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Resident urges reconsideration of Purgatory Road concrete sidewalks and vertical curbs
Summary
A long‑time resident asked the council to reopen discussion about Purgatory Road sidewalk material and curb design; town staff said the project is at final design and recommended changes are limited before construction begins.
At the public forum, resident John Bagwell urged the Town Council to reopen discussion of the Purgatory Road sidewalk design—specifically the decision to use a concrete sidewalk surface and vertical curb rather than a more flexible surfacing and a sloped (beveled) curb.
Bagwell asked the council to ‘‘take a holistic approach’’ that weighs maintenance, stormwater, tree survival, ice accumulation and community character in addition to installation cost. He said a beveled (Cape Cod‑style) curb permits cyclists and pedestrians to move safely off the travel lane, and that the town should revisit whether a vertical curb is the right choice for the route.
Town Planner Ron Wolanski told the council the design is at a final stage and that staff believe the project is at full design. He said the town has already done advanced engineering and easement work and that changing materials or curb geometry at late stages has limited feasibility without delaying procurement and increasing cost.
Bagwell asked the council to hold a public meeting or open discussion before the first construction activity occurs so that the specific tradeoffs—stormwater management, long‑term maintenance and bicyclist safety—could be aired with technical staff and advocates present.
