Newtown officials have created a committee to study policy and planning for town roads.  During the Board of Selectmen meeting last week, the panel was put together to advise officials of how best to spend money to fix deteriorating roads. 

Legislative Council Chair Mary Ann Jacob said during the meeting that there are several heavily traveled, but poorly maintained private roads in Newtown.  In addition to roads in the two lakeside neighborhood associations, which was previously four associations, there are more than 100 other roads that don’t pay for the maintenance provided by the town.

First Selectman Pat Llodra said the town pledged in 1968 to maintain private roads to ensure safe emergency vehicle access to all residents in four lakeside neighborhood.  In return, they pay 50-percent of material cost to the town for improvements.  But there are several other private roads where no payment is received. 

$3 million in bond money will be used over the next several years to fast track work on some roads in the worse condition around Newtown. 

The committee will include residents, Public Works employees and Newtown officials.