Danbury disability commission highlights Safe Streets study, schedules virtual town hall

The Commission for Persons with Disabilities in Danbury discussed the Safe Streets Danbury initiative during its Jan. 13 meeting and was asked to review study materials ahead of a planned virtual town hall in February.

The Chair told commissioners the study is mapping problem intersections and that the city received a grant administered through the state to support the project. She said commissioners should visit the study website, use the map to pinpoint trouble spots and sign up for the town hall so they receive notices.

"There's a map on there that you could blow up and sectionalize it," the Chair said, urging commissioners to provide input and to notify staff if they encounter accessibility problems on the site.

Commissioners said the study is focusing on intersections, pedestrian crossings and education campaigns. They highlighted a rotary near a Walmart and areas where I-84 traffic feeds into local streets as priority concerns. One commissioner recommended increased enforcement and public education for both drivers and pedestrians.

The Chair said the committee includes city staff (public works, the traffic engineer), police representatives and residents, and that contractors engaged for the study will conduct outreach. She asked commissioners to report any problems using the site so the mayor's office can address accessibility barriers.

The meeting packet and public map will be circulated to commissioners ahead of the February town hall. The commission did not take formal action on the study at the meeting; it left participation and comment to individual commissioners and the public process.