Petition for the installation of sidewalks from the intersection of Westland Avenue and Lanyon Drive to the intersection of Lanyon Drive and South Main Street (Route 10)

We, the undersigned residents of the area around Lanyon Drive, respectfully request that the Cheshire Department of Engineering install sidewalks from the existing sidewalk at the intersection of Westland Avenue and Lanyon Drive to the intersection of Lanyon Drive and South Main Street (Route 10) during the next fiscal year.

This request is made to enhance the safety, accessibility, and overall quality of life in our community. As a long-time Cheshire resident, having grown up in town and having attended elementary through high school here, I’ve seen many close calls with pedestrians, especially children, walking on Lanyon. The sidewalk construction is a priority because our neighborhood demographic has changed and many of our children will be walking to the high school in the near future. Cornwall Avenue has sidewalks, but it is out of the way and, for many residents, would constitute a walk greater than 1.5 miles to Cheshire High School. It has come to our attention that the town received a grant several years ago and the sidewalk was supposed to be constructed, but all the residents on Lanyon (between Westland Ave and South Main St) opposed the project, most of them not having school-aged children, likely due to to the perceived inconvenience of snow removal, extra maintenance or aesthetic concerns. The project was canceled and the funds were allocated elsewhere. This is very unfortunate for the safety of our children, as safety is paramount and supersedes convenience. While most of those same residents without school-aged children are still living in the section of Lanyon Ave between Westland Ave and South Main St, the demographic of most of the neighborhood has changed and many children will be walking to Cheshire High School. Cars drive with excessive speed up and down the hill and there is a blind corner at the bottom of Lanyon. We do not want to wait for a tragedy, such as a child being struck by a car, while walking to school before we decide to install a sidewalk. Families also would like to use the sidewalks to get to Bartlem Park, the Community Pool, and to town parades

We propose that that sidewalk be installed for the following reasons:

• Providing a safe route for our children to walk to and from Cheshire High School and school sports at Bartlem Park and the Community Pool
• Enhancing the overall aesthetic and property values of the neighborhood.
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through walking and outdoor activities.

We kindly request the prioritization of the installation of a sidewalk from the existing sidewalk at the intersection of Westland Avenue and Lanyon Drive to the intersection of Lanyon Drive and South Main Street (Route 10).

By signing this petition, we express our support for this initiative and urge the Cheshire Department of Engineering to take urgent action by installing the sidewalk during the next fiscal year.

Contact Information for Petition Organizer:

• Name: Anthony M. Guglielmo
• Address: 366 Westland Ave Cheshire, CT 06410