The town last year received a $50,000 grant to commission a study of the feasibility of creating a Transit-Centered Development (TCD) in Stratford Center. TCDs generally are mixed-used developments within walking distance of train stations. Developments typically include high-density residential uses, commercial services and limited offices uses, with an emphasis on pedestrian and and bicycle connections, and limited automobile use.
Creating villages around train stations enables people to live in one community (e.g., Stratford) and access employment opportunities in another community along the fixed-rail system (e.g., Stamford or NYC).
According to the 2000 U.S. Census, only 25% of Stratford's employed population actually works in Stratford. Also, the mean average commute time for Stratforders grew from 23.5 minutes in 2000 to 27.8 minutes between 2006 and 2008.
Allow me to emphasize that this is a STUDY -- no one is building anything in Stratford Center. However, if you are interested in learning more about a future that MIGHT be, please come to the Baldwin Center tonight at 7 to learn more about this idea. The estimable Dave Killeen (203-385-4017) is the town's point person on this project.
Let me add that while your humble correspondent sits on the TCD Steering Committee as a representative of a "stakeholder" group (OSNA), I have expressed neither support nor opposition to this type of hypothetical development. However, your input would be most welcome as OSNA monitors issues and developments of importance and interest to our neighborhood.
Yr. obedient servant,
Michael Bingham
OSNA
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