Newington officials, businesses back New Britain Avenue streetscape plan as staff outlines budget and timeline

Town engineers and planners presented a final‑stage design and funding update on Oct. 14 for the New Britain Avenue business district streetscape improvement project, a state bond‑funded streetscape effort that aims to brighten and better connect the small commercial node often called Elm Hill or the New Britain Avenue business district.

Town Engineer Chris Vidio and Town Planner Paul Dixon told the Town Council the project area has been resurveyed, which refined quantities and cost estimates for new sidewalks, driveway aprons, decorative street lighting, a corner district sign and selective use of pavers at focal corners. The plan includes improved crosswalk geometry to shorten pedestrian crossings, and possible street trees or low plantings where they will not obstruct business signage.

"This is the project area you see on the screen," Vidio said, describing the proposed work and noting that the design reflects stakeholder meetings with local businesses. Dixon said the project began as a 2020 state bond item and that a roughly $500,000 state allocation was the seed funding for the current plan.

The presentation outlined two options for paved accents: clay brick pavers (more durable and longer‑lasting) and a less expensive concrete‑based product that requires more maintenance and occasional piece‑by‑piece replacement. Staff said contingency and incidental allowances—each set at 5% of the contract sum—account for much of the budget difference between options (together they amount to roughly $70,000 in the current estimate). Dixon added that up to $7,000 attributed to survey work could be handled in‑house if needed.

Councilors asked about schedule and construction timing. "We plan to put the project out to bid late winter," Vidio said, adding that staff could set a contractor start date in mid to late summer to align with business slow seasons; he estimated on‑site work would take about six weeks to complete for the core streetscape elements.

Business owners and residents who spoke during the meeting urged swift implementation. "These improvements will make the quarter walkable and strengthen local businesses," said Tony Margott, owner of Giovani Bakery. Public Market owner David Lenaris and other business leaders described long engagement with staff and welcomed the town’s investment as a catalyst for additional private investment.

Council members pressed staff on a handful of design questions: where street trees can be planted without blocking signs or utilities, whether planters could be used and maintained by local businesses, and the project’s limits on bicycle facilities. Vidio emphasized that adding bike lanes would be a separate Connecticut Department of Transportation undertaking because New Britain Avenue is under DOT jurisdiction, but he said the plan intentionally improves crosswalks and sidewalk continuity to aid pedestrians.

The council reviewed the draft state grant resolution required to accept financial aid for the project; staff said action on the resolution could occur at an upcoming meeting while bids are still scheduled for winter. Next steps include finalizing bid documents, confirming paver selection and preparing a CIP request if additional amenities (a gazebo or pocket‑park seating) are to be added later if funds permit.

The project team asked the council to confirm its support for moving the design and funding documents into procurement; councilors and the businesses present indicated broad support while acknowledging follow‑up on details such as maintenance responsibilities and lighting placement would be required.

What happens next: staff will finalize bid specs, aim to advertise in late winter and return to council with a formal resolution and any required CIP requests before construction begins.