Politics & Government
Board of Directors Eyes Nearly $12 Million Worth of Municipal Bond Projects
The projects, totaling $11.725 million, would cover a number of municipal repairs and improvements.
The Manchester Board of Directors were presented with a series of municipal construction and improvement projects totaling almost $12 million that could wind up on the ballot for the November referendum as part of its regularly scheduled meeting Monday, July 9, 2013.
The projects include:
- $5 million to continue the town's road paving work.
- $1.5 million to fund sidewalk repairs.
- $400,000 for traffic light upgrades.
- $1.5 million for enhancement to the downtown parking lots and improved pedestrian walkways in the downtown area.
- $2.1 million to replace the Hartford Road Bridge that spans Hop Brook.
- $225,000 to improve the intersection near Exit 3 of Interstate 384 and make pedestrian and bike improvements.
- $250,000 for pedestrian and bike improvements in the area of Hillstown Road and Spencer Street.
- $750,000 for renovations and upgrades at Charter Oak Park, including parking lot repairs and playing field improvements.
"Once we have an idea from you folks about where you would like to go, we will put that together and prepare formal resolutions for August," General Manager Scott Shanley told the board.
Before the items can appear on a ballot for voters to decide upon in a November referendum, they must first be formally approved by the Board of Directors. Shanley said he expects to have a formal resolution of the projects drafted by the board's August meeting for a vote.
Public Works Director Mark Carlino said the $5 million in road paving would allow the town to pave about 10 linear miles of roads.
"This town has been very, very supportive of continual infrastructure improvements," Carlino said, noting that the town spends about $5 million each year to repave a portion of its roads on a cyclical basis.
The directors seemed to be express support for all the projects, which Budget and Research Officer Julian Freund said would add an additional $1 million annually to the town's debt service over the life of the bonds.
"I appreciate the fact that you're gaining on the roadwork that needs to get done in this town based on what we've had in the past, and the fact that you're always keeping a conscious mind on the community's ability to pay," said Board member Cheri Pelletier.
Election Day, the day of any referendum would be held, is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2013.
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