Selectmen warn drivers of new Orchard Street stop sign

NORTH CANAAN -— A problematic intersection will once again become a four-way stop.

A stop sign will be added on Orchard Street, where it intersects with Granite Avenue and Granite Avenue Extension. 

The stop sign for drivers traveling eastbound may create some challenges for drivers. The road curves there, leaving a very short line of sight before the intersection. But that is exactly the reason for making drivers stop. It is very difficult to pull safely off of Granite Avenue. 

The Board of Selectmen is advising drivers to use extra caution while those who regularly use that route get used to the change.

Trash on the streets is another concern — in particular, little bags of dog “leavings” are being left along the well-used sidewalks in the town center.

Jayne Consentino told the selectmen at their June 1 meeting that people are cleaning up after their dogs, but apparently are not willing to carry those little baggies home. She asked if some sort of trash cans or receptacles specific to dog waste can be installed, and said the Democratic Town Committee has discussed organizing trash pickup days.

First Selectman Douglas Humes said they have been looking into the issue. The town has some regular trash cans at recreational areas, but limits them because people used them for household trash. Humes said it was people from out of town, and at a cost of $73 per ton to have waste hauled from the town transfer station, it’s not something they want to encourage. 

The fee for transfer station stickers has been kept as low as possible to discourage people from dumping in remote spots. It’s a big issue. Humes said that since they had to raise the fee for disposing tires, he regularly finds them deposited in his driveway.

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