A recent op-ed, “Provide Pawcatuck sidewalk to prevent more tragedy,” (June 12), by the Rev. Ray G. Jones Jr. correctly points out that "the absence of sidewalks is a danger in Pawcatuck."

What was missing from the article is the fact that the very day an elderly man was killed near Mayflower Avenue and Route 1, the Stonington Board of Selectmen was scheduled to consider a grant request for $500,000 for just those sidewalks. That evening we approved the application unanimously.

There is nothing new about the need for sidewalks from Stonington High School to the Pawcatuck Shopping Center. And while there were sidewalks on both sides of the road where the gentleman was hit, Rev. Jones is correct in his concern that we need to do more. We also need a sidewalk near Mason’s Island Road in Mystic.

Hopefully our grant request will be approved so we can begin the process. Detailed plans need to be completed. Property owners need to cooperate with the town. We need to work together to make that section of Route 1 safe for pedestrians, people on bicycles and those using electric scooters. It is our priority.

Rob Simmons, First Selectman

Mike Spellman, Selectman

Kate Rotella, Selectwoman

Stonington