Litchfield’s streets are dangerous for pedestrians

I am a full-time resident of Litchfield, living with my family in the heart of the historic district. Older residents tell me that this was once an area teeming with families, and I’m happy to say that there are increasing numbers of families with young children returning to our neighborhood.

In November 2016, I wrote a personal letter to our first selectman to beg his attention to the high-speed traffic in the heart of our village, particularly on North and South Streets, where there are no traffic lights. I received no response for months in spite of a follow-up call to his office.

I sent my letter a second time and eventually received a perfunctory response, suggesting that speeding should be dealt with everywhere in town, not simply in the heart of the village. I thought at the time that this response was dismissive, given that the most attention where traffic is concerned should be surely be directed to more densely populated areas of town.

At this time, our crosswalks are negligible for drivers entering and exiting town at speeds upwards of 50 mph in a 35 mph zone. One of the crosswalks is close to our library, which serves over 300 patrons daily, many of whom are elderly, teens, or children. Another crosswalk is directly in front of the busy post office. I personally have had a driver screech to a halt when my 5-year-old daughter and I approached this particular crossing.

In short, the center of Litchfield is dangerous for pedestrians. Along with other neighbors, I have on occasion respectfully asked our local state troopers to stop and fine speeders, and they have been more than happy to do so, though of course, not on any sort of regular basis, given their other obligations.

I am aware that other citizens have likewise complained about this problem to the first selectman, both in person and in writing. The Board of Selectmen has taken no tangible action whatsoever to date. Nor has it communicated any intention of taking this issue seriously. Must we wait for a tragedy to redirect their time and attention away from a new town hall and toward something that surely matters more, that is, the safety of our residents and visitors? Todd Johnson, Litchfield