In a pre-construction meeting held on December 12, 2024, City of Brooklet officials and Lane Street residents gathered to discuss the upcoming redevelopment of Lane Street. The project, part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative, will provide sewer services to the City of Brooklet. The initiative aims to enhance sewer services by installing a new pump station near the scout hut and laying a main pipeline through Church Street, across Lee Street, and down Lane Street to the city's existing system.
Construction is set to start in January of 2025. A 12-inch pipe will run from the Scout Hut, to Church Street, across Lee Street and will parallel Lane Street to the city limits. The pipe will be 4 feet deep.
Lane Street residents' concerns about the disturbance underground of fiber optic cables, power lines, and irrigation systems were met with assurance by project manager Wesley Parker.
“We will avoid hitting cables and we should be able to go under everything; we can’t afford to not be careful,” said Parker.
The diligence required to avoid existing infrastructure underground could potentially slow the construction. Parker would rather be slow and steady avoiding unnecessary destruction and frustration.
Parker also mentioned that existing irrigation systems will not be marked with flags as they are installed by private companies and they do not know where they are underground. Because of this, he urged residents to mark where their sprinklers are with spray paint or flags and notify the construction workers.
Lindsey Thomas, the project's engineer from Parker Engineering, provided an overview of the construction plans. She noted that the trench for the force main would be approximately four feet deep and three to four feet wide. Thomas assured residents that any driveways impacted during the excavation would be restored, stating, "If we have to cut through your driveway, we will be replacing it."
Parker acknowledged the inconvenience but emphasized the project's long term benefits, remarking, "We understand this will be a disruption, but once completed, it should resolve existing issues." Parker also expressed appreciation for the community's cooperation, adding, "Thank you to all the residents; we're going to get to know each other well during this process."
The City of Brooklet encourages Lane Street residents to stay engaged throughout the construction process and to report any concerns promptly to ensure a smooth and efficient project. Updates will be provided as construction progresses, keeping the community informed every step of the way.
Discussions at the work session earlier on Thursday highlighted the city’s broader plans for growth and development, including utility management services and zoning improvements.