Town plans to close part of Surdan Mountain Road

SHARON —The Board of Selectmen plan to  discontinue a section of Surdan Mountain Road, if their plan is approved at a town meeting. No date has been set yet for the vote.

The recommendation came after the selectmen reviewed a written request sent in December from Mortimer Klaus, who owns property at 13 Surdan Mountain Road.

Klaus requested discontinuing the road approximately 600 feet before East Street.

“I request the closing due to an interference with our quality of life,� Klaus wrote in his letter to the selectmen. “People seeking recreational use have nowhere to park, generally parking on both sides of the road as well as the turn-around in front of my lower drive. This makes it difficult not only for us, but for anyone including emergency vehicles to get in and out.�

Walking the already-closed portion of the road is a challenge, Klaus said — so visitors to the area trespass on his property in order to avoid it.

“We have noticed an increase in recreational vehicles speeding up and down Surdan Mountain Road without caution in order to gain access to the closed road,� Klaus added in his letter.

First Selectman Bob Loucks said Klaus’ request is a good idea.

“The road drops off and is very steep where it leaves his property,� First Selectman Bob Loucks said. “The rest of Surdan Mountain Road is discontinued anyway going toward the state forest.�

Under the plan, it would be Klaus’ sole responsibility to maintain and plow the closed portion of the road. However, town and emergency vehicles would be given unconditional access.

Klaus will also create a turnaround outside of the closed portion of the road for car traffic.  

The recommendation will be made into a proposed ordinance and voted on at a future town meeting.                  

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