Council Throws Its Support Toward Skinner Road "Safe Routes" Initiative

The Town Council on Tuesday endorsed a movement to get a major infrastructure grant for the area around Skinner Road School.

The official move was to present and approve a resolution supporting the initiative presented by the school's "safe routes" committee.

In a memo to the municipal administration, Town Engineer Terry McCarthy said the school is eligible for a state-administered grant of "approximately $491,000," to be used for improvements on and around the Skinner Road School property.

He said the improvements would likely include:

• A raised crosswalk at the front driveway.

• A stone dust trail around the rear of the school property and connecting to Skinner Rd.

• Improvements to the pedestrian bridge at Dart Hill Road
Replacement of the bike racks.

• Installation of a new sidewalk along the west side of Skinner Road from Dart Hill Road to Emerald Drive.

• "No Parking" signs near the school's driveways and Radar signs displaying the speed of passing vehicles.

"It is the Town of Vernon's and the state's policy to keep persons informed and involved when such projects are undertaken," McCarthy said. "It is important that the community share its concerns with us to assist in the project's development."

McCarthy said Anyone interested in obtaining further information, or provide input, may do so by calling him at 860-870-3663.

More than 100 students walk to Skinner Road daily. Superintendent of Schools Mary Conway said improvements near the driveway to the school are needed.

Town Council member Bill Campbell voted against the endorsement because three were no safety-related statistics presented to justify such a massive project paid for with public funds. He was the only dissenter.

Officially, the initiative is being called the Safe Routes to School infrastructure Program.

McCarthy said the grant would pay for everything but design.