Vernon's $27 Million Road Bond Issue Passes

Vernon is going to start loving the smell of blacktop in the morning. 

That's because town officials are about to declare war on the potholes, cracks, ruts and general states of disrepair they say have been plaguing the town's streets for years, thanks to voters approving up to $27.65 million in bonding for a six-year road work project. 

A total of 437 "yes" votes were cast and 326 "no" votes were submitted at Center 375 during the course of the day and evening on Tuesday. 

Considering there were 15,717 eligible voters for the issue, the turnout - about 4.85 percent - barely left a skid mark. But the bond ordinance was officially endorsed and the town can now borrow the $27 million to pay for the program if it needs to. 

So is your road on the list for the first year? 

To see an explanation of the program, visit: 

http://www.vernon-ct.gov/files/Explanatory_Text_ROADS_2014.pdf


For a look at a power point presentation on the project, visit:
 
http://www.vernon-ct.gov/files/Jan_28_2014_ROAD_IMPROVEMENTS_FINAL_Adj_notes.pdf

The Town Council formally approved the plan on Oct. 15.

Treasurer and Finance Director James Luddecke has said it is the first bond issue to come before townspeople since 2008, when $1.18 million was borrowed to help fund the Phoenix Street Bridge project.

Public Works Director Robert Kleinhans has called the project, "New approaches to an old problem."

In all, the program includes 219 roads, town officials said.