Norwalk’s new principal engineer aims to add sidewalks, crosswalks
NORWALK — The city has hired a new chief engineer, filling the empty key role in its Department of Public Works.
Jim Meehan recently started in the job of principal engineer, bringing over 20 years of experience in management in design for various municipalities. He previously worked as the senior engineer for Greenburgh in Westchester County, N.Y.
“I’ve always been interested in municipal work,” Meehan said in an email. “I find local work very rewarding and love the wide range of professional opportunities a day in the life of an engineer can bring. Whether it’s restoring a bridge, resolving a stormwater situation on a roadway or a new paving adventure, I am passionate about developing the best path forward from an engineering perspective.”
A licensed engineer in both New York and Connecticut, Meehan also has 10 years of experience in engineering consulting, according to the city of Norwalk.
In his priorities on the job, Meehan said he wants to make Norwalk’s infrastructure safer and more accessible for residents and said he also wants to focus on reducing the city’s carbon footprint with green infrastructure.
His areas of expertise include roadway construction, stormwater management, bridge inspection and repair, sidewalk design, traffic safety measures and project management, he said.
“The city’s vision is to improve our roads to be safer and more userfriendly
for all modes of transportation: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians,” Meehan said. “Our engineering team is looking forward to repaving more streets to help the city meet its goal of increasing sidewalks and crossroads to enhance walkability and livability for residents.”
Outside of work, Meehan plays the Scottish bagpipes and is a piper with the Celtic Cross Pipes & Drum Band in Danbury.
The addition of Meehan is the latest change in the top jobs in the DPW in Norwalk. Last November, Vanessa Nobre Valadares was named as the city’s chief of operations and public works.
Valadares replaced Anthony Carr, who had resigned last September after taking a personal leave.
She is the first woman to lead the DPW, the city said. Valadares also served as the interim chief while Carr was on leave and after his resignation until the appointment was made permanent late last year.