Windsor Locks Main Street Study

The Town's Namesake

2009-11-03T17:22:00.001-08:00

The Windsor Locks Canal is a very unique feature of the community with an amazing history. A major initiative for Main Street revitalization is to once again open up viewsheds of this historic canal and possibly find access to its southern end. A 4.5 mile bike/walking trail exists from just north of the 140 Bridge leading to just short of the 190 Bridge in Suffield. Check out these links:

American Canal Society listing

Department of Environmental Protection - Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail

The Irish Connection

Order local author Maria Giannuzzi's photo history book of the canal

Ahlstrom Figures Prominently in Windsor Locks Main Street

2009-11-02T17:23:00.001-08:00

The Ahlstrom Corportation has a major presence in downtown Windsor Locks. Ahlstom which succeeded the Dexter Corporation in operating a manufacturing facility on the banks of the Connecticut River and along the Windsor Locks Canal has made substantial investments in their plant in the last several years and is one of Windsor Locks' major employers. Several of the recommendations in the Windsor Locks Main Street Master Planning Study and subsequent planning efforts include items relevant to Ahlstrom. For instance, it is recommended that some additional study be done regarding extending the Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail through the Ahlstrom complex. A vegetation management plan is currently being developed by Ferrero-Hixon and Associates to try and open up more views of the Connecticut River, Ahlstrom and the Windsor Locks Canal. It has also been suggested to utilize the utility bridge to install a Windsor Locks sign. Meetings have been held with Ahlstrom officials who are eager to engage in the community. Several Ahlstrom employees have participated in Main Street clean-up efforts.

History of Memorial Hall

2009-11-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

Memorial Hall is a beautiful structure and an asset to Windsor Locks Main Street. The building could be a catalyst for revitalization of the downtown area. For information on the history of this significant building visit http://www.chs.org/ransom/134.htm.

2009-10-31T19:45:00.000-07:00

Best in Show Pet Spa is now open at 252B Main Street. Best in Show offers the finest in pet grooming services in a convenient location. They use all natural, biodegradable shampoos and professional grooming techniques for all breeds of dogs, or to the client's personal taste. Walk-ins are welcome. Contact Jason Charette at 386-0590 or Bestinshowpetspa@att.net

63 South Main Street

2009-10-31T19:41:00.001-07:00

Great space available at 63 South Main Street (Former Buckley Insurance). 2,000 s.f. can be subdivided to two 1,000 s.f. spaces. Separate meters. Ample parking. Close to highway interchange. Contact Bobby at 841-1150.

Windsor Locks Wayfinding Signage Program

2009-10-15T18:34:00.001-07:00

The Windsor Locks Signage and Wayfinding Project was a natural extension of the Main Street planning effort that has been underway in the community over the last three years. In fact, enhanced signage and wayfinding was a recommendation of the Main Street Master Planning Study prepared by Ferrero-Hixon Associates that was partially funded through a Preservation of Place Grant and completed in May 2008. For this signage project we continued the services of Ferrero-Hixon Associates due to the success of the initial planning effort and their knowledge of the Main Street area. Ferrero-Hixon conducted extensive research to determine best practices related to wayfinding programs and have developed unique designs for Windsor Locks that are rooted in its history. They have identified appropriate locations for both primary signage and secondary signage with the help of the Economic and Industrial Development Commission. They have developed a unique insignia of "WL" that depicts the front of a locomotive that can be an identified sign/logo for Main Street and the community as a whole. This insignia can be used on signage, banners, promotional items, e-newsletters and more. They have begun a conversation with DOT and hopefully we can convince DOT to allow the preferred color option over their standard green or blue signage. DOT approvals will be necessary as several of the identified signage locations are within the state right-of-way.

There were several goals for this project. First, we wanted to better demarcate the "downtown" area. Windsor Locks has a very unique and challenging issue related to this as we basically have a one-sided Main Street. Nonetheless, we believe that there is a core area that can be better identified through signage and landscaping methods. Second, we wanted to highlight several interesting assets that exist in the Main Street area - primary among them is the Windsor Locks Canal State Park Trail. We worked with the Department of Environmental Protection's State Parks Division and DOT to get signage to direct people to the State Park Trail. Wayfinding signage will also direct people to the other historical and outdoor recreation venues we have. An overarching goal is to take some of our underutilized assets and make them more engaging and vital to the health of the entire Main Street area. Third, a new signage program will visually enhance the Main Street area which would be a source of pride to residents and an attraction to visitors. Finally, our program will not only cater to the motoring public traveling along Main Street but we hope to incorporate elements that appeal to and inform pedesrians and bicyclists as well. So we are including pedestrian kiosks in this planning study. These kiosks can be used to help publicize events, provide maps and brochures, as well as to keep people informed about revitalization efforts along Main Street.

