Yes, it's true - the commuter lot is finished; it's open!
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
Quitting time, 5 pm seemed like the perfect time for the long awaited opening of the commuter lot off Kennedy Dr.
June 5 town officials cut the Putnam blue ribbon and within minutes a gray car came in and went to the far end of the sleek and bold parking lot.
It was hydro seeded around all the far edges and hills and parts of the landscape beds. Town Administrator Elaine Sistare said the town’s highway department will be watering it everyday for the next two weeks with a reduced watering schedule after that to make sure the grass grows.
The numbers from Sistare: Pre-construction: 112 regular, plus 5 handicapped spaces. Total 117; Post-construction: 175 regular, plus 7 handicapped spaces. Total 182. The preliminary design had more spaces – probably 5-10 more – but Eversource’s easement requirements eliminated a few planned spaces.
The two EV charging stations are back. Still to come: some paving work on spots on Kennedy Dr and some signs. The restrooms are slated to open soon.
Sistare said the town is pleased with the work by J and D Civil Engineering and B & W Paving and Landscaping and the sub contractors. ARPA funding was used.
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Commuter Lot Done
Above, from left: Selectman Dave Pomes, Town Administrator Elaine Sistare, Mayor Barney Seney and Executive Assistant Denise Geeza. Linda Lemmon photos.
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Art in the Balance
The Connecticut Audubon Society is presenting “Art in the Balance, An Environmental Ephemeral Art Installation,"through June 15 at Trail Wood in Hampton.
Inspired by the NEA Big Read book selection, The Bear by Andrew Krivak, Eastern Connecticut State University students and alumni created art pieces of natural materials and placed them along the trails. Take a walk, enjoy the artwork, look for and listen to birds — all at the same time. Pick up an art map in the information shed. Free admission.
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Accident on Grove St.
PUTNAM — June 4 members of the Putnam Police and Putnam EMS responded to the report of a motor vehicle crash after a 2016 Kia Sedona collided with a utility pole in the area of 41 Grove St.
Police Chief Chris Ferace said a 64-year-old male was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was traveling eastbound on Grove Street when he suffered an apparent medical emergency.
His vehicle hit a utility pole.
The utility pole sustained moderate damage; however, no services were interrupted.
The operator was transported to Day Kimball Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
His vehicle was towed from the scene due to disabling damage.
Photos by Jimi Gothreau
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Pauline (Fortin) St. Cyr
PUTNAM — Pauline (Fortin) St. Cyr, of Putnam, died May 26, 2025, in the care of Day Kimball Hospital. She was the loving wife of the late Carl St. Cyr. Born Nov. 27, 1943, in Putnam, she was the daughter of the late Norman and Clara (Racicot) Fortin.
Pauline dedicated 35 years, working as quality control for Linemaster Switch. In her spare time, she enjoyed tending to her home, spending time with her family, riding horses and taking the occasional trip to the casino.
Pauline is survived by daughter, Michelle Mandeville; two sons, Brian Labrec, Keith Labrec; and sister, Claire Rock; grandchildren Fallon Rowean, Curtis Burnett, Madelyn Labrec and Pauline Labrec-Lee; six great-grandchildren and her loving cat, Peanut. She was predeceased by son, Kevin Labrec, brother, Joseph Fortin.
Services have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home and Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam.
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