Residents Approve Grant for Traffic Signal in Collinsville

Town residents have accepted a $156,000 state grant for a traffic light at the intersection of Route 179 (Bridge Street) and Main Street in Collinsville.

During a Special Town Meeting Wednesday night, several residents spoke in favor of the idea, which was strongly recommended in a November 2008 report from the temporary study committee on Pedestrian and Vehicular Safety.

"I support this grant," said Lowell Humphrey, former police chief and a member of the safety committee. "This was actually made the top priority recommendation by the group."

Humphrey said at least four people have been hit at the intersection, which serves as a crosswalk on the Farmington River Trail and is used by shoppers as well.  

Gary Miller, who serves on the Farmington Valley Trails council, said the group supports the idea, especially with new sections of the trail nearly completed.

"We definitely support this," he said. "We're only going to see increased pedestrian traffic."

Collinsville resident David Leff called the light "very necessary" but urged the town to work with the state on an appropriate design.

"I think if we ended up with something inappropriate and out of place, it would be an economic detriment to Collinsville," Leff said.

Resident Larry Minichiello, who chaired the safety committee, said he agreed with the need for the light but not with accepting the Small Town Economic Assistance Program money from the state.

"The light is needed but I don't agree with the funding," he said.

Minichiello, who also voted against accepting another grant at the Town Meeting, said the town should pay for its own projects and current practices are crippling state and federal governments.

Residents voted 11 to 1 to accept the funds.

The money is expected to cover the entire cost of the light, officials said.

The state Department of Transportation will design the light. Chief Administrative Officer Bob Skinner and First Selectman Richard Barlow said the state will allow input on the design.

Skinner said the timeline for the project is not known at this time.