Businesses on Fairmount Avenue west of the viaduct would be adversely affected by the proposed Route 394 Sidewalk Extension Project in Lakewood. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

LAKEWOOD – Village trustees are taking more time to address the issues surrounding the proposed Route 394 (Fairmount Avenue) Sidewalk Extension Project.

At their work session Monday, trustees discussed some of the comments aired by residents in September. About 40 residents attended an informal meeting at the Busti Town Hall, 125 Chautauqua Ave., to hear about preliminary concepts that are being explored by the state Department of Transportation.

The informal session also was a chance for residents to give opinions, comments and concerns about the proposed sidewalk project. At the meeting, two draft maps were available to view, and residents were asked to fill out a three-question survey that was due on Oct. 4.

Trustee Ellen Barnes noted that the residents she had talked to, who are directly affected by the proposed project, do not want the sidewalks.

“I really believe the state is delayed, since the state redid it (Fairmount Avenue) in the 1990s,” Barnes said. “A couple of residents said to me that they (the state) should change the zoning law to strictly business.”

Trustee Ben Troche said there is a need for the project, but noted “the design is bad.”

The DOT said some potential project improvements include asphalt pavement throughout the project from the bridge west of Ashville Road to McDaniel Avenue; reconfigure road striping within the current curb to curb width; minor traffic signal improvements; replace non-compliant curb ramps; and upgrade traffic signage.

Other improvements, the DOT said, include asphalt pavement throughout the project from the bridge west of Ashville Road to McDaniel Avenue; reconfigure road striping within the current curb to curb width; minor traffic signal improvements; replace non-compliant curb ramps; and upgrade traffic signage.

Some impacts of the proposed project, the DOT noted, are 155 property rights of way adjustments, utility pole relocations, and the removal of about 163 trees. Construction is slated to begin in 2027.

“Sidewalks enhance property values and provide safety and economic development,” Trustee John Shedd said. It (the project) can be redesigned. I do not want to lose trees. We need a compromise through design.”

Mayor Randy Holcomb said the proposed project should stop at the viaduct, and not go any further because some of the business west of the viaduct would be adversely affected.

At the September meeting, Copy Quik owner Tom LaLonde also expressed his opposition to the project because his business, located at 4384 W. Fairmount Ave., would lose three trees and have its entrance modified.

“The (proposed) sidewalk would affect the entrance. We would have to have the whole entrance changed. The sidewalk would go right through our driveway,” LaLonde said.

As the trustees moved into the regular business meeting, and upon receiving new information earlier Monday, they decided to table a resolution to denounce the proposed project. The resolution said the design negatively affects property owners and their landscaping substantially.

Trustees may discuss the resolution again at their next meeting.

“We (trustees) were sent a lot of information late this afternoon, and without ample time to really digest it and discuss it,” Barnes said. “And we want to do our due diligence here, and do justice to everything. … So at this time, I move that we table the resolution until the next meeting.”

Trustees will meet again Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m., with the work session beginning at 6:15 p.m.