New Britain is rapidly becoming a leader when it comes to innovation and progress around designing streets for all users - otherwise known as Complete Streets. Not only did they recently complete their HUD-funded Complete Streets Manual (a process that took two years) but they are also introducing several other initiatives that are sure to captivate visitors and residents alike.

This brochure describes the new head-out angled parking debuting on Chestnut Street in New Britain.

Here at CMSC we are especially intrigued by the state's first use of "Head-Out" angled parking, as well as the road diet under construction at New Britain's largest intersection. Both of these concepts were raised by speakers at our Complete Streets workshop in July 2012, leaving the audience fascinated and curious as to how they could be implemented here in Connecticut. It seems New Britain discovered the secret, as this brochure describing the new "Head Out" parking demonstrates. Not only does backing into the angled spot give the driver of the parked car more visibility when exiting the space, it also protects children and adults who are now shielded from on-coming traffic. This simple change provides an ingenious solution that protects drivers, passengers, bicyclists and others while providing more parking than traditional parallel spaces.

Another initiative under construction is the dramatic road diet at New Britain's largest intersection where Main Street, Chestnut Street and Arch Street converge. For those who may not know, a "road diet" is when the roadway is shrunk, usually to allow more space for pedestrians, bicyclists or parking. A good example is taking a four lane road (two lanes going in each direction) and shrinking it by say, keeping one lane going in each direction and creating a third turning lane, used by cars travelling in either direction. The space previously used for the fourth lane of traffic can then be re-designed into a bike lane, wider sidewalks, or dedicated to parking or bus stops.  

New Britain's Director of Public Works, Mark Moriarty, P.E. is very proud of the progress they have made to date - with good reason. New Britain has accomplished much in a short time, and with the kind of forward-thinking innovation that is both needed and increasingly in demand here in Connecticut. These changes are redefining New Britain's downtown, creating a more inviting, walkable setting that will dovetail nicely with the CTfastrak station opening in 2015. It also exemplifies what another of our speakers said during our Creating Transit Villages workshop this past summer - we don't need to wait for transit to arrive to start creating walkable neighborhoods. New Britain, with the dedication of Mark Moriarty and many others, is putting these words into action, creating neighborhoods that accommodate all users, not just cars.

Susan Occhino, owner of The Dutch Flower Lady, is one of the "Business Women of Grand Street" helping to attract new visitors to downtown Waterbury.

Waterbury's Grand Street has a long history of welcoming visitors to the City. In the early 1900's, travelers arriving by train were greeted by the stunning complex of municipal buildings designed by Cass Gilbert.

Over time, as the City's wealth declined, so did this street. However, a resurgence is occurring, led by the renovation of City Hall, and now by an increase in businesses and shops along the famed street. Interestingly, many of these businesses are owned or operated by women. So many, in fact, that these "Businesswomen of Grand Street" are becoming an attraction themselves. Earlier this year Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman toured several of the shops as part of a visit hosted by the Waterbury Development Corporation.

The shops are quite diverse and feature a range of services including a florist, hair and nail salon, law office specializing in technology forensics, rare book dealer, fine jeweler and a well-known diner. Also found on Grand Street are a lingerie shop that is also one of the few non-medical, accredited establishments where women can reliably find post-surgery prosthetics, and the Brass City Market on Field (a 2013 CMSC Award of Excellence Winner that you can read more about below).

Perhaps the best aspect of these shops is the way they are feeding off each other. As one shop draws in foot traffic and visitors delivered with ease from the nearby I-84 and Rt. 8, they are staying to visit and explore the other shops and services available along the street. In this way, people who may have come for one of the rare bulbs at The Dutch Flower Lady are now staying for lunch at Dottie's 2.

Together these women-owned small enterprises are bringing greater attention to Grand Street, bringing with it increased sales and a renewed spirit in what the downtown and Waterbury have to offer.

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- From 2008-2013, a total of $376,130 was awarded to 20 different Connecticut communities through CMSCs Preservation of Place grant program, leveraging $842,727 in preservation and revitalization initiatives.