RUSSELL FOX
SOUTHWICK – Board of Selectmen Chairman Russell Fox said he hopes Town Meeting voters will address the needs of the school when it comes to sewer installation.
A warrant on the agenda of the May 20 meeting asks voters to support the sewer at the school, which Fox said must be installed.
“What we’re suggesting we do next for sewers is the schools because we’re under an order of condition,” Fox said.
The order is a federal mandate to the town to hook up the schools to the sewer system.
Fox said engineering firm Tighe & Bond presented the Sewer Implementation Committee (SIC) with several options for what areas in town to connect to the sewer next.
Beyond the schools, the SIC has recommended two other sections of town to connect next.
“One of the areas they suggested is near Westfield and includes Wynnfield, Rosewood Estates and the American Inn,” said Fox. Wynnfield has had septic problems and Rosewood is not conducive [to the septic system], and American Inn has septic problems.”
Fox said the other area with septic concerns is by Big Y and Gillette Corner.
Fox said although the Board of Selectmen serves as the sewer commission, the SIC makes all sewer recommendations and works directly with Tighe & Bond.
“We listened, and we agreed,” Fox said. “When you have areas with septic issues, you have to look at that.”
Fox said that residents in the school neighborhood would benefit from the sewer connection, as would those in the other areas identified as priorities.
Fox said he hopes residents exercise their right to vote at Town Meeting.
“We have a SIC that makes recommendations to the board, but ultimately it’s the voters that decide where we go,” he said.
