Hartford has wisely decided to commission a study that could lead to a major redesign of Trumbull Street in the heart of downtown.

Director of Development Services John Palmieri said the city will ask three consultants to submit proposals. One will then be selected to come up with a plan to create a pedestrian-friendly environment along Trumbull, a key north-south artery extending from Bushnell Park to I-84.

Trumbull Street is an important component of public-private efforts to spark a center city rebirth. Investors are pouring millions of dollars into office, hotel, retail and residential projects along a five-block stretch that includes the civic center.

Evidence of investor confidence is the recent $65 million purchase of the Prudential Building at Trumbull and Church streets. Grunberg Realty of Manhattan paid more than three times what the 28-story office tower sold for just seven years ago -- a sure sign that Grunberg is bu! llish on Hartford's future.

Until now, however, the city had no specific vision for turning Trumbull Street into an inviting magnet for shoppers, visitors, diners and workers.

Across the nation, many old cities are redesigning urban streets to incorporate pedestrian amenities, such as more frequent and wider crosswalks made of brick pavers. Other improvements include longer walk signals, wider islands with shade trees, brick sidewalks, better lighting, street furniture and helpful signage.

Those features will soon grace Columbus Boulevard next to the Connecticut Convention Center and a mile-long stretch of Park Street.

Leaving Trumbull Street in its present condition, with broken pavement, rusting streetlights and a generally ugly appearance, would be an embarrassment for a city on the rebound.

Mr. Palmieri says the city may have a recommended plan of action in about three months. The public should be given a chance to comment.

City! officials also plan to consult property owners along the street -- a wise move because they have a large stake in the appearance and safety of the thoroughfare outside their front doors.

City hall also would do well to consult with Ken Greenberg, the urban planner who called Trumbull Street a relic of an era when streets catered to vehicles and pedestrians were an afterthought.

Finally, the city can enlist the help of the Capital City Economic Development Authority, which has a good track record -- including its role in the Columbus Boulevard redesign -- and has indicated a willingness to help with Trumbull Street.

The Hartford Courant