New London - The City Council has approved a $15 million capital improvement program and has identified five projects that would cost about $6 million.

In a split vote Monday night, the council agreed on $15 million in Bond Anticipation Notes, which can be drawn on as projects are developed. The money is available, but the city only starts paying back on portions that are used for specific projects.

Councilors Michael Passero and John Russell voted against the program.

Five programs approved by the council Monday night include $1.5 million to continue Montauk Avenue road and sidewalk reconstruction; $100,000 for improvements to the intersection of Bank, Howard and Blinman streets; $750,000 for phase II for Calkins Park; $800,000 for Phase II of Bates Woods Park; and $1.5 million for Phase II of the high school athletic fields and sports complex project.

The rest of the bond money, about $9 million, can be used for other projects that the council has yet to identify.

Some of those projects could include a new roof for Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School; purchasing equipment and vehicle replacement; bringing City Hall and the Stanton Building into code compliance; and continuing road cuts and sidewalk improvements throughout the city.

- Kathleen Edgecomb