Community Corner

Pedestrian and Park Safety, Blighted Properties Key Issues in Pemberwick

Residents of the Pemberwick—Glenville neighborhoods met with First Selectman Peter Tesei to discuss concerns and how the town can help resolve them.


Pedestrian safety along Pemberwick Road, cracking down on nuisance properties and cleaning up debris along the Byram River and Caroline Pond were some of the pressing issues members of the Pemberwick-Glenville Association (PGA) say they would like the town to address.

Seven members of the PGA's board had the ears of First Selectman Peter Tesei Tuesday afternoon who is continuing meeting with representatives of neighborhood associations throughout Greenwich, gathering information on what issues need to be addressed and what projects could possibly be included in the town's 15-year capital improvement plan budget.

Tesei told the group during the 2-plus hour meeting at Pemberwick Park, "We are looking to identify things for the 15-year capital plan that have not been identified. There are small things that could be included departments' capital maintenance projects but if they don't know about them, they can't budget for them." Before embarking on a walking tour of the park, Tesei added, "It's about quality of life, the small things that have a big impact."

As Andrea Blume suggested how the town could make the park compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, a young mother showed up with her toddler in tow in a stroller. Because of the stairs leading to the playground area, she had to leave the stroller in the driveway and carry the child to the play area.

"The park isn't ADA compliant and if you have a stroller or a wheelchair, you can't get it up the stairs," said Blume.

Just getting to the park is worrisome for the PGA, especially for residents who enjoy walking. "The sidewalk needs to be extended. If you're walking on either side and there are vehicles coming in both directions, there is no where to go," said Rob Manuli, a PGA co-chair.

Tesei, who grew up in the neighborhood, acknowledged the pedestrian safety issue along the narrow, winding road and said building a sidewalk would require a multi-million project involving the blasting of rock along the northern edge of the road.

Safety within the park was another issue the PGA board discussed. They asked whether the town's Parks and Recreation Department could be more aggressive in maintaining the growth of bushes on the park's perimeters. The overgrown bushes and white picket fence prevents police from seeing late night activities in the park which include drug-related offenses, according to the residents.

"We're looking to open things up so there are more eyes on what's going on," said PGA board member Vin DiMarco.

As Tesei took photos of the overgrown vegetation, he suggested that a surveillance camera be installed—one similar to the Hamilton Avenue School playground where drug activity was rampant.

The PGA board also discussed several "nuisance properties" in their neighborhoods where property owners habitually neglect their homes or create unsightly hazards. They produced photos to back up their concerns about homes and asked whether the town's nuisance abatement ordinance can be strengthened.

"(Zoning Enforcement Officer) Bob Seel has been great but he says his hands are tied by the oridinance," DiMarco said.

Tesei acknowledged that the town is obligated to give landowners deadlines to clean up their properties and that there is a need to strengthen enforcement actions.

Tesei also promised the group he would investigate what the residents described as a lack of maintenance and cleanup along the banks of the Byram River and Caroline Pond.

DiMarco said he was pleased with the meeting and hopeful there will be results in the group's suggestions. Tesei said that once he concludes his meetings later this month, he and his staff will compile a master list of what can be addressed immediately and what will be included in future capital projects. 

The next neighborhood meeting is with the Northwest Greenwich Association, scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Sept. 20 at the Griffith Harris Golf Club on King Street.

*Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the reference to the co-chair of the Pemberwick-Glenville Association.



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