Haymarket Common/Main Street Improvement Plans

Haymarket Common & Main Street Improvement Project
The project designates funds to improve two separate town-owned parcels located at 24 Main Street (between Spring Street and 8 Main Street), and 39 Main Street (Haymarket Common gravel lot). These spaces are considered downtown’s most well-used, iconic outdoor public areas, yet remained unfinished. Through a comprehensive design, the project transforms these spaces into an accessible, vibrant, and safe active public plazas for multipurpose uses. The working project scope includes a combination of newly designed paver areas, raised stone planters and sitting walls, a stone pillar entry, flagstone areas, lawn areas, low voltage lighting, various plantings and bed preparations, a natural stone fireplace with gas burner, irrigation, utilities shed, public are including a vintage “Welcome to Stafford” mural , and a community kiosk for posting notices and public information.

The Haymarket Common and Main Street Improvement Project leverages Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery. Overall, the investment is part of a comprehensive effort to restore Downtown neighborhoods, support adjacent businesses, promote positive social interactions, and enhances accessibility and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood features. Local Improvement Impact: The enhanced pedestrian environment is designed to simulate economic activity as a place for community members and visitors to gather and celebrate. The space will serve as a venue for special events, cultural activities, arts programs, and create greater community livability; Addresses needs of the Stafford Garden Club with the addition of centralized water access.

The project responds to feedback from the Town’s community outreach ARPA Input Survey, feedback from downtown businesses and civic organizations, and overall citizens’ desire for green space projects, Main Street/downtown enhancements, and built environment investments; Follow directives of the Town of Stafford Plan of Conservation and Development to develop Downtown green spaces and parks and create spaces for pop-up uses and events; Benefits local businesses and the streetscape through improved aesthetics, seating, and street activity.

Project eligibility to the U.S. Department of Treasury Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Interim Final Rule:

Project is located within a federal priority funding area based on census tract data.
Capital investment in business district.
Supports community engagement and enjoyment of public space
Encourages walkability and cycling by drawing people to the street while fostering a safe, open environment
Benefits local businesses and the streetscape through improved aesthetics, seating, and street activity

Local improvement impact:

Compliments downtown events/activities including Trick-or-Treat on Main Street, WinterFest, Arts on Main, Stafford Arts Commission events, Hyde Park happenings, and more.
Address needs of the Stafford Garden Club with the addition of centralized water access.
The concept plan includes new planting areas and raised beds.
Incorporates Art Commission projects, including a vintage “Welcome to Stafford” mural and installation of an outdoor community bulletin board.
Responds to feedback from the Town’s community outreach survey and citizens’ desire for development projects, Main Street/downtown enhancements, and built environment investments.

Stafford Plan of Conservation and Development:

The town should supplement Hay Market Square with additional park amenities at 31 Main Street. The small vacant areas along Main Street should be landscaped into pocket parks. 103 Main Street should be developed into a park and act as a gateway to downtown. The town should utilize and support the efforts of the garden club to beautify the area.
Promote “pop up” uses and events in the small parks along Main Street.

Notice of Tree Removal
In accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Title 23. Parks, Forests and Public Shade Trees § 23-29, a “Notice of Tree Removal” was posted on May 10, 2023, by the Town of Stafford. The trees of note are located near the corner of Spring and Main Streets.

Below are the conditions that triggered consideration to remove and replace these four (4) trees:

Incorrect tree species for its location; have grown beyond appropriate size for maintenance, minimizing its future viability.
To allow for excavation, prep work, and installation of new pavers at seating and bench areas, to improve ADA accessibility and use.
To make required infrastructure repairs (sidewalk, street, curb/gutter).
Construction related activities will negatively impact the viability of the tree to the extent that it is unlikely to survive.

Replacement of Consideration: Cleveland Select Pear (height: ≥15’)
A public tree pruning strategy will be in effect to ensure vitality, minimize conflicts, and promote a full healthy height and breadth.
Download "Notice of Tree Removal" document

Working Construction Design
Download Project Design & Plan

Haymarket Plan