Lighting up a new way to the future on Main Street
By Karen Mann JOURNAL CORRESPONDENT

"For the 100 anniversary, we wanted to do something substantial enough to last for the next 100 years." - STAN HERRIOTT MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPT. MANAGER

Even though it is the light department's birthday, they will be the one giving a birthday present.

"For the 100 anniversary, we wanted to do something substantial enough to last for the next 100 years," said Stan Herriott, the manager of the municipal light department.

The plan, according to Herriott, is to put the electric, telephone, and cable wiring underground on Main Street from Water Street to Lawrence Street.

"By doing this, it is something that would have a positive impact," said Herriott.

Workers have already begun stringing some of the wiring and putting up new poles. Herriott said some of the wires would have to remain above ground, such as at the Ashburnham Marketplace.

The first phase of the project, starting this fall, will be adding an underground vault in Main Street to allow Verizon service to the town hall that is currently being renovated and the VMS building.

"We are focusing on the town hall for now," said Herriott.

The five-foot by ten-foot vault will encompass pre-existing lines in the ground.

He said this part of the project would cost about $60,000, and will be the most expensive part of the project.

The total cost of the project comes in around $300,000, according to Herriott.

As a way of celebrating 100 years in business, which will happen in 2008, the light department is paying for the project.

"It is being paid for by the light department," said Herriott. "There will not be an impact on rates, we saved up money for this purpose."

"It sounds like a fantastic plan," said Selectman Jonathan Dennehy

He added that the Board of Selectmen have not been given the full details yet, but said the town may have to pay for the cost of digging trenches and paving.

"We weren't given a thorough understanding of what it would cost. I think it is a good plan but I need to see more details," said Dennehy.

The cost on the towns' side would affect Dennehy's support of the project.

"It depends on how much, but certainly it is a good goal to pursue. If the light company is trying to give back to the community by doing this, it sounds like a good project that would bring benefit to the center of town," said Dennehy.

Another part of the project involves adding ornamental lighting to Main Street.

"We are talking to the historical society to see what they want for the lighting, for the style and type of fixture," said Herriott.

Also, at the request of selectmen, the lights will be non-impact, meaning they don't radiate light above a certain temperature degree.

"The non impact lighting and burying the wires, will help downtown," said Dennehy.

Herriott said the light fixtures would be either aluminum or fiber glass poles with a lantern or acorn style to them.

"It will make the town look a little better," said Kevin Lashua of the municipal light department.

Herriott estimates it will take two to three years to complete the project.

In the meantime, the light department hopes to have other celebrations in 2008 for their anniversary, including a dinner dance during Downtown Days, and collaborating on a school calendar with students in the town.