Making connections along a proposed Town Street multiuse trail

By Peter Marteka

In an effort to “strengthen mobility, accessibility, and recreation” and showcase “key public and cultural destinations,” the town is hoping to construct a 2.2-mile off-street, shared-use trail along Town Street/Route 82.

The proposed project corridor would begin at the intersection of Town Street and Maple Avenue run south along Town Street to the Rose Farm Homestead Preserve and Hemlock Valley Brook.

The plan would address infrastructure gaps identified in the town’s Plan of Conservation and Development according to the town’s Land Use Administrator James F. Ventres. A representative from the Freeman Companies, which recently completed a preliminary feasibility study, discussed the potential project during a joint planning and zoning/economic development commission meeting April 14.

“The East Haddam Town Street Multi-Use Trail represents a significant opportunity to enhance community connectivity, support local economic activity, and provide accessible recreational options for residents and visitors of all ages,” the report concluded.

But a lot of work remains to plan the project including funding, easements and securing state and federal grants. Construction, estimated at $3.3 million, would take place in four phases.

“No one was worried about the acquisition of easements,” Ventres said. “We found out that the majority of them said they were active people, active walkers. ‘You want to do that? Do it.’ Most of this is very, very wide. We aren’t talking about huge easements.”

It is hoped this first segment of a potential 17-mile loop - known as the Lower Connecticut River Valley Trail from East Haddam to Chester to Haddam and back to Moodus - will serve as a model. Robert Casner, chairman of the economic development commission, said the key to the development of the trail is partnerships between businesses and landowners.

“We got a pretty positive reaction from the landowners,” he said during the meeting. “Fortunately, we have this wide right-of-way here so we have plenty of room to wiggle this thing. We can wiggle this around trees. We can wiggle this around rock outcroppings and basically make it so that it’s not necessarily just 10 feet off the highway. It’s going to have some wiggle room.”

Some residents who spoke at the meeting looked forward to the project.

“I’m very excited to see at least this conversation,” said resident Nick Griffin. “I realize this is going to take a lot of work, but it’s an exciting idea.”

“I find it really kind of opening up for all of us to think about a pedestrian and biking way,” added resident Rochelle Davis. “It’s a really exciting idea.”

Resident Christine Vanscoy said she was worried about a passing area from Ray of Light Farm to Staehly’s Farm stand along with the speed vehicles travel along Route 82.

“It’s just a crazy place,” she said. “They are full pedal to the metal to pass someone there.”

The planned trail would be a 10-foot-wide paved path with a 10-foot buffer between the trail and Town Street.

“In conclusion,” the report noted, “advancing the East Haddam Town Street Multi-Use Trail in this phased, carefully designed manner will create a durable, safe, and engaging corridor that supports healthy lifestyles, strengthens community connectivity, and highlights the town’s natural and historic character. This project is expected to serve as a model for future trail development in the Lower Connecticut River Valley.”