URBAN PLANNING: STEVENS ROAD BRIDGE CONTROVERSIES 2
MEMORANDUM
FROM: XXXXXXXXXXXX
TO: The Board of Selectmen
Town of Effingham
68 School Street
Effingham NH 03882
DATE: October 27, 2017
RE: URBAN PLANNING: CONTROVERSIES OVER STEVENS ROAD BRIDGE
In reference to the subject above, I wish to bring various facts and issues surrounding the
matter to your attention. I am cognizant of the information that the abutment of the bridge has
given away to the extent of becoming a major risk for the users of the bridge. Other noted issues
include the advice to narrow down the bridge to reduce risks, the acquisition of barriers by the
town management, the choice of a company to supply a $42,000 culvert, and the court case over
the subject filed by three former selectmen and a town resident. While handling this and other
related matters, I urge the town offices to give significant regard to life and adherence to the law.
In their suit, the complainants sought an injunctive relief against the town’s management
over the construction of the bridge as well as the settlement of the costs of the suit. This was
based on the claims of violation of regulations and procedures in the tendering and procurement
procedures. While the intentions of the plaintiffs are not to obstruct the project in its entirety,
they remain keen halting it until the law can be adhered to. In their beliefs, this ensures justice
and the delivery of the best quality services to the people.
Whereas the board of selectmen was aware of the requirement that every town contract
worth more than $15,000 must be subjected to competitive bidding, they went ahead and single-
