why it matters: The reroute changes pedestrian connectivity ambitions for the project and may affect grant eligibility and timelines. The DEP grant is time‑sensitive and could fund bridge or trail components if a local match is secured.
Next steps: Staff will meet with grant managers and the city’s engineering group to resolve scope and match questions and will inform Torrington Trails and other local partners about the grant timeline.
Ending: The commission accepted the update and asked staff to pursue grant coordination and follow up on possible church parking/landowner negotiations needed for a Newfield bridge concept.
