from Nary
Yes, we need to get this done. It’s 20 years overdue — the need has been overlooked for a long time by many.
The “I and I” problem refers to inflow and infiltration. Essentially, Woodstock is sending clear water along with gray water to Putnam for processing which is costly. Sometimes rain events spike the I and I but sometimes they don’t. This problem will be compounded by the Academy’s addition of flow to the sewer line although most people recognize that the Academy’s need MUST be attended to.
Woodstock has had a “Sewer Avoidance” policy in place since its inception. What this means is that ONLY those residences or businesses that fall in to the clearly designated sewer zone MAY hook up to the sewer line. If you are not in the sewer zone, you can’t hook up — doesn’t matter who you are or where you live or what your need is. Period. This means that Hill residents along with other residences may NOT hook up to the sewer if they want to or feel it is the best alternative for their property.
In my opinion from watching this closely for a number of years — the Academy route that hugs the east side of Rt. 169 for the development of sewer line is the most costly route they can take. If the school could place this line overland that is around the backside of the hill, costs would be significantly lowered with direct gravity feed and no need to expensively blast through a line of ledge along the road that will disturb traffic and take out a number of trees in the process. I believe that what halts this more reasonable and less costly plan is the (understandable) reticence of abutters to grant easements for this purpose.
Again, Woodstock is full of history. We all should return to the age old wisdom of being a good neighbor, of working well together in our community and to envision and then fashion a collective healthy future for all . . that is, one that works well for all. It hasn’t happened here or at least with this specific issue.
