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An Alternative to Concrete

I write this letter to voice my strong opposition to the construction of cement sidewalk along Nut Plains Road. Nut Plains Road is an area of town with historic homes, iconic stonewalls, and graceful shade trees. By today’s standards Nut Plains Road is a country road. I respectfully request that your readers join me in the effort to keep it that way.

A sidewalk befits a more urban area like that of the Post Road. There, the sidewalk serves Big Y and Walmart, etc. It is not appropriate for the Nut Plains area of town.

If, after a public hearing, the project is to go forward, I propose an alternative to concrete. The Best Practices Manual for civil engineers has for the last 10 years recommended a three-foot-wide cinder path. Cinder paths have been used successfully in cities and towns across America.

For the following reasons, a cinder path is a smarter, better, more modern way to go: First, it better fits the character of places like Nut Plains. Second, as a permeable surface, cinder allows rain and snow to permeate the surface and enter the underground water supply, decreasing storm water runoff. Cinder also reduces stress on joints and feet for people and dogs. Finally, cinder is less expensive to install and keep.

Once again, I ask the citizens of Guilford to say “No” to concrete and consider the proposed alternative—cinder, the modern, smart way to go.

Maureen H. O’Connor

Guilford