Board authorizes $28,200 in Talmage Hill station repairs and graffiti removal

The Board of Selectmen on April 21 authorized two Department of Public Works contracts to address safety and aesthetic issues at Talmage Hill Train Station.

DPW staff said Metro-North has identified spalling (concrete deterioration) on platform areas and recommended weekend work during scheduled track shutdowns. The board approved a purchase order for Aladdin Services to power-wash graffiti and apply a clear coat intended to make future graffiti easier to remove, at a cost of $10,900 plus $1,100 contingency (total $12,000). "Power will be shut down" on weekend shutdowns to allow safe work on the tracks, staff noted.

Separately, the board approved a contract to remediate platform deck spalling with Forino Escalante for $13,500 plus $2,700 contingency (total $16,200). Staff said Metro-North has required attention in several stations after winter damage; the work will be scheduled on weekends when tracks are out of service.

DPW indicated both projects will be funded from the railroad fund, which collects station-related revenue and is earmarked for station improvements. Both motions passed unanimously.

Board members asked practical questions about the protective coating’s longevity and whether the platform repairs would require staged closures; DPW staff said vertical surfaces tend to retain protective coatings longer than horizontal surfaces and that they would schedule work to minimize passenger disruption.