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Cobble Ridge bridge replacement dropped after landowner objections
Summary
Town and WRC staff said removing the Cobble Ridge Bridge and building alternate access would have been the only fundable permanent fix under Hazard Mitigation grants, but property owners objected due to impacts on septic systems and wells, so the project was taken off the table.
WRC staff told the Select Board that initial engineering and benefit‑cost analysis showed the Cobble Ridge Bridge removal plus creation of alternate access would be the only permanent, fundable solution through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The town approached affected property owners about the alternate access last week and the owners declined support citing impacts on septic systems and wells.
"We approached the property owners with the alternate access plan last week and they did not support the project because of implications on particularly two properties involving a septic system and a well," Alissa (WRC) said. After discussing the owner responses with town staff, WRC and the town decided to remove the Cobble Ridge project from consideration under River.
The presenters and board members noted the importance of earlier landowner outreach and said the experience underscored the need to engage owners earlier in future projects. No new motion was made; the town will instead focus River resources on projects judged more likely to succeed in the upcoming grant round.
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