Voters in a July 9 Special Town Meeting authorized the Town to issue up to $6 million in bond anticipation notes for a two-year surge in repairs to Weston roads.

After 35 minutes of discussion, 103 residents decided the matter on a voice vote, unanimous except for one hand raised when the nays were called.

Following the requisite reading of the rules by moderator Susan Moch, Public Works Director Larry Roberts summarized the paving plan, which involves major work on 18 distressed public roads this year and 19 more in 2025.

Town officials can now solicit and receive bids for this year’s priorities, award a contract, and get the work done this summer and fall.

Mr. Roberts said Public Works crews are already preparing roads for milling and paving, mostly by installing new catch basins set at the height each road will have after paving.

Public Works Director Larry Roberts

Town Administrator Karl Kilduff, Finance Director Rick Darling, and Board of Finance chair Michael Imber answered questions about the bond notes, which will be issued in two tranches. Based on current estimates, notes for $3.6 million issued this year will be refinanced in 2025 with an additional $2.4 million. The total is expected to become part of a 20-year bond package in 2026.

The authorization caps the total at $6 million and limits work to the 37 roads (listed below) specified in the meeting resolution. If actual costs come in lower, less debt would be incurred.

Mr. Roberts and First Selectwoman Samantha Nestor answered questions about how, going forward, roads will be maintained to break the cycle of steady degradation followed by expensive rehabilitation. The plan, already discussed among the selectmen and with the Board of Finance, is to budget somewhere around $800,000 annually for preventive maintenance.

That amount is roughly the average the Town has spent each of the last several years on road repair, but little or none of it has gone to preventive maintenance. The objective of the new plan, first developed nearly five years ago, is to bring Weston roads up to an acceptable standard and keep them there.

“This vote supports the entire community,” said Ms. Nestor. “I can’t contain my excitement for the folks in Weston who will have better, safer roads.”

“It’s been a long time coming and a massive group effort,” she said. “I’m so thankful to see the community rallying behind these projects that enhance everyone’s well-being. Huge shoutout to Larry Roberts, Tony Pesco, Jeff Farr, Rick Darling, and Karl Kilduff for their hard work.”

Ms. Nestor, Mr. Kilduff, Mr. Darling

2024 priorities

1. Valley Forge Road (from Davis Hill Road to Newtown Turnpike)
2. Old Farm Road
3. Osborn Farm Road
4. Old Hyde Road (from Lords Highway to the portion that is a dirt road)
5. River Road (from Weston Road to Good Hill Road)
6. Good Hill Road (from Weston Road to Steep Hill Road)
7. Fanton Hill Road (Lyons Plain to Old Easton Tpk.)
8. Birch Hill Road (from no. 110 to Godfrey Road East)
9. Kramer Lane
10. Davis Hill Road (Steep Hill Road to Colony Road)
11. Weddington Lane
12. Spruce Hill Road
13. Samuelson Road
14. Whippoorwill Lane
15. School Road (straightaway near the WIS entrance)
16. Pilgrim Lane
17. Grey Fox Lane
18. Grays Farm Road

2025 priorities

1. Timber Mill Lane
2. Aspetuck Hill Lane
3. Martin Road
4. Autumn Ridge Road
5. Hyde Ridge Road
6. Messex Lane
7. Wood Hill Road
8. Woods End Lane
9. Cindy Lane
10. Lilac Lane
11. Hemlock Ridge Road
12. Mountain View Drive
13. Salem Road
14. Laurel Lake East
15. Richmond Hill Road
16. Sachem Road
17. Silver Ridge Common
18. Twin Oak Lane
19. Norfield Woods Road

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