By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HODGDON — Should the London Road be closed to winter maintenance?
That is the question that the Aroostook County Commissioners will be deciding following a public hearing on the matter, Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. in the Sheriff’s Department conference room located at 25 School St.
According to County Administrator Doug Beaulieu, Deb and Tim Wynes, who own property on the road, requested the hearing.
At a June 24 special town meeting, residents of Hodgdon voted 73 in favor and 17 opposed to closing the road to winter maintenance. The road was one of 10 that townspeople were asked to cast a ballot on during the special meeting. All 10 were recommended for closure in the winter by the townspeople as a way to save money.
Hodgdon Town Manager Jim Griffin said at that meeting that 10 roads are closed in the town each winter reduce expenses. Portions of the Green, Horseback, Ingraham, Little, London, McGillicuddy, South McIntyre, South Town Line and White Settlement roads, as well as Lindor Lane are regularly closed each winter.
Signs are also placed on those roads to notify individuals that the roads are not maintained in the winter months of November to April.
Deb and Tim Wynes first came to Hodgdon 11 years ago from Buffalo, N.Y. The couple purchased a piece of land on the London Road and initially set up a tent and then a camper so they could enjoy summers in Hodgdon.
Three years ago, the Wynes began building their dream home at 126 London Road with the idea of permanently moving to Hodgdon. That home is now complete and the Wynes would like to be able to occupy their home year-round, but living there this winter will prove challenging for the couple if they are unable to get in and out of their driveway, they said.
Griffin said in order for the London Road to be opened in the winter, extensive reconstruction would need to be done first. The town received two bids — $69,000 and $83,000 — for the reconstruction project, but deemed it too costly to pursue.
In addition, it would cost about $4,000 per year to plow, Griffin added.
No verdict is expected at the public hearing.
“The Commissioners will hear both sides of the argument and issue a written decision within 30 days, from the date all the information is received,” Beaulieu said. “The decision will be public information.”
