Help Save the Trees at Melilli Plaza Parking Lot!

The costly $1.2 million plan to improve Melilli Plaza parking lot behind Main Street Market will result in the loss of many large shade trees. Not only that, but dirty storm water will also be piped directly into the Connecticut River without treatment.

Last week a group representing diverse business and environmental interests met to discuss the plan, and how it could be modified to provide needed parking at a reduced cost, increase public safety, help beautify the area, and lessen potential environmental damage. Those attending the meeting included John Hall, Executive Director of The Jonah Center; Jane Harris, Vice President of The Rockfall Foundation and member of the Urban Forestry Commission; Jane Brawerman, Executive Director of the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District and Vice-Chair of the Middletown Conservation Commission; and Wendy Goodfriend, Natural Resource Specialist of the Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District.

Concerns that were discussed include:
 Currently, the trees dispersed throughout the lot add beauty and provide needed cooling shade, but contrary to the Urban Forestry Commission’s recommendation, the new plan includes trees only around the edge
 The Conservation Commission and Connecticut River Coastal Conservation District recommended that low impact design elements and “green” practices be incorporated to reduce the impacts of polluted runoff, but none have been included.
 Without adequate walkways, the plan is unfriendly and unsafe for pedestrians.
 With no interior trees to moderate the heat island effect and no storm water treatment, the design of the lot sets a bad precedent for private developers from an environmental perspective.
 While municipal planning documents underscore the importance of the Connecticut River and recommend improving access to the waterfront, the plan does not protect the river or enhance the visibility, access, or visual appeal of the adjacent tunnel between Melilli Plaza and Harbor Park.

We have a brief window of opportunity to improve the parking lot plan due to some uncertainty and delay over funding. This project should not move forward without further public input. Recommendations of the boards and commissions appointed to advise the City should be incorporated. No one is opposing the project outright; all agree that the Melilli parking lot is in need of repair. But we can do better.

To make your voice heard, attend the Public Works Commission meeting on Wed. Dec. 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the Dept. of Public Works office. Council members on the Commission are James Streeto, Ron Klattenberg, and David Bauer. They can be emailed (and all Council members copied in) at Council@cityofMiddletown.com Mayor Giuliano can be emailed at Mayor@cityofmiddletown.com