From the Branford train station to the nearby banks of the Branford River and on over toward the town center, Branford continues working with a study planning team to develop a clearer picture for a new Branford Rail Station Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

There's already Atlantic Reef, Stony Creek Brewery and soon-to-be developed Atlantic Wharf book-ending some great residential and commercial options in the vicinity; but problems, such as flooding issues, exist as well. The district in the study stretches away from the Branford train station to two points on nearby banks of the Branford River and on over toward the town center. 

Some input for the study has already arrived from two well-attended public workshops. Now, Town Planner Harry Smith invites the public to take an online survey to weigh in on what's needed – or not needed – to best develop the area. A press released issued from the Town of Branford on August 2 noted the survey intends to gather opinions from a diverse Branford group on "key issues facing the train station and waterfront area and how they envision its future."  Take the survey here  

In about 10 minutes or less, the survey takes the pulse of a participant's current use of the train station as well as prioritizing questions of future development use.  From proposed building heights to whether it would be best to add more residential, commercial or public spaces; to questions of the need for better access to adding a public river walk, the survey susses out how people currently use and view the area, and gauges interest in potential future uses. To cast the widest net for all input, the survey also includes comment areas to draw in new ideas and concerns.

The press release describes the Branford Rail TOD study as, "an integral part of a Town and regional initiative to promote neighborhood scale growth and redevelopment that recognizes the potential benefits of a transit asset. A goal of the study is to increase the tax base, and identify uses better suited to the current local and regional economy that are sympathetic to- and reinforce existing neighborhoods. A focus will be placed on improving pedestrian and bicycle access and walkability, to make clear linkages between the Town Center, Branford Station and the river front."

For more information including details from past TOD workshops, visit http://branfordtod.weebly.com/

Additionally, comments can be sent to todstudy@branford-ct.gov.