The first step in a long process to secure a scenic road designation for the northern loop around Binney Park was taken last Wednesday during the Board of Selectmen meeting at Town Hall.
First Selectman Fred Camillo and Sectwoman Jill Oberlander both voted to allow residents to take the item to the Representative Town Meeting in March. Selectwoman Lauren Rabin could not attend the meeting.
Providing a road with a scenic designation not only encourages sightseeing along the road but helps preserve it from modifications that would detract from its appearance, such as rerouting or widening.
The idea was first mentioned following the Department of Public Works’ proposed construction work on Sound Beach Avenue and the roundabout near the library two years ago.
Greenwich resident, Candace Garthwaite, who was representing Eastern Greenwich residents and the Eastern Greenwich Preservation Association, spoke at the meeting last Wednesday about the other driving factors behind the initiative. The Riverside Association was also represented at the meeting, and showed strong support.
“The scenic road initiative is aligned with an objective in the new 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). The very first guiding principle in that document is to preserve the community character and sense of place,” Garthwaite said. “In the 2019 POCD, there’s a statement of an objective, which is, “To encourage the designation of more scenic roads throughout town.”
This proposal would be the first official scenic road in town south of the Merritt Parkway, and the first application where the town is a major property owner.
Garthwaite pointed to the Town’s Municipal Code, in which it states that “scenic roads are irreplaceable resources” and that “scenic roads are for the benefit of present and future generations.”
“Protecting the roadway can really enhance the historic buildings in the area,” Garthwaite noted. “Those include the gorgeous Jeffersonian Perrot Library, and the First Congregational Church and its graveyard. The First Congregational Church was established in 1665.”
But the path towards receiving a scenic road designation is long and winding.
The Municipal Code requires a written statement of approval by owners of a majority of the property that abuts the proposed scenic loop.
Since the Town of Greenwich owns Binney Park, and the park is a major abutter, permission is needed from the Selectmen in order to submit the application.
With the Board of Selectmen approval last Wednesday, the application now goes to the Representative Town Meeting in March. If the RTM approves it, it will go before the Planning & Zoning Commission. If P&Z should determine that this is the proper designation of a scenic road, it would once again go before the RTM for a final approval.
“It’s a long route,” Garthwaite said.
According to the State of Connecticut website:
A potential state scenic highway must abut significant natural or cultural features such as agricultural land or historic buildings and structures which are listed on the National or State Register of Historic Places, or afford vistas of marshes, shoreline, forests with mature trees, or other notable natural or geologic feature which singularly or in combination set the highway apart from other state highways as being distinct. The Highway shall have a minimum length of one (1) mile and shall abut development which is compatible with its surroundings. Such development must not detract from the scenic or natural character or visual qualities of the highway area.
Additionally, Garthwaite added, 11 of the 13 private owners of property along the route have given their written approval after receiving letters in the mail. The two owners who have not responded, rent their properties. The Perrot Library and the church signed written approval forms as well.
Oberlander said she had “a number of concerns”, namely dealing with “access to Old Greenwich residents, and public safety in the event of emergency conditions and the additional hurdles that are placed on government.”
The RTM meeting is slated for March 9.
