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North Harmony Town Board members are discussing work on Wells Bay Road in the aftermath of flooding in the area in September.
Several residents brought the Wells Bay flooding issue up during September’s Town Board meeting. Residents had questions about an overgrown ditch that may have been blocking water flow, who was responsible to maintain drainage in the area. Wells Bay Road is located off of Route 394 and leads to Wells Bay lakefront properties. It is located between National Grid and the North Harmony Highway Department building.
Louise Ortman, town supervisor, gave an update on Wells Bay Road during the board's regular meeting in October. The Chautauqua County Soil and Water District has discussed the issue with the town and will discuss the project at its Nov. 5 board meeting. The Soil and Water Conservation District can do some of the work for $2,000, taking one day to complete the work. Benjamin Karlson, North Harmony highway superintendent, said the town can also complete the work. Board members discussed applying for a $15,500 grant, though it was unclear if the grant will pay for the entire project or if the town will have to pay part of the cost. Karlson said that to maintain the ditch at the location he will need to obtain an easement, while also saying he made a correction to the Soil and Water District’s plan because the district didn’t plan to replace any pipes to the right of the road, which has deteriorating pipes that need to be replaced. Karlson said during an earlier meeting that the issue is a newer issue that stems from multiple problems, including old pipes and clogged pipes.
Carrie Smith asked about the condition of Stebbins Road. Smith questioned the safety and liability of school bus
access, emergency vehicles and year-round access and transportation for Stebbins Road residents, requesting immediate action and a clear plan from the board. Karlson said both sides of the road are federally protected water, which means the town can’t put stone in the potholes because the road is a buffer zone of the protected waters. Board members discussed potential permitting and the need for DEC action to be taken so that the town can fix the road. If the road becomes too unsafe for plows it may have to be closed until it is fixed.
In other business:
– Board members discussed reaching out to local attorneys to represent North Harmony in small town matters. Ortman said she would reach out to attorneys to discuss prices and interest.
– Karlson also told board members that Maple Grove Cemetery will need repairs. The entire road going through the cemetery needs work, with the highway department willing to help do the work. The work will take place in 2027. Board members discussed widening the road, but that can’t happen because of burials on both sides of the road. Instead, it was suggested to make the road one-way to prevent traffic issues.