Branford To Study Redevelopment Opportunities Near Train Station, Public Workshops Scheduled

Originally written by Brian McCready

BRANFORD, CT — The Town of Branford is conducting a study of potential redevelopment opportunities in the area around the Branford Shoreline East Train Station. Called Transit Oriented Development (TOD), this is development that benefits from proximity to transit services.

It includes and would build upon, existing and proposed projects such as Atlantic Wharf, Anchor Reef, and the Stony Creek Brewery. The Branford Station TOD Plan being developed will be an integral part of a Town and regional initiative to promote growth and redevelopment that is more transit oriented, will increase the tax base, and will provide uses better suited to the current local and regional economy, said town officials in a news release.

The study will also focus on improving pedestrian and bicycle access and walkability, with the goal being to improve linkages between the Town Center, Branford Station and the waterfront.

Community outreach is a critical component of the Plan to ensure the vision for future development meets local needs, said Town Planner Harry A. Smith in a news release. The Branford Station TOD Plan development will provide a host of opportunities for public input including two public workshops, a survey, and stakeholder interviews and focus groups.

This outreach for public input will help to define a set of realistic and publicly supported development goals and objectives for the area. The study is supported by technical planning and market professionals so as to develop realistic development alternatives that consider potential impacts and/or constraints, parking, traffic, infrastructure, and other potential impacts on community facilities and services. The study will also identify issues that may require further study.

The Plan is also proceeding concurrently with an update to the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD).

There are two upcoming public workshops for the Plan. The first workshop will be held on Monday, May 22nd from 7-9 PM at the Canoe Brook Senior Center (11 Cherry Hill Road, Branford, CT). The second workshop will be on Thursday, June 22nd from 7-9 PM at Branford Fire Headquarters (45 Main Street, Branford, CT).

All interested residents, property owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend both meetings to share thoughts on the vision, goals and objectives for the station area.

Comments can also be sent to todstudy@branford-ct.gov.

(Editor's Note: This story first ran previously but here it is again in case you missed it.)