Esplanade Work Set to Begin Monday, Residents Express Concern at Town Hall

After several years of planning—including bacteria testing, engineering studies, and many rounds of permitting discussions with state agencies—Middletown is set to begin its project on Monday to reroute stormwater runoff in the Esplanade area so that it doesn’t negatively impact Easton’s Bay swimming areas. 

Tom O’Loughlin, Public Works Director, addressed the concerns of a dozen area residents who attended a forum held last night, at the start of a regular monthly meeting of the Roads & Utilities Advisory Committee. He indicated that permitting for the project is in place, materials have been ordered, and work should begin Monday, with a project completion date of May 2012.

The main concern voiced by residents was timing, and what the town plans to do if the project is behind schedule in the spring—to ensure area residents won’t be impacted by construction during the summer months.

“We will monitor this project closely, week by week, so we’ll know if we’re on schedule or behind schedule,” said O’Loughlin, who offered to make the weekly meetings open to the public. He also indicated there will be a new blog on the town’s website, that will include updates on the project.

The $3 million project includes installing a new stormwater drain down Esplanade and reconstructing the road; reconstructing and extending an outfall a mile out into Easton’s Bay, below the mean low waterline; and constructing a diffuser to regulate stormwater flow. The goal of the project is to reduce bacteria loads that in the past have forced the beach to be closed for swimming.