Residents and business owners are being asked to weigh in on the amenities of the Maine Department of Transportation’s $5 million downtown project. Project Manager Ernie Martin said people can rank their preference for street lighting and bollards, and the bricks used in the construction of Main Street sidewalks.

“In a few days they’ll be able to go to our website and click on whichever picture they like best. They can also make a suggestion of their own,” he told the Public Advisory Committee Monday evening.

Martin said MDOT’s website will include “survey monkey” surveys showing the different amenities. Residents without access to a computer can see examples at the town office including brick samples. Besides street lighting and bollards, Martin told the committee he’s also looking for input on landscaping, signage, benches, bicycle racks and trash and recycling receptacles. Respondents can also indicate they don’t want something included in the project, such as trees.

New black lamppost lighting is suggested for Main Street from Federal to Water streets. MDOT’s Kent Cooper said the town might opt to have lights with supports for holding flowerpots, flag holders or both. They could also be equipped with electrical outlets for holiday lighting. Lighted bollards have been suggested along the planned sidewalk on Railroad Avenue. A black chain-link fence will separate the sidewalk from the railroad tracks. “The fence is something that can’t be changed,” Martin said, adding, at some point another public hearing would be held.

There was a brief discussion of a private offer to hire a part-time officer to direct downtown traffic and act as a crossing guard for the rest of the summer.  Business owner Jim Kochan urged MDOT and the PAC to accept an offer made by E. Davies Allen of Westport Island to help fund the traffic assistance.

PAC member Seaver Leslie said the offer complies with the state’s Sensible Transportation Act. “We need to take this seriously. Here’s a citizen willing to put his own money into funding this,” he said.

Town Manager Marian Anderson said Allen’s offer had been shared with selectmen. ‘They haven’t had a chance to discuss it as a board, they will tomorrow,” she commented.

Kochan said several downtown business owners had pledged money to fund hiring the traffic officer-crossing guard. Police Chief Jeff Lange said it’s very hard to find qualified part-time police officers. “It would be extremely difficult to find one to stand in the middle of Main Street and direct traffic.”

The next meeting of the PAC is at 5 p.m., Monday, Aug. 14.