Yes, it's true - the commuter lot is finished; it's open!
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Quitting time, 5 pm seemed like the perfect time for the long awaited opening of the commuter lot off Kennedy Dr.
June 5 town officials cut the Putnam blue ribbon and within minutes a gray car came in and went to the far end of the sleek and bold parking lot.
It was hydro seeded around all the far edges and hills and parts of the landscape beds. Town Administrator Elaine Sistare said the town’s highway department will be watering it everyday for the next two weeks with a reduced watering schedule after that to make sure the grass grows.
The numbers from Sistare: Pre-construction: 112 regular, plus 5 handicapped spaces. Total 117; Post-construction: 175 regular, plus 7 handicapped spaces. Total 182. The preliminary design had more spaces – probably 5-10 more – but Eversource’s easement requirements eliminated a few planned spaces.
The two EV charging stations are back. Still to come: some paving work on spots on Kennedy Dr and some signs. The restrooms are slated to open soon.
Sistare said the town is pleased with the work by J and D Civil Engineering and B & W Paving and Landscaping and the sub contractors. ARPA funding was used.
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Commuter Lot Done
Above, from left: Selectman Dave Pomes, Town Administrator Elaine Sistare, Mayor Barney Seney and Executive Assistant Denise Geeza. Linda Lemmon photos.
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