Enfield Set for Biggest Housing and Population Growth in Decades

Image
Open space and existing homes — the balance Enfield must navigate as new housing proposals emerge. Enfield is quietly on the verge of its largest housing expansion in decades. Over the past several years, the town has approved or is reviewing projects that together could add nearly 1,400 units — most of them smaller, rental apartments. If built, these developments would bring about 2,300 to 2,600 new residents to town. The town needs this new housing. Enfield's population is flat. It's getting older. Young people are declining. Our job market growth is flat. (see appendix)  Young People Are Key Without young people, Enfield will face a long and persistent decline and soaring taxes. We're surrounded by communities that help underpin our commercial sector that are seeing similar demographic shifts. Enfield Has 5,000 Fewer Residents Than in 1970 In 1970, our population was 46,200. The U.S. includes prisoners in the local population, but our prison population at that time was n...

An impossible bicycle and pedestrian crossing in Enfield




Enfield's central shopping area is not pedestrian and bicycle friendly. The Phoenix Ave and Hazard Ave. intersection is especially difficult. There are no crosswalks. There is no sidewalk on the Southeast side of Phoenix. The sidewalk on the Southwest side of Phoenix ends abruptly. There is no crosswalk for reaching the "Push button for green light" walk light. This traffic crossing -- absent the standard walk/don't walk signage -- is difficult to deal with.

This intersection was not designed to help pedestrians or bicyclists. It is a hazard to them. It's fair to call it hostile to walkers.


Comments