Andover Seeks Loan to Repair Storm-Damaged Roads and Bridges

The Andover Select Board has approved a special town meeting to vote on obtaining a bank loan to begin repairing the extensive damage to the town's roads and bridges caused by recent storms. The meeting is scheduled for August 20th, and if approved, the loan will allow the town to start the necessary repairs while they wait for federal disaster funds to be released.

Restoring Andover's Infrastructure in the Face of Extreme Weather

Addressing the Aftermath of Devastating Storms

The Andover Select Board has taken decisive action to address the significant damage to the town's infrastructure caused by a series of powerful storms that have struck the region since December 2023. According to Select Board Chairman Brian Mills, the repairs are estimated to cost close to million, a substantial financial burden for the small community.The storms have left many of Andover's roads and bridges in a state of disrepair, with critical thoroughfares like East B Hill, South Arm, Lohnes, and Cross Street all in need of extensive work. Select Board member Justin Thacker noted that the town may have to wait up to eight months before receiving the necessary federal disaster relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to cover the costs of these repairs.

Seeking a Loan to Expedite the Restoration Process

In an effort to address the urgent need for infrastructure repairs, the Andover Select Board has called for a special town meeting on August 20th. The purpose of this meeting is to seek voter approval for a bank loan that would allow the town to begin the repair work immediately, rather than waiting for the FEMA funds to arrive."If we had million, we could decide whether to spend the money," explained Chairman Mills. "But a loan requires voter approval, and if residents don't agree to it, then we've just got to keep doing the patch work until FEMA pays us."The decision to pursue a loan highlights the town's determination to restore its roads and bridges as quickly as possible, recognizing the importance of maintaining safe and reliable transportation for the community.

Engaging the Community on ATV Access

In addition to the infrastructure repairs, the Andover Select Board is also addressing the issue of ATV access on local roads. According to Thacker, the board has received survey responses from residents regarding the potential opening of East B Hill Road and Sawyer-Brook Road to ATV use.The board has also heard from individual ATV enthusiasts who have expressed interest in expanding access to additional roads, such as East Andover Road. However, the town is carefully considering the concerns of residents, like Lora Owings and her husband, Scott, who have voiced their opposition to opening roads for ATV use unless certain conditions are met, such as the installation of signage and the enforcement of traffic laws.The Andover Select Board is committed to balancing the needs and concerns of all community members as they navigate these complex infrastructure and access issues.

Upcoming Elections and Community Events

In other news, the town of Andover has announced that nomination papers for a selectman position are available at the Town Office, with a deadline of August 6th for submission. The election is scheduled for September 10th from 4-8 pm at the Town Hall, as the board seeks to fill a vacancy left by the resignation of Joe Luce earlier this year.Additionally, the annual Andover Olde Home Days celebration is set to take place from August 2-4, featuring a variety of events and activities, including live music, a road race, a parade, and lawnmower races. The majority of the festivities will take place on Saturday, August 3rd, from 8 am to 5 pm.As Andover navigates the challenges of repairing its storm-damaged infrastructure and addressing community concerns, the town's resilience and commitment to its residents are on full display. The upcoming special town meeting and the Olde Home Days celebration serve as reminders of the community's determination to overcome adversity and maintain its vibrant, small-town character.