The Owners' Manual | Issue 14 | Fall/Winter 2018

Milford Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Planning Project The Milford TOD Planning Project was a Connecticut Grant Funded Project that focused on the re-development of key parcels bordering the Milford Train Station and their connection through the downtown core and waterfront areas. The Public Outreach and Engagement Strategy usedduring this project was highlighted by a series of public workshops and site walks that focused on the identification of area assets, existing challenges and opportunities to make stronger connections throughout the downtown area. During the initial workshops and site walks, the design team developed unique maps and questions intended to spur thoughts from participants while they toured the project areas. Groups of 10-15 participants were led by different members of the Design Team. During these site walks through the project area, each group stopped as needed at different assets and/or opportunities to understand a “ground level” perspective of potential options and connections for the eventual Master Plan and Vision developed for the project. Typically, at the following workshop, there was a recap of the previous site walks and review of the

collected data and input. These measures helped to create a positive dynamic and working relationship between the design team, City staff and the participating public. The process was transparent, and all collected data was shared and made available to all. The final product of the initial workshops included a master view of the downtown area and definition of potential improvement projects that could be made to create a more vibrant and well connected downtown area. During workshops conducted during the later stages of the project, the design team provided two concept plans and divided participants into smaller groups to engage and challenge them to identify what they liked or didn’t like about the plans and also, potential edits or improvements that could be made to better reflect the community needs. These workshops yielded successful results and additional input that shaped the ultimate Master Plan. Throughout the planning process the public was heard and engaged and that allowed the community to be able to trust that the Design Team would be able to capture the vision for their community.

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