Limestone offered 90 percent discount to expand sidewalks
LIMESTONE, Maine — Citizens and Selectpeople discussed the pros and cons of adding sidewalks to roads commonly traveled by kids on their way to school. A recent public hearing, which was led by Patrick Adams, bicycle and pedestrian coordinator for the state of Maine, gave residents a chance to ask questions about the potential project and voice their views.
The people of Limestone will ultimately decide whether or not the project comes to fruition, as the town manager and Selectpeople opted to hold a special town meeting in the near future, which will allow the people of Limestone to decide if the project is worth the estimated $53,390.
The public hearing, held in the Limestone Town Office at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, gave Adams an opportunity to answer questions about the project, and the town’s opportunity to take advantage of state and federal grants, that would cover 90 percent of the costs.
Based on the cost estimates, Limestone could save half a million dollars by accepting the offer. However, taxpayers would be responsible for the other 10 percent, or $53,390. Some in attendance believed the project would be a great benefit to their children’s safety, while others felt the town should not be spending any extra tax money.
Estimated costs for the project are broken down into four parts: a High Street sidewalk from Vernon Street to Foster Avenue, a Huggard Avenue sidewalk from High Street to Main Street, a Main Street pathway from Foster Avenue and Albert Michaud Park, and safety improvements to Main Street. Respectively, these four parts are estimated to cost $350,000, $55,500, $98,400, and $30,000, bringing the total cost (without state and federal grants) to $533,900.
“The biggest challenge is putting in an asphalt paved sidewalk, at least five feet wide, on the west side of High Street,” said Adams. “As you know, when you come through this area, there are several areas where lawns slope up, so there will be a need for some retaining walls. There would be drainage issues that we’d have to address on the way as well.”
Former Limestone Selectman Paul Poitras asked Adams when his department needs to be notified of the town’s decision before starting the project.
“In order for me to get it into the next cycle, I have to know by August 31st,” Adams said. “The challenge I have is that this application was first received in 2012. It’s been sitting for a long time, and when I started with the department I was asked to do something about old projects. We have money set aside for this project right now that we are not able to use for other projects.”
Selectboard Chairman Fred Pelletier asked when the town would have to start putting money into the project.
“At this point and time I need an assurance from the town that they are willing to meet their obligations for the federal match. With that, I can move forward. Actual expenditures will be determined when the town has to liquify that obligation. The town doesn’t have to give the state $53,390 all at once. As you expend, you would send the state a bill for 90 percent of those funds.”
According to the state pedestrian coordinator, the timeline for the project, if it is approved, would be to finish the design and conceptual aspect by 2018 and begin construction by 2019. Adams added that, in this case, the bulk of the costs would occur in 2019.
Selectmen Tom Albert commented on future maintenance costs that would occur once construction is complete.
“$53,390 is a mil,” said Albert, “and we have to maintain these sidewalks, so it doesn’t end there. That’s not the end of this project. The project continues to grow for us every day. We have a hard enough time plowing all the sidewalks in the winter. So now we’re adding another section of sidewalks.”
“I’m 55 years old, and in 55 years there hasn’t been a sidewalk on that road,” Albert added, referring to High Street. “You’ve got more protection now, because you’ve got stop signs on every one of these roads. When I was a kid, that was a race after school.”
A few community members responded, “it still is,” in unison.
Selectperson Melissa Devoe offered a different perspective on the issue.
“I’m sitting up here on the opposite end of the issue because I have a child who has to walk up that road,” Devoe said. “I’ve driven that road daily and there have been quite a few times where I’ve almost seen kids get hit because it’s slippery. If a car fishtails at one of those stop signs, the kids don’t have anywhere to go. How do you put a price tag on a child’s safety?”
After hearing numerous perspectives on the issue, Adams agreed to extend the August 31st deadline by one month, allowing the town of Limestone to schedule a special town meeting in the near future, giving residents a chance to ask more questions and make a final decision.
