The First Selectman’s
Corner
3/21/16
Dear Canton Residents,
I want to update you on the discussions and outcome of
the last Board of Selectmen meeting, with regard to the town highway
garage. As we all know, the garage has
been a controversial, challenging topic for this community over the last
decade. After a defeated referendum to
purchase land at 5 Cherry Brook Road, and two defeated referendums to build on
Commerce Drive, the former Board of Selectmen needed to reevaluate what, if
any, improvements could be made at the current garage site at 50 Old River
Road. They retained the engineering firm
Fuss and O’Neil, who determined that, due to changes in the interpretation of flood
plain regulations, a 15,000 square foot facility could be constructed there,
with on-site remediation within the flood plain. Our Department of Public Works is confident
that this size facility would provide appropriate indoor storage for all
vehicles, and reasonable work and rest space for employees. In addition, the facility could be sited
closer to River Road, freeing up land for river access, a launch for non-motorized
boats, public restrooms, and recreation area.
The property would be accessed directly from River Road, thus eliminating
the passage of highway trucks along the bike path. The cost of this project, as estimated by our
Town Project Administrator, is $3.8 million, which includes both the garage and
recreation improvements to the riverfront.
The current Board of Selectmen heard a presentation on
this proposal earlier in the year (see presentation here), and responded positively to
the concept. The BOS asked Bob Martin,
Director of Public Works, and George Wallace, Town Project Administrator, to
informally present the plan to the Inland Wetlands Agency and the Planning and
Zoning Commission. In addition, they
also presented to the Conservation Commission and the Permanent Municipal
Building Committee. The initial
responses from Inland Wetlands and Planning and Zoning were generally positive,
particularly to the idea of a mixed use facility. PMBC and Conservation expressed reservations
about the project’s proximity to the river, and whether building on the current
site is contrary to the Plan of Conservation and Development. PMBC also questioned the smaller size of the
facility. This week, the project will be
presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission, to seek their input on the
highest and best uses of the property for recreation. At their last meeting, the BOS sent the
project to PMBC for comments, and possible recommendation of any other sites to
be considered. The BOS also approved the
expenditure of up to $4700 from available grant funds to obtain a formal cost
estimate for the project.
At the Board’s May 11th meeting PMBC’s comments
and the formal cost estimate will be reviewed. The Board will also discuss the
best approach for obtaining public input. The BOS is considering bringing proposal to
referendum at the November election, which would require Board of Finance
approval. The proposal would consist of
a proposed location, “not to exceed” price, and authorization to bond. One positive aspect of a November referendum
is the expected large voter turnout for the Presidential election, which would
give a clearer picture of public opinion.
The Town could then take the time in 2017 to retain an architect,
prepare final design and bid documents, obtain the necessary land use permits,
and proceed with bonding when the project was ready to go forward. Under this process, the Town would avoid
expending large sums of money and taking many months to plan out all the
project details, not knowing if the voters were in favor of the location and
price tag.
The BOS will be providing opportunities for
you to learn more about the project, and to give your thoughtful feedback. Current information will be available on the
town website, and I encourage you to check back frequently for updates.
Best Regards,
Leslee B. Hill