The East Haddam Board of Selectmen meeting on January 15, 2025, tackled several issues important to the community. However, some moments of the discussion, particularly regarding private roads, raised concerns about the Board’s approach to transparency, accountability, and resident relations.

1. Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices (ATESD)

Automated Traffic Enforcement Safety Devices are typically employed in areas with significant traffic control needs, such as intersections with traffic lights or zones with high traffic volumes. East Haddam, characterized by its rural landscape and notably lacking traffic lights, presents a curious case for the deployment of such devices.

Rationale Behind the Acquisition

The decision to procure two ATESDs prompts residents to seek clarity on several fronts:

• Necessity: Given the town’s infrastructure, what specific traffic issues are these devices intended to address?

• Location: Where does the administration plan to install these devices to ensure they serve a meaningful purpose?

• Cost-Benefit Analysis: How does the town justify this expenditure, and what are the anticipated benefits in terms of safety and efficiency?

Financial Implications and Prioritization

Residents have recently faced the abrupt cessation of services, such as road maintenance for private roads, without prior notification. This has understandably led to concerns about the town’s financial management and prioritization of resources. The investment in ATESDs, without clear communication of their necessity and benefit, may be perceived as a misallocation of funds that could otherwise address more pressing community needs.

2. Three Bridges Cemetery Maintenance

The Board proposed allocating funds for the upkeep of Three Bridges Cemetery and forming a committee to oversee its management. This resolution reflects an effort to preserve the site’s historical significance and maintain its condition for the community.

3. Land Trust Hand Trail Support

The Board unanimously agreed to support the Land Trust’s Hand Trail project, emphasizing the benefits for recreation, conservation, and tourism. This initiative aims to improve East Haddam’s green spaces and promote environmental stewardship.

4. Public Concerns on Private Roads

The most contentious part of the meeting came during the public comment session, where residents expressed frustration over the abrupt cessation of road maintenance services for private roads. The Board acknowledged that they had failed to notify residents but appeared dismissive of the severity of this oversight.

While they admitted to a lapse in communication, their tone suggested they viewed this as a minor error rather than a significant breach of trust. The Board also framed their limited plowing efforts as a “favor” rather than an obligation, which came across as condescending to many in attendance.

This response ignored the reality that residents on private roads pay the same taxes as others but receive fewer services. The decision to halt maintenance without proper notice undermined trust and raised questions about the administration’s understanding of its responsibilities to taxpayers.

5. Mismanagement of Taxpayer Funds

Residents’ concerns about fairness and fiscal management were palpable. If the town can arbitrarily halt services to private roads, does this set a precedent for other neighborhoods, like cul-de-sacs? The town’s budget is meant to serve all taxpayers equitably, and the lack of proactive communication about changes reflects poorly on its leadership.

6. Other Meeting Highlights

• Appointments and Resignations: Several board and committee changes were approved, potentially refreshing perspectives in town governance.

• Routine Tax Refunds: These were handled without incident, maintaining compliance and transparency in fiscal matters.

• Selectmen’s Updates: Progress on ongoing projects and departmental updates were shared.

Conclusion

While the meeting addressed several important issues, the Board’s handling of private road services and their dismissive response to residents’ concerns highlight a troubling lack of accountability. Taxpayers deserve clear communication, equitable treatment, and genuine acknowledgment of their grievances—not condescension or excuses.

Moving forward, the administration must take steps to rebuild trust by improving transparency, prioritizing fairness, and treating residents with the respect they deserve. The issues surrounding private roads should serve as a wake-up call for better governance and a reminder that every taxpayer has a stake in how their town is managed.