DPW to Focus on Havemeyer/Arch Intersection; Explore Opportunities to Create More Parking and Accommodate Outdoor Dining

Information from Greenwich Dept of Public Works, Jan 25, 2022

On January 20th, 2021, Town of Greenwich Department of Public Works (DPW) presented two potential intersection improvement projects on Greenwich Avenue at Planning and Zoning’s pre-application meeting.

During this public open forum discussion, the Dept of Public Works shared the conceptual plans to improve safety, accessibility for those with disabilities, and aesthetically revitalize the intersection at Arch Street and Havemeyer Place and the Fawcett Place and Grigg Street intersection – two areas heavily trafficked by both vehicles and pedestrians.

Currently the proposed plan adds two new parking spaces to the Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection.

Rendering of proposed updates to the intersection of Greenwich Ave with Arch Street and Havemeyer Place. Courtesy DPW
Aerial view of existing intersection of Greenwich Ave with Arch Street and Havemeyer Place. Courtesy DPW

In this meeting parking along the entire Greenwich Avenue was discussed. There are various concepts under review for potential future projects on Greenwich Avenue which could result in an overall reduction in parking, but all of these projects are only in conception stages which are subject to change as design concepts are reviewed and revised.

The current focus is the Greenwich Avenue, Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection, which will increase parking.

The helpful feedback provided by the public during the pre-application meeting has given Department of Public Works the opportunity to continue to evaluate community needs and to further modify the project’s plans.

At this time the primary focus is on the Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection, and the Department will continue to look at improvements at the Grigg Street and Fawcett Place intersection.

Since the pre-application meeting, the team is exploring opportunities to create more parking spaces and accommodate outdoor dining. There will be additional opportunities for the public to be involved in this process prior to the completion of construction.

During the peak traffic hour, there is an average of 342 pedestrians and 898 vehicles traveling through the Greenwich Avenue, Arch Street and Havemeyer Place intersection.

Key features of the proposed Greenwich Avenue, Arch Street and Havemeyer Place Intersection Project include:

·         Two new parking spaces

·         Reduce distance pedestrians need to cross the intersection

o   Decrease the distance and time it takes to cross Arch Street by up to 76%

o   Decrease the distance and time it takes to cross Greenwich Avenue by up to 51%

o   Decrease the distance + time it takes to cross Havemeyer Place by up to 57%

·         Improve sightlines and visibility between drivers and pedestrians

·         Make road more accessible by flattening steep grade

·         Install decorative crosswalks

·         Incorporate landscaping

See also:

Landlords to DPW: Loss of Greenwich Ave Parking for Intersection Improvements Will Impact Property Values, Hurt Retail