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The Village for the Arts is Almost Complete

Although locals and visitors have had to cope with a myriad of orange cones marking spotty gravel areas and uneven roadways, the light at the end of the tunnel is shining on the downtown Ivoryton makeover project, and the goal of creating a “Village for the Arts” has been achieved.

Ninety eight percent finished, the highly traveled zone of downtown Ivoryton now boasts new sidewalks, enhanced pedestrian and vehicle safety, new road surfaces, extra parking, a defined, shared “Village Center” intersection at Main Street and Summit Street, and a welcoming, pedestrian-friendly center, which is already being used weekly during Saturday morning Farmer’s Markets and evening, outdoor concerts.

The design/grant committee chaired by Selectman Stacia Libby is proud of the project’s outcome, which creates a walkable village core that promotes historic Ivoryton and improves safety by producing a more cohesive traffic flow surrounding the Ivoryton Playhouse and the downtown area. The work was completed by Bristol-based Martin Laviero Contractors, Inc., (which has done work updating the downtown area of Essex) and overseen by Essex Public Works Director David Caroline.

“As the downtown Ivoryton revitalization project nears completion, I would like to express my gratitude for the patience and understanding demonstrated by our residents, business owners, and visitors,” said Libby.

She added, “In addition to improving the overall appearance of downtown Ivoryton, a primary goal was to increase safety for pedestrian and vehicle traffic. The new sidewalks, crosswalks, and walking access points have without a doubt made our community safer for all and I am extremely pleased with all that has been accomplished.”

Beginning last spring with a night-time water main replacement and reconstruction, this project was funded by a $435,000 state Main Street Investment Fund grant awarded in July 2013.

“I think this is the first significant upgrade that the Ivoryton center has received in the past 75 years and I think it is a terrific job done by all,” said First Selectman Norm Needleman.

Libby said, “The problem that existed, which we worked to remedy, was that when plays let out, there was a substantial increase in pedestrian traffic in the area, and cars still drove through this section of town very quickly. Now this area is safer at all times.”