Townspeople will get to have their say on potential options for easing downtown traffic, including installation of traffic signals at the intersections of Route 4 and Main Street and Routes 4 and 236, at a Town Council public hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.
Town Manager Tim Pellerin, who noted that oppressive traffic was the number one issue cited by residents in the Comprehensive Plan survey last year, nonetheless cautioned that the hearing is only one more step in what he estimated will be a three-to-five-year process of implementing a solution.
A presentation on the recent traffic study and recommendations from Sebago Technics will be held before the council takes comments from the public. The consultant’s final report is available on the town website.
As much information as possible will be posted on the town’s Facebook page and website before the hearing, said Council Chair Mallory Cook.
“There are multiple options, and we want (citizen) feedback on the various proposed changes to help us decide on a final plan,” said Councilor Jeff Minihan. Some of the options listed in the study are redirecting Central School traffic, better lighting at crosswalks, and curb bumps to slow traffic.
The council agreed with Councilor John James that the same procedure it established for the recent hearing on the future of town hall should be used on Sept. 19. People who wish to speak must sign in at the start of the hearing, will be called on in that order, and a time limit for comments will be set.
There are multiple steps the town must follow once the council decides how to proceed: applying for state approval of the plan, researching funding sources, and sending out requests for proposals, according to Pellerin. There also will be another public hearing.
For Portland Street resident George Muller, action to improve traffic flow can’t come soon enough. He asked the council to do whatever it can to alleviate the speed and noise of the thousands of vehicles that pass his home each day. Pellerin assured Muller the town is fully engaged in the effort to address the issue, with increased enforcement and traffic control as resources allow.
In other business, the council authorized the closing of Bittersweet Lane for a neighborhood block party on Sept. 9, after receiving approval of the closure from most of the residents. Councilor Melissa Costella suggested the council adopt an ordinance permit process for such activities, due to safety and liability issues. No vote was taken, but other councilors agreed. According to Pellerin, most towns and cities in the state have this type of ordinance.
An interview with an applicant for a Planning Board position was scheduled to be held before the next council meeting. The resignation of Nora Irvine from the Board of Assessment Review was accepted with thanks for her service.
Renewal of the liquor license and special amusement permit for The Links at Outlook was approved.
