12.13.2005

Residents of Killingworth have always had a "love/hate" attitude toward Lovers Lane. To some it is a short cut between Route 81 and Route 148. To others the thruway is a hazardous nuisance when the road is impassable due to winter ice or spring floods.

The previous Board of Selectmen made the decision to seek approval of the Inland Watercourses and Wetlands Commission to install pipes under the road in order to increase the flow of water. The town has received invoices for $5000 in engineering fees for the related study. I, however, think it is time to reconsider the future function of Lovers Lane and I am recommending that it be permanently closed.

The road, which is built on a peat bog, has been sinking several inches every year. I researched its history since First Selectman Campbell was in office and learned that Lovers Lane has been an open ended drain on the town's coffers and will continue as such. In his capacity as Fire Chief, Selectman Fred Dudek said that closing the road would not significantly increase the time for an emergency response.

When the road is open, approximately 700 cars cross it daily, impacting its fragility. I have already received calls and letters from residents who were concerned about the road's safety. The sentiment is that if the road is closed six months of the year it should be closed permanently. Egresses from the town road onto Route 81 and 148 are both hazardous. When the new middle school is completed, traffic on Route 81 will increase as will traffic problems at its juncture with Lovers Lane.

When I attended my last meeting as a member of the IWWC , we discussed proposals for Lovers Lane. I expressed my objections to proceeding with additional work in that area and squandering more taxpayer dollars. This is a pristine wetland that should be preserved as open space. The soil will not sustain guardrails. If the Wetlands Commission existed when this road was built, they never would have approved the construction and it is doubtful whether the IWWC will accept the current proposal.

When I was growing up in Guilford, there were no wetlands, only "swamps". We drained the "swamps" and covered the area for mosquito control. Haven't we learned yet that there is open space upon which we should never build?

I envision a hidden bonus to closing Lovers Lane. The proximity of Lovers Lane to the new middle school presents a liability if used as a thoroughfare. But this area can be an asset if designated a wildlife preserve with a suspended boardwalk across the wetland.

Twenty seven years ago, my son constructed just such a walkway for his Eagle Scout project with assistance from other scouts in his troop. It was on the wetland section of the Platt Nature Center. The walk has since been rebuilt and continues to serve as a tool for environmental education. Couldn't a similar structure be invaluable as a means to enjoy wetland nature on a preserve at Lovers Lane? Imagine observing the wonders of water and the flora and fauna it supports. What an ideal spot for bird watching and science field trips. There may even be government or private grant money for such a project.

These issues will ultimately be resolved by the citizens of Killingworth at a town meeting. I urge my friends and neighbors to make informed choices. Do we want to pursue a futile venture and continue to bury tax revenue in a bottomless pit or do we want to use our tax money to husband a valuable, unique resource for generations to come?

Sincerely,
Marty