The Town should collaborate with the state transportation department on the upcoming Route 4/236 road project, town councilors agreed during last week’s discussion of proposed downtown traffic changes.
“I’d like to see the town, MDOT and consultants all working together on what South Berwick wants out of this project,” said Councilor Sam Flinkstrom, referencing the $7.6 million local project proposed by the Maine Department of Transportation.
Priorities should include improved pedestrian crosswalks and street lighting, Flinkstrom said at the Oct. 13 council meeting.
An MDOT representative and a consultant had told local residents at a public meeting Oct. 6 that the proposed Route 4/236 project, which calls for installation of two traffic lights and removal of two traffic islands – both at the intersections of Portland and Main streets and Main Street and Route 236 – will significantly improve traffic flow downtown.
As part of the transportation effort, Flinkstrom proposed that the Town develop a “downtown street master plan,” an idea well received by other councilors.
“It would be a road map for any projects in the downtown area that deal with infrastructure,” Flinkstrom said, adding that the master plan would be in sync with the Town’s comprehensive plan and proposals made by the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee.
“We need to move forward in this direction,” agreed Councilor Paul Schumacher. “Our communication with the State on this project should not just be limited to ‘we want this’ or ‘we don’t want that.’”
Councilors agreed to initially schedule a workshop to establish Town priorities for the traffic project and then meet with representatives of MDOT.
“It’s a great idea,” said Council Chair John James. “Let’s see how it works out.”
In other business at the Oct. 13 council meeting:
- The council agreed to move forward with its wayfinding project, an initiative to determine a uniform style for official Town signs. As part of that effort, the council voted unanimously to ask the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee to choose the design standards, branding guidelines, and two colors suitable for the heron insignia produced by the Wayfinding Committee.
- The council approved $40,000 to buy furniture and other office equipment for the renovated Town Hall. The money will come from voter-approved contingency funding for the project.
- The council approved a Fire Department/Emergency Medical Services contract with the Town. Elements of the contract include a starting hourly salary of $28.69 for firefighters and emergency medical technicians and a 3% increase for all department professionals effective July 11, 2027.
- Philip Brekke, of Brattle Street, was reappointed to the York River Stewardship Committee; Amelia Nadilo, of Witchtrot Road, was appointed to the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee; and Caleb Grant, of Berwick Road, was appointed to both the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Downtown Revitalization Advisory Committee.
- Marshwood High School was approved as the location for Election Day voting Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- The council recognized October as Municipal Officials Appreciation Month in gratitude for the work of Town employees.
