WOODSTOCK – A public hearing concerning the planned installation of a truck lane on Merrifield Hill in Bryant Pond is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27, in the meeting room at the town office.
The hearing, which will be run by representatives of the Maine Department of Transportation, will show and explain the plans for the project and give people a chance to ask questions and present their ideas.
Town Manager Vern Maxfield said there’s some controversy about the project.
“I’ve heard a lot of people say they don’t want to see a truck lane in the hill,” said Maxfield. “I don’t know why, but there seems to be quite a bit of opposition.”
Selectman Leon Poland said he was surprised that people would not want to see a truck lane on Merrifield Hill.
“I would think people would be happy to see the truck lane there. Putting it in will make the hill safer for everyone. Any time people get behind a slow vehicle they’re going to go, and it doesn’t seem to matter to a lot of them whether its in a hill or on a corner or not.”
The project is designed to add the truck lane, widen the shoulders and improve drainage and is being planned for the summer of 2004.
After discussing the Merrifield Hill issue, Maxfield updated selectmen on Phase I of the Concord Pond Road project.
“The project is about 95 percent done and we have spent $15,835 of the $20,000 raised at town meeting last March. We may do some more ditching if the highway crew feels it is needed with the rest of the money.”
Maxfield said there probably will be an article in the town meeting warrant next March seeking money for Phase II, but probably for less money than approved for Phase I.
“We probably will ask for more money for next year, but not $20,000. It probably will be around $10,000 this time,” he said.
In other business, it was decided to put the winter sand storage project out to bid with bids due by 5 p.m. Sept. 23. Bidders are asked to submit their price for 3,000 cubic yards and for them to include screening and delivery.
Also, selectmen are looking for someone willing to serve on the school board until the March town meeting next spring. The need for a new member comes because of the recent resignation of Janet Brown, who has served on the board for the past several years,
Anyone interested is asked to contact Vern Maxfield at the town office.
It was also noted that they would like to find someone who would be interested in continuing after next March to insure continuity in the position.
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