Shine Light On Pedestrian, Bicyclist Greenway Project

To The Editor:

As the state focuses on rebuilding its capital city, the reality is that Hartford will not be revitalized over night. While there has been a lot done to improve the city — the construction of the Connecticut Convention Center and Connecticut Science Center — another move in the right direction is an effort to make the city more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly.

With that goal in mind, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a “Greenway Bill” that has been sent it to Gov. M. Jodi Rell for consideration as part of the Connecticut Bond Commission’s agenda. The act provides for $12 million in bonding to close the gaps along the 195-mile Connecticut section of the East Coast Greenway, a pedestrian and bicyclist trail that spans 3,000 miles extending from Key West, Fla., to Calais, Maine.

The legislation specifically earmarks an appropriation of $700,000 to close the gap in the Charter Oak Greenway from Manchester to the Bolton Notch. With this gap closed, an off-road route would be established for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling from Forbes Street in East Hartford easterly to Putnam.

The 195-mile Connecticut trail will also go through the city of Hartford, creating an economic opportunity for the city, potentially attracting bike and hike tourists to the state.

The Capital Region Council of Governments is taking the lead on the statewide bicycle and pedestrian plan, and will hold public hearings next month.

We need to shine some light on the fact that there is a gap in the state’s East Coast Greenway Hartford area.

Riding, walking jogging from Hartford to Simsbury along the Griffin Line could be in place within three and five years if there is a “will.”

And that “will” needs to come from the residents living in the neighborhoods abutting the proposed trail.

Imagine the commuting and recreation use this would create.

To get involved or become a member of the East Coast Greenway effort, contact William O’Neill at billoneillgreenways@cox.net.

Steven Mitchell

Vice President, Mitchell Auto Group

Bill O’Neill

Connecticut Chair, East Coast Greenway