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10/10/2017 03:28 PM

Branford's Transit Oriented Development Draft Ready for Public Review


The Transit Oriented Development plan stretches out from the Branford train station, bordered by the Branford River and the red line shown here.Image from Town of Branford
Oct. 17 Meeting on Results of Study of Redevelopment Opportunities near Train Station

Branford, CT October 7, 2017: Public input is being sought on the draft Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Plan at a Public Meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 17, from 7-9 p.m. at Branford Fire Headquarters (45 North Main Street, Branford, CT). All interested residents, property owners and other stakeholders are encouraged to attend the meeting to hear the results of the TOD Study and provide feedback.

Since April, the Town of Branford has been 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, now in draft form, is intended to 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.  The study proposes recommendations for improving pedestrian and bicycle access and walkability, with the goal to improve linkages between the Town Center, Branford Station and the waterfront.

The draft Branford Station TOD Plan includes input from two public workshops, an on-line survey, as well as stakeholder interviews and focus groups.　This outreach for public input helped define a set of realistic and publicly supported development goals and objectives that are presented for review in the draft TOD Plan. The study has been supported by technical planning and market professionals, with the goal of developing alternatives that are realistic but also reflect potential impacts and/or　constraints including: parking, traffic, infrastructure, and other potential effects on community facilities and services. The draft TOD Plan also identifies issues that may require further study. Plan recommendations will be incorporated into the update to the Town's Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) just getting underway.

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