Group convened to study restroom plans

KENT — The first meeting for the Public Restroom Subcommittee was held on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Town Hall.

The meeting kicked off with First Selectman Bruce Adams re-establishing that the purpose for this committee is to produce plans and proposals for the project’s development and present them to the Board of Selectmen. 

Once the board has reviewed the proposals, they will be brought to the public for feedback (probably at the first Board of Selectmen’s meeting in 2016, which is scheduled for Jan. 21).

At an Oct. 15 town meeting, voters approved the purchase of land on Railroad Street, where the town will build public bathrooms and a visitor center. Construction is expected to cost $185,000; the cost of the land is $190,000 plus closing costs. All of it will be paid for with a $500,000 state Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant.

“We have more than enough money to do this right. We don’t need to go cheap about it,” Adams said at the subcommittee’s inaugural meeting.

A company that builds public restroom submitted some  floor plans. Subcommitee member John Baker also provided some sketches. There was a detailed discussion about what can and might be done.

The subcommittee for the public restroom and visitor center project brings individuals of diverse backgrounds, which was something that the board was looking for.

Members include Merle Koblenz, who is the owner of Koblenz & Co. Antique & Estate Jewelry and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce; Selectman Mike Van Valkenburg; John Baker, a semi-retired architect and member of the Architecture Review Board; and Mike Everett, a retired designer.

Koblenz was appointed as the committee’s chair at the meeting.

Adams encouraged the committee to look for a fifth member to join. The member must be a resident of Kent, and it is preferable if it is someone in the construction trade.