Photo in May 2026 Busti TB 5-4-26.jpg cutline: From left, Busti Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins, Councilman Todd Hanson, and Councilman Paul Gustafson conduct business Monday. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

LAKEWOOD – The 5-way intersection in the hamlet of Busti may look a little different in the future.

The New York State Department of Transportation is proposing to acquire land parcel near the intersection.

In a April 16 letter to town officials, the DOT is preparing to acquire property needed for the proposed reconstruction of pedestrian signals, curb ramps, and sidewalks to be compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The DOT noted that requirements for pedestrian accessibility will be at various locations within Chautauqua County.

A 10 a.m. meeting is scheduled for May 11, at the intersection with DOT representatives and Busti Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins and Councilman Tyler Nelson to discuss what property will be acquired.

The DOT has released a preliminary acquisition map of the proposed reconstruction project, and Councilman Todd Hanson said the DOT may need more than one parcel.

In other business, the town will be applying for state grant funding for capital improvements for a new playground, and to renovate the tennis courts, pickleball courts, and basketball courts at Lawson Park.

The town will be working with EcoStrategies Engineer Andrew Johnson to put a site plan together to submit with the grant application.

In January Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the funding opportunity through the New York Places for Learning, Activity, and Youth Socialization (NY PLAYS) Initiative, a competitive grant program that will provide $67.5 million in capital funding to help municipalities and nonprofit organizations construct, expand and renovate public playgrounds for all abilities across the state.

According to governor.ny.gov, NY PLAYS is part of the Hochul’s broader Unplug and Play Initiative, which encourages children and families to put down their devices and engage in outdoor recreation, physical activity and in-person social connection. Research shows that outdoor play supports physical health, emotional well-being and social development, and the NY PLAYS Initiative is designed to help communities advance safe, welcoming spaces where young people can learn, play, and thrive.

The initiative is overseen by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York. Of the total funding available, not less than $35 million will be reserved for playground projects located in underserved communities, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality outdoor play spaces statewide.

Eligible municipalities, the website said, and nonprofit organizations may apply for NY PLAYS grants ranging from $100,000 to $2.5 million for the acquisition, design, construction, major renovation or equipping of public playgrounds, along with other related capital costs necessary to complete a project. Grantees must demonstrate a 20 percent match toward total project costs. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

“Playgrounds are where kids build confidence, friendships, and lifelong healthy habits,” Hochul said in January. “Through the NY PLAYS Initiative, we’re helping communities across New York create safe, inclusive outdoor spaces that support physical activity, emotional well-being and real human connection. By investing in playgrounds, we’re investing in the health and happiness of our children of all abilities and the strength of our neighborhoods.”