WOODBRIDGE -- A special town meeting to vote on a new public works garage became an informational session because fewer than 100 residents showed up.
First Selectman Ed Sheehy said since there was no quorum, the selectmen and Finance Board "in the near future" will vote on the project, per town charter. The project needs a two-thirds vote of each board to pass.
Tony Genovese, finance director, said the cost to taxpayers is $26 per $100,000 assessment.
A public works building committee has met more than 50 times since 2003 to discuss the project. In 1999, gasoline leaked from the underground tank, and since then, the Public Works Department has been scattered in various buildings.
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Roth Moore and Kugan LLC, New Haven, has designed the new structure. Proposed are 13 bays. The size is 16,570 square feet. Architect Jerry Kugan said an elevator is still being considered for ADA compliance.
Residents took the opportunity to comment.
"There are people in this town who are shopping at food pantries ... $5 million is a lot of money to spend," Joan Lindy said.
Warren Connors, operations manager for the Public Works Department, said the equipment needs to be parked inside to extend longevity. Justin Parker disagreed, saying preventive maintenance is key.
"Maybe the public works could join with the fire department in their new station and use the bathrooms," Lainie Lipsher said.
Frank Aveni supports the project. "We've got a new firehouse, police renovation, schools remodeled. The highway department has always gotten the short end of the stick. This project is long overdue," he said.
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