Staff Writer

Complaints about the downtown revitalization project in Kenenbunk will shave one foot off new sidewalks that protrude into streets.

Selectmen approved changes July 13 that would reduce the size of the rounded sidewalk extensions that already have been constructed at intersections.

Many residents, including retired engineer Roger Rydin, spoke out about problems they have seen with the design intended to make the area more pedestrian-friendly. Ryden described the extensions as “engineered traffic hazards.”

Town Engineer Chris Osterrieder said the changes will add an estimated $10,000 to the project, which will come from a contingency fund set up for the project.

Downtown Implementation Committee Chairman Bob Georgitits said the extensions were added to provide better vantage points for pedestrians to look for oncoming traffic. He also said the extensions shorten the distance people walk from one sidewalk to the other and helps people with mobility problems.

The extensions have been added on the east side of the street, but have yet to be installed on the other side of Main Street.

Osterrieder said the new design would create two, 12-foot travel lanes and eight feet for parallel parking stalls and the extensions, which line up with the end of the parking area.

The previously approved designed called for 11-foot travel lanes with nine feet for parallel parking stalls and the extensions.

Osterrieder said he could look into taking the extensions completely out of the project, but Selectman John Kotsonis disagreed.

“We can’t take out the bump-outs (extensions),” he said. “The project would have to stop and go back to the voters.”

Shaving off one foot is not a significant enough change to warrant a re-vote, Kotsonis said.

Fire Chief Steve Nichols and Police Chief Bob MacKenzie said they did not believe the extensions represent a public safety hazard.

“Using our biggest engine we could move down Grove Street,” Nichols said. “It took up about three-quarters of the other lane coming out. Our trucks are big, no question about it.”

Nichols said depending on the time of day and traffic, the fire department may use back roads to get around Main Street, if the road is particularly congested from construction and summer traffic.

MacKenzie said he didn’t see the extensions as an issue for the police department. MacKenzie said he and other residents were concerned about the appearance of the extensions, although he said he no longer has such concerns after seeing completed parts of the project.

Kennebunk Public Works Director Mike Claus said plow trucks would be able to get around the sidewalks during winter.

Saco put in extensions five years ago, said Saco Public Works Director Michael Bolduc. He said that while the city hasn’t heard complaints since the 8-foot wide extensions were built, they are difficult to plow in the winter. Bolduc said the city uses hand-held street sweepers instead of plows to clean around sidewalks.

“They won’t work on every street, but if you have a downtown area they are pretty OK,” Bolduc said.

Claus said the department may use one big truck to move most snow and one smaller one-ton truck to clean up around sidewalks and between the extensions.

“We can’t do it with just a wing and a plow, we may have to try some new things, but I don’t think it’s much of an issue,” Claus said.

Staff Writer Suzanne Hodgson can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 233.