We, a group of Beaver Hills residents and concerned citizens, are requesting that the Board of Alders approve the City of New Haven's request to construct new sidewalks on the south side of Crescent St. We would like sidewalks to be constructed on Crescent St. between Ella T. Grasso Blvd and Colony Rd, and on Bellevue Rd (adjacent to 505 Bellevue Rd.)

Because of the current lack of sidewalks, Beaver Hills residents are forced to walk across our neighbors' lawns, walk in the non-existent shoulder of Crescent Street, or cross the very busy Crescent St. street without a crosswalk. This is especially dangerous for the many of us with young children who regularly visit Beaver Ponds Park, including members of the Friends of Beaver Ponds Park. In addition, many of our neighbors are not allowed to drive on Saturdays because of their religious beliefs, and so it is even more important that our neighborhood be walkable and connected.  Because Crescent St. is a walking artery for students, faculty, and staff at SCSU and Hillhouse High School and because both of these institutions often host large events that people walk to or park on Crescent St. and walk to, that increases the pedestrian traffic on Crescent St. However, since there are missing pieces of sidewalk along Bellevue and Crescent St., it very difficult to move easily around the neighborhood or to go to Beaver Ponds Park. We ask the Board of Alders to approve the construction of sidewalks to keep us and our neighbors safe.

Sidewalk installations by the City (where none exist previously) require an act of the full Board of Alders per the Code of General Ordinances (Sec 27-102(b)), so we strongly urge that the Board of Alders approve this request and increase the safety and walkability of our neighborhood.