The Legislative Council approved a number of alterations to Stone Bridge Trail at its September 2 meeting. The alterations were previously approved by the Board of Selectmen on August 17.

The following alterations were approved: Tree trimming along the paved section of roadway adjacent to Route 34 to support utility pole relocation.

Widening the dirt road to approximately 18’.

Removing the field stone wall on the west side of the roadway between approximately 150’ and 300’ from Route 34.

Removing trees and saplings on the west side of the roadway between approximately 150’ and 300’ from Route 34.

Removing three trees located on the east side of the roadway located within two feet of the road edge.

Removing and relocating the stone walls on the west side of the roadway located between 300’ and 500’ from Route 34.

Removing the trees located along the stone wall on the west side of the roadway located between 300’ and 500’ from Route 34. New trees are to be planted in the area.

Removing the tulip tree located near the culvert which abuts the roadway.

Allowing the roadway to be paved in accordance with the previously approved Planning & Zoning Commission Approval for Application 24.15.

The culvert located approximately 550’ from Route 34 also needs replacement. This replacement is required and is considered routine care for correcting a drainage problem.

"This whole proposal is around safety," said Councilman Keith Alexander. "Access due to increased amount of people traveling on the road, which is going to happen no matter what we do."

Town Engineer John Curtis said the improvements are made to help improve sight lines and allow vehicles to pass each other, as well as accommodate delivery trucks and children walking.

Curtis acknowledged the charges were not what the hopes of residents on the road were.

"Unfortunately I have to look at it a bit differently than they do — it's great they are passionate about where they live. It's fantastic," said Curtis, who noted he had to prioritize safety.

Neighbors of a subdivision at 3 Stone Bridge Trail being built by developer Mike D'Amato have been approaching the town since the zoning approval with concerns for the road, particularly about drainage, the width of the road, and what will happen with the eponymous stone bridge.

Curtis said the stone wall the town is moving is currently on town property, and even after being moved, will still likely be on town property, which "isn't ideal." He said the town is not required to rebuild the wall, but is doing it as a good gesture to the neighbors.

Curtis also said that if he had his way he would have widened the road to 22', which is the normal width for town roads, but the fact that parts of the road are designated as scenic kept him respecting that and it has a maximum width of 18'.

Councilman Chris Gardner thanked Curtis for striking a compromise between the desires of the neighbors and town safety.

"With two groups, some not wanting it touched, others wanting more done than the town is doing, I think it's good to strike a compromise," said Gardner. “It's good government. It shows we're concerned about public safety, but also concerned with how it affects the appearance of the road and the whole character of that neighborhood going forward."

Councilman Arnie Berman put forward an amendment to the proposal which would make it contingent on the developer of 3 Stone Bridge Trail dropping litigation with the town. Alexander said he wasn't looking at the approval for the development or for litigation — he was concerned with safety. Berman said he had been convinced to vote against his own amendment.

Editor Jim Taylor can be reached at jim@thebee.com.