West Haven’s Mayor Dorinda Borer city’s State Delegation announced last week, the city was awarded $2,400,000 for a “Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project” by the State Bonding Commission.
The project includes street paving within a one- to two-mile radius of both Washington and Savin Rock schools. The $2.4 million in state bonding is expected to help with street paving, sidewalks, American with Disabilities Act improvements and crosswalk upgrades, including eight multiway crosswalks at Savin Rock and six at Washington. In addition, aesthetic enhancements will be made, including the planting and painted crosswalks near drop-off areas. Once this project is completed, the areas surrounding Washington and Savin Rock will have the infrastructure necessary to protect individuals traveling by foot.
The project will impact over 700 students attending both schools, officials said. Residents living near each school see higher-than-average traffic during the school year and require more frequent maintenance. Neighbors will also benefit from walkability and the associated environmental benefits from reduced GHG/Motor vehicle emissions.
“This project is about safety, connectivity, accessibility and quality of life for our students, our teachers and the neighbors,” Mayor Borer said.”Savin Rock has the largest elementary enrollment and one of the highest percentages of student population that walks to school, which has all contributed to significant and adverse vehicle and pedestrian traffic impact in recent years which needs to be addressed as they are experiencing increased incidents. These challenges are very similar to the high traffic impact around the V.A. which earlier in 2025 the city was awarded $1.8 million in State funding to assist with the same type of infrastructure investment as well. Additionally, Washington School was just rebuilt but school construction funding did not include funding for the sidewalks around the school. We appreciate that most of these issues will be addressed with the State Bonding. I also want to thank the City’s Grant Writer Olivia Bissanti who has been instrumental in assisting with applications to the State for funding.
The bonding request submitted to the State Bonding Commission was supported in large part by the State Delegation consisting of Sen. James Maroney (D-14), State Reps. Trenee McGee(D-116), Bill Heffernan (D-115), and MJ Shannon (D-117).
“This investment will ensure that students have a safer commute to school each day, whether they walk, ride a bike, or get a ride,” said Sen. Maroney. “These upgrades will improve the immediate area around the schools, and also focus on creating safe, accessible routes throughout the surrounding neighborhoods. It’s a smart step forward for both student safety and community well-being.”
“I believe any project intended to create a safer environment, especially around our schools, should move forward as quickly as possible,” Rep. McGee said. “The Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project is a win for the students, Washington and Savin Rock Schools, and residents in the areas surrounding both schools
“We always want to keep our pedestrians and students safe, and this project – with this funding – will help do that,” said Rep. Heffernan. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for helping make this project possible by including funds on the bond agenda.”
Work is expected to begin in late fall 2025 and early spring 2026.