Route 72 ombudsman needed, Ward argues

With work getting underway on the $53 million Route 72 extension, the city needs to create an ombudsman for advisory panel to help residents who run into problems caused by the massive construction project, said Democratic mayoral candidate Art Ward.
Ward said that having someone, or a group of people, serve as “a conduit between the citizens and what was going on with the Route 72 project as it progresses” could help minimize problems for homeowners, businesses and others.
“It would give the populace one specific person or panel to address their concerns,” Ward said, and make it more likely that issues can be resolved quickly.
Back in the 1990s, the city appointed a volunteer ombudsman, Anthony Potocki, who helped residents deal with the state Department of Transportation when it was busy selling off surplus property that was no longer needed for the downscaled Route 72 that eventually won approval.
Ward said that Potocki proved a great help both for residents and city officials because he knew who to call and had many of the answers to questions readily available.
Being able “to focus the concerns into one venue,” Ward said, makes it simpler for everyone.
“Needless to say, that person would be accountable to the mayor and the City Council,” Ward said.
Ward said that the person or panel selected would ideally live near the project “and have a direct, hands-on approach” to resolving issues.
He said he envisions them getting to know the state officials and key construction personnel so they can go directly to the people with firsthand knowledge to answer queries or handle complaints.
Ward first made the suggestion last spring, but nothing happened in response. He said he is “not really surprised” that Mayor William Stortz didn’t follow up on the idea, adding that it’s only become crucial lately as construction gets underway.
A formal groundbreaking for the project occurred Monday, but contractors haven’t truly begun the massive job of putting in 2.4 miles of new road from the end of the expressway in Plainville to Route 229.
The road, which is expected to take 19 months to finish, will slice through a residential area in Forestville before crossing Yarde Pond, creating a boulevard-like section.
It will follow the same path as Pine Street starting at Todd Street, and then cut behind Dunkin’ Donuts across a new bridge over the Pequabuck River.
A pedestrian bride would be erected over the boulevard section of the road at Forest Street and a commuter lot would be relocated to Lake Avenue.

*******
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Contact Steve Collins at scollins@bristolpress.com