Volume 15, Number 27
www.plainvillecitizen.com
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Preferred alignment chosen for trail Petit doesn’t
dwell on past
By Ashley Kus Citizen staff
Plans to close the Plainville-Southington gap in the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail are moving forward, as officials have narrowed down several options to one preferred route.
By Mike Savino Record-Journal staff
During debate on the reappointment of Justice Richard Palmer to the Connecticut Supreme Court in March, state Rep. William Petit rose to read a brief statement.
“We’re estimating up to 100 percent off-road possibility,” said Tim Malone, principal planner for Capitol Region Council of Governments. In May, four possibilities were presented to close the four-mile gap. Most of the 84 mile Farmington Canal Heritage Trail is complete. The option selected during a meeting this month includes a box culvert under Route 72. Separated side paths will keep the trail away from motor vehicle traffic. The route will start at Northwest Drive to the west and go through
A meeting was held Monday, May 22, at Plainville Public Library to discuss four possible alignments to close the PlainvilleSouthington gap in the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. | Ashley Kus, The Plainville Citizen
Tomasso Nature Park. It will snake through the wetlands and follow the historical canal trail before connecting to Townline Road and the Southington portion of the trail.
The proposed route runs along the south side of the Pequabuck River, rather than the north side as initially planned.
“I rise in opposition to the reconfirmation of Justice Palmer,” Petit said during a March 8 hearing in the state House of Representatives. “I do not believe it is apPetit propriate for judges, especially Supreme Court justices, to legislate and attempt to set policy from the bench. We expect our judges to fairly interpret our laws and not politicize their decisions. I also oppose his confirmation on the basis of his judicial demeanor.” Palmer’s stance on capital punishment was key in the court’s 4-3 ruling in 2012 endSee Petit, A14
See Trail, A15
Plans move forward for old Linden school site
58335-07
Nearly a year after the Old Linden Street School was demolished, the sign from the historic building has been displayed once again at the site.
The Linden Street School Committee has been working on ideas for the site since the building, vacant since 2009, was torn down last summer. Memorials, benches and a
gazebo are all in the works.
committee.
“I think it’s going to be an area where people can go and relax,” said Nancy Eberhardt, the chairperson of the Linden Street School
New sidewalks were recently installed for access to the site which neighbors the new Linden Street Elementary School.
“There’s been good progress made so far,” said Town Manager Robert Lee. — Ashley Kus