By Meghan Peterson, PhD.
Haddam-KillingworthNow.com recently caught up with First Selectwoman Lizz Milardo on several topics of interest to residents.
MP: Tylerville Water…what can you report to residents at this time?
LM: The Town has gone out to bid on contractors for construction of the water pipeline. The bids were opened on Thursday, Nov. 15. In addition, we are finalizing easements for the construction.
MP: Liz Glidden, our Town Planner, has recently resigned – effective October 26. Would you like to comment?
LM: I, along with everyone at Town Hall, am sad to see her go. But we are so very proud of all of the hard work she has done. We thank Liz for all of her help, vision and her utmost dedication.
MP: Road work update?
LM: As previously reported, Old County Road and Pokorny Roads are well underway. As for McTigh Road, road work crews have discovered more water accumulation than anticipated – in great part due to a spring in the middle of the road, which is causing a lot of the problems. The work to be done there is much more extensive than originally expected. Consequently, further drainage work is required on that road. Further compounding the issue is that the massive amounts of rain we have gotten this summer and fall have delayed crews in Haddam (not to mention, throughout the state of Connecticut). That said, I am confident we will get this done, and the crews are diligently working on it. The crews are doing their best to finish the phase they are in currently as soon as possible, but the remainder will be completed in the Spring. In Haddam Neck, Cove Road, Injun Hollow Road, Quarry Hill, and Rock Landing, as well as Clarkhurst, will be paved and addressed in the Spring.
MP: What would you like to say about the Higganum Center?
LM: The Regional School District #17 is going out for RFP (request for proposals) to seek interested developers for the building. In general, I want to see the Center addressed as a whole. A lot of residents, as am I, are concerned about the prospect of multiple empty buildings (including the Citizens Bank branch leaving its Higganum location). Residents should be assured that the Town is actively and diligently working to secure a tenant for that building. That said, the lack of infrastructure is the number one obstacle for potential developers. So, it is imperative that the Town work on infrastructure in Higganum Center. On this front, the Infrastructure Committee is working very hard. I can also report that Haddam as applied for a $1M Brownfield Grant for remediation of the Scovil Hoe buildings.
MP: What will be your approach for Haddam with a new governor in place?
LM: My approach will not change, regardless of the next governor. I will continue to advocate on Haddam’s behalf regarding issues having to do with state municipal aid, teacher pension plans, and town road aid. In addition, I will also continue fighting the burdensome unfunded mandates with which the State keeps trying to saddle towns and municipalities. It is my goal to continue to speak for all of our community here in our beautiful, little Haddam.
