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Long debate leads to newly public roadways in town

Levon Kinney

Correspondent



WILBRAHAM - After much debate several private ways throughout town are now considered public. Members of the Planning Board met with the Board of Selectmen on April 23, to accept qualified roads built for subdivisions as article 28 on the town warrant.

"The roads are private because they have not been accepted by the town," Planning Board Chair Edward Stevenson explained. "They were built by the developers of the subdivisions and are required to meet standards set by the Engineering Department."

The Planning Board proposed eight private ways to Selectmen David Barry, Patrick Brady, and James Thompson who approved each one.

Algonquin Drive, Autumn Road, Bridle Path Road, Cambridge Drive, Falcon Heights Road, Iroquois Lane, Kensington Drive, and Patriot Ridge Lane are now public ways that are added to the road mileage of the town, however, the town is responsible for maintenance of these roads.

Barry asked the audience if anyone had something to comment before a decision was made.

Jim Orzeck of Stony Hill Rd. stated that trees on his property were damaged in the construction of Kensington Dr. by the developer and never repaired and "bubble" grates installed along the street in place of storm drains are an eye-sore.

"These 'bubble' grates are six to seven feet high with a bubble on top," Orzeck explained. I met with the developer and he assured me the trees would be trimmed properly so as not to attract disease or insects, that was a year ago. I just want to know when this will be fixed."

Bill Laplante of Laplante Construction is the developer of Kensington Dr.

"Back when the street was cleared, there were overhanging limbs that needed to be trimmed," Laplante said. "I met with Mr. Orzeck and I agreed to have the trees taken care of. I agree that the bubble grates are unsightly, however, they were designed this way so leaves and other debris will not clog the drain and were accepted by the town when they were installed."

Stevenson agreed with Laplante that due to engineering reasons the grates must stay.

"I just want to know that this will end," Orzeck said. "Am I going to be here next year with the same complaint and asking what is going to be done about it?"

Laplante assured the Selectmen, the Planning Board, and Orzeck that the trees will be fixed.