Should Five Corners' Reconstruction Be a Higher Priority?

Selectmen voted recently to push back an estimated $600,000 project that would turn Five Corners into a roundabout as part of efforts to improve public safety at the much-criticized intersection.

Selectman Phil Bean abstained from an otherwise unanimous vote to move the proposed project from the 2015 town warrant to the 2016 warrant. Improvements to Five Corners have been oft discussed and delayed over the past few years, although despite strong support this year from some selectmen, budgetary considerations have once again led the board to shelve the idea.

"It needs to be done, but I think we've [already] got too much stuff going on," said Selectman Mike Pierce, a big proponent of changing Five Corners because he believes serious accidents occur there at a higher rate than the rest of the town.

At least one selectman wants to eliminate the project entirely, though, because that individual feels it's a "superfluous" project.

"Get rid of it," said Selectman Mary-Louise Woolsey. "We have too many other things to do... If people don't know how to drive by now, too bad."

What do you think? Is 2014 or 2015 the time to address Five Corners? Do you agree that it's not a high priority and can be held until 2016 or later? Do you think it should be scrapped altogether? Tell us in the comments below.