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ENFIELD TOWN COUNCIL
MINUTES OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING
DECEMBER 18, 2000
A Public Information Meeting was held in the Council Chambers of the Enfield Town Hall, 820 Enfield Street, Enfield, Connecticut on Monday, December 18, 2000. Chairwoman Strom called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m.
ROLL-CALL Present were Councilmen Dodd, Egan, Falk, Fiore, Giddings, Hall, Kaupin, Mangini, McGuire, Strom, and Vayda. Also present were Town Manager, Scott A. Shanley; Assistant Town Manager, Daniel T. Vindigni; Town Clerk, Suzanne F. Olechnicki; Director of Public Works, John Kazmarski and Town Engineer, Jeffrey Bord.
This Public Information Meeting was scheduled to allow interested residents, business owners, and other interested individuals an opportunity to discuss the preliminary plans for the improvements planned along Post Office/Town Farm Road from Abbe Road to Raffia Road.
Present from the Department of Transportation was Thomas Borden.
Mr. Kazmarski stated the purpose of this meeting was to allow people living in and around the area of Town Farm Road and Post Office Road an opportunity to review an impending project that the Town of Enfield submitted through Nancy Johnsons office in May of 1998. He noted this was included in the high priority program under the current federal transportation bill.
He explained this project consists of a full reconstruction and minor widening of Post Office Road and Town Farm Road, adding a ten-foot wide bikeway/sidewalk from Raffia Road to Abbe Road. He noted the length of the project is approximately 1.3 miles. He stated they currently have about $1,250,000 available through federal and state funding. He noted the State DOT has estimated the entire project at $3.2 million dollars. He stated the difference from the estimated cost and the funding the Town currently has available they hope to make up through either other state and/or federal grants. He noted they will be submitting this project probably as the Towns highest priority project in the February go-around for the Capitol Region Council of Governments for the next round of federal funding that will be coming down in approximately two years. He stated at about that time they should be able to put this out to bid.
Mr. Kazmarski stated the Town is considering electing the option to fund the entire design of the project, and they recommend when they do the design, they do the entire project, including the intersection improvements at Raffia and Abbe Roads.
He stated if the needed funding does not become available, they will then take a look at how the project can be broken down into various phases and what would be logical to be built first and then in subsequent years a second or third phase if that became necessary.
Mr. Bord stated this involves approximately 8,000 feet of reconstruction starting at the intersection of Raffia Road, Simon Road and Post Office Road and continuing to Abbe Road at the other end with Wallop School Road intersection in the middle.
Mr. Bord used an illustration to point out vertical and horizontal alignment problems with sharp curves, and limited sight distances. He spoke about the intersection improvement at Raffia and Simon. He noted currently theres an "X" configuration with accidents occurring in that area. He pointed out people arent certain when its their time to proceed, however, this alignment would be an attempt to make this intersection more perpendicular.
Mr. Bord spoke about a major culvert crossing in the eastern section, and theyve had erosion problems and the undermining of the existing culvert. He explained this is a 24" pipe, and it needs to be removed and the area reconstructed.
He stated there are drainage problems on the sides of the road heading towards Wallop School Road and Town Farm Road, and there is also sharp vertical and horizontal curvature in this area.
Mr. Bord stated the new design proposes a 30 wide roadway with bituminous curbs the entire length with a four-foot snow shelf or grass strip on the north side, and on the other side of that to the north, a ten-foot multi-purpose bikeway/sidewalk, which will run from JFK Middle School all the way to Abbe Road. He noted this is a dangerous area for bikers and pedestrians and sight lines should be improved.
He stated the bikeway could eventually extend to the Presidential subdivision or to the Neelans and Abbe Road area to the south. He added such a bikeway could lead to the future Scantic River and Frank Mancuso Parks.
Mr. Borden clarified where they stand in the process. He noted the illustrations on display this evening are conceptual layouts. He pointed out the design for this project has not started. He stated the idea is to seek public involvement and public input. He noted they will then request support from the Town Council via a resolution supporting the project, and at that point, the Town would start the design phase for the project. He stated they anticipate the design phase could last between one and two years, depending on the permit process. He pointed out the bikeway will necessitate a new crossing of the Scantic River, and there will also be property impacts for grading. He noted acquiring properties takes a certain duration to accomplish. He anticipated that should be done within two years. He noted there would be easements and partial property takes, however, there are no total takes expected on this project. He pointed out one house is very close to the road.
Councilman Dodd referred to the bikeway crossing at the bridge and questioned whether this will be a bridge expansion or an add-on for the bikeway. Mr. Kazmarski stated according to this plan, its a new structure and a complete separate entity. He noted theres the possibility of some other alternatives, however, this seemed the most feasible at this point in time.
Councilman Dodd questioned what will the width of the road be, and Mr. Kazmarski responded 30 and added there will be two 11-foot lanes in either direction with four-foot shoulders on either side.
Councilman Dodd questioned whether the four-foot shoulder will be adequate without throwing snow onto the bike path. Mr. Kazmarski stated they believe a four-foot snow shelf is better than some other areas in town.
Councilman Dodd questioned who will be responsible for the clearing of the walkway. Mr. Kazmarski stated probably the Town will be responsible for the entire bikeway, or as in other towns, the bikeway could be closed during the winter months.
