Bristol voters overwhelming lent their support Tuesday to borrowing $17 million for various projects in town.
Question 8 actually combined five bonds into one, rather than separating them into individual referenda to allow voters to choose among them. Still, Bristol residents saw fit to permit the borrowing, with more than 68 percent voting to approve.
Here’s a closer look at each aspect of the bond:
Drainage projects — $7 million
Bristolians are no stranger to flooding. The bond will allow the town to continue with the Tanyard Brook project, a multi-million project to replace the clogged and collapsed underground culverts installed prior to the 1960s, which could no longer handle heavy rains. Phase 1 wrapped up in 2013, with workers having replaced the culvert that runs from Garfield Street to the outflow at Walker's Cove on Hope Street. Phase 2 is on-going, requiring workers to gain access to private property to fix the subterranean stream.
The drainage phase of the bond would also allow the town to address other drainage and flooding issues in town, including Silver Creek, which runs from Gooding Avenue, past Mt. Hope High School on its way toward Hope Street.
Road and sidewalk repairs — $5 million
The money will allow the town to continue its three-year road repaving plan, with the goal of fixing potholes and deterioration on Bristol’s streets. The work has been divided into three phases, one underway now, and the town has identified which roads will be paved in each phase.
Town-owned marina — $2 million
Bristol has a waiting list of more than 100 people waiting to secure dock access in town. Officials hope to build a 122-slip extension to the Church Street Dock, which would extend behind the Robin Rug facility on Thames Street. As reported in the Phoenix on Oct. 6, the project is on hold after an apparent disagreement with Robin Rug owner Russell Karian regarding three dock terminations, or connections, on Robin Rug’s land.
Acquisition of open space — $2 million
The money will be used for the town to buy property or conservation easements on open space properties, woodlands, farmland, etc. The town has increased its open space purchases in recent years, and is trying to preserve waterfront access for residents.
Rehabilitation of public buildings — $1 million
The bond would provide funding to renovate public buildings on an as-needed basis, including decommissioned school buildings Byfield, Reynolds and Walley.