Ad hoc committee recommends Danbury accept $2.85 million state grant increase for pedestrian improvements

The Danbury ad hoc committee on the Connecticut Transportation Alternative Program grant voted to recommend that the City Council accept an additional $2,850,000 from the state, increasing the total project value to $4.25 million and triggering a 20% city match of $570,000.

Chair Peter Bizaid opened the meeting by reviewing attendees and the grant’s history, saying the council packet included a clear explanation of the amendment request and its funding implications. “It's recommended that the council pass this,” Bizaid said after members moved and seconded the recommendation to forward the item to the council for final approval.

A staff member representing city administration emphasized the need to act quickly to secure the funds and said the mayor already had the contract with the amendment prepared. “The mayor has the contract already to sign it, which has the amendment in it,” the staff member said, urging prompt council consideration so the state approval process can proceed without delay.

Traffic engineer Vera Caraconda told the committee that, although costs have risen since the project’s 2019 application, most of the original work remains. “So…but 90% of the original scope is part of this part,” Caraconda said, and she described the program’s focus on improving crosswalks and intersections near schools, elderly housing and disadvantaged-community facilities.

Members asked whether the increase expanded the list of project locations and whether the improvements would move the city closer to state code or ADA compliance. Caraconda and staff said some locations were removed because of cost escalations, but that each site funded and constructed under the grant will be made ADA-compliant and will enhance the accessibility of Danbury’s sidewalk network. Committee members specifically asked whether Rogers Park was included; staff and the traffic engineer said it was not part of this project phase.

Committee discussion also covered why costs rose: participants said estimates were generated before the COVID-19 pandemic and that higher engineering fees and needs such as temporary easements contributed to the increased total. Staff said the state was willing to increase the award as applications are refined and that the city will continue to pursue additional grants when opportunities arise.

The motion to recommend acceptance of the additional $2,850,000 and the 20% city match carried on a voice vote at the ad hoc meeting; the committee’s recommendation will go to the full City Council for final action. The ad hoc committee then adjourned.