Trustee Continues Opposition Of Sidewalk Project
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LAKEWOOD -- Village Trustee Richard Fischer continued his stance opposing a proposed sidewalk extension project on Route 394.
Speaking as a village resident during the public portion of Monday's meeting, he said he thinks the project has been foisted on village residents and board members. Referring to the village's comprehensive plan, he said, Route 394 (Fairmount Avenue) should have wider shoulders to accommodate pedestrians and bicycle travel, and it also should be a tree lined road.
At its Dec. 11 meeting, the board voted to support the sidewalk project with Fischer casting the lone "no" vote opposing the project.
He said in December that there is not enough pedestrian traffic to warrant new sidewalks. He said that there are sidewalks in the village that residents and visitors do not use. Fischer also said then that if new sidewalks are constructed, they will be too close to residential property lines.
On Dec. 14, there was a community outreach meeting that was to gauge the community's support for new sidewalks connecting the western edge of Route 394 in the town and village to the existing sidewalk on the northern and southern sides of Route 394.
Eleven people showed to learn more about the project.
"That's .003 percent of the people in Lakewood. The population is 2,993 and we had eleven people show up," Fischer said.
At the community meeting, Paul Presutti, a consultant engineer with the Erdman Anthony firm along with state Department of Transportation Engineer Robert Schaller said project will have two-phases.
Phase 1, which is currently funded, will include asphalt pavement throughout the project from the bridge west of Ashville Road to McDaniel Avenue; re-configure road striping within the current curb to curb width; minor traffic signal improvements; replace non-compliant curb ramps; and upgrade traffic signage. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.
Phase two, which is not currently funded, includes a new sidewalk connecting the western edge of Route 394 in the town and village to the existing sidewalk on the northern and southern sides of Route 394. The second phase also calls for short retaining walls along the new sidewalk to limit grading. Construction is anticipated for 2027.
The plan calls for the removal of 207 trees, 144 property rights of way adjustments, and utility pole relocations.
Fischer said he has spoken to residents and business owners who oppose the project, and like to walk in the village away from Fairmount Avenue.
Fischer said his next step is to get a petition started because he doesn't want the state to get any funding for the project.
"I just think this is a bunch of baloney," Fischer said.
In other business:
The village accepted a proposal for two new police vehicles. According to Lakewood-Busti Police Chief Christopher DePonceau, Dave Warren Auto Group of Jamestown, 1001 Washington St., submitted the only proposal, and the amount, DePonceau said was for $66,256. The village also will trade in two vehicles for $14,500 each, DePonceau said.