WFSB Channel 3Bristol seeks to improve Route 72 business corridor

Bristol seeks to improve Route 72 business corridor

The city of Bristol is looking for public input on plans to improve the Route 72 business corridor.

Leaders have proposed zoning changes for the route, also known as Riverside Avenue, from Main Street eastward to the Plainville line.

Walter Ploszaj says ever since the Route 72 bypass was completed, the number of customers at his hardware store  has gone down.

"Definitely, something needs to be done," he said.

City leaders have proposed a set of zoning changes to make the area more attractive and improve traffic flow by reducing the number of driveways.

Another idea calls for creating a new business zone in the area that would restrict certain future businesses to improve the look of the gateway to downtown.

"The feeling of the zoning commission is that automotive uses tend to be less attractive," said Alan Weiner, the town's city planner.

Current businesses would be exempt from the changes.

The city has planned two informal meetings for the public to get more information about the proposed changes. The meetings takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday at Nucchies Restaurant in Forestville, the other is set for 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday at Tunxis Community College's downtown Bristol campus on North Main Street.

Copyright 2012 WFSB (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.