HAMILTON — Opponents of a proposed road through Millikin Woods appear close to having the issue placed on the November ballot.

        The Millikin Woods Preservation Association, which has been gathering signatures since March, now has the required 1,066 petition signatures needed to put the issue before voters in the November general election, said Maureen Gallardo, association president.

        She said her group will try to gather at least 200 more to be sure there are enough valid signatures.

        “We want to give the people of Hamilton a voice in this major decision,” Mrs. Gallardo said.

        But some city officials don't think council's decision to move forward with the project can be overturned by a general ballot referendum vote.

        “Even if they got the issue on the ballot and voters passed it, that vote would not be valid for something that has already been enacted,” Vice Mayor Thomas Nye said. “It cannot undo what has already been done.”

        But opponents of the road project say a referendum to amend the city charter to prevent construction of a road through the 47-acre park would be valid.

        The quarter-mile road through Millikin Woods is the first phase of a plan to extend Washington Boulevard from Millville Avenue to Main Street.

        The entire project would cost $3.7 million to $5.1 million, with 80 percent cov ered by federal funding and 20 percent by city money.

        Opponents of the project say building a road through the park would harm wildlife and plants, make it less safe for children and destroy too many trees.

        Councilman Richard Holzberger, a project supporter, said the road through the park would be two lanes and would have minimal impact on wildlife and plants, and would not pose a safety hazard for children.

        “The road will enhance the woods and allow more people to use it and enjoy its beauty,” he said.

        The fight over this planned road has been going on for about five years.

        In 1997 and last year, citizens presented to City Council signed petitions opposing the project.

        Mr. Nye said that if the project were to be stopped now, the city would lose $200,000 it has spent for engineering work and the federal money earmarked for it.

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