Sidewalk plan proceeds at a slow trot

CORNWALL — The installation of a sidewalk in West Cornwall is moving along at a somewhat tentative pace. 

With a Dec. 31 deadline, following an extension on state grant funds, the selectmen are attempting to tie up loose ends on planning and quickly get the project to a town meeting and out to bid. Roger Kane is the project manager.

At a special meeting on Aug. 11, discussion continued on the type of sidewalk to install from along the front of The Wandering Moose Cafe to just before the Cornwall Bridge Pottery. 

First Selectman Gordon Ridgway advocated for plain cement, which will be softened by grass on either side, he said. Selectman Heidi Kearns pushed for more exploration of a public request to consider something a little more decorative, but still durable, such as cement embossed to look like paving stones or tile. Selectman Richard Bramley said the most important thing is to make sure there is handicapped accessibility (which is a project requirement).

Unknown is how much of the state Main Street Investment Fund $70,000 grant can be spent. The application estimated $40,000 for West Cornwall and $30,000 for Cornwall Bridge. The latter part of the project was dismissed. Ridgway agreed to ask if the town is free to spend more or even the entire grant in West Cornwall.

The process included seeking approval from the Board of Finance this week to lay out the funds, which will be reimbursed. 

Discussion on particulars is planned to continue at the Sept. 1 selectmen’s meeting. The project was to go out to bid Aug. 25, with bids due back in by early September. 

A town meeting is tentatively set for Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7:30 p.m., at Cornwall Consolidated School.