Traffic authority approves George Washington Post Road memorial signs, pending DOT encroachment permit

The Groton Local Traffic Authority voted to approve installation of “George Washington Post Road Memorial” ground signs on Route 117 at Candlewood, contingent on any required approvals from the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Candice Wood, regent of the Anna Warner Bailey chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Diane Pazzolizzi, the chapter’s preservation chair, told the authority the stone was moved from a rotary near the old Tim Hortons when Route 117 was widened and has been relocated near a pump station close to the original Hailey mansion site. Pazzolizzi said the stone had been recorded by the chapter in 1932 and that brown historic signs with white lettering would help visitors find the marker.

Town staff said the signs would be fabricated by the town public works department and installed on existing sign posts. David Prescott (Town staff) told the authority the move had been completed with town public‑works assistance and that no additional town approvals were required to place signs on town property; Jeff Foster (public works) said an encroachment permit with the state DOT may still be necessary to place signs on Route 117 and offered to prepare the permit and sizes for the application.

Chief LJ Fazaro moved the approval, which the authority seconded and adopted by voice vote; the motion directed public works to fabricate and install the markers after any DOT approvals are secured. The applicants said they plan a rededication ceremony for the stone on Sept. 26 and requested the signs be installed before that date.

The authority record shows the approval is conditional on obtaining any DOT encroachment permit; the vote did not list a roll‑call tally.