Town Council approves $2 million state grant for Granby Street complete-streets project

Bloomfield’s Town Council voted to authorize a $2 million appropriation from the State of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management Municipal Grants and Aid Program to fund a Granby Street Complete Streets project.

The resolution, presented by the town manager and supported by the Economic Development Commission’s representative Bonnie Berkowitz, authorizes design and construction funding for sidewalks or trail extensions, pedestrian lighting, street trees and related corridor improvements intended to improve safety, transit access and economic development along the Granby Street corridor. The resolution’s preliminary cost estimate listed in the packet was $2 million and the council recorded its approval by roll-call vote.

Councilors asked detailed operational questions about procurement and local contractor participation; the town manager said the project will be advertised to hire an architect/designer and, following design, bid separately for construction with DPW oversight and the same procurement steps used on recent local projects. "We'll put this out to bid. DPW will have oversight of the project as they do with all projects," the town manager said, adding that state grant rules govern the procurement process.

Berkowitz and other proponents framed the project as long-overdue work that will make Granby Street safer and more inviting for pedestrians and businesses. "Although we have spent some money on Granby Street… it still remains one of the most challenging avenues into the town of Bloomfield," Berkowitz said, urging the council to accept the state funding.

Council members also discussed design choices: the town manager said the scheme will resemble the recently completed Blue Hills streetscape but without granite curbs to preserve grant funds for broader corridor improvements. Several councilors emphasized they would like to review conceptual renderings as they become available; the council packet notes that engineering had developed conceptual renderings to address pedestrian amenities and multimodal access.

The resolution cites expected benefits including safer pedestrian accommodations, improved access to Connecticut Transit bus service and stronger connections among employers, workers and industrial properties. The council approved the appropriation and the resolution was recorded as passed.

Next steps: the town will accept the state grant, begin the RFP process for design, and return to council as design milestones and procurement packages are prepared.