Happy New Year and looking forward to another great year in Suffield. There’s already a lot happening, here are some updates.
Board of Selectmen:
The Board of Selectmen (BOS) and Board of Finance (BOF) are currently in discussions for bond issuance dates and the potential for adding other large capital projects that require immediate need. The current open bond that the Town approved last year has the Town Wide Radio Project and School HVAC Projects in it. The additional projects will ultimately need approval at Town Meeting which we hope to present towards the end of February or beginning of March in order to add the debt to this upcoming fiscal year budget. The projects for discussion include:
- Replacement of culverts and bridges at Copper Hill Road, Hickory Street, Suffield Street, Spruce Street, River Boulevard, and Boston Neck Road.
- Full road replacement of Phelps Road
- Replacement of the shingled roof at the High School
- Floor replacement at the High School
Follow along at our next few BOS/BOF meetings.
As the BOS continues to find ways to meet the State mandated affordable housing requirements, we are currently looking at opting into the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority. The state formed quasi organization allows for the creation of “development zones” in Town centers or transit areas that allow for zoning changes to make development easier. It also provides the opportunity for funding of projects where funds normally would not be available. Follow along at BOS meetings as we continue to discuss and move forward with plans. As a reminder, the BOS has chosen to potentially look at expanding our Housing Authority, which is located on Bridge Street, to meet these needs.
Our Permanent Building Commission continues their work on the Facilities Master Plan. They’ve recently hired architectural firm, Tecton, to do an educational specification for the Middle School as part of the study to understand the needs there. Tecton was also hired to study Fire House 1.
As a reminder, road replacement work will continue until June on Quarry Road, which has left the road closed for any thru traffic.
We expect to finally begin work on the fully funded Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) grant for the Farmington Canal Trail that will include new fencing and repaving of the path.
We also recently received right-of-way approvals from two of the three homes on Mapleton, which gets us closer to being able to add the sidewalk there that was funded 5 years ago. We have asked DOT to approve the design.
Pleased to announce that Suffield was awarded the Safe Streets and Roads For All grant in the amount of $2.4 million. This federally funded grant will go towards our Suffield Volunteer Ambulance Association, Police Department, and Public Works. Some of the projects include creating a school safety zone in front of McAlister and the Middle School which includes sidewalks on both sides, crosswalks, and speeding signs, and the potential to start adding speed cameras on our roads. Speed cameras will require Town Meeting approval ,so stay tuned.
Upcoming events:
Trees for Suffield invites all 5th graders to enter the Arbor Day Poster Contest. All submissions are due by March 6th. Check out ctpa.org/arbor-day/ for contest details.
Budget development is already underway. Follow along towards the end of February at BOF meeting if interested.
Don’t forget to check out the programs at KML and our Community Services.
Check out the “Taste of Suffield” contest run by our Economic Development Commission to support local restaurants this month.
Plans for America’s 250th are ongoing. Stay tuned for updates.
And as always, my door at Town Hall is always open.