GLASTONBURY, CT (WFSB) -
The town of Glastonbury is considering the possibility of adding a public boat launch along with several other amenities for residents along the riverfront.
Six years ago, Glastonbury voters approved the first phase of the project by adding ball fields, a dog park and walking paths. Now, once again the town is looking at expanding, and that could mean the addition of a public boat launch.
"It's absolutely a beautiful area," said Marc Albrecht of Glastonbury. "The whole river is extremely underutilized, so it would be nice to have a facility where people from the town and other could use."
On the November ballot, Glastonbury residents will decide whether or not to move forward with the second phase of the Riverfront Park project.
According to town officials, the project would cost $12 million and would use the 10 acres near the former Hallmark Tire site on the south side of Welles Street.
The plans include a public boat launch, spots for canoes and kayaks and a two-story boathouse, which would be used by the public and Glastonbury High School crew team. There would be more walking trails, a lighted basketball court, a playground and a parking lot.
"Sounds like a good opportunity for the community," said Kristen Tracey of Glastonbury.
The town would bond money over the next 20 years for the project, with $4 million coming from state and federal grants and more than $300,000 coming from the Friends of Glastonbury and other organizations. The town would have to pay roughly $7.7 million for the project.
As for the taxes, town officials project that a home assessed at $300,000 would mean the homeowner would pay an extra $47 for the next five years.
"I think it's a little high, but what are you going to do?" asked Michael McGuire of Glastonbury. "I think they'll come up with it."
"I think people might say we did the first part, let's do the second because they have a lot of enhanced facilities, especially for the youth," Albrecht said. "I think it's money well spent."
If approved by the voters, construction could begin during the summer of 2013 and be completed in 2014.
To check out the full plan, all the details are on the town's website or at the following link.
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