Dear Editor,
I’d like to make a few clarifications in regards to the article about a proposed project for Newberry and Lancaster streets in Crestview Heights.
The history of this suggested project dates back 10+ years and was initially defeated by the board’s vote due to the extensive cost. The same financial reasoning holds true for the board’s current decision in a 3-2 vote. In addition, it was further defeated this time as there was no specific source from which the funds would be dispersed.
Prior to 2010 and for reasons unknown, this unfunded and unapproved project continued to remain a possibility and was never totally dismissed. Therefore, the streets were minimally maintained prior to my administration with the anticipation of them being rebuilt.
The Town of Owego Highway Department maintains a total of 211 miles of road, of which 42 miles are subdivision roads. Most of these subdivisions were constructed 50-60 years ago and the roads were built with sub-standard materials with no oversight or inspection from the town.
In regards to Newberry and Lancaster, water lines were installed directly on top of bedrock and backfilled with the said sub-standard material. This, coupled with the disintegrating storm sewers and drains, is occurring in all of our maintained subdivisions.
These two particular streets have a combined length of 3,000 feet and are in need of complete reconstruction at an estimated cost of 1.7 million dollars. With that said