Stamford is defined by Bedford Street. The Bedford strip is full of popular restaurants that act as a commercial center while the Ferguson Library and Latham Park act as bookends on either side. If you've never visited Stamford before, Bedford Street is a common first stop in getting to know the city. 

Unfortunately, Bedford Street is defined by anti-social behavior.

Loud cars — driven by people who don't live here — rev down the street constantly. Cars double park (or triple park!) constantly. Drivers speed recklessly. Unsurprisingly, the Forest/Bedford crosswalk is one of the most dangerous locations in the city for pedestrians.

Meanwhile, the young generations in Stamford are looking for community spaces — places where teenagers can meet their friends, young adults can spend a night out, or families can enjoy outdoor dining. These pro-social activities are why people love Bedford Street and Stamford.

The public is in agreement, we just need to organize to get it done!

A recent poll in Stamford showed 80 percent of residents support closing Bedford Street!

This petition isn't "public awareness." We're going for results.

Signing this petition means you support the following actions:

• A resolution from the city board. The Board of Representatives drafts and passes a resolution expressing their support for the Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Bureau of the City of Stamford's Operations Department to prioritize making Bedford Street a pedestrian-priority community space. A "pedestrian-priority community space" may include:
  • Closing the roadway to all motor vehicle traffic.
  • Closing the roadway via bollards, enabling public transit (busses) to access the roadway at low speeds to maintain current bus routes.
  • Raising the existing roadway to encourage significantly slower speeds for all motor vehicles.
  • Installing a bike lane.
  • Or any other infrastructure investments to enable a pedestrian-priority community space."
• A pledge from the Mayor. The current/future Mayor of Stamford announces their intention to close Bedford Street by Fall 2026.
• A budget from the Mayor's Office. The current and/or future Mayor of Stamford submits a budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 for capital projects or department priorities enhancing Bedford Street into a pedestrian-priority community space. This may include:
  • Enhanced lighting.
  • Landscaping.
  • Street furniture.
  • Police enforcement of anti-social behavior.
  • Facilitation of event permits.

Why does this matter?

• It's good for people! Community spaces are essential to pushing back on anti-social trends such as social isolation and over-reliance on online communities proven to increase anxiety and depression.
• It's good for business! Walkable spaces have been proven around the country to drive revenue to local businesses and reduce the tax burden for maintaining infrastructure.
• It's good for Stamford! We're not one of those Connecticut cities that can rely on a state grant to do big projects. Closing Bedford Street would remind Stamford residents we can get big projects done with a little coordination and commitment. 

Help us out with the following:

• Sign the petition.
• Share the petition with your network. 
• Tell your city representative you support the petition (look up your rep's contact here). 
• Tell all candidates running for mayor in this year's local election (November 4) you support Closing Bedford Street.