A public forum was held to receive input on the signage program as well as to update residents on Main Street initiatives. Ferrero-Hixon described the wayfinding system and showed the three different design options and lo-and-behold there was no consensus on the preferred design as those in attendance were evenly split on the three options. The consensus we did receive is that residents would be happy with any of the three designs. We will continue to see public feedback on the designs before making an ultimate selection. Residents were very impressed with the "WL" insignia that Ferrero-Hixon developed.

Anyone interested in getting the full signage report on disk can send an e-mail to wleidc@sbcglobal.net with the name and address.

Revitalizing America's Train Stations

2009-08-12T19:24:00.000-07:00

Amtrak had developed a new website entitled Great American Stations with information on how to revitalize historic train stations. Click here to visit the website.

Windsor Locks in Plans for New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail

2009-08-12T19:11:00.001-07:00

Windsor Locks is slated to be a stop on the New Haven-Springfield Commuter Rail Line - including a bus link to Bradley International Airport. Click on the following links for more information:

Video for the project

Newsletter for the project

Website for the project

Relocation of Amtrak Stop Investigated

2009-08-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

One of the major recommendations from the Main Street Master Planning Study was the relocation of the train stop from the outskirts of downtown back into the heart of Main Street. The proposal is to move the train stop to north of the historic train station in the vicinity of the Amtrak maintenance yard. We have had several meetings with Amtrak and ConnDOT officials regarding this recommendation. The relocation largely hinges upon signalization and preemption issues. At a Town Meeting on July 7, 2009 residents voted to move forward with hiring a nationally recognized expert on these issues, Rick Campbell and his team from Campbell Technology Corporation, to review the Route 159/Route 140 intersection and provide valuable feedback as to the feasibility of relocating the train station.

The scope of the work will include:

Site visit to current train stop and proposed relocation site;
Review of existing plans (preemption, crossing warning, traffic signals);
Develop recommendations;
Meet with Town, DOT and Amtrak officials; and
Prepare executive summary and technical memorandum outlining findings and recommendations.

Short Term Aesthetic Recommendations

2009-08-02T19:04:00.000-07:00

Ferrero-Hixon has prepared a series of short-term, relatively low cost enhancements and preliminary budget items that the Town, businesses and residents can pursue, including amongst other things:

Install additional street trees in vicinity of public senior housing ($11,250);
Relocate existing donation containers from the Walter Bass property to another less visible location:
Add some street trees north of the historic train station and place a series of graphic boards highlighting the downtown and possibly pave a 25' strip for a clean edge ($38,650);
Scrape and paint all exterior trim on the historic train station and put graphics boards in the windows ($11,640);
Provide banners and flags on street lights on the 140 Bridge ($3,200);
Hanging flower boxes on the Canal Bridge($350);
Place fountain with lighting on both sides of canal bridge providing a gateway to the Town Center ($10,00);
Use Algonquin power smokestakes for some graphic identifying landmark;
Encourage Ahlstrom to replicate their histogram on the exterior of their building or along canal and provide tours of their operation;
Paint existing overhead pipes at Ahlstrom and develop and mount a Windsor Locks sign ($12,000);
Replace existing flower pots with 30 substantial rectagular planters ($36,000);
Work with Dexter Plaza ownership for use of the parking lot for a Farmers Market or other activities/events that would draw people;
Install ornamental street lighting along western side of Route 159 ($4,000 each);
Waterside Village facade improvements ($49,180);
Add perennial plantings in existing street tree pits for sustainable seasonal color ($760); and
String white lights on existing street trees.

Funding could be a mix of donations, town funds, grant funds and in-kind services.

What should the historic train station be used for?

2009-03-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Windsor Locks Preservation Association is seeking to acquire the historic station from Amtrak. The organization has been in negotiations with Amtrak for over a year and there is no clear indication of the status of the acquisition. The historic structure is in great need of attention as the elements are taking their toll. The restoration of this historic asset is a key to the revitalization of the Main Street area. Hopefully we will see progress in the near future.

