E. Chatham Bridge Dominates Board
Photo by Luis Quintero
The Town Board and a public audience of about 25 residents heard an update on the current status of the East Chatham Bridge from representatives of the engineering firm, Barton & Loguidice, who also addressed outstanding safety and esthetic concerns of local residents.
In response to questions and concerns to the town board from a group of East Chatham residents outlined by the Town Supervisor, the firm’s representatives maintained that the current construction and layout of the bridge is constrained by NYS Department of Transportation rules, largely because the Albany Turnpike outlet intersects with NYS route 295.
The town highway superintendent also said that certain suggestions for curbing and dividers were contraindicated at the intersection, due to limited space and road surface.
The engineers estimated that road markings, grass seeding, and clean-up of road margins and pavement will be completed by mid-May; they said a final inspection by the end of the month will allow reimbursement of some costs to the town.
They said that some adjustments to the timing of the traffic lights and definitive road markings might improve the traffic situation somewhat, but overall, little can be done to modify the design and construction of the bridge to address safety concerns that have been identified by residents and town officials alike, at least in the short term.
Supervisor Collins indicated that he has requested the NYS Police and Columbia County Sherriff’s Department to verify and address reported patterns of drivers disregarding the traffic light and other traffic violations at the bridge.
Residents’ request for a pedestrian cross walk at the intersection isn’t allowable because there are no sidewalks in the area. NYS law requires them as end points for such a feature. Council member Mesick said a survey of local residents might support building sidewalks in the hamlet, which the engineers confirmed could allow the town to eventually petition DOT for a crosswalk, and to apply for funds to support its construction.
Resident questions and responses discussed at the meeting will be posted on the town website. Residents’ letters are found in the agenda packet posted on the town website for the 4/21/22 meeting.
Other town board news:
The town board made three appointments to working boards: Christopher Spencer to the Planning Board, Lee Gagne to the Zoning Board of Appeals, and Helene Niemeyer to the Board of Assessment Review.
Due to a recent change in NYS Open Meetings that affects town government meetings and public hearings, the town must modify the virtual meeting law that passed at the last board meeting. The Town Attorney will specify options for revisions to the current law at the next board meeting.
The board approved a resolution to support the NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act (HR 4677), which provides $50 million in federal funds annually through 2026 to protect and restore the NY-NJ Harbor and the watersheds of New York and New Jersey that flow into those harbors. This grant program would support habitat restoration, flood management, protection of drinking water supplies, community access to waterfronts, and environmental education and recreation.
County Hazardous Waste Day is scheduled for May 7 from 8 a.m. to Noon at the Hudson Transfer Station, 178 Rte. 23B, Greenport. Confirm acceptable hazardous waste materials HERE.
SENIOR CITIZENS will be the subject of the first focus group organized by the Comprehensive Plan Update Review Committee. It will take place on Monday, May 9 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Crellin Park. In case of rain, it will be held at Town Hall. Any interested parties are invited to attend and participate. News on other focus groups organized by the committee will be available soon.
Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Pitkin announced upcoming events and news, including:
The public is invited to support local farmers and makers at the first Farmers’ Market of the season at Crellin Park on Friday, May 20 from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
In-person registration for Crellin Park Summer Day Camp will take place on May 24 for town residents and May 26 for non-residents at the park, or in the event of rain, at the Morris Memorial from 5 to 7 p.m. each day. For more information, go to https://www.chathamnewyork.us/departments/recreation_department.php
The annual cleanup of the Children’s Garden at Crellin Park is scheduled for 4/30 from 9 a.m. to Noon. All volunteers are welcome to participate.
The Chatham Lions Club will donate new picnic tables to the town for use at Crellin Park.