SOUTHWEST HARBOR, May 3, 2021 - Seven years after it was proposed, the Main Street Sidewalk Project was approved by voters along with every article on the town warrant, Town Clerk Jennifer Lahaye reported today.
An overwhelming approval by voice vote finally will enable the town to put the project out to bid.
That third of a mile from Chris’s Pond to the condos at Ocean’s End is the most important roadway in the southern part of MDI. It is also dangerous and full of pot holes.
Residents approved $743,940 to meet the state and federal requirement to show the town is willing to spend up to $1.8 million of its own funds. Voters approved $1,055,135 in 2019.
The addition of $189,000 in federal money from the American Recovery Act last year flipped the process whereas the town previously could have gone out to bid first, it now must secure the local obligation before seeking bids, Town Manager Marilyn Lowell explained.
The project has about $800,000 in committed state and federal grants. In addition to building five-foot sidewalks, the project will repair sewers, storm drainage and unsafe conditions for pedestrians. Securing the easements alone has been a major headache. The town is hoping the bids will not exceed the need to spend the entire $1.8 million.
The project was first proposed in 2015.
Six years ago, select chair Thomas Benson wrote in the town’s annual report, “We have been planning to construct a five-foot sidewalk, five-foot shoulder and a two-foot storm water system on the west side of Main Street between 422 Main Street and Village at Oceans End. This has been a very dangerous and narrow area for pedestrians and/or cyclists.
CORRECTIONS:
BAR HARBOR - The citizens petition to cap cruise ship visits in Bar Harbor will start in 2023. The date was in correct in a previous post.
TREMONT - The land use ordinance changes proposed to restrict campgrounds will be voted on May 9 at the town elections and not at the annual meeting May 10, as previously reported.
Hope the fixed roadway includes going to Robinson LN and not end at Ocean’s End.