Assuming control of the building and ultimate restoration, what uses would you propose for the building?

An Ella Grasso Museum for Windsor Locks?

2008-07-29T18:59:00.000-07:00

Ella Grasso was born in the Main Street area at 12 Olive St. She attended St. Mary's School. She took the train from the historic train station to her inauguration as the first woman elected Governor of a state in her own right. The connection between Ella Grasso and her hometown of Windsor Locks runs deep. So why not celebrate her life and accomplishments and the mark she made on U.S. politics with a museum in Windsor Locks? Perhaps the historic train station could serve as a Windsor Locks Visitor's Center and Ella Grasso Museum. Perhaps there is another appropriate venue for such a museum. Who has memorabilia related to Ella Grasso that could be used launch the collection? How would such a museum be funded and operated? Heritage tourism is a big draw to communities and helps local economies. Could an Ella Grasso Museum help to revitalize the Main Street area?

Links of interest:

Ella T. Grasso Papers at Mount Holyoke College

Hog River Journal Article

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Ella Tambussi Grasso Center for Women in Politics

Connecticut State Library Feature

Call to Civic Organizations and Church Groups

2008-07-27T20:27:00.000-07:00

Calling all civic organizations and church groups - Please consider sponsoring at least one event in the Main Street area each year. In our efforts to revitalize Main Street, it is important to draw people to downtown. We need additional reasons for residents and visitors to come to the Main Street area besides our businesses and muncipal buildings. Partnering with area businesses would be a great idea. Use your imaginations, the types of events are many - carnivals, dog shows, art exhibitions, craft shows, black tie fundraisers, road races, clean-up days, kid's safety fairs, bridal shows, antique auto shows, parades, Sprng Jubilees, holiday bazaars, concerts, farmers markets, food festivals, halloween costume party, bike tour, Easter egg hunt, Italian fest, flea market wine tasting and so much more....

Main Street Master Planning Final Report Available

2008-07-09T18:23:00.001-07:00

Copies of the Main Street Master Planning Final Report are available for viewing at the First Selectman's Office at Town Hall and at the Windsor Locks Public Library.

If you would like a Final Report sent to you on a CD in pdf format then please send an e-mail to wleidc@sbcglobal.net with your name and mailing address.

Please remember to post any comments, questions or recommendations on this blog after you have had a chance to review the final report.

Feedback from Public on Preliminary Recommendations

2008-05-14T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Town held two meetings to solicit feedback on the Main Street Master Planning Study. The first meeting included members of Town Boards and Commissions, as well as key stakeholders on Main Street. The second was open to the general public. At each, Chris Ferrero of Ferrero Hixon Associates presented a Power Point Presentation outlining the scope of the study, overall goals and an analysis of opportunities and constraints, as well as recommendations in the following areas: Regional, Land Use/Zoning, Recreation/Environmental, Market Assessment, Transportation, Sense of Place, Streetscape, Key Reinvestment Parcels and Sustainability.

We received the following feedback at the stakeholder meeting:

A member of the Windsor Locks Preservation Association asked about the establishment of Design Guidelines. He wanted to make sure there were some controls in place before any new buildings ever g0t constructed next to Memorial Hall (Ahlstrom Parking lot).

When is the commuter rail line expected to be in place? DOT is conducting environmental reviews now and expectation is that the rail line will be operation sometime around 2011.

One resident was concerned with the recommendation about narrowing roadway pavement. Mr. Ferrero weighed in that ultimately DOT has the say over roadway narrowing, that it would not impact the Level Of Service and that the Average Daily Traffic is really not significant.

A resident pointed out that there was an issue with the gates and that is why the train station was relocated. Mr. Ferrero mentioned the precedence of other stations in the state that are closer to the gates and that ultimately moving the station back closer to the historical stop would have to be vetted by Amtrak and DOT.

An attorney for Dexter Plaza had questions related to the impact on parking of a proposed shared parking scenario with Bickford, the Post Office and the Congregational Church as tenants like Ocean State need to be satisfied.

We received the following feedback at the public forum:

A question was raised as to what benefits do Windsor Locks residents get from improvements to the Suffield 190 bridge work and the 135 condos in the Montgomery complex? Mr. Ferrero spoke of the Canal trail being a draw to the downtown and that condos in the Montgomery complex would add up to 200 people to downtown who would utilize local businesses.

