Sidewalks in the West Village?
by Nancy Wood,
June 2, 2011, page 1.....

Money is available from the Chittenden County Metropolitan Planning Organization (CCMPO) to pay for sidewalk engineering, design and construction. Cities and towns in Chittenden County are eligible to apply to the program, and up to $250,000 in federal funds may be awarded this summer to get the selected projects underway. The CCMPO has awarded nearly $1.5 million in 17 grants to nine Chittenden County communities over the last six years.

The Selectboard debated at its May 23 meeting whether or not to apply for a grant. A study conducted by the town in 2007 projected a cost of $20,000 for the engineering of sidewalks along Ferry Road in the West Village. At a special meeting on May 28 they voted to authorize an application for a grant for the engineering.

Several Village residents advocated for sidewalks at the Town Plan Update meeting in April. They talked about the importance of a secure and pleasant environment for pedestrians and bikers and their concerns about safety for people walking along Greenbush and Ferry Roads.

However, the Selectboard has received comments in the past against sidewalks. When federal money is used, there are requirements for curbing and setbacks that might make it difficult for large farm equipment and trucks to turn at the intersection. The current striping on the road was done as an experiment to see if that would suffice. Since there is no curbing, it makes plowing in the winter easier – a significant issue this last year when there was so much snow.
Selectboard member Winslow Ladue questioned whether this was the highest priority for the town, and member Dennis Delaney was concerned about future maintenance. Board members John Owen and Ed Stone expressed strong support.

The item was added late to the agenda for discussion only, so a special meeting of the board was called for May 28 for a vote. The board voted in favor of authorizing the application for a grant for the engineering, which needs to be submitted by July 8. The town must provide $5,000 in matching funds, which may need to come from the highway budget.