From left, Busti Town Councilman Todd Hanson, and Councilman Paul Gustafson, conduct town business Monday. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky

LAKEWOOD – Busti Town officials received an update Monday from the state Department of Transportation regarding proposed alternative improvements to the proposed Fairmount Avenue sidewalk extension project.

The proposed project affects both the Village of Lakewood and the town.

On March 5, the DOT held a public hearing at the Busti Town offices, 125 Chautauqua Ave., to gather feedback regarding the project. In a May 27 letter to both Village Mayor Randy Holcomb and Busti Town Supervisor Jesse Robbins, Caeron Schulz, DOT regional design engineer, said the project is a safety and paving project that is also intended to provide active transportation improvements to pedestrian connectivity.

“NYSDOT has reviewed and considered all the public input and the pedestrian count results, which demonstrate pedestrian use of NY Route 394. As such, NYSDOT plans to progress the project with an adjusted preferred alternative,” Schulz said.

The following improvements are listed with the proposed preferred alternative:

– Resurfacing Route 394 between Winch Road and Elmcrest Avenue.

– Widening for a center two-way left turn lane along Route 394 between Shadyside and Elmcrest avenues.

– Replacement of signage throughout the corridor.

– New sidewalk installation along the north side of Route 394 between Shadyside and Chautauqua avenues. Schulz said this action will close a critical gap in sidewalk between the village and the urban center.

– New sidewalk along the south side of Route 394 between Route 474, and Green Street. Schulz said there are a significant number of destinations (ice cream shop, mini golf, cinema, a plaza, etc.) throughout the segment.

Schulz said installing sidewalks segments between Chautauqua Avenue and Green Street are not currently included in the preferred alternative.

“We believe this final proposed alternative addresses the identified safety concerns within the corridor while balancing a strong public desire to minimize intrusions caused by new sidewalk placement,” Schulz continued.

Town board members took no action, but acknowledged they received the letter.

In a related matter, the board also acknowledged and approved the permanent acquisition of 23 square feet of right of way from the town’s War Memorial to the state DOT.

On May 11, as a preliminary measure, representatives from the DOT spoke to Busti Town officials and private property owners about proposed changes to the 5-way intersection.

In an 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), said DOT Real Estate Specialist Susanne Eddy. The DOT noted that requirements for pedestrian accessibility will be at various locations within Chautauqua County. She also mentioned that other sidewalks are located in Erie and Niagara counties.

Robbins said the DOT first wanted only 10 square feet, but now has requested 23 square feet.

Eddy said in May that the work that will be done will include two parcels of land that are owned by the town, and two parcels on private properties. She said no work will begin before spring or summer in 2027. Eddy said that she is responsible for only land acquisition, and not the proposed redesign of the intersection. Alex Enright, DOT real estate specialist, who will be appraising the parcels, said that the DOT is going to make the sidewalk portions wider to be ADA compliant.

In other business:

The board approved the appointment of Jack McCray as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals effective immediately. His term is for five years.

Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the board will hold its next meeting on June 29.

As part of the nation’s 250th Anniversary, on July 3, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., a celebration will be held at the town offices, 125 Chautauqua Ave.