The Berlin
Cit itiz ize en
Volume 15, Number 15
Berlin’s Only Hometown Newspaper
Commentary
The transformation of Farmington Avenue
Thursday, April 14, 2011
$6 million road repair plan sent to public hearing
By Olivia L. Lawrence The Berlin Citizen
By Hannah Jackson Special to The Citizen
In less than seven years, the changes that have taken place on Berlin’s principle road through downtown are nothing short of astounding. As we travel this road on a day-to-day basis, it might not seem like there’s much going on, and the job is far from complete, but take a step back and count the major advancements. It’s time to acknowlege all that’s been accomplished. New parks, a new shopping plaza, a new bridge, new stores, new sidewalks — it’s almost like Christmas and a birthday party rolled into one — and there’s more new stuff in the works.
At its April 5 meeting, the Town Council discussed what to do about Berlin roads in need of repair. Councilor Rachel Rochette said, “The town has put a lot of effort into a long term plan for our roads.” A professional group specializing in assessing the conditions of roads has evaluated town roads and that information will be used to prioritize needs and a long-term plan. Out of the town’s 107 miles of road, the Public Works Department will resurface the roads in the
Citizen photo by Olivia L. Lawrence
From the new gateway at Veterans Memorial Park, which anchors one end of Farmington Avenue, to the reconstruction of the railroad bridge, the town’s main road has undergone a transformation in recent years. A new 8,546 square foot office and retail building has been approved for the corner of Farmington Avenue and
Lower Lane. The new business, developed by Dr. Mary
Breakfast with The Bunny This Sunday, April 17, will be the fourth annual Easter Bunny breakfast held at the Kensington Fire Rescue facility on Farmington Avenue. Organizers say the event has grown in recent years to include fun activities, and it attracts a big crowd. The event is staged by Boy Scout Troop 256 and is its primary fundraiser. “Endless pancakes” and photos with the bunny are all part of the festivities taking place from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Don’t miss this great spring event. A small admission fee is charged. With the Easter Bunny, at last year’s event, are: Adam Guzaukas, Joshua Carlone, Evan Graves and Donnie Kulowski.
See Transform, page 13
most need to maximize their life, according to Art Simonian, director of public works. “Everyone sees the roads outside their house as the worst, but we are considering Berlin as a whole,” he said. The complete plan calls for $6 million. If approved, the full amount will be appropriated in order to make sure the money is in the budget, however, funds will be set aside to be used over time. A public hearing is scheduled for, Tuesday, April 19, at 6:45 p.m. at Town Hall, to consider an ordinance appropriating
See Road, page 20