Quality of life at issue in West Hartford
I wish to comment on the application to build a large residential building on the former site of the Children’s Museum on Trout Brook Drive in West Hartford. I have lived on Robin Road, around the corner from the proposed development, for over 20 years and have observed various changes.
Blue Back Square has been the biggest change; it has brought positive and negative. Although densely developed, the architecture is well-designed to break up the mass of the buildings, and there is a pleasant variety to the streetscapes. In contrast, the building on Trout Brook will be a big block box. I suggest the scale of the proposed development be reduced and its design reconsidered. It will be larger than its neighbor Hampshire House. Although large, Hampshire House presents a U-shape facade to Farmington that breaks up its street presence. The Delamar is another example of how a large mass can be creatively designed to reduce its visual impact.
The big negative of Blue Back has been increased traffic. As a resident of the neighborhood, I think the conclusion of a recent traffic study is flawed. The addition of 100 more vehicles to these congested streets from the new residential building already under construction, another 100 or so from the building under review, plus the potential of more from a proposed building to replace the West Hartford Inn will further clog this busy area. It has been suggested that some residents will take public transportation or walk. I walk the neighborhood every day; walking is increasingly perilous whether crossing Farmington to get to the bus or going up to Blue Back. Increasing the crossing time at the Farmington and Trout Brook intersection is good, but pedestrians need more safeguards. At minimum this intersection should be posted “no turn on red.”
There is also the issue of parking. Farmington and nearby side streets are lined with parked vehicles at all times. With multiple-bedroom units, the proposed building on Trout Brook does not provide sufficient space for all its renters to park two cars or provide room for guests. I suggest the developer be directed to increase parking.
I encourage the town of West Hartford to proceed thoughtfully. Step back and consider the large mass of this new residential building and its impact on the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Karin Peterson,
West Hartford