This letter was sent to the Fayston Select Board.
Dear Fayston Select Board,
I propose that the board add a line item in the budget for sidewalks in the amount of $2,500. I realize that we have no downtown or sidewalks of any kind in Fayston with the exception of short sections at the town-owned buildings. Therefore, I also propose that the $2,500 be transferred to the town of Waitsfield for the planning and maintenance of the sidewalks in Waitsfield and Irasville villages. Every Fayston kid attends the Valley Players, Vermont Dance Studio, Joslin Memorial Library, the covered bridge, Village Grocery, Michaia's Barbershop, etc. The late bus drops off Fayston kids at the VG and ICS. All residents of Fayston rely on the vitality of Waitsfield and Irasville villages with equal importance as the residents of Waitsfield. It is time that we put up at least a token share for the purpose of safe walking for Fayston residents in The Valley's downtown.
I have had the pleasure of serving on the Mad River Valley Transportation Advisory Committee organized by the MRVPD where the topic of safe pedestrian access in The Valley has been a major topic of conversation long before the tragic accident involving a Fayston resident at the crosswalk this past October. The TAC has recommended that a comprehensive pedestrian safety study be conducted in the villages. Fayston's contribution of $2,500 will go a long way toward that effort. And, I recommend that the town continue the practice of supporting Waitsfield Village sidewalks on an annual basis going forward.
Kevin Russell
Fayston
