By Elizabeth Barhydt
Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo is looking ahead to 2025 with a focus on revitalizing town infrastructure, advancing public-private partnerships, and enhancing safety and recreational opportunities for residents. In an interview with The Greenwich Sentinel, Camillo outlined an ambitious agenda that includes the redevelopment of the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink, the opening of the new Greenwich Civic Center, improvements to Veterans Plaza Park, and initiatives to address pedestrian and public safety.
A New Era for the Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink
The redevelopment of the Dorothy Hamill Skating R ink remains one of Camillo’s highest priorities for 2025. The current facility, built in 1971 and named after Greenwich’s own Olympic gold medalist Dorothy Hamill, has long been a hub for skating, hockey, and community events. However, decades of wear have left the structure outdated and unable to meet modern standards.
“Having skated there in 1972 when it first opened as just a slab of ice and boards, I’ve seen how it’s been piecemealed together over the years,” Camillo said. “Today, it falls short against any other rink in Fairfield County, and probably in the state of Connecticut. It’s become an embarrassment.” The proposed $24 million project includes building a new state-of-the-art facility on the existing baseball field while relocating the ballfield to the old rink site. This “flip” plan ensures uninterrupted rink operations during construction and creates a regulation-size ice surface, updated locker rooms, and a south-facing roof for solar panels.
“If we decided to keep it where it is, we’d need to do extra blasting due to the ledge,” Camillo explained. “That would not only increase costs but also impact residents on Sherman Avenue. Moving it is the most effective way to protect them and get the construction done.”
The new rink will address long-standing issues, such as substandard ice dimensions and inadequate locker rooms, while incorporating energy-efficient features. Camillo emphasized the importance of the project, saying, “We’re not just building a rink; we’re creating a community space that reflects the values and spirit of Greenwich.”
Transforming Public Spaces
In addition to the rink, Camillo highlighted the upcoming opening of the Greenwich Civic Center as a major milestone. “We’re going to be opening up the Civic Center in a few weeks, which is exciting,” he said. The project, a result of a successful public-private partnership, is part of Camillo’s broader vision to enhance recreational and cultural spaces in town.
Camillo also discussed plans for Veterans Plaza Park, which will include a statue, water feature, and improved lighting. “The Veterans Plaza Park project on the Avenue, where the Bush statue will go, will be 100% privately funded,” he said. The enhancements aim to create a welcoming and reflective space for the community while preserving the area’s historic significance.
Transforming Railroad Avenue: The Vision of Greenwich Crossing
The Greenwich Crossing project, which is expected to be completed within the next eight to ten months, represents a significant investment in revitalizing the area, blending commercial vitality with improved public spaces.
“Within the next probably eight to ten months, I think you’re going to see Greenwich Crossing get completed, which will transform Railroad Avenue,” Camillo said. He described the project as a game-changer for this central thoroughfare, creating a more dynamic and attractive entry point to the town.
“The project will improve not just the look of Railroad Avenue but also its role as a gateway to the town,” Camillo explained. “We want to make it a place that draws people in, not just one they pass through.”
The redevelopment includes upgraded infrastructure, improved pedestrian access, and thoughtfully designed public spaces to make the area more welcoming. The project also ties into broader efforts to enhance Greenwich’s transportation network and improve connectivity between downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Revitalizing Glenville and Greenwich Avenue
The redevelopment of the American Legion Building in Glenville is another project in Camillo’s sights. “It’s old and needs to be totally redone,” he said, noting that the building is used by organizations such as the American Legion and Boy Scouts but is currently underutilized due to its condition. Camillo has included funding for the renovations in the upcoming budget and is exploring ways to reduce costs through town managed renovations and community donations.
On Greenwich Avenue, Camillo is working on a public-private partnership to transform the Havemeyer Building. “It addresses two things: finding a place for the Board of Education administration, who has already stated they want to leave there, and creating a potentially beautiful building and property in the heart of our commerce district,” he said.
Camillo explained that the redevelopment will improve the vibrancy of the area. “When you go down that part of the Avenue at night, it becomes a dark hole. There’s not much going on there. This will change that,” he said.
Pedestrian and Public Safety
Camillo highlighted pedestrian and public safety as a key priority for 2025, emphasizing ongoing efforts to make Greenwich a safer and more accessible town for residents and visitors alike. “We’re going to continue to look at pedestrian and public safety, which includes sidewalks, intersections, trails, and crosswalks,” Camillo explained.
The initiative involves working closely with neighborhoods across town to address specific concerns. “We’re working with so many different neighborhoods in town about their individual needs and what can and can’t be done,” he said. Camillo emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions to each area while maintaining a consistent focus on safety.
Some of the improvements being planned include upgraded sidewalks to ensure accessibility for all, redesigned intersections to minimize vehicle-pedestrian conflicts, and enhanced crosswalk visibility through improved lighting and signage. Trails and pathways are also being reviewed to create safer, more connected routes for pedestrians and cyclists.
“We’ve seen an increased focus on pedestrian safety nationwide, and Greenwich is no exception,” Camillo noted. “Our residents deserve safe and accessible ways to get around, whether they’re walking to school, heading to work, or enjoying a stroll in their neighborhood.”
Camillo pointed to the collaborative nature of these projects, which involve partnerships with local safety advocates, town planners, and community groups. “It’s a lot of work, but we’re excited about it,” he said, underscoring his administration’s commitment to making Greenwich a leader in pedestrian safety.
“Each project we’re working on—whether it’s Railroad Avenue, the rink, or Veterans Plaza Park— contributes to the overall vision of a better-connected, more vibrant Greenwich,” Camillo said.
