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NEW CANAAN, Conn. - Sidewalks will finally be installed on the southern end of Main Street next spring.
The Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday morning to approve a contract with A&J Construction for more than $1 million to add 3,000 feet of sidewalk to the towns main thoroughfare between Lakeview Avenue and Old Norwalk Road. The project also includes milling, reclaiming and repaving a portion of Main Street. The unanimous vote includes a $93,000 contingency, about 10 percent of the project's $935,000 cost. The original project called for a 15 percent contingency, but the board asked for a lower amount to save money.
The sidewalk installation will begin in mid-March, Public Works Director Mike Pastore said, and take about 75 days to finish. The only thing that remains is to sign the contract, Pastore said, which should happen before the end of the month. The project is definitely a go.
The board tabled approval of a $48,000 expenditure for granite curbs so the board can see possible options, but Pastore said the work will still be done on schedule. The delivery on the granite is in days. We can wait a week or two, and it wont get delayed, he said.
Tuesdays vote ends a years-long debate on whether to install sidewalks on Main Street. Proponents wanted walkways to promote healthier lifestyles and safety for children who travel by foot to schools at Farm Road and South Avenue. Opponents sought to stop the installation, concerned about cost and the possibility that sidewalks might make Main Street too narrow for emergency vehicles.
Sidewalk proponent Katherine Ong, who lives on Main Street, attended Tuesdays Board of Selectmen meeting. Were just thrilled that its finally wrapped up. Were anxious for them to go in. Were appreciative of the work of the town council and were happy to hear the vote."
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