Haddam Removes '9 Town Transit' Signs on Rt. 154 Following Lawsuit Threat, Complaint from Resident

At an August Board of Selectman meeting, First Selectman Paul Destefano stated that the signs marking stops of the 9 Town Transit have been removed along Rt. 154 in Haddam. Destefano explained that an unnamed resident's complaint prompted the removal.

"The signs along 154 were originally posted to kick off the transit route, so people knew where to go" Destefano explained. "But it is a flex route, so realistically, anyone on 154 can just step off their porch and wave. It's not formal."

Destefano stated that Public Works took the signs down at the request of the zoning officer following a resident's complaint.

"An individual complained about the signs, and threatened a lawsuit," the First Selectman continued. "Technically, 9 Town Transit never got official permits for these signs, so based on the complaint, we could not leave the signs up."

At this point, the 9 Town Transit can make formal requests for permits with the Department of Transportation, and then go through the process of getting signs placed back along Rt. 154.  

The Board of Selectman stated they plan to support the Transit service in the process of obtaining permits to post signs, saying that "it is a service to our citizens." 

"Those signs were great," said one selectman member. "People asked about them, and I think we should help get them posted again. We can help identify unsafe areas where signage wouldn't be appropriate, and then work with them on where to go from there."