The document advocates for the construction of sidewalks in Prospect, emphasizing their role in enhancing community safety, promoting health, and preventing pedestrian accidents. It highlights various traffic safety statistics, funding opportunities for sidewalk projects, and the economic benefits associated with walkable neighborhoods. The call to action urges local officials and residents to prioritize pedestrian infrastructure for the future well-being of the community.

1. Sidewalk Talk
The Walkway to
Creating a Better Prospect Community

2. Our Roads are NOT SAFE!

3. Our Children and Pedestrians are at Risk!

4. Sidewalks Promote
Healthy Lives!
Our residents deserve a community that
protects their safety and promotes a healthy
lifestyle.
Our roadways are highly traveled and provide
little or no space for safe pedestrian traffic.
Sidewalks would allow for our children to
walk from school to Hotchkiss field to engage
in healthy, after-school physical activity.
Sidewalks would allow residents who would
like to exercise enjoy a safe run where their
lives are not at risk!
Sidewalks would create a healthier and safer
community to all of our benefit!

5. Breakdown lane is NOT safe for pedestrian traffic!
Drivers are distracted – our lives are at risk!

6. Our children are in danger when they ride
their bicycles or walk to the park!

7. Route 69 has heavy traffic and drivers speed and
are distracted. Sidewalks would protect
pedestrians from these risks.
According to a recent study, there are
64% more pedestrian accidents in
Connecticut than any other state.
According to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a
pedestrian is killed every 8 minutes due
to traffic collisions in the US.
Between 2008 and 2010, pedestrian
accidents claimed the lives of 435
people in Connecticut. The 2010
statistics reveal there is a 4% increase in
the pedestrian fatalities when
compared to 2009.

8. MOTOR VEHICLE
VS.
PEDESTRIAN =
DEATH
• STAMFORD, Conn. -- Shocked by
three motor vehicle vs. pedestrian
deaths in the city this year, Mayor
David Martin announced that
Stamford is looking at everything
from police enforcement to
education in an effort to improve
traffic and pedestrian safety.
(9/5/14 Stamford Daily Voice)
A 70-year-old woman, the mother of a police
investigator, was killed by a hit-and-run
driver on Easter Sunday while
crossing Woodland Avenue.
A 65-year-old man was struck by a car and
killed on Strawberry Hill Avenue near his
home on May 30.
A Springdale woman was struck and killed
while crossing Hoyt Street at Summer Street
on July 21.
(9/4/14 Stamford Daily Voice)

9. PEDESTRIAN DEATHS
IN CONNECTICUT
2014
• Pedestrians, beware: 351 residents were killed while
walking the state's roads from 2003 to 2012, making it
the 27th worst state for pedestrian safety, according to
a new report.
• Fairfield County ranked third in the state behind
Hartford and New Haven counties in pedestrian deaths,
but first in people killed while walking along
major roadways.
• The report, Dangerous by Design 2014, was released by
the National Complete Streets Coalition, which urges
transportation planners and engineers to design streets
with all users in mind.
• "What (the report) really does is call attention to the
fact that most of our roads are designed for cars and
high-speed traffic," said Jen Millea, communications
director for AARP Connecticut. "We need to reinvest in
designing our roads for everyone."
ctpost.com 5/21/2014
TORRINGTON, Conn. (WTNH)– A 51-year-old
Torrington man was struck and killed by a car
on Migeon Avenue on Friday night.
News 8, WTNH.com 12/19/14
NORWALK, Conn. (WTNH)– Police have arrested
the man they say was involved in a hit and run
Friday night in Norwalk.
Police say Hugo Cruz-Gregorio, 33, was the
driver who hit the three pedestrians on
Woodward Avenue last night. The pedestrians
were taken to Norwalk Hospital, where one died
later from injuries. Police say the other two
victims have nonlife-threatening injuries.
News 8, WTNH.com 10/24/14

10. Senior citizens account
for 1 of every 5
pedestrian fatalities
• The 2009 Connecticut "Complete
Streets" law requires that
transportation projects receiving
state or municipal funds take into
consideration all users of the
roads, including pedestrians,
cyclists and people of all ages and
abilities.
ctpost.com 4/12/13
In Connecticut, adults 65 and older
accounted for 28 percent of those killed in
pedestrian accidents from 2003 to 2010.
More than half of pedestrian accidents
happened on arterial roads, which are often
"designed and operated to maximize the
speed of automotive traffic and not for
pedestrian safety and comfort, despite
running through places where people need
and want to walk.“
Ctpost.com 5/21/14

