Norwalk Adds 2 To Transportation, Mobility & Parking Department

NORWALK, CT — The city has added two traffic experts to the Norwalk Transportation, Mobility and Parking Department, Mayor Harry Rilling announced Friday.

James Travers is the department's new director and Garrett Bolella is the new assistant director for Transportation Services.

The two start on Feb. 16, and both most recently worked for the City of Stamford.

"Jim and Garrett are well-known in the transportation community for their thoughtful and innovative approach to improving traffic conditions, making sidewalks more accessible for pedestrians, and ensuring bicyclists have safe routes to travel," Rilling said. "They are award winning professionals who are ready to hit the ground running on their first day in Norwalk. They are experts in their field with great knowledge of traffic systems and realize the importance of community collaboration. They are customer service oriented and our residents will get to know them well. I am thrilled to have Jim and Garrett join our team."

During his four years with the City of Stamford, Travers planned, developed, and coordinated the City’s transportation infrastructure projects and performed detailed plan reviews of all economic development construction projects. He helped secure more than $55 million in grant funding, and implemented more than $26 million of construction projects which helped lead to reduced vehicle accidents, lower bike-related crashes, and decreased pedestrian accidents to far below national average. Travers was previously honored with the Transportation Leadership Award from the Institute of Transportation Engineers and just this week, People Friendly Stamford presented him with its Inaugural Safe Streets Award.

"I am excited to join the dynamic team in Norwalk. This is a vibrant community with so much to offer and I know this will be a great fit for me," Travers said. "I believe in Mayor Rilling's commitment and vision for safer streets and responsible growth. I am a dedicated public servant committed to community involvement and delivering measurable results. I will always be open and honest with the public and look forward to meeting with all the different neighborhood groups and community stakeholders in the weeks and months ahead."

Bolella has developed long-range planning policies and guiding documents, such a Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans, Curbside Sign Style Guides, and Complete Streets Manuals. He is responsive to residents and has used that direct feedback to help support modified pavement markings, traffic calming, and pedestrian improvements. Bolella was previously honored with America's Transportation Award from The National Association of State Transportation Officials, the People's Choice Award from Bike/Walk Connecticut, and the Transportation Resiliency Award from the Business Council of Fairfield County.

"Norwalk is a great community," Bolella said. "I am excited to join the team and look forward to working with a diverse group of neighborhoods to tackle the City’s transportation challenges. I am a firm believer in engaging the community to improve safety and livability for all residents."

The TMP Department is part of the City’s overall Economic and Community Development Team. Jessica Vonashek, the city's Chief of Economic and Community Development, lauded the experience Travers and Bolella bring to Norwalk.

"We are excited to welcome Jim and Garrett to the team, as we enter a year focused on furthering our work related to safety policies and standards, such as Complete Streets, Vision Zero, as well as technological upgrades, including updates to our signal systems," Vonashek said. "Jim and Garrett bring a wealth of technical knowledge to the team, as well as experience working with the community and being responsive to their needs to ensure project development and implementation.'