OTISFIELD — Work is underway to get high-speed Internet service to about 90 percent of residents by early summer, selectmen were told Wednesday.

Selectman Rick Micklon said that despite the harsh winter, FairPoint Communications’ plan to improve Internet service in most of Otisfield is on target for completion in June.

“Ninety percent of people will have high-speed Internet when this is done,” he said.

FairPoint was awarded a ConnectME grant of $186,000 toward the $387,5000 cost. The company is contributing the balance of $201,500 for the project. The fiber optic cable is being strung along Route 121.

FairPoint said some homes are too remote to get the advantage, but most homes will get better and faster connections.

In other news, the board heard from a group of youth baseball coaches concerned about the lack of playing fields, volunteers, storage space and other issues. The group was told that historically the youth sports programs have been run by parent volunteers who also have raised funds for new uniforms and other needs.

Attempts to have a recreation director to coordinate such activities has not worked over the years, Micklon, a former coach, said.

Administrative Assistant Marianne Izzo-Morin has volunteered to work with the group and is expected to meet with them next week.

Micklon told the group the field behind the Town Office could also be made available for the teams, as it has in the past.

Selectman Len Adler suggested the group contact the fire chief to discuss using an unused department trailer and putting it at the Town Office field for equipment storage.

The board also heard an update about the Cobb Hill Road project. Major storms in recent years washed out the road, despite installation of three culverts.

According to a letter from professional engineer Ross Cudlitz to the board, he was unable to get ground survey data to design the large culvert at the base of the hill because of the harsh winter.

The culvert needs to be fixed and although cost estimates are not available yet Cudlitz suggested “a sizable chunk of money” should be put aside for the work.

Last June, annual town meeting voters OK’d $55,000 for improvements to Cobb Hill Road, including $12,500 for the design by the Cudlitz of the Oxford County Soil and Water Conservation District and $42,500 for labor and materials.

ldixon@sumediagroup.net

Copy the Story Link