A new New London with upscale improvements

Even Old Man Winter can't detract from the improvements.

By now, even casual observers must have noted the positive changes in downtown New London. From attractive new signs directing drivers to parking, ferries and the downtown National Register Historic District to the almost-finished Parade plaza reconstruction project to the sleek, new black fencing separating Water Street from the railroad tracks - the city center is going upscale.

Anyone who doubts it should take a ride downtown. All the pieces are not in place yet, but by spring, many of them will be.

The centerpiece, reconstruction of the city's most prominent public space, the plaza at the foot of State Street known as the Parade, is nearing completion. The most noticeable change is the sweeping new vistas that have been created. Visitors can see the Thames River and passing vessels now. Exiting Union Station, there are clear lines of sight to shops and restaurants and a view of upper State Street.

New London's "bridge to nowhere," the pedestrian walkway that once linked the Parade plaza to the Water Street parking garage, has been leveled, and soon the small but odoriferous pumping station there will be demolished with parts being relocated underground and in the parking garage.

Outside the garage, an exterior, handicapped-accessible, spanking new glass elevator has been installed. Nearby, the historic Nathan Hale Schoolhouse has been moved - this time we believe for the last time - and stairs, ramps and terraces have replaced the old overgrown earthen berm.

The objective, to make the Parade and adjacent transportation center more accommodating to pedestrians, has been achieved. That doesn't solve all the downtown's problems, but combined with the other improvements, it's a big step forward.

New London Main Street gets credit for the new signs and the attractive "gateways," including landscaping (wait till spring), curbing and new crosswalks near the city's police station.

And the city partnered with Amtrak to replace the dilapidated old 8-foot fence that runs along the railroad tracks on Water Street with a new 6-foot decorative fence from Union Station to Gov. Winthrop Boulevard. A new black chain-link fences runs from there to Crystal Avenue. It is a big improvement that will only get better when the old fence comes down.

Since the early 19th century, New London's Parade has served as a meeting place and transportation hub. But that purpose was bruised in the 1970s when a redesign significantly raised property grades, thwarting pedestrian movement and blocking views.

The latest Parade remake is a new start. The city wants people downtown and back on the plaza. The City Council has already secured funds for a summer concert series, and New London Main Street is working on a project called "Previews on Parade," mini noontime shows on Fridays highlighting upcoming downtown weekend entertainment. They even have plans for restaurants to deliver box lunches to viewers.

We're not Pollyannas. We know New London is a work in progress. But the signs of change are evident all around the downtown.

Go visit if you don't believe us.