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Avon Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan nearly complete

 Residents invited to comment on draft document


By John Fitts

Staff Writer

 

AVON – As the Town Council moves toward likely adoption of a Bicycle & Pedestrian Master Plan, residents still have a little time to weigh in on the recommendations included in a draft proposal.

On Feb. 1, SLR Consulting presented the Town Council with that draft document, which has been about a year in the making.

In that time, SLR – with input from town staff, advocacy groups, nonprofits, and the public at large – has worked to document existing conditions, assess current and desired pedestrian and cycling habits, and come up with a host of recommendations. Town planning and mapping documents were also incorporated, as was vehicle and crash data.

The draft report includes background on those existing conditions, the outreach process, concept development, recommendations, and an implementation plan.

 

The plan addresses goals such as:

  • Creating new pedestrian and cycling corridors

  • Improving access to existing infrastructure

  • Connecting major trail systems

  • Adding wayfinding signage

  • Adding visual cues for motorists

  • Providing easier access to shopping centers, community hubs, schools, and playgrounds

  • Identifying funding opportunities

  • Integrating bike and pedestrian networks as funding becomes available

 

While much of the presentation to the Council included a breakdown of the recommendations and implementation, SLR representatives also spoke to the process.

Holly Parker, principal transportation planner at SLR, said there is energy around the topic.

“Often times when you start a project like this it kind of helps catalyze energy and projects and interest in the topic, which we think is really what happened here,” Parker said.

She noted that in recent months the town:

  • Was named a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly Community by The League of American Bicyclists

  • Received preliminary approval for a $4 million grant to improve Country Club Road and install a pedestrian facility from the library east to Old Farms Road

  • Passed a Complete Streets Resolution that provides a policy framework for improved bicycle, pedestrian, and transit accommodations

  • Developed a bicycle education program for fourth graders that attend public school

  • Decided that vehicle travel lanes may be as narrow as 10 feet on low-traffic-volume collector roads or roads classified as local, to provide more space for pedestrians and cyclists along the road edge while calming traffic. (SLR noted that the overall width of the road does not change)

  • Applied for a bus shelters grant for five locations (this grant was not successful, but officials plan to reapply)

  •  Improved the sidewalk on West Avon Road from Sunnybrook Drive to 460 West Avon Road


Recommended action steps include planning changes such as updates in zoning, as well as short- and long-term infrastructure recommendations. Those can be simple as stamping a speed limit at points along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, to complex as sidewalk infrastructure along Route 44.

While many areas of town are included, more intense focus is given to highly used areas such as the Route 44 corridor, Country Club Road, The Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, and Fisher Meadows.

At the meeting, SLR personnel detailed some of the aspects included in section of the plan that deals with recommendations and implementation.

Dave Sullivan, manager of traffic and transportation at SLR, gave an overview of a “walkshed” map that includes both existing and potential sidewalks, paths, and other infrastructure, as well as trailheads, public schools, points of interest, public destinations, and commercial areas.

“We took the information, where do people want to walk? What are the safety concerns? Where are people walking and biking today? These seem like the places we should focus on, so we did that,” he said.  


He also noted similar mapping for bicycle connectivity efforts and roadway characteristics like roadway width, available right of way, speed limits, traffic volume, tree growth, guiderails, and topography. The latter items in the list are sometimes noted in the plans as potential barriers – or at least challenges - to expanding walking and cycling infrastructure. And, as expected, SLR noted that cost is often a huge barrier, but the report does include some potential grant opportunities.


A little later in the meeting, Fiona Flynn, Transportation Engineer with SLR, gave a more detailed example of a walkshed area as included in the report. A section map for Route 44 and Ensign Drive (near Town Hall), for example, recommends new sidewalks on the south side of Route 44, upgraded pedestrian signal infrastructure at Ensign Drive, new sidewalk, a corner bump-out behind the town hall parking, and new Farmington Canal Heritage Trail wayfinding signage.


Another aspect of the draft plan is an implementation matrix that details potential improvements, who they benefit (bike/pedestrian/all), whether the goal is short or long-term, cost level (less than $100,000, $100,000 to $300,000 or more than $300,000) and selected notes detailing alternatives and potential funding sources.

In a discussion with the council, Sullivan noted that short-term recommendations aren’t necessarily temporary fixes or things that are scrapped for long-term goals. Signage, for example, is a relatively inexpensive change, he noted. Another example of a short-term recommendation could involve narrowing travel lanes as the town repaves a roadway, leaving that additional width for future cycling lanes or even setting the stage for side paths along the street.


There are, of course, barriers to change, even beyond cost. State roads involve a much more complicated process of convincing the Department of Transportation to accommodate.

But town officials said the matrix and other tools will now give the town the chance to easily look up recommendations and at least have those conversations.

And importantly, according to SLR and local officials, the implementation plan is not just a printed document, but will be available to town staff electronically, allowing it to be searched or sorted by category.

Town staff, for example, could sort by safety to look at the areas of highest priority.

In addition to SLR, town staff put a lot of work into this process, officials said.

“I would go a step further. What Dave [Sullivan] said earlier is really important – about this being an active, living document,” Town Manager Brandon Robertson said. “Town staff will use this a lot. We will use it as a point of reference when there are state projects that are coming up. We’re going to use it as a point of reference in conjunction with our own pavement management program.

So, when we’re thinking about what roads are going to get treatment – whatever the treatment is – we’re going to look at the plan and see what the recommendation is and how we can accommodate that.”

The $75,000 study was funded with American Rescue and Recovery Act funds. The Town Council will consider adopting a final plan in the coming months but there is still a little time for resident input. 

Those who wish to view the draft plan can visit https://www.avonct.gov/home/news/bicycle-pedestrian-master-plan-update.

Any additional comments from residents should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Feb. 29. They can be sent via email to  hpeck@avonct.gov and lsadlon@avonct.gov or by calling (860) 409-4328.



The slide from the presentation shows a general overview of the bicycle connectivity network.

 


This is one of the slides that show bicycle recommendations in a certain area of town - this one being the northeast portion.

An overview of the pedestrian connectivity goals.


This slide shows the walkshed goals for the area of Route 44 near Town Hall.

 

 

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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