The SHA Board met October 29 to review the current status of the bridge and concerns voiced by many residents of the neighborhood. Here's what we know so far about the bridge, the closure and the Town's plan to replace it:
History
· In 1882, the first bridge was built across the back of the harbor to accommodate pedestrians and buggies.
· In 1921, SHA resident Howard Noble replaced the original bridge with one for cars and pedestrians (Noble Bridge) and gave it to the Town of Guilford.
· In 1968, the Town closed the car bridge because it was unsafe.
· In 1981, the Town closed pedestrian access to the bridge.
· In 1983, a foot bridge replaced the Noble Bridge and was renamed for SHA President David Fisher. The SHA contributed $20,000 to cover half the cost of the new bridge.
· In 2019 (September 17), at our request, the Town inspected the bridge and found it to be unsafe for pedestrians. The Town closed the bridge later that day. A structural engineer engaged by the Town recommended replacing (v. repairing) the bridge.
Update on November 5 meeting with Guilford officials
Earlier today, SHA President Mary Alice Lee, SHA Past President Bob Davidson, and SHA Traffic Enforcement Officer Joe Weissberg met with Guilford First Selectman Matt Hoey and Town Engineer Janice Plaziak to discuss the Town's plans to replace the bridge. Matt Hoey led off the meeting by acknowledging that we want the bridge replaced. In the discussion that ensued, we stressed that timely replacement of the bridge is important for the safety of residents of Chimney Corner Circle and Prospect Avenue, when high tides and increasingly frequent storms flood the road. We also emphasized the importance of the bridge for the entire neighborhood and for many walkers, runners and cyclists from all over Town.
The Town intends to replace the bridge. The Town Engineer has begun to obtain estimates for replacement. Town officials will use that information to include funding for the new bridge in the FY2021 budget (July 1, 2020- June 30, 2021) that will be considered for adoption on April 21, 2020. The Town will proceed with permitting and other approvals prior to the beginning of the fiscal year.
Related issues
· The Town acknowledges the hardship posed by overnight parking restrictions that are in effect December 1-April 1 and can ease the restrictions where enforcement poses a hardship for local residents.
· The Town Engineer will seek a proposal for constructing a barrier and drainage to ease flooding across private property and the roadway at Prospect Avenue-Chimney Corner Circle.
Next steps for SHA
· SHA Board: Follow up with the Town Engineer and the First Selectman on bridge design, cost estimates, and obtaining timely approvals for the new bridge.
· SHA Traffic Enforcement Officer: Follow up with Town parking enforcement officers re easing restrictions on overnight parking for Prospect Avenue and anywhere else that poses a hardship for residents.
· SHA: "Partner" at some level TBD, including sharing information about bridge contractors and support for timely permitting and approvals as needed. Depending on cost estimates and timing, respond to any request from the Town for a contribution toward the cost of the new bridge.
SHA residents: Depending on FY2021 budget proposal for replacement of the bridge, lend support for adoption of the Town budget.