Greenwich Police responded to a crash that occurred in the roundabout by Perrot Library, on Sound Beach Ave in Old Greenwich on the afternoon of Friday, Nov 8.
Lt Smyth of Greenwich Police Dept said it appeared that speed was not a factor in the crash, though the report was not yet complete.
The crash took place at approximately 4:30 pm.
“Apparently, an elderly operator attempted to improperly pass another vehicle while it was traveling through the roundabout. The operator collided with the vehicle she was attempting to pass which caused it to cross over the centerline and collide head-on into a third vehicle traveling in the other direction.”
Smyth said there were some occupants who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported t0 the hospital.
He added that the elderly driver was cited, and her driver’s license was seized and forwarded to the Dept of Motor Vehicles for operator evaluation and possible re-testing.
On social media residents discussed the crash and recalled that back in 2018 Greenwich Dept of Public Works proposed a new, 100-ft traffic circle on Sound Beach Ave by Laddins Rock Rd and Harding Rd.
At a 2018 P&Z hearing, about 100 Riverside and Old Greenwich residents strongly opposed the rotary proposal. To comply with new FEMA codes the plan would necessitate the roadway be elevated, and the stone wall outside the Perrot Library would be just a few inches below the roadway. Residents said that would create a noisy environment for library patrons and have the effect of “sinking” the library.
Neighbors said the accident history at the intersection was not significant and that bringing crosswalks closer to a large, modern roundabout would reduce rather than increase safety.
At that meeting, Old Greenwich resident Paul Pugliese said the roadway and intersection, flanked by two parks and the Perrot Library, formed the gateway to the village of Old Greenwich, and was one of the most beautiful spots in town.
Pugliese, a realtor and architect who is president of Greenwich Land Company, suggested having the area designated a Scenic Zone.
In 2020, the P&Z commission voted 4-1 to approve a .6 mile Scenic Loop designation around Binney Park.
In 2023, the bridge was raised, though that is not apparent to the eye.
The intersection remains untouched.