We got some interesting responses, which were featured in the "comments" section of the original post, but we'd like to give them the attention of a full post, and provide some additional information from Middletown's department of planning and development.
From Vijay Pinch:
One question that's been bothering me lately is the current state of the DOT plan to transform Route 9 along the waterfront area (from the Route 17 - Route 9 "connector" [a.k.a. Acheson Way] to the Arrigoni Bridge). Given all the changes that have been (and presumably will be) occurring at the DOT, and the greater attention to mass transit at the state capitol, it seems likely that the DOT plan for Route 9 that evolved over the past ten years is badly out of date. Will the proposed reconstruction undermine the potential to create mass transit connections between Middletown and the major rail corridors both west (Amtrak and the proposed "Knowledge Corridor" line) and south (Shoreline East and Amtrak)? Certainly the development of mass transit options was not a high priority in that plan. Can someone provide an update on the current state of the plan? Maybe it's time to go back to the drawing board.
From an anonymous author:
Middletown should get the downtown parking plan settled and executed. The fedral funding has been in place for years and nothing has been done. So why should we expect a sudden burst of new projects when exsisting projects are stalled?
All of the traffic lights on Rt 9 should be eliminated. Energy is wasted and greenhouse gases are emitted from vehicles stuck in traffic.
As far as the state is concerned it is one big traffic jam and all roads that are over capacity need to be expanded. This will eliminate wasteful use of fossil fuels and provide efficent transportation.
From Councilman David Bauer:
I asked the Public Works Director what projects we had that could be offered for possible Federal funding and we do not seem to be on top of this. We need to be at the front of the line on this and I am not sure where we stand.
As far as plans for Rt. 9, we are right up to date by DOT standards. Our stalled "South Cove" development initiative is driving the plans for Rt. 9. I am embarrassed to admit that I do not want to get rid of the traffic lights on Rt. 9 until the DOT gives Middletown what we need for our riverfront development. The price tag for the upgrade is huge and DOT is guaranteed to walk away from this stretch of road after they make the next change - we had better insist that they get it completely right or Middletown is in deep trouble.
From Wesleying's Justin Selva:
- Implement the changes outlined in the Downtown Parking Study
- Bury Route 9 from exit 12 to the Arrigoni Bridge underground, so we can reconnect downtown to the riverfront
- Bring Amtrak service up from the coast and on into Hartford/Worcester/Boston
Wait! Don't wake me up just yet...
And most recently from Bill Warner, Director of the Department of Planning, Conservation and Development:
The CCM list was essentially rejected by the Governor because most projects did not fit her definition of shovel ready. ...the Mayors Office is preparing our list which the Governor formally requested and includes Water and Sewer, Public Works and Planning and Development projects which are at varying levels of shovel ready. Very few meet the Governors definition.
The Governors definition is fully designed, approved, permitted by all levels of government and ready to bid. Now why would a city bring a project to that level if we didn't already have funding for it. There are very few projects that meet that definition that aren't already funded.
Our lobbyist and the US Conference of Mayors is lobbying to get a direct federal to city infusion which would be the best way to do it, via an established structure such as CDBG in my opinion. If not, all this money will get used up at the state level to off set the state deficit.
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