WESTON, Conn. Weston has applied for a $217,538 grant from the state to pay for the construction of sidewalks from the school campus to the center of town.
The town seeks to tap into the states Main Street Investment Fund that provides grants of up to $500,000 to towns to develop programs that will improve their commercial centers.
The sidewalks would boost Westons town center because students are free to come and go during the schools days and walk down to Peters Market and the Lunch Box, First Selectman Gayle Weinstein said. We want to make a safer route for students and others to get from campus to the town center.
The proposed sidewalks would extend from Lords Highway through School Road to Weston Road and Norfield Road.
The cost estimate for sidewalk construction is $244,538. Weston Land Use Director Tracy Kulikowski said the town would contribute some of the funds. She said the town could have requested the full amount but asked for less because its not sure if the full amount would be issued.
Kulikowski also said many other towns may be applying for the grants, so shes unsure whether Westons application will be approved. She said if the town doesn't receive a Main Street Investment Fund grant, it can apply for state Small Town Economic Assistance (STEAP) funding. Weinstein said the town can also apply for funding through the states Safe Routes to School program.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.