There’s two seasons in Chicago – winter and construction –
and it’s starting to look like North Stonington is experiencing a similar
seasonal arrangement. Although the recent rain has suspended construction on
the Main Street bridge replacement, much
has been done in clearing the banks and securing the site for the placement of
the new concrete arch – probably in the June timeframe based on the recent schedule provided by the contractor. The
parking lot at Town Hall is still roped off to permit the contractor laydown space
for site work. We have received notification of FEMA reimbursement in the amount of $265,717, however, which is 75%
of initial costs incurred for the bridge repairs.
Next Tuesday evening, May 1st at 7:00 pm in the
Elementary School Multi-purpose Room, is a public hearing on the next phase of the
Boombridge Road bridge
repair/replacement. More information is posted on the Town website.
Last Monday night, the Ad Hoc School Building Committee
reviewed the recommendations of the architect in evaluating options for the Elementary and Middle/High School renovations
which address NEASC concerns identified in the last school accreditation review.
The Committee needs to forward their recommendations to the Board of Education
for further evaluation.
Budget season is in full swing and you can expect to see a
notice for the budget hearing shortly. While both Education and General Government budgets are proposed with about 3%
increase from last year, the amount of capital required is still being
formulated. Because the recent property revaluation resulted in a reduction in
the Grand List taxable amount, property tax rates will necessarily increase,
although the effect on an individual’s taxes may not be significant. Property
taxes on motor vehicles, however, will most likely increase from last year.
Renovations continue at the Recreation Center on Rocky
Hollow. We expect the new tennis courts
and basketball courts to be complete within 6 weeks – in time for summer
use.
A site review, coordinated by the Hewitt Farm Committee, of the
“Green Gables” house on the Hewitt
Farm property identified significant structural and possible contamination
issues. The Selectmen have authorized a toxic
material evaluation of the paint, building and soil in the immediate vicinity
of the house. The area will be cordoned off from public access until further
notice.
