Commuter lot will be transformed in the spring
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — Come April or May the town anticipates reconstruction of the Kennedy Drive Commuter Lot to get underway.
The revamp of the lot has been in the planning stages for more than two years. In addition, the town and Eversource were in negotiations for the town to purchase Eversource’s small parcel on the edge of the lot.
The town intends to use American Rescue Plan Act funds. Those funds need to be encumbered (contract signed) by Dec. 31.
Long ago the Planning Commission OK’d the recommended plan and a plan to handle storm water was approved by the Inland Wetlands Commission.
Eversource’s parcel is one-half to 1 acre. Town Administrator Elaine Sistare said now that the town closed on the sale from Eversource that lot will be part of the plan and will contain 30 to 40 parking spaces. The demolition of the old DMV “building” added more parking spaces.
Plans call for the congested lot entrance near the intersection to disappear and the entrance come in very close to the town-Eversource border.
The conceptual plan drawn up by J&D calls for parking spaces, 12 to 15 (EV) charging stations, relocated handicapped parking spaces and possibly another set of stairs next to the Centreville Bank stairs to get to the Main Street/Union Square area. In addition some landscaped strips dot the plans.
Entrances and exits would be reworked. Storm water improvements would also need to be made, going under Kennedy Drive toward the Quinebaug.
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American Legion Post 13 donates $12,000 for Veterans Park
Several representatives from the American Legion Mayotte-Viens Post #13 presented a check for $12,000 to the Putnam Veterans Advisory Committee (VAC).
The donation was made to help pay for repairs and upgrades to Veterans Park. The check was presented by current commander Michael Rocchetti and past commanders Brian Maynard, Michael Vassar, Barney Seney and Alan Joslin.
VAC Chairman Robert Challinor thanked the Legion for its tremendous contribution, as well as the previous $10,000 contribution that was made in March.
Commander Rocchetti said: “The Veterans Park is very important to the Legion – one of our organizational core values is to ‘remember our veterans’. Our Veterans Park will help preserve the memories of their service and sacrifice”.
Mayor Barney Seney said: “The project is nearly complete and we’ve spent approximately $211,000 dollars, and so far, the town of Putnam has only contributed $11,000. The rest of the money has come from donations and commemorative brick sales. The outpouring of support from the community has been phenomenal.” The work at the park included new pavements, landscaping, new monuments, a new flagpole, new lighting, new fencing, bollards, signage, and park benches.
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caption:
From left: Mike Vassar, Brian Maynard, Dave Gilbert, Barney Seney, Rob Challinor, Mike Rocchetti, Jim Bradley, and Alan Joslin.
Town of Pomfret
Position Opening
Part-time Finance Professional/Treasurer
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The Town of Pomfret seeks to hire a PT Finance Professional/Treasurer responsible for the management of Town funds. Responsibilities include receipt and deposit of town funds, reconciliation of accounts, investment of town monies, preparation of audit requirements and work with auditors during annual audits, perform any and all duties as may be required with this position and as required under CT General Statutes. Work in cooperation with municipal officials and provides financial reports as needed. Must be able to work independently.
Flexible work hours. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or related field or five years of related experience in accounting/bookkeeping, municipal work is a plus.
Salary dependent upon qualifications and experience. Interested persons should forward resume/application and three references to the Selectman’s Office, 5 Haven Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259 or email
Native American
Spirituality program
set for Oct. 20
POMFRET — Christ Church Pomfret will present a Native American Spirituality talk by David Eichelberg, Outreach Specialist for the Mohegan Tribe, at 3 p.m. Oct. 20. Doors open at 2:30. No reservations required and the event will take place in Christ Church’s Great Hall, Pomfret Street.
In a previous talk at Christ Church, Eichelberg shared that the turtle is a sacred creature, symbolizing strength and resilience, in addition to the belief that the turtle carried mud from the bottom of the ocean to create new land. Land, too, is sacred to the tribe. Eichelberg will expand on these spiritual aspects of tribal beliefs as well as others, but the event will be about much more than history.
Many also know that the Mohegans are one of the few tribes that were not affected by the religious boarding schools that tore apart many other tribes. Eichelberg will also share how they were spared, and the impact that had on their current practices.
“It is a blessing to welcome back David Eichelberg to Christ Episcopal Church as we open our hearts and minds to the rich and profound wisdom of indigenous spirituality,” said Reverend Sandra L. Cosman, Priest in Charge of Christ Church.
“In a world longing for deeper connection with creation and with one another, we are reminded of the beauty and harmony found in the spiritual traditions of indigenous peoples. We are grateful for David’s presence among us.”
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