Vernon Mayor: Grove Street Work Example Of Sidewalks Being Priority

VERNON, CT — With a major, multi-year road paving project completed in Vernon last year, a new infrastructure focus is on sidewalks.

Work currently taking place on Grove Street is a perfect example of that, Mayor Daniel Champagne said.

"Sidewalks are definitely a priority, especially now that the roads have been paved," Champagne told Patch Wednesday. "We took a look at all the sidewalks in town and want to address those that need work and those in priority areas.

Grove Street fits the bill to a tee because it connects Downtown Rockville to Northeast School.

"There are a lot of walkers in that area, and not just the families with school children," Champagne said. "It's a heavy foot traffic area with all ages."

The sidewalks from Route 30 to the 100 block of Grove Street have been in good shape for some time. This week, the work is stretching from No. 116 down to No. 102 on Grove Street. Champagne said the renovations will stretch to Route 74 and Downtown Rockville.

Another priority to to renovate the sidewalks system along Route 83, the mayor said. The work is being paid for via state grants and local capital improvement money with some in-house work by Department of Public Works crews cutting costs, Champagne said.