Norwich has $81,000 in its sidewalk designated fund. But, the Town has not done any sidewalk repairs for several years, even though some are in poor condition.
Why?
Delay makes repairs more costly. “You can pay me now or pay me later” is a phrase some of us remember from the FRAM oil filter commercials in the 1970s and 80s.
A 2017 plan proposed by the DPW called for around $165,000 in sidewalk upkeep over six years. (Discussed below.) None of that work has been done. What’s more, none of that work is penciled in on the proposed capital plan through 2027, except for a stretch of an existing sidewalk along Beaver Meadow Road that is part of a large, $810,000 paving project.
To be fair, the proposed annual budget for FYE 2022 asks for nearly $9,000 for TRORC to do a sidewalk inventory. Another $20,000 is slated for the Town’s 20% share of an engineering study to extend the Beaver Meadow Road sidewalk to Moore Lane.
But, under that time frame, 2023 is the earliest that the Town can expect to see repairs begin. It could be longer before the Beaver Meadow sidewalk extension happens, assuming voters approve.
Do we need another sidewalk inventory before beginning repairs? The Norwich sidewalk network totals all of three miles, the DPW crew is experienced, the DPW Head is a professional engineer, and a repair plan exist from 2017. Best of all, the money is there to begin. Why wait?
2017 capital plan for sidewalks
In November 2017, then DPW Director Andy Hodgdon outlined a six year plan for sidewalk repair. The memorandum went to Town Manager Herb Durfee. It was also included in the packet for the December 6, 2017 Selectboard meeting, starting at page 14.
Here’s a brief summary of the proposed plan.
2017/2018 (Fire District sidewalks)
- Main Street: From the Norwich Inn to Beaver Meadow Road. Cost: $3272.
- Beaver Meadow Road: From the crosswalk at the Norwich Inn to the service entrance of the Norwich Inn. Cost: $2632.
- Beaver Meadow Road: From the Fairview Cemetery to Huntley Street. Cost: $39,192.40.
2019 (Town sidewalk)
- Turnpike Road: From Main Street to the Huntley Rec. Field Entrance. Cost: $35,510
2020-2022 (divided over three years)(Town sidewalk)
- Main Street: From Ledyard Bridge to Gateway Condos. Cost: $63,120
2023 (Town sidewalk)
- Main Street: From Montshire Drive to Ledyard Bridge. Cost: $22,182
Don’t blame the Fire District
A common deflection point by our town leaders is to blame the Fire District, saying it hasn’t spent a dime on sidewalk upkeep since 2010. While true, it’s a poor excuse.
First, the Town, not the Fire District, owns most of the sidewalks in Norwich. According to a September 2017 memorandum by Steve Flanders and Mary Layton, the Town owns 10,529 feet of sidewalks, compared to the Fire District’s 5,318 feet. (A mile is 5280 feet.)
According to the DPW plan, the Town has outstanding over $120,000 in reports for its own sidewalks, according to the schedule above. The Fire District isn’t keeping the Town from taking care of its own.
Second, the Selectboard agreed to takeover the Fire District sidewalks “as is” at its meeting on November 15, 2017. Why would the Fire District spend a dime on maintenance on sidewalks that the District is happy to give away and that the Town is willing to accept “as is”?
Prior practice of the Town was to accept sidewalks from the Fire District, after repairs put them in good condition. The District would cover the Town’s out-of-pocket costs for those repairs After that, the Town was responsible. It was an incremental approach to the Town taking ownership of the sidewalks.
Master plan?
What is the overall plan to make walking and bicycling in Norwich safer, easier and more attractive?
At least three Selectboard members have expressed interest in the topic. But, it won’t happen unless those members take a leadership role in the Town funding a professional study (Hanover) or forming a committee of residents to look into the issue.
Until then, the Town will use a piecemeal, project du jour approach to pedestrian walkability and safety. Church Street sidewalk – abandoned, but still owe money to the State. Blinking crosswalk signs – two sets installed, sets three and four, rejected by voters. Gile Mountain trailhead parking – on back burner. Beaver Meadow sidewalk extension – to be determined.
Happy New Year! 🎉
Contact me at norwichobserver [AT] gmail.com.
Great post!! Many good points that our SB should review at a future meeting.
Thanks