Councilman Dodd questioned whether any turning lanes are planned. Mr. Bord responded not at this point. Councilman Dodd questioned whether its wide enough to accommodate a left-turn lane later only. Mr. Borden stated Wallop School Road would be a good location for a bypass area, however, it would not be an exclusive left-turn lane.
Mr. Vindigni stated it may also be necessary to do something near Frank Mancuso recreational area once that comes on line.
Councilman Falk stated eventually a street might be coming out of the area of the landfill because a housing development was proposed in this area.
Councilman Giddings pointed out according to biking laws, bikes are not supposed to be ridden on sidewalks. He questioned whether those laws have been changed over the past 30 years. Mr. Kazmarski stated its legal for bikes to ride on designated bikeways. He pointed out this proposed bikeway would be ten-feet wide, and the standard sidewalk is generally four-feet wide.
Councilman Vayda questioned whether the shoulder of the new road would be a soft shoulder, and Mr. Bord noted this shoulder will be paved right up to the bituminous curb.
Councilman Vayda questioned whether the intersection at Post Office and Raffia would still be a four-way stop. Mr. Kazmarski stated at this point in time, they are looking at just a four-way stop, however, the state has indicated it may warrant a signal light if future traffic volume increases.
Councilman Vayda questioned if the old entrance to the landfill is part of this project, or is that part of the landfill closure project. Mr. Bord noted that would not be part of this project.
Councilman Egan questioned how long the project would take if the finalized plans are put into motion. Mr. Kazmarski estimated the design would take about two years, construction would be a two-year process, therefore, the total time would be at least four years.
William Ballard, 321 Abbe Road
Questioned if theres a plan that can be distributed to show what properties the Town would be going after and how the intersection will look. He questioned why the project couldnt be done as the road exists now. Mr. Kazmarski stated at this point its difficult to say what kind of impact this would be having on each and every property. He noted there will be a 30% design completion phase at which point they will have much more detailed plans available and those could be made available to the general public with the concurrence of the Mayor and the Council. He added at that 30% design phase, another public hearing will be scheduled.
Mr. Ballard voiced concern about increased speed if the road is straightened. He feels these improvements do not guarantee the accident rate will be decreased. He added he does like the idea of the bikeway.
Keith Williams, 88 Weymouth School Road
Stated his belief bikeways enhance surrounding neighborhoods and increase property values.
Mr. Williams stated his belief they cannot accommodate the proposed width between his and the Weiner property without having to acquire some land. He stated he will not give up any of his property because he doesnt have much to begin with. Noting the design calls for a 30-foot road, a ten-foot bike path and a four-foot shoulder, Mr. Williams stated his belief theres not that much room in the area of his property and the Weiner property.
Margo Kamerer, 126 Town Farm Road
Stated she does have concerns for homeowners in the area. She went on to state her belief this is a good idea because this road is horrendous to travel. She feels if something can be worked out with the homeowners, it would be a great idea.
Daniel Beaudry, 89 Town Farm Road
Voiced concern about road work causing damage to his very old home. Mr. Borden stated when the contract is awarded, there will be an insurance representative doing surveys, and they can take pictures of the older houses. He explained they can minimize vibration in the vicinity of older homes.
Mr. Beaudry stated his belief the bike trail is a good idea. He went on to voice concern about increased speeding if the road is straightened. Mr. Bord stated increased visibility will help prevent accidents.
Mr. Borden stated there has been speed data gathered, and the average speed in both directions is approximately 41 mph. He stated his belief theyre making the road safer by taking out the sharp curves.
Frank Kadis, 13 Vernon Road
Questioned if theyll be putting in storm drains in the area of the access road to Holy Family Church. Mr. Bord stated there will be an underground drainage system. Mr. Kadis questioned if this will incur any expense to the church, and Mr. Bord responded no.
Michael Flaherty, 210 Abbe Road
Questioned if they plan any road alignment near Abbe Road. Mr. Kazmarski stated the north/south leg will be more straight on. He pointed out this is a preliminary plan.
Mr. Flaherty questioned if theyll be "dumping" the bike way right into the intersection. Mr. Borden stated they want to be sure vehicles can see bikers and pedestrians getting off the bikeway.
Mr. Flaherty questioned if theres any future discussion of sidewalks on Abbe Road anticipated. Mr. Bord stated perhaps in the future. Mr. Kazmarski added that would not be part of this project.
Mr. Flaherty raised the issue of safety on this bikeway. He pointed out theres a shooting range on this road.
Mitchell Weiner, Post Office Road
Stated his belief a lot of thought should be given to the traffic leading to the landfill. He pointed out theres a steady flow of traffic seven days a week, including many trucks. He added many people do not cover their loads.
Robert Tkacz, 1300 Enfield Street
Stated his belief theyre going down the wrong path making roads straighter, wider, and smoother. He pointed out this increases speeding. He stated pedestrians should have the highest priority.
Nate Lyman, 35 Laughlin Road
Agreed that straightening and widening roads leads to more speeding.
Ann Picard, Sapphire Street
Stated her belief this area is beautiful as it is, and she feels this work will not be aesthetically pleasing. She added pedestrians rarely use this road.
Chairwoman Strom stated if anyone else has any comments or ideas on how to make this a better project, they may contact the Town Managers Office. She pointed out a lot of work still needs to be done.
As no others wished to speak, Chairwoman Strom closed the Public Hearing at 7:59 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeannette Lamontagne
Secretary to the Council
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By Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Suzanne F. Olechnicki
Town Clerk
Clerk of the Council
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