Windsor Receives $250K for Train Station Development

Governor Dannel P. Malloy announced Tuesday that 11 Connecticut towns, including Windsor, will receive a portion of $5 million for the "planning and facilitation of “transit-oriented development” (TOD) projects – work aimed at better linking communities and their transportation infrastructure..."

Windsor's portion is $250,000, which will go towards planning for the development of the train station's current site.

The awards, Malloy said, are aimed at fostering economic development in the various towns and surrounding regions by supporting local projects that connect state residents to job opportunities, housing, cultural centers and more.

“Finding smart, practical ways to connect housing and employment centers to transportation is a critical step in growing the state’s economy and making Connecticut a more vibrant place to work and live,” Malloy said in a press release.  “The projects that we’re supporting will help these towns and surrounding regions take tangible steps in making their communities more walkable, more accessible, and more attractive to residents and employers alike.”

Earlier this year, the State Bond Commission approved the funds for the development of a high speed rail line -- a project meant to improve transportation from New Haven to Springfield.

In recent years, Windsor has made the development of Windsor Center, particularly real estate around the train station, a priority -- projects have included the decelopment of 33 Mechanic Street and the sale of property that currently includes the dog pound, which will be converted into apartment buildings.

The following is a list of the other communities to be awarded grants under the TOD Pilot Program, along with a brief description of their local projects:
 
City of Hartford: $730,000 for site plan and development analysis, adoption of a TOD “overlay zone,” and creation of a public-private partnership to facilitate development around Union Station related to the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line and the planned New Britain-Hartford Busway.

City of Meriden: $850,000 for market analysis, financial planning, environmental benefit analyses and preparation for studies/surveys related to the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line.

City of New Britain: $750,000 for the implementation of a Streetscape Master Plan related to the planned New Britain-Hartford Busway.

City of New Haven: $390,000 for market analysis, traffic management planning, finance planning, preparation of potential work schedule related to the New Haven Rail Line, Shore Line East and the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line.

City of New London: $319,000 for water and sewer capacity evaluation, design and planning, construction and administration related to the Shore Line East rail line and other components of the New London intermodal transportation center.

City of Norwalk: $486,000 for surveys, design, drawings for the linking of the South Norwalk Railroad Station and Intermodal Center to a multi-modal network of shuttles and city transit buses, and routes serving bicycles and pedestrians.

City of Stamford: $460,000 for parking and redevelopment studies/assessments for the Glenbrook and Springdale station areas related to the New Canaan Branch of the New Haven Rail Line.

Town of Stratford: $250,000 for a TOD plan linked to the Stratford station on the New Haven Rail Line and the development of a model TOD ordinance by the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council for its member municipalities.

Town of Windsor Locks: $250,000 for a TOD planning study related to the possible relocation of the train station along the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line to facilitate mixed-use development in the downtown area.

Valley Council of Governments (Derby & Shelton): $265,000 for studies/surveys for enhancing bicycle and pedestrian connections to the Derby/Shelton Multi-Modal Center and the Derby-Shelton Bridge related to the Waterbury Branch of the New Haven Rail Line.