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Selectmen ask public works to document roads as Farmington Ridge expansion readies
Summary
Board asked Public Works Director Scott Pike to document conditions and advise on bonding after the Planning Board approved a phased 70-unit mobile-home expansion at Farmington Ridge. The board discussed bonds, first-occupancy milestones and coordination with DOT before paving.
The Town of Farmington’s Board of Selectmen asked Public Works Director Scott Pike to document current road conditions and advise whether the town should require a construction bond for the Farmington Ridge expansion, a phased plan that includes up to 70 mobile/manufactured-home units.
Chairman Charlie King told the board the development, approved by the Planning Board, will be done in phases and that most infrastructure — drainage, detention ponds and roadwork — will be installed in phase one. King asked Pike to photograph the road before heavy construction begins so the town can identify and attribute any contractor damage later.
Pike said he saw site clearing and excavators and can provide an opinion and recommendations on whether a bond is warranted. “If he can keep an eye on it through the process he’ll be able to recommend that,” Pike told the board.
Board members discussed bonding tied to milestones: an initial start-of-project requirement and a possible reduction after infrastructure is completed and occupancy permits are issued. King said it is the Selectmen, ultimately, who decide whether bonding is required, though the legislative body could accept roads the town does not otherwise meet standards to own.
The discussion also touched on water and sewer connections, which Selectmen estimated could bring roughly $6,000 per unit combined into capital-reserve accounts; board members stressed that those funds do not cover pavement repairs. Selectman John Scruton noted permitting and wetlands could make site access and road construction expensive.
The board agreed to reschedule a walkthrough with state Department of Transportation representatives and town staff so all relevant personnel can attend and to determine responsibilities for aprons, curbs, striping and catch-basin repairs before paving commences.
Next steps: Pike will produce baseline photographs and a recommendation about bonding and monitoring; the Selectmen will coordinate a full walk-through with DOT, planning and water/sewer staff.
