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Council places Hilltop Street paving request on radar; DPW recommends study and short‑term fixes
Summary
A resident asked the Town Council on Oct. 1 to convert an unimproved portion of Hilltop Street to an improved town road after repeated washouts; the DPW director recommended denial "at this time" and urged a comprehensive study of neighborhood drainage and road reconstruction.
Michaela Frattarelli told the Town Council she and her family have maintained and plowed an unimproved portion of Hilltop Street since 2008 and asked the council to convert the road because heavy runoff is washing out the surface.
Chris Perella, director of public works (DPW), told the council he recommended denying the conversion request at this time because of budget constraints and because improvements should be part of a comprehensive plan for several unimproved roads in the neighborhood. He raised technical concerns including drainage, the amount of ledge in the roadbed, potential permitting triggers for excavation, and whether a project would require engineering design and riprap for washout control.
Town engineer Diane (department representative) and DPW staff expanded on permitting matters: excavation or reconstruction that disturbs more than 10,000 square feet could trigger a Department of Environmental Management permit (DEM) and coastal permitting (CRMC) could apply depending on where runoff drains. DPW staff recommended a neighborhood‑level study to design comprehensive drainage and road cross‑sections rather than paving an isolated segment.
Council and staff agreed on short‑term assistance: DPW will work with the petitioner and the town administrator to stabilize the worst washouts, consider additional gravel in problem spots and coordinate long‑term planning when Tower Street engineering proceeds. Council member Aaron moved to receive and file the petition so staff can pursue short‑term fixes and budgeting; Tony seconded and the motion passed.
Why it matters: Petitioners said the unpaved segment causes recurring washouts, ice buildup in winter and occasional plow blockages that can prevent access. Staff said paving without addressing drainage could exacerbate downstream erosion and that nearby Tower Street is slated for engineering work that could present an economical opportunity to include Hilltop work later.
Clarifying details and cost context: DPW said road reconstruction in the area would have to address ledge removal and drainage design. The administrator and DPW noted similar projects can be expensive; a council member referenced an $800,000 estimate previously discussed for large projects such as Tower Street. The council asked for short‑term stabilization now and inclusion of Hilltop in future paving phases when contractors mobilize to adjacent streets.
Ending: The council placed the request on the town's radar, directed DPW to make short‑term improvements where feasible and to include Hilltop and neighboring streets in planning and budgeting for upcoming paving work.
