On Wednesday morning about 70 people gathered at the home of Kristen Beecher in Old Greenwich for Walk to School Day, including young families, parents, grandparents, children, babies, elderly community members, First Selectman Fred Camillo, State Senator Ryan Fazio, and BET member Matt DesChamps.
The gathering was an opportunity for the community to come together to support the continued efforts advocate for completing a Sidewalks on Shore Road, “SOS,” while also promoting National Walk/Bike/Roll to School Day.
“What better way to show why a sidewalk is so critical than a day dedicated to walking to school from this particular road?” asked Kristen Beecher and Maggie Bound, who organized the gathering.
Elle Beecher, Hennie Ropstad, Ward Goldsmith, and James Finger at Old Greenwich School. Contributed photo
Old Greenwich School Principal Dr. Jen Bencivengo and First Selectman Fred Camillo on Walk to School Day. Oct 2, 2024 Contributed photo
SOS supporters RTM member Morgan Evans and BET member Matt DesChamps outside Old Greenwich School. Contributed photo
Walk to School Day, Oct 2, 2024 Contributed photo
Ms Beecher and Ms Bound explained there are 26 bus stops on the stretch of road from Shore to Tod’s Point that lacks a sidewalk. Tod’s Point is the biggest and busiest park in Greenwich, and the route is unsafe. They noted that over 500,000 people go to Tod’s Point every year during the months that cards are scanned, so the number of park users is actually much higher.
“Drivers and walkers alike agree that being on that road is scary and know a sidewalk and additional pedestrian safety measures are needed to keep everyone safe,” Ms Beecher and Ms Bound added.
Ryan Fazio and Fred Camillo both spoke to residents and voiced their support for the sidewalk at Wednesday’s event.
Supporters of sidewalks said they would benefit the entire community and town for decades to come.
With the funds approved last year, the DPW has completed a survey and is in the process of review and design.
“We await the results of this ‘feasibility study’ and are expecting to hear from the DPW over the next month,” they said. Their goal is to have the money needed for the build of the sidewalk presented in January for the upcoming year’s budget, which would then need to be approved by the BET and the RTM.
“We went through this process last year for the feasibility study and want to ensure we are on track for the build this upcoming year,” they added.
See also:
Residents Urge Town to Add Crosswalks, Sidewalks, Enforcement in Old Greenwich & Riverside