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The Bennington City Council is expected to vote Monday on a resolution that would kill a controversial roundabout and other improvements along 156th Street.
Mayor Mary Johnson placed the measure on the agenda.
If the council adopts the resolution, the project would be canceled and a small section of 156th Street would be resurfaced. It’s not clear how much money that work would cost, but Bennington would pay the entire amount.
If the council rejects the resolution, the city would likely move forward with the $4 million in improvements, which would be paid largely with federal money.
However, an alternative construction plan with federal funds could be explored, said council member Kathy Higgins.
Besides the roundabout at the intersection of 156th Street and Bennington Road, the improvements would include making part of the two-lane road into three lanes; resurfacing the street; adding some sidewalks and a bike path; improving drainage; and building traffic-calming curves in the road to help manage speeding and improve safety.
Last month, the council tabled a resolution on the project’s preliminary design. That item is not on Monday’s agenda.
The project was proposed in 2006 by the city’s former mayor, C.C. “Skip” Wolff, and the City Council. Bennington would pay 20 percent of the cost, or about $800,000.
In 2008, Johnson ran against Wolff for mayor because she was upset about the roundabout and the project’s overall cost.
When she took office, she sought public comment from Bennington residents.
“They’ve made it clear that they don’t want the roundabout,” Johnson said. “I don’t know why the council refuses to listen.”
In January, the council was peppered with questions and criticized by opponents of the 156th Street project. Many objected to the roundabout and the cost.
Higgins said she believes the council is listening. “Obviously, the public doesn’t like this plan.”
All possible options for 156th Street are being examined and alternatives could be introduced. Higgins said killing the project could mean the city forfeits the federal funds.
“If we walk on this project, the money goes back to the federal government,” she said. “That is my worry.”
In anticipation of a large crowd, Monday’s council meeting will be at 6 p.m. at St. John Church, 322 N. Molley St.
Contact the writer:
444-3198, chip.olsen@owh.com
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