At Thursday’s Board of Selectmen meeting, Greenwich Police Deputy Chief Mark Marino described proposed upgrades to the mid block crosswalk in the vicinity of Agnes Morley senior apartments at Milbank Avenue.
Marino said recommendation was the result of a collaboration between Greenwich Police, the DPW Engineering Division and Parking Services.
The upgrades include a rectangular rapid flash beacon that will be installed on both sides of the mid block crosswalk with the goal of enhancing visibility to vehicles and drivers of the potential of a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
The project will also provide enhanced lighting in the vicinity and improve the line of sight for vehicles traveling in both directions by eliminating four parking spaces on the western side of Milbank Ave.
A letter had been sent to residents in the neighborhood explaining the plan.
“I have not received any concerns or feedback from any of the residents in response to that letter,” Marino said.
First Selectman Fred Camillo said the crosswalk had been of concern for a while.
A 70 year old man, Robert Bono, was killed in February 2018. Mr. Bono was a resident of Agnes Morley.
More recently, in January 2020, a 77-year-old woman was hit by a car while she was crossing Milbank Ave in front of Agnes Morley Heights. She later died of her injuries.
“We’ve heard from residents there about sight line and cars blocking their views,” Camillo said. “It’s a win-win for pedestrians and residents, both in Agnes Morley and houses and condos there.”
Jim Michel from DPW said the existing in-street signs will be removed once the work is completed.
He said the in-street signs are frequently damaged by cars anyway.
The new flashing lights will be similar to the ones outside Town Hall on Field Point Road, with the exception that the one at Town Hall is a more decorative pole then the one that will be installed on Milbank.
The Selectmen voted unanimously to accept the recommendation to amend the traffic ordinance for the Milbank Ave crosswalk safety improvements.
See also:
Raised Intersection with Green Space Proposed at Greenwich Ave and Elm St