To the Editor:
We are eighth grade students at the Oak Bluffs School. At our request, members of the board of selectmen and our town administrator, Bob Whritenour, came to speak to us about the problem with County Road flooding. We wanted to find a solution to this problem. The town officials had already begun to research a solution. We are hoping to share information about this project with the public. The road is an inconvenience and a hazard. We support the time, effort, and work our town officials have already invested in finding a solution to this mess. We hope they will have the full backing of the Island community in their efforts.
We are hoping the community will provide positive feedback to our town officials for fixing this issue. There are two places that are causing the main troubles. One trouble is at the intersection of M.V. Auto Salvage Entrance Road and the Tradewinds airport. At the M.V. Auto Salvage entrance, there is a small, partially vegetated area. Just north of the entrance to this place, the runoff is catching on the southern side. The current draining system is not efficient, but with the new design, it will be able to hold one year’s worth of storm rainfall.
The second problem area is the existing low point on County Road. At the current location of the County Road low point, there is a grass area located east of County Road. This area is currently receiving runoff from the entirety of the 35.5-acre watershed. The sand is not able to stop the excessive water that is swallowing parts of our precious Island. The plants currently struggle to grow. We are hopeful that with the new project design, it might start growing and the road will be more presentable.
Additionally, during the winter, County Road can be very dangerous after rain. The water in the puddle freezes, making it hazardous for cars to drive over. It is simply an accident waiting to happen, and must be fixed. This is a public safety concern.
Overall, the cost to fix these issues is minimal, and the buildup of rain will become less of a hazard for everyone on the road. All cars and pedestrians are at risk when trying to cross this flooding in its current state. Please support our town officials with this movement to keep everyone safe and happy on County Road.
Nick BenDavid, Baylee Furtaw, Shadane Howell
Oak Bluffs School