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RTM Members, Take Action: Vote YES for the Safe and Livable Streets Ordinance on October 26!

 


We call upon Fairfielders to contact their RTM representatives and encourage bipartisan support for the Safe and Livable Streets Ordinance. This ordinance isn't only about enhancing the quality of life for our fellow Fairfielders; it's about saving lives.


The Department of Transportation (USDOT) has made funding a priority for municipalities that have adopted a Complete Streets ordinance, recognizing passage of an ordinance as municipality's commitment to providing accessible and connected roadways and prioritization of pedestrian and cyclist safety. Bipartisan support of this ordinance increases Fairfield’s chances of receiving a portion of the federal government's $5 billion grant program. The State (CTDOT) has also recently endorsed Safe Streets initiatives, making it mandatory for all State road projects. Other cities like New Britain and Westport have successfully secured Complete Streets grant funding of $32 million and $450,000.


Let's ensure Fairfield gets its fair share. We can follow Westport's lead; they recently received its study grant largely because of RTM bipartisan support of a Safe Streets program and the vocal endorsement by the First Selectperson. 


While some are concerned about perfecting the ordinance and voting in an election year, we urge RTM members to set aside political differences for the safety of our community. The ordinance entails no cost commitments and enables the town to secure available grants, potentially becoming a significant source of revenue.


Fairfield had made excellent progress on this before the pandemic. In 2018, we received national recognition for adopting one of the top ten Complete Street policies in the country, but we have not followed up. If RTM inaction, indecision, and partisanship prevent passage of the Safe and Livable Streets Ordinance it might cause Fairfield to miss out on available funding, and lead to preventable loss of life. 


Complete Streets will require future roadway planning and engineering designs to consider a transit network that serves all users, not just cars.


Here are the four key benefits:


  1. Safety: We've sadly witnessed s pedestrian deaths since 2020, one more this month. Our goal should be zero. Improved road and sidewalk designs can significantly reduce these tragic and avoidable incidents.

  2. Health: A comprehensive network of pedestrian, bicycle, and public transportation facilities promotes physical activity and mental well-being.

  3. Community: Complete Streets enhances local businesses and foster a sense of community, encouraging people to gather in inviting spaces instead of parking lots.

  4. Climate: By reducing car use and encouraging cycling and walking, we contribute to fighting climate change.


Don't delay; it is time for the RTM to take action. Lives are lost in an instant and applying for and receiving grants takes time. Let's build a safer Fairfield where our children can walk or ride their bikes to school, and we can all walk to the beach, downtown, or enjoy our neighborhoods without fear of being struck by the ever present distracted driver.


RTM members, a vote for Safe Streets will demonstrate your commitment to making Fairfield a better place to live and enhance our chances to get a portion of the $5 billion USDOT grant money. Together, we can create a safer and more livable community.

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