The purpose of this chapter is to provide a formal process for community organizations to apply for the installation of artistic community crosswalks in Stratford, ensuring that such installations are safe, inclusive, and enhance public space.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town Council of the Town of Stratford 11-10-2025 by Ord. No. 25-12. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A pedestrian crosswalk that integrates decorative, non-standard visual art as a surface treatment, while retaining the function and safety of a standard crosswalk.
Any Stratford-based nonprofit organization, school, civic group, or recognized neighborhood association with a demonstrated connection to the community.
A crosswalk that meets the specifications outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices ("MUTCD") and applicable Connecticut state traffic laws.
A.
Applicants are responsible for obtaining and evidencing support from neighboring property owners and tenants about the proposed project, and for obtaining strong community support for the design proposed. Applicants are responsible for providing a letter and explanation, including Town contact information, and a copy of the proposed design to all property owners and commercial tenants (if applicable) within 200 feet of the proposed sidewalk location.
B.
Applicants must submit a completed Artistic Community Crosswalk Application to the Stratford Traffic Authority.
C.
The application must include:
(1)
Proposed location and cross-street boundaries.
(2)
Scaled design mock-up (digital or hand-drawn).
(3)
Description of the artistic vision and community significance.
(4)
Detailed installation method and materials, maintenance and upkeep plan, and a cost estimate.
(5)
Proof of community support (e.g., letters from nearby residents, businesses, or community groups); a minimum of three letters of support from neighborhood organizations (e.g. the BRBC, neighborhood businesses, adjacent school, the neighborhood association).
(6)
Certificate of insurance or signed indemnity agreement.
D.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
A.
The Stratford Traffic Authority, in consultation with the Town Department of Public Works and Office of Planning & Zoning, will review applications from eligible applicants based on:
B.
Upon technical approval, applications will be forwarded to the Stratford Town Council for final review and public comment.
C.
The Town reserves the right to impose conditions on the granting of any application, such as adjustments to the design or installation procedures.
A.
Installation must occur under supervision of the Town Department of Public Works or by a contractor approved by the Town.
B.
The applicant is responsible for all associated costs, unless alternate funding is approved by the Council.
C.
Approved artwork must be maintained in good condition. If the artwork fades, peels, or becomes hazardous, the Town may remove it or request maintenance by the applicant.
A.
Crosswalks will NOT be considered if there are Town infrastructure projects scheduled within two years in the area.
B.
Crosswalks MUST contain two white transverse lines with reflectivity to be compliant with minimum crosswalk standards. Artwork must be contained within the two transverse lines.
C.
While creativity and artistic innovation is encouraged, artistic community crosswalk treatments cannot obscure or interfere with regulatory crosswalk markings needed for safety and must comply with Federal Highway Administration official Interpretation of the MUTCD direction regarding decorative crosswalks and aesthetic surface treatments.
D.
Where existing standard crosswalk markings have a continental style, decorative elements may be added only between the bars (10 feet wide x two feet deep, four feet between the bars).
E.
Artwork shall not contain the colors white, yellow, or red in a way which could be confused as traffic control devices. Shapes that can be confused with traffic control devices are also not allowed, such as octagons or triangles.
F.
No logos, text, or advertising can be installed as part of the crosswalk. Designs must not include commercial advertising, political messages, offensive language, or images that may confuse or distract drivers.
G.
The Town of Stratford maintains full ownership and jurisdiction over all right-of-way areas.
H.
The artistic community crosswalk will remain in place for a period of one year from installation, with an opportunity to seek approval, through the Council, for one, 12-month renewal at the request of the applicant within 60 days of the anniversary of its installment. After the second 12-month approval, applicants may seek reapproval indefinitely every two years at the approval of the Council.