Are business/property owners on board? Mr. Ferrero outlined the meetings with Ahlstrom, Dexter Plaza and Montgomery developer. He shared the sentiments of Ahlstrom management that they would like to reconnect to the community.

How will improvements like the Dexter Plaza parking lot and other improvements be paid for? Mr. Ferrero commented that often public investment such as streetscaping can be a catalyst that spurs on private investment. He stated that the scope of the study was to make recommendations and that the implementation will require additional consideration.

A resident questioned how loud the “whistle and bells” would be from new trains.

A representative from the Friends of the Canal had a series of questions/concerns including why the need for a second track for the commuter rail. He cited Baltimore which operates on one track. He suggested to open the canal to boats once again. He pointed out that a cemetery exists (21 graves) in the vicinity of the rail that could be used to argue against a second track. He suggested a walking trail on the west side of the canal to the railroad bridge. He also suggested that a goal should be to have a continuous trail from Agawam, through Suffield and Windsor Locks and meeting up with trails in Windsor and ultimately Hartford.

A resident questioned the islands proposed on Main Street at the Bridge Street intersection. He said the intersection was improved to move traffic effectively and he did not want to see the flow of traffic impeded. Mr. Ferrero commented that any proposals would have to be approved by the State DOT and would have to meet their various roadway standards. Traffic calming is a goal of the study.

A member of the group trying to preserve the historic train station commented that the plan is supposed to be “visionary” and that though people may not agree with every recommendation it is important to take some baby steps in order to build momentum. She believes more greenery, beyond the flower pots, is needed in order to create a different perception.

Is there any remediation needed at the Montgomery Complex? Mr. Ferrero stated that the site is a brownfield and that the developer is dealing with remediation issues. It is common in these historic mill sites.

It was pointed out by one resident that congestion on Main Street is only part of the day and most of the time traffic is not a problem. Truck traffic can be an issue.

A member of Step Up Main Street suggested something like the Hudson River Institute (research institute) for the Montgomery building or an entertainment venue. Mr. Ferrero offered a recommendation to add a roof top restaurant to the Montgomery redevelopment.

One resident felt that residential for the Montgomery building would be a safety issue. He also would like to see public access to the CT River and commented that there is no boat ramp in town.

Another resident thought residential for Montgomery would be great and that sprinklers should be sufficient for any fire safety concerns.

Another suggestion was to establish a canal museum. Still another was to open up the south side of the Ahlstrom property in the vicinity of the locks and the historic looking Windsor Canal Company red building to the public. Keeping the vegetation maintained so the canal could be seen better is a great idea. Someone questioned who would maintain the vegetation since it is not under town control. Mr. Ferrero stated that we need to see exactly where the jurisdiction lines are for Ahlstrom, Amtrak and DOT and that maintenance by the Town may be the most effective.

Copies of the Consultants' Draft Report are available for viewing at the Windsor Locks Library and Town Hall.

Windsor Locks Canal Trail

2008-04-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

The Friends of the Canal continue their efforts to improve the Windsor Locks Canal Trail. Residents of Windsor Locks, Suffield, Enfield, East Windsor and even Longmeadow, MA have joined together to improve this unique recreational asset which runs from Windsor Locks Town Center at the Montgomery Building to Canal Road in Suffield. The Friends are looking for active members to assist in their efforts. Yearly membership is only $25. Monthly progress reports are sent by e-mail. Contact the President, Steve Sorrow, at fireman05us@yahoo.com for more information.

As a result of a recommendation stemming from the Main Street Master Planning Study, the Town has opened a dialogue with the State of Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection regarding restarting efforts towards the establishment of the Windsor Locks Canal State Park. A master plan for such a park was developed by the DEP in 1988.

Consultant Begins Pre-Planning Phase

2008-02-22T18:50:00.001-08:00

Our consulting team is pouring over maps, reports, photos, and site plans provided to them by Town staff. They have conducted three site visits - one at the a.m. peak traffic hour, another at the p.m. peak hour, and finally a Saturday mid-day. They have met with a prospective developer of the Montgomery mill complex and representatives of the Dexter Plaza management firm. A meeting with Ahlstrom representatives will soon be scheduled. They are preparing base mapping and have begun formulating preliminary design concepts. One area of focus is the "municipal" campus made up of the library, Town and Hall and school with fields. How can we affectively connect those to Main Street? The consultant has also questioned whether it would be conceivable to return the Amtrak train station back to the heart of Main Street rather than its current location on the outskirts of the Main Street area. Once the preliminary plans are completed a public forum will be organized so stay tuned. Please share your comments on how Main Street can be enhanced.

