iBrattleboro has learned from sources that the Brattleboro Selectboard approved a “bold new transportation project” for the town at a Special Executive Session late last year.
A copy of the Powerpoint presentation used at the meeting has been obtained by iBrattleboro (see below). The plan calls for $25 million of new construction to begin later this year, promising new jobs and innovative use of energy sources.
When asked about the deal, current Selelctboard Chair Audrey Garfield had no comment. Others on the board could not be reached over the weekend. It isn’t clear who proposed the project, with details only beginning to come out.
Public Works Director Steve Barrett said that the DPW had met with representatives from a consulting firm and assured them that Brattleboro’s capacity for infrastructure pre-expansion was within the scope of the feasability plans. “It’s a bit unorthodox, but I think we’re up to the task,” said Barrett in a phone interview late Saturday.
The West River Alliance questioned the environmental impact of 12 miles of concrete through waterways and the Whetstone floodway. “Obviously, citizens are going to need more information,” said Kathy Urffer, “but at first glance, this just seems nutty.”
Town Grants Manager Sarah Brennan felt that funding would be easy to obtain, “... as long as we can fit in with Homeland Security priorities.” She suggested that with the addition of surveillance cameras and “security stations” placed at periodic intervals along the line, the government would happily fund the entire project.
As for Acting Town Manager Barb Sondag, she seemed to be having a little trouble getting her mind around this new concept. “You’re going to have to pay me extra for this,” she joked. The matter would, however, receive full public discussion “at an appropriate time.” “Sure, it’s a done deal, but in Brattleboro, we’ll still need to hold a hearing,” Sondag explained.
For details regarding the new Brattleboro transportation project, see the video below, taken from the original Powerpoint presentation shown to the Selectboard in December 2006: