BETHEL — This month’s selectboard meeting brought up a continuation of a project mandated by the Maine DOT. In addition to the Maine Street sidewalk project, this will add a 400-foot expansion of the sidewalk on Lincoln Street, by the savings bank.

The selectboard had mixed reactions to this new plan. Frank Del Duca was a strong advocate for the project, saying, “The sidewalk ship has sailed.” He insisted that “We need to complete it to have a complete system.” The added sidewalk would connect Lincoln Street to the overpass, giving a pathway for students to walk on with increased safety.

On the other side, Meryl Kelley was a bit more skeptical of the project. She brought up the Davis Park walkway, which could also be connected to the Lincoln Street path by addition of a crosswalk. “I think it’s a waste of money.” The project, which was scheduled to be completed soon, has been pushed back to 2027. The price for the project has also increased to $230,600. Alongside rising costs for an extension of the Main Street sidewalk, a raise of $29,924.53 will be required in order to fund both projects.

A proposal was put forward to table the issue until more information could be gathered. However, the decision was passed to put it to the town at the next town meeting, by a 3:2 vote. Ultimately, all present agreed that the final say was up to the town and whether or not Bethel citizens are willing to raise the extra money that would be required to see the sidewalk project completed.