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The New Canaan Town Council thinks its time to study whether building sidewalks on the southern end of Main Street is good idea.
With more than 70 people in attendance at the meeting, the Town Council voted Wednesday to approve the Public Works Departments request to study possible upgrades to Main Street before proceeding with sidewalk installation. The vote was 9-0. Councilwoman Christine Hussey recused herself from the vote.
Wednesdays vote follows the Board of Selectmen's vote to give the go-ahead to a $25,000 contract with Cabezas DeAngelis Engineers for survey and design of Main Street, including the proposed installation of sidewalks. The town is considering the installation of sidewalks on either side of Main Street between Oak Street and Farm Road as part of a $4 million road repair project.
Town Council members said Wednesday the issue should be visited. Weve got good arguments to do [the sidewalks], but I would like to move forward with the study to determine whether that is necessary, said Councilwoman Penny Young.
Council Chairman Mark DeWaele agreed, saying the town needs to know the art of the possible, and with this study, well see these things.
Sandra Siegel of Millport Avenue said her street did not have sidewalks when she moved to town. Now that they are in place, shes happy because they are needed. This is a healthy thing to do. This is the way of the future, Siegel said.
Kari Pinkernell of Braeburn Drive said sidewalks would improve safety for avid joggers such as herself. I dont need to be honked at anymore, she said.
Karen Mackle of Woodland Road, one of the leaders of the newly created Citizens for Responsible Spending, said she and other opponents are not against sidewalks. Mackle said a feasibility study should have been done two years ago. Because of the financial concerns, Mackle said sidewalks should be in the master plan being created by the Long Range Planning Committee.
Assistant Public Works Director Tiger Mann said the survey would likely be completed by May.
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