Submitted by Jim O’Brien, Greenwich, open letter to the Hamill Rink Task Force
An option by the Skate Rink Task Force that was erroneously removed from the list for the location of a new Skate rink is 100 Arch Street. It is just off Exit 3 from I-95, adjacent to the Island Beach Ferry terminal, in place of the Town’s truck depot and the former, now vacant, Teen Center.
There are several very favorable reasons to put the rink in this location:
1. Complete what I’ll call “The Greenwich Recreation Hub,” which currently includes the Island Beach Ferry, Skate Board Park, and the Rodger Baldwin Park.
Perhaps add a walking path around the Park (See below).
2. With such easy access both off I-95, the new traffic light system with cameras moves traffic very efficiently through Arch Street, and is accessible by train and bus for family members, friends, and fans who prefer public transportation.
3. Restaurant on the mezzanine level with panoramic views down Greenwich Harbor to Long Island Sound and Baldwin Park.
4. Plenty of free parking.
5. Revenue generation from the restaurant and a snack bar, which can not only serve skaters but also those attending events at Baldwin Park.
6. Much less expensive to build than “The Flip.” All roads, sidewalks, and landscaping are in place, with no need to relocate a baseball field or parking lot.
7. When built, the Town can rehab the existing rink in Byram.
Stamford has five indoor ice skating rinks.
Revenue generated by skate rinks more than pay for maintenance and upkeep.
8. High profile location that will attract major donors and sponsors.
9. 160 Town Residents enthusiastically signed a petition supporting Arch Street location.
Many more can be easily garnered.
In conclusion, please think about the pluses of building on Arch Street, it just makes so much sense. In addition, do we really want skaters and their families wasting their valuable time sitting in traffic on I-95 from Old Greenwich, Riverside, and Cos Cob speeding through residential neighborhoods driving to “The Flip”?