As of November 7th, chicanes have been installed at the West Main St. intersection of the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. The chicane system is designed to slow users of the trail as they approach West Main Street. As users approach the crossing, they will encounter a single arm barrier or “chicane” that extends approximately 10’ into the paved path leaving approximately 3’ clear for passage. A second like sized barrier spaced 10’ in front, staggered from the first, forces users to slow while approaching the intersection and to utilize the push button to activate the HAWK System. Their use is recommended for all bike paths leading to main thoroughfares. The gates are moveable for winter clearing of the path and for emergency vehicle access by way of a base lock. The gates are safety marked with reflective paint and the area will have appropriate permanent signage.
The Town of Cheshire received FY 2022 Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant funding in the amount of $290,000 for the West Main Street Streetscape Improvement Project Phase III. The project will result in the installation of approximate 650 linear feet of sidewalk continuing the gateway enhancement projects previously funded with STEAP funding in the immediate area. Brick pavers will continue along the western edge of Willow Street along Building 2 (Sweet Claude’s location) with the installation of granite curbing, site lighting and benches for approximately 115 linear feet in the Town’s right of way. The sidewalk will transition from pavers to a 5’ wide sidewalk continuing south and terminating at 31 Willow Street, the property south of the new entrance to the municipal parking area with access to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. The project seeks to enhance the general area, improve site lines, and provide for safe pedestrian access from the new parking area to the West Main Street Business District.
We are excited that the new parking lot at Ball & Socket Arts is now officially open! The Town of Cheshire partnered with Ball & Socket Arts for the creation of a sixty six (66) car surface parking lot on the rear of the Ball & Socket property at 493 West Main Street. Vehicular access is by way of a new entrance from Willow Street. The parking lot provides direct access to the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail and all that the West Main Street area has to offer.
At the Town Council Meeting on June 21st, 2023 the Town Council unanimously supported the relocation of Artsplace to the Ball & Socket Property, 493 West Main Street. After several months of space planning and key stakeholder review, the Town Council appropriated the required funding to complete the buildout of the space to support existing programming and to enter into a long-term lease. It is anticipated that the project will take approximately six months to complete. Artsplace will relocate into approximately 4,000SF on the second floor of Building 2, directly above Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream. For additional information, please view the attached presentation.
Drainage Improvements: The south parking lot of Cheshire Park is a low-lying area and prone to flooding. An upgraded drainage system is being installed east of the pickleball courts to address this condition by adding detention and allowing for infiltration of any excess storm water that tends to settle in the area. This project is being completed by Department of Public Works forces and uses the most current Stormtech line of stormwater mitigation technology. Click here for project photos. North Parking Lot: The reconstruction of the north parking lot at Cheshire Park was completed the first week of November.
Sitework began the week of October 9th for the reconstruction of all paved areas at the CPD located at 500 Highland Avenue. Work was completed the first week of November 2023.