WOODSTOCK – After being presented with a petition Tuesday, requesting that Concord Pond Road be opened to winter maintenance, selectmen took the request under advisement. They want to look into costs and the feasibility of opening the road to plowing and sanding.

The petition was submitted by camp owners Roland Pelletier and William Dolloff on behalf of the Concord Pond Campers Association, and contained 32 names representing about half of the 62 camp owners.

Pelletier said there would have been more signers, “but many of the camp owners could not be present to sign as they are summer residents and are now back to their homes for the winter. They mostly live out of state.”

The road runs for about 3 miles from the Milton Township line to the Peru town line.

Selectmen thought there is some merit to opening the road to winter maintenance and asked the opinion of resident Alan Seames, who is road foreman in neighboring Greenwood.

“It wouldn’t do any harm,” he replied.

He said it might mean more spring maintenance as the road would freeze deeper if it is plowed, but there would be some benefits to keeping it plowed and sanded.

Woodstock Town Manager and Road Commissioner Vern Maxfield added, “There probably are more good reasons for opening the road for winter maintenance than not.”

Some people living in the area year-round now. Having the road open would allow fire and rescue units access if an emergency occurs.

Maxfield was told to check on costs related to plowing and sanding the road. He also was asked to come up with estimates for work that could be needed if the road is opened in the winter.

A public hearing would have to be held before the board can make a final decision. Opening the road would have to wait until the winter of 2007 because no money is in the budget for such a move for this year.

Copy the Story Link