Paving Updates & A New Request Portal for DPW
- Theresa Cramer
- Oct 10
- 2 min read
The new Director of Public Works (DPW), John Whetton, gave his first paving update at the Oct. 8, 2025, Stafford Board of Selectmen meeting. The STEAP Grant-funded projects at the Community Center and Kealy Field are wrapping up. Those are paved, with curbing yet to be installed. The Community Center will be fully functional in time for the November election.
While the paving crews were in town, Whetton decided to use Town Aid Road money, to get about 3,000 square feet of Hydeville Road paved. Whetton told me he chose this stretch of road because it had no sewer or catch basins, making it a simple project to complete quickly. He estimates that by having the work done while the crews were already nearby, the project will cost roughly $60,000 less.
In other DPW news, the department launched its Request Portal. Before it had even announced the availability, the department received 40-50 requests, according to Whetton. “We may not be able to take care of it all, but we’ll let you know why we can’t,” he said.
More updates
First Selectman Bill Morrison mentioned that the Wall of Honor Committee has asked that all signs be removed from Veterans Memorial Park in deference to the Wall of Honor. That includes the Welcome to Stafford Sign. Whetton warned that moving the sign might destroy it because the base is crumbling. There are also outdated emblems on the sign for town organizations that no longer exist. In other words, even if there is another location for the sign, it may not survive the move.
In addition to a newly paved parking lot, the Community Center is getting a new sump pump and waterproofing to keep it dry.
While it’s not quite DPW news, Morrison also noted that Willimantic asked to strike a deal with Stafford to borrow our building inspectors for 10 hours per week in exchange for $93,000 per year. The temporary arrangement will give Stafford’s inspectors time to train staff in Willimantic. While Morrison says there will always be an inspector in Stafford, they will also open on Friday mornings at Town Hall to ensure no loss of service.