Consultants Selected for Main Street Study

2007-11-24T14:53:00.000-08:00

The team of Amadon & Associates, Ferrero Hixon Associates and Fuss & O'Neill has been selected to conduct the Main Street Master Planning Study. These firms are an ideal mix with expertise in market analysis, real estate appraisal, landscape architecture, land use planning, and transportation planning. A portion of the selected team's Power Point Presentation will be posted to the EIDC's website at
http://www.windsorlocksct.org/page.php?pid=291

Town Awarded Preservation of Place Grant

2007-10-23T18:43:00.000-07:00

The Town of Windsor Locks has been awarded a $5,000 Preservation of Place Grant by the Connecticut Main Street Program to be used for the Main Street Area Master Planning Study project. Specifically, the grant will be used to, "provide alternative proposals for the future development of Dexter Plaza, address the Montgomery Building's future role in downtown, as well as the historic train station." For more information on the Preservation of Place grant program visit: http://www.ctmainstreet.org/PDF/POP%20Grant%20Recipients%20102307.pdf

Main Street Study Request for Proposals

2007-10-17T18:50:00.001-07:00

A copy of the Request for Proposals that was distributed to approximately 20 planning firms will be posted to the EIDC website at:

http://www.windsorlocksct.org/page.php?pid=291
The Town received four proposals by the deadline which was October 11th. We will review the proposals and determine which firms to interview. We hope to have a selection completed by the end of October.

Main Street Links

2007-10-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are some important links related to the Main Street area:

Windsor Locks Economic and Industrial Development Commission
http://www.windsorlocksct.org/page.php?pid=260

Windsor Locks GIS Mapping
http://gis.cdm.com/website/windsorlocks/

Connecticut Main Street Program
http://www.ctmainstreet.org/

Windsor Locks Town Government
http://www.windsorlocksct.org/

Windsor Locks Preservation Association
http://www.windsorlockspreservation.com/

Windsor Locks Public Library
http://www.windsorlockslibrary.org/

Ahlstrom
http://www.ahlstrom.com/

Windsor Locks Middle School
http://www.wlps.org/wms/

New Haven - Hartford - Springfield Commuter Rail Study
http://www.ct.gov/dotinfo/cwp/view.asp?a=2181&Q=295562

Windsor Locks Senior Center
http://www.wlocksct.com/wlsc/

Windsor Locks Canal
http://www.our-oxford.info/other-history/W-locks.htm

Windsor Locks Canal Trail
http://www.ct.gov/dot/LIB/dot/documents/dbikes/128.pdf

Memorial Hall
http://www.chs.org/ransom/134.htm

The Dexter Corporation
http://www.lib.uconn.edu/online/research/speclib/ASC/findaids/Dexter/MSS20000128.html

Dexter Plaza
http://www.fastfacility.com/ct/FactSheet.asp?18142

2007-10-13T21:05:00.000-07:00

What is the community’s future vision for its Main Street area?

As you visualize a successful Main Street area in the future what qualities or characteristics will it possess – how will it look, feel and function?

What does the community identify as its downtown and why is downtown important to the Windsor Locks Community?

What are the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (S.W.O.T analysis) for the Windsor Locks Main Street area?

We invite you to begin to think about these questions so as to help guide appropriate planning and enhancement efforts on the part of the Town, its Boards and Commissions, local civic and non-profit organizations, and interested residents.

We are currently in the process of selected a firm with design and planning capabilities to help develop a strategic master plan for the Main Street area.

Why develop a strategic master plan?

We have a mile-long primarily one-sided Main Street.
We have an important small business and commercial district with approximately 70 establishments calling this area home.
We have Town Hall, the Public Library, a school, the Post Office, and a Senior Center in this area.
We have the Windsor Locks Canal Trail along the Connecticut River and Pesci Park for residents to enjoy.
We have hundreds of residents living in a wide range of housing types within walking distance of these businesses, government and community facilities and recreational venues.
We have historical assets such as the old Amtrak Station, the Montgomery Building and Memorial Hall.

So how do we tie these all together into a cohesive whole? Are there any pieces to the puzzle missing?

Feel free to submit suggestions, recommendations and comments via this blog or you can send an e-mail to wleidc@sbcglobal.net. We will keep you posted as to future community forums on this topic.