WEST FARMINGTON – The Board of Selectmen approved having an engineering firm design a series of improvements near the intersection of Oakes and Bridge Street to create eight parking spaces alongside the Village Improvement Society Park.
Dirigo Engineering will be hired to develop a preliminary site plan and a final design for the reconfiguration, which will create four parallel parking spaces on Oakes Street and four on Bridge Street. Those streets create a boundary for the VIS Park, located alongside the West Farmington post office. The project would also install conduit stubs and pole bases for street lighting.
As both streets are Maine Department of Transportation state aid roadways, the final plan will need to be approved by MDOT. Dirigo Engineering will provide plans to the department.
The cost of the engineering work is $2,500, which will be paid for by the town’s tax increment financing funds. The actual paving work will be completed by the Public Works Department.
The sidewalks will be moved in slightly to make room for the parking. In addition to allowing residents to visit the park, the spaces could be used during grange events.
Beyond the scope of the Dirigo Engineering contract, but also proposed is an extension of a sidewalk from Temple Road toward the Whistle Stop Trail. That would allow for the installation of a cross walk on that portion of the intersection.
The board approved expending $2,500 in TIF funds to pay Dirigo Engineering. The project was also recommended by the TIF Committee.
As a person who drives through this area very often I would say that the parking along the Bridge St. side is a good idea but WHY OH WHY would you want to and more confusion to the Oak es St. road side that are is too busy in my view for safe parking.
I, too am a frequent driver through this 4-way stop intersection. I love the idea that parking for folks to visit the park (underused) or the grange (winter farmer’s market site) is an improvement. At this time, the P.O. parking lot is packed on Saturday mornings during Farmers Market season. It is also true that Town Farm Rd, which feeds straight to Oakes St or left to Bridge, is a major truck route. I’ll trust the engineers to figure this out. Maybe it will slow down the truckers?! (doubt it)
You’re right Frank. Even the truckers use that as a short cut to avoid downtown and the campus. I think it’s a terrible idea! Might lose some of those beautiful trees too. Leave as is!!!!
…….also the snowmobile trail crosses Bridge Street right there.
If the goal is 8 parking spots, don’t bother taking away what’s there to add pavement. Farmington is growing and it is great to see beneficial change for our community. In my opinion we should not alter/change the layout of the existing look of the town if not needed with out good cause. 8 parking spots? ….. No thanks. The idea of growth in the TOWN of Farmington is great. The City of Farmington look is not so appealing.