11. Grant Monies Are Available
for Town Sidewalks!
• LOTCIP – Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program through the
Dept. of Transportation and Regional Planning Organization
• STP URBAN Funds for Sidewalk Construction – funds available to construct
sidewalk on a STP eligible roadway and must provide a safety benefit to the
community.
• LoCIP – Local Capital Improvement Program $66,103.00 available to
Prospect
• STEAP Grant – Small Town Economic Assistance Program provides funds for
sidewalk construction.
• Main Street Investment Fund - administered through Department of
Housing – contact email - dimple.desai@ct.gov
• CT Safe Routes to School - grants to eligible schools for sidewalk
construction

12. CT Towns are Getting Sidewalk Funds
Through STEAP!
$250,000 for Bethel’s sidewalks
• Bethel's streets and sidewalks will
receive an upgrade courtesy of a
$250,000 STEAP (Small Town
Economic Assistance Program)
grant, Gov. Dannel Malloy
announced today.
Bethel Patch 8/1/2013
$500,000 for Cheshire’s sidewalks
• Cheshire is one of 28 towns awarded a
grant under the STEAP program for a
variety of economic and other
development projects
• The $500,000 STEAP grant for Cheshire is
to fund the design and construction of
1,630 linear feet of sidewalks throughout
the town center. This sidewalk extension
project will connect the recently
upgraded West Main Street commercial
area to a number of municipal facilities,
retail establishments and residential
neighborhoods.
www.housedems.ct.gov 5/19/2014

13. STEAP GRANTS FOR SIDEWALKS AND
STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
$450,000 for Avon’s sidewalks
• The town has received a $450,000 grant that will pay for
streetscape improvements in the center of town, Gov.
Dannel P. Malloy's office has announced.
• The money from the state would pay for new sidewalks that
are handicapped accessible and decorative lighting. This is
the third grant that the town has received for the project and
officials said it should let them complete it.
• "This project represents the best of public-private-
partnerships in that the sources of funding were comprised
of state aid, local funding and in-kind services, and charitable
contributions from residents," Town Manager Brandon
Robertson said in a statement. "The decorative lighting,
granite curbing, and new sidewalks have positively impacted
both the aesthetics and the navigability of our village center."
Hartford Courant 2/27/2014
$368,000 for Seymour sidewalks
• “Seymour is dedicated to revitalizing our downtown, and this
grant money will go a long way in helping us make needed
improvements,” Miller said. “By improving access for
persons with disabilities and overall walkability, we hope to
draw even more visitors to our downtown attractions.”
• Last year, the town received a $168,000 STEAP grant for the
third phase of the sidewalk project, which will fund repairs
to sidewalks and curbs on Grand, Spruce and Meadow
streets. Work is slated to begin next month on those
sidewalks, Miller said.
• Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, in a press release, said helping small
towns make necessary infrastructure improvements
translates to “investments that will make our towns a better
place to live and work, will increase the quality of life, and
help attract economic development and growth.”
New Haven Register 5/20/2014

14. STP Urban Funds for Sidewalks and Road
Improvements
Bridgeport STP URBAN Funds for
Sidewalks
• Construction of Iranistan Avenue
sidewalks. State Project 15-358
funding secured through STP
urban funds. 80% Federal Match
20% City match. Construction to
begin in early Spring 2014
Manchester grant for $1.7 million
• NORTH MAIN STREET RECONSTRUCTION
• (STATE PROJECT 76-212)
• Full depth pavement reconstruction on North Main Street between Stock
Place and North Street. Includes new granite curb, concrete sidewalks on
the north side of the road, new storm drainage system and new traffic signal
at the Union Street/North Main Street intersection.
• Funding Source:
• Federal STP-Urban Program (90%); Local Public Works Bond (10%)
• Construction Cost:
• $1,977,854.00
• Contractor:
• Ludlow Construction
• Start Date:
• May 2013
• Completion Date:
• August 2014

15. LOTCIP Funds are Available for Sidewalks and
Paving Improvements!
• Regional Planning Organizations are authorized to grant LOTCIP funds for sidewalks
• The RPOs will be allowed to allocate a maximum of 15% of their annual LOTCIP funds or $500,000
total project cost, whichever is greater, to pavement preservation, pavement rehabilitation, and
exclusive (stand-alone) sidewalk projects covered by these guidelines
• Program created to help eliminate red tape and delays municipalities can run into when seeking
federal reimbursement for road and transportation improvements has completed its first project,
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's office announced.
• The Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program, administered by the state Department of
Transportation and 13 regional planning organizations, works with projects eligible for federal
funds from the federal DOT's Surface Transportation Urban Program.
• State DOT officials distribute funding to municipalities with qualifying projects, and then seek
reimbursement from the federal agency, instead of the local city or town doing it.
• The legislature authorized $45 million a year for the LOTCIP, which has funded approximately 40
projects so far.
Hartfordbusiness.com 11/14/2014

16. $5 million in grant funds for Town’s through
Main Street Investment Fund
• Governor Dannel P. Malloy today announced Tuesday that 13
municipalities across Connecticut will receive $5 million in grant funds
to develop or improve their town’s commercial district.
• The purpose of the distribution of funds is to attract small businesses,
grow jobs, and improve pedestrian access and livability in town
centers, according to a press release. The grants are part of
Connecticut’s Main Street Investment Fund, administered through
the CT Department of Housing.
Wilton Patch 9/16/2014

17. These Towns are Using Main Street Investment
Funds for Sidewalks and Pedestrian Improvements
• Canton will receive $387,000 for the construction of
historically appropriate improvements that will provide safe
pedestrian access, organized parking, and create critical
linkages between areas with significant activity to areas of
businesses. Funds will be used for sidewalks, way-finding
signs, trees, pedestrian lights, crosswalks, and other safety
and aesthetic improvements.
• Colchester will receive $285,000 for its Linwood Avenue
Streetscape Improvement project. The project is comprised
of three major elements: a concrete sidewalk and stamped
concrete pathway along the southern side of Linwood
Avenue, solar lighting and other street furniture, landscaping,
and a wider stamped concrete section along the frontage of
the Cragan Library on the northern side of Linwood
Avenue. The proposed project would be sixth project
completed in the downtown village area over the last decade
which is built on the concepts and themes created
previously.
• Cornwall will receive $70,000 to install sidewalks which will
improve pedestrian access and safety in the busy scenic
village center. The installation of a sidewalk between the
approved senior housing and Cornwall General Store in
Cornwall Bridge will provide access for seniors to village
center and also provide handicapped access to the adjacent
visitor's center.
• Essex will receive $435,000 for project activities related to
calming of traffic and the creation of a shared "Village
Center" intersection at Main Street and Summit
Street. Project funds will be used for the addition of stamped
and colored concrete from Summit Street to Main Street;
installing new cross walks, renovating existing crosswalks, and
other improvements.
• Fairfield will receive $250,000 for the installation of new or
replacement concrete walks, curbing, pedestrian ramps,
driveway aprons, decorative brick pavers, ornamental street
lights, pedestrian benches, bicycle racks, and other street
furniture. The goal is to create a pedestrian-friendly
environment that is safe and harmonious with the existing
streetscape character found in the downtown core. The
proposed project strengthens the connections between
commercial and residential neighborhoods and creates a
pedestrian linkage to the train station.
• Griswold will receive $265,000 to fund the cost of poles, light
fixtures, and resurfacing the sidewalk for a sidewalk lighting
project. A total of 44 poles/lights will be installed.

18. More Towns Receiving Main Street Investment
Funds – PROSPECT IS ENTITLED TO THESE FUNDS!
• Berlin, a community that is receiving
$259,270 to revitalize Main Street and
Farmington Avenue in the immediate
vicinity of the Berlin Train Station.
• Ansonia will receive $483,000 to make
improvements to the West Main Street
area between Kingston Drive and Bridge
Street. The project includes new granite
curbs, brick paver strips, concrete
walkway, grass planting strip ornamental
rail fencing, street trees, and other street
furniture, benches, trash receptacles, new
ornamental lights, new parking layout,
etc.
• Burlington will receive $377,000 for
pedestrian improvements in the
Burlington Town Center. These funds will
be used to construct sidewalks and make
other pedestrian and streetscaping
improvements including lighting,
landscaping, and lighting.
• Canaan will receive $450,000 to construct
an ADA compliant, historically
appropriate bluestone sidewalk running
from one end of Main Street to the
elementary school at the other end of
Main Street. Funds will also be used to
install curbing and bump-outs with
landscaping and street trees to help slow
traffic, better define parking areas, and
make Main Street more attractive.

19. MAIN STREET INVESTMENTS SUPPORT DOWNTOWN
REVITALIZATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS
• Killingly will receive $500,000 for streetscape
improvements for the Danielson Main Street
Historic District Project. The project has two major
components: sidewalk and curbing replacement;
and streetscape amenities including decorative
lighting, planters, and bike racks. The funds will be
used to replace over 27,000 square feet of
sidewalk in the Main Street area.
• Mansfield will receive $500,000 to enhance the
public spaces of Storrs Center. Funds will be used
for decorative street lights and street trees on Dog
Lane, Royce Circle, and Wilbur Cross Way; sidewalk
planters on Dog Lane, tree planters for the Town
Square, decorative concrete pavement in the
Royce Circle and Wilbur Cross Way bump-outs, and
way-finding signage for the Phase 1A and the Town
Square. Storrs Center Alliance plans to use funds
for facade improvements on the buildings at 1 Dog
Lane and 9 Dog Lane.
• New Canaan will receive $215,000 for several
infrastructure improvements projects such as
construction of the Locust Avenue parking deck
and the complete renovation of the Town
Hall. The proposed projects will provide attractive
amenities for pedestrians while improving
pedestrian connections to municipal parking and
the downtown which is essential to ensure the
town commercial viability. Funds will be used to
purchase and install decorative street lighting,
construction of a pocket-park, sidewalk
connection, and two stamped concrete crosswalks.
• Westport plans to use its $497,595 to improve
Westport Town Commercial Center street
infrastructure and provide improved pedestrian
sidewalk access from residential neighborhoods
into the downtown center. Funding will be used
for sidewalk refurbishments, the installation of
new sidewalks, improved energy efficient lighting,
curbing, guardrails, and tree grates.

20. PROSPECT IS ELIGIBLE FOR THESE FUNDS!
Our neighbors have sidewalks – shouldn’t we?
• Prospect received $200,000 STEAP funds in 2011 for a new public works
garage – but we need sidewalks! STEAP FUNDS are available for
SIDEWALKS!
• Prospect is eligible for STP Urban Funds/LOTCIP for sidewalks – Rt. 69 is
already on the DOT list for expansion – the State knows it is a priority –
PROSPECT can apply to local COG (NVRCOG) for funds!
• Prospect can apply for LoCIP funds for sidewalks – $66,103 available
• Prospect is eligible for CT Main Street Investment funds for sidewalks to
help attract small businesses, grow jobs, and improve pedestrian access
and livability in our town center – SIDEWALKS WILL HELP OUR
COMMUNITY AND FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE TO PAY FOR THEM!
• Our School District may apply for Safe Routes to School funds for Sidewalks

21. SIDEWALKS INCREASE PROPERTY VALUES
• Sidewalks bring added-value to a community. According to a study
performed by “walking the walk,” sponsored by the CEOs for Cities (a
nonprofit group that works to improve cities), homes located about a
quarter to one-mile from shops, schools and restaurants with sidewalks
connecting them had values that were $4000 to $34,000 more than the
homes without sidewalks. South Windsor Patch 12/2/2012.
• A study by the Urban Land Institute shows home buyers are willing to pay
more for homes in walkable neighborhoods. Real Estate Research Corp.
analysis shows property values rise fastest in pedestrian friendly areas.
Sidewalks improve access to business and industry for employees relying
on public transportation. Sidewalks improve customer traffic for retail
businesses. Healthbydesignonline.org

22. SIDEWALKS HELP PROMOTE LOCAL
BUSINESSES AND A SENSE OF COMMUNITY
• Sidewalks play a vital role in
community life. As conduits for
pedestrian movement and access,
they enhance connectivity and
promote walking. As public spaces,
sidewalks are the front steps to the
community, activating streets
socially and economically. Safe,
accessible, well-maintained
sidewalks are a fundamental
community investment that
enhances public health and
maximizes social capital.
AARP Livable Communities 2014
• Sidewalks increase foot traffic in
neighborhood retail centers,
delivering the customers that local
shops and restaurants need in
order to thrive. Retail properties
with a Walk Score ranking of 80 out
of 100 were valued 54 percent
higher than properties with a Walk
Score 4 of 20 and had an increase
in net operating income of 42
percent for more walkable
properties
AARP Livable Communities 2014

23. There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from his flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.
The only way to get to the place where the sidewalk ends
is to build the sidewalk first!
Let’s start the SIDEWALK TALK
and mobilize support for sidewalks in Prospect!
Carla M. Perugini-Erickson, Town Council, Member DTC