Washington Street Expansion Moving Forward; Zoning Classification Public Hearing Scheduled; Utilization of Main Street Grant Monies Still Undetermined and More
By John T. Ryan
Peru – It appears that the Washington Street extension project is moving forward. Responding to a Peru Gazette question at the Peru Town Board’s July 22, 2019 meeting Supervisor Brandy McDonald said meetings between town officials, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and Washington Street developer Bill Sawyer and/or his representatives have been successful.
The street Sawyer paved last fall will not have to be widened, but another asphalt coat will have to be applied and a turnaround will be installed at the end of the street. The trees and dirt piled on both sides of the street will have to be hauled away and Sawyer will have to post a bond to ensure the work is completed. A certificate of occupancy will be issued for the house that has been built. The Town will not assume ownership of the road until the work is done.
The proposed zoning classification change near the corner of the Bear Swamp and Dashnaw Roads (Behind CFA Insurance) will be the subject of a public hearing scheduled for August 26, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. The Board is considering changing the classification of approximately 20 acres of property from commercial to residential. Developers Steve Fuller and Dick Nephew have expressed interest in constructing housing on the property.
Utilizing the $150,000 in NYS grant monies for the Main Street upgrade is still in question. The only woman-owned local contractor is not interested in the project; therefore, the Town will once again ask NYS for permission to utilize the money for paving at Heyworth-Mason Park and replacing Main Street sidewalks.
Bids will be sought to install new roofing on the Court House. The Town will purchase the materials.
Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell reported that Fish and Wildlife requirements for the damaged Patent Rd. culvert are less than anticipated. Farrell believed an 8-ft. high culvert would be required; however, a 3-ft. high x 10 ft. wide culvert will be acceptable.
Peru has been awarded $32,790 in Extreme Weather Recovery Consolidated Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) monies, $39,808 in “Pave NY” monies, plus $174,399 in regular CHIPS monies totaling 247,177.
The Board reappointed Jeremiah Cross to a six-year term (Sept 1, 2019 – Sept 30, 2025) as Peru’s assessor. Peru contracts with the Clinton County Real Property office for Cross’s services. The county retains the right to transfer Cross to another location or job as needed.
The Highway Department’s 1998 International truck and a spare bucket will be advertised for auction. A minimum bid will be set.
The Highway Department’s new truck should arrive in September or October. The truck was ordered following a January 4th snowplow rollover accident on a steep Patent Rd. hill. The new truck cost $211,000, less a $66,290 insurance for the damaged truck.
Posted: July 29th, 2019 under Highway Dept. News, Town Board News.