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Bloomfield committee: $1.5M award for Woodland Avenue sidewalks; design work advances on East Coast Greenway connectors
Summary
Committee members reported a $1.5 million award for the Woodland Avenue sidewalk project and described next steps for several East Coast Greenway connector segments, including negotiations over an estimated $1.3 million design scope for the high‑school to Toby Road segment and plans for follow-up public outreach on Tyler Street.
The Bloomfield Trails Committee reported that the town has been awarded $1.5 million to design and extend sidewalks along Woodland Avenue, and outlined progress and next steps on several East Coast Greenway connector projects.
Robert Dickinson, a committee member, told the group, "We have been officially awarded the $1.5 million for that sidewalk project," and said the fiscal‑year 2027 budget includes design funding so the town can issue an RFP and proceed with consultant selection. Dickinson also displayed proposed signage for the Merritt Greenway and for an honorary Paul Hughes marker.
Committee members discussed the Terry Plains Road Trail, with Dickinson saying Kevin Gal is now "officially in charge" and that the Connecticut Forest & Park Association, represented in the meeting by Claire Kaine, may support volunteer efforts that could begin as early as this fall.
The committee also reviewed the town center–to–high‑school connector, where members met with the new railroad operator (identified in the meeting as G&W) to discuss how the trail will cross tracks. "We still have to go through the approval process of the new operator," Dickinson said, noting the operator holds a long‑term contract on the Griffin Line and approvals remain outstanding.
Design negotiations for the high‑school to Toby Road segment were flagged as a near‑term priority. Dickinson said the town will meet with DOT and the consultant, including Mark Juel, to negotiate man‑hours and scope after an initial estimate placed the design near $1.3 million. He emphasized that funding for the design would be 80% federal and 20% state under current plans.
On alignment and design details, staff and committee members confirmed the planned multiuse trail widths (10 feet) and described why the west side of Tyler Street was selected to align with existing trail segments and reduce crossings. Dickinson said survey and design kickoff can begin after the state issues a project authorization letter once scope is agreed.
Why it matters: The Woodland Avenue award unlocks a design phase the committee has sought for months, while negotiations over consultant scope and agreements with railroad operators will determine how quickly regional connectors can be built. Committee members emphasized continued community outreach and public safety briefings as part of upcoming public information meetings.
What comes next: The town will issue an RFP for Woodland Avenue design and hold follow‑up public meetings for Tyler Street and other connector segments; staff will negotiate consultant scope and continue railroad approvals needed for the high‑school crossing.
