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Town Of Middlebury’s New Year Resolutions

photo provided A computer generated view of the bridge access from South Street where it meets South Main at Middlebury's Municipal Building

photo provided An aerial rendering of the in-town bridge planned for 2009.

Tuesday January 22, 2008

By Dale Piper

   During a recent conversation with Middlebury Town Manager Bill Finger, six important areas were mentioned as significant things to be accomplished during the coming year.  But, according to Finger, “Everything else takes a back seat to the in-town bridge,” which is number one on the list.  As a result of a $9 million monetary pledge by Middlebury College specifically for the bridge this long-planned project will finally become a reality. 2008 will be devoted to the design and engineering phase of the project, with actual construction to begin in 2009.  Four properties need to be acquired, as they are in the direct path of the bridge and access routes.  Steele's Service Center has already been purchased, leaving three to be negotiated.

    A series of capital improvements to the town's infrastructure have been level funded and are in the final planning stages, awaiting the arrival of spring - or “road work season.”  Work is planned for parts of Rogers and Quarry Roads and Schoolhouse Hill Road, consisting of general paving and overlay, and a number of sidewalk improvements will be made.  Upgrades to the sewer lines from Rogers Road to Charles Avenue will be made, fortunately not involving excavation across lower Court Street.

    Economic Development projects are in the planning phase, mainly the open area, currently a parking lot, behind Ilsley Library.  A number of options for better use of the space are being considered.  The Lodge at Otter Creek, an adult living community, will open, and Eastview, beyond Porter Hospital, should finally get the go-ahead, as the developers have committed to funding various logistical improvements to South Street to allay neighbors' misgivings.

    At long last, significant improvements are being planned for the railroad tracks and the over- and underpasses within the town.  After last fall's major derailment a number of problem areas that had not been addressed were identified, mostly the result of age and wear and tear, largely because damage of that type is not readily seen during routine track inspections.  Again, these repairs should not cause major disruptions within the downtown area.

    The town will be seeking a Growth Center Designation from the state, which will provide needed funding and more options for the use of the municipal portion of property taxes.  Also being sought is a change to the town's charter to allow for local option taxes, which will prove to be a major discussion point at this year's March Town Meeting.  Tune in, or better yet attend, for that one.

    All in all, 2008's projects will generally be low-key, with no dramatic activity or disruption to life in town.  2009 will be another story, with the actual construction of the long-awaited bridge!

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