The city has agreed to fund a $125,000 study of a modern streetcar circulator connecting several redevelopment areas with the office-retail core downtown. The 2.3-mi. (3.7 km) route is tentatively slated to start at Washington Boulevard and Atlantic Street in the South End and serve the railroad station, Landmark Square, Ridgeway Shopping Center and Bulls Head. “This is a little bit like back to the future,” said Stamford Mayor Dannel Malloy during a news conference. “We're convinced this makes a lot of sense in a city like Stamford. We know we have the ridership.” However, added Malloy, the project will need federal funding and will take time to complete. “It is a long-term project,” he said. The mayor said the rail link should stimulate transit oriented development both downtown and in surrounding areas, expand the customer base for existing downtown businesses and enhance the value of downtown office, retail and residential development. City officials say they hope to select a consultant for the six-month feasibility study before the end of December.
