At the latest Rangeley Lakes Board of Selectmen meeting held on December 4th, the spotlight was on the Oquossoc Village Transportation Study Public Meeting, with many residents in attendance voicing their concerns. Town Manager Joe Roach provided a recap, emphasizing the town’s commitment to enhancing downtown elements like traffic flow, pedestrian systems, and aesthetics. Safety concerns, particularly regarding sidewalks and the aging bridge, were discussed. The importance of creating shared streets to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and cars was emphasized, underscoring the need for more community input.
Marc Edwards from the Natural Resources Council of Maine addressed the board. He highlighted his role in regional outreach in Franklin County, focusing on community concerns about environmental issues. NRCM is proposing a $30 million Trails Bond, with a 10% match, to address funding needs for trail development, maintenance, and design for both motorized and non-motorized trails.
Moving forward with Consent Items, the Selectmen discussed the Oquossoc Village Transportation Study and took into account concerns raised by the community. A workshop was scheduled to be held on January 16th, 2024, at 5:30 pm. It will delve into crafting a plan for voters on the town warrant, taking into account the concerns of the residents who spoke tonight. The meeting also saw approvals for the Rangeley Skating Club’s Pond Hockey Festival event permit and three Budget Committee appointments.
Noteworthy decisions for the 2023 Municipal Trail Grant-In-Aid Program included appointing Leon Libby as Project Director and authorizing the Town Manager to sign. The board also greenlit a letter addressing safety concerns on Route 4 headed toward Phillips between the 50 mph sign and Overlook Road being forwarded to Maine DOT. The board also gave the go-ahead to invite Richard King to speak on Rural Trauma at a future meeting.
The meeting concluded, underscoring the multifaceted and continuous endeavors within the Rangeley community.
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