Riiska convenes stakeholders

By Wiley Wood

Norfolk’s downtown is going through something of a renaissance. The Berkshire Country Store recently celebrated its first anniversary, construction trucks are parked outside the Norfolk Hub in advance of its April opening, and other businesses around Station Place have been lifted by the increase in foot traffic these developments have brought.

So when First Selectman Matt Riiska called for stakeholders in Norfolk’s downtown to gather on a recent Saturday morning to strategize about ways to improve the village center, it was more to build on the gains already made than to kick-start a stalled process.

“We want to try to make this meeting a brainstorming session until we get projects rolling,” said Riiska.

One of the group’s starting points is that the walking experience in the downtown area, encompassing the village green, Town Hall, Station Place and City Meadow, could be improved. The walkway connecting Station Place to Town Hall and the farmers market lawn, for instance, is steep, unrelenting and poorly lit.

Riiska has responded by turning to the Norfolk Community Association and the Conservation Committee to discuss a plan for ridding the hillside below Town Hall of invasives and small trees. He is also looking into ways of improving the lighting.

Fire Chief Matt Ludwig noted that already in December City Meadow Park was becoming a destination for many users. He urged that the staircase between the park’s boardwalk and the fountain at Station Place be built sooner rather than later.

A scheme for creating more parking in Station Place has been proposed. And the lighthouse-style streetlamps that create glare overhead and cast little light down on the sidewalk have been criticized, notably by Bob Gilchrest, an engineer who worked on the redesign of the Falls Village downtown area.

Many participants raised the issue of vehicles racing through town at speeds well above the posted 25 m.p.h. limit. A working group from the Economic Development Commission is currently looking at a range of options for slowing traffic along Route 44. And Riiska is taking part in meetings arranged by State Representative Brian Ohler between Department of Transportation officials and town leaders to discuss specific traffic problems.

One of the most interesting ideas came from Ted Hinman, a Norfolk resident who commutes to work in an electric car. He suggested that charging stations be installed in the parking lot at Town Hall. Clearly a service to electric car owners, it might also benefit the town if the chargers’ presence encouraged people to visit Norfolk and have a meal or hike in Barbour Woods while their car was charging.

Riiska has already begun investigating. The units, which cost between $5,500 and $9,000, are programmable. The user would be charged for his or her electricity, and the town could add a premium to amortize the cost of the units.

The next meeting of the Downtown Development Coordinating Committee will be held on Saturday, March 10, from 9 to 10:30 a.m.