Branford traffic committee approves minutes, directs enforcement and monitoring for Linden Avenue, Court Street and Valley Brook Road

The Branford Board of Police Commissioners Traffic Committee on June 8 approved the minutes from its March 12, 2026 meeting and reviewed several recurring traffic and parking concerns across town.

Commissioner Patty Austin, chair of the Traffic Committee, opened the meeting at 4:38 p.m. and confirmed the committee’s attendance, which included Commissioners John Sousoulas, Janice Heggie Margolis, Valerie Wiel-Wilkins, Robert Nash and Christine Ciociola, and Chief of Police Jonathan R. Mulhern.

The committee unanimously approved the March 12, 2026 Traffic Committee minutes after a motion by Commissioner John Sousoulas and a second from Commissioner Robert Nash.

Members reviewed an ongoing complaint about traffic on Linden Avenue, noting the item has been examined multiple times over recent meetings. The committee recorded that the policy criteria governing potential traffic changes have not changed in seven years and that temporary “pop-up” enforcement and increases in police presence have proved effective in addressing short-term congestion, according to Chief Jonathan R. Mulhern.

On a request from Valley Brook Road, the committee agreed to place a road speed monitor when one becomes available. The committee did not set a firm deployment date but recorded the direction as a follow-up action.

The Short Beach Civic Association raised concerns during citizens’ comments about valet parking at Rosso Vino Restaurant and resulting congestion on Court Street and Route 142 that could impede emergency vehicle access. Chief Mulhern recommended several steps: increased police enforcement when staffing permits between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; a meeting between police and the restaurant owner to discuss staff parking, offsite options and possible valet coordination with Shoreline Automotive; and a request that the Engineering Department verify current pavement striping for accuracy.

A request from a resident at 14 Spring Rock Road was deferred to the July agenda for further consideration. The committee also directed staff to evaluate traffic flow and volume on Short Rocks following a concern raised by a Mill Plain Road resident.

Commissioner Christine Ciociola moved to adjourn the meeting; Commissioner John Sousoulas seconded. The vote was unanimous and the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.

The committee recorded action items including the deployment of a speed monitor for Valley Brook Road when available, engineering verification of striping near Court Street/Route 142, and follow-up meetings and targeted enforcement related to Rosso Vino parking. No ordinances, resolutions or binding regulatory changes were voted on during this session.