Voters next month will decide whether the town should spend $235,000 of its surplus to extend Commerce Drive — a cul-de-sac off Christian Street.
The project would connect Commerce Drive with Jacks Hill Road, creating a straight path from Christian Street to the town’s industrial parks, homes and Oxford Greens development. Currently, cars and trucks must navigate two 90-degree turns on Jacks Hill Road.
The idea is to spur economic development, officials said.
The Board of Finance approved the road project at its meeting recently, and now the proposal will be sent before voters at a town meeting to be scheduled in April, according to board chairman Lila Ferrillo.
The Board of Selectmen had previously approved the project.
The project would extend Commerce Drive by 800 feet, and connect the road with Jacks Hill Road.
If voters approve the project, the town would use $235,000 of its $3.7 million surplus to build the road, Ferrillo said. The project would need to start by May 30, because that’s when a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers expires.
The total project costs $445,000, but the remaining portion will be paid by money the town has from a court settlement on a Planning and Zoning appeal for the land.
“Extending the road will make it more viable for the industry that is up there and attract more industry,” Ferrillo said, after hearing a presentation from Schuler Monday night.
Schuler advocated for the project, saying it will also help relieve safety issues on Jacks Hill Road, created by the 90-degree turns.
