Committee accepts Yale's proposed Farmington Canal Greenway lighting improvements, with conditions

The City Services & Environmental Policy Committee voted Thursday to accept Yale University's offer to install lighting and associated improvements along portions of the Farmington Canal Greenway that run on city-owned land.

City Engineer Giovanni Zinn described the project as Yale-funded construction of city-standard LED fixtures, poles and conduit along the corridor from Scantlebury Park north to Division Street. "They will be getting the power from existing electric services," Zinn said, adding Yale hired the engineer and incorporated city comments into the design. Zinn said the work will proceed under permits and the university will perform the installation.

Several residents praised improved lighting for safety but urged the city to complete some unfinished segments that date to earlier projects. "We still have holes in the ground, for utility boxes and electrical wiring," trails advocate Aaron Goode said, asking that city-priority gaps between Thompson and Ivy/Hazel streets be addressed alongside Yale's work.

Committee members said they welcome donated improvements but noted the city should ensure existing incomplete infrastructure is prioritized. The committee approved the item by voice vote; alderpersons recorded unanimous "ayes" with no roll-call tally taken.

Next steps: the city will accept the improvements when constructed and coordinate schedules and permits with Yale, and staff indicated installation is likely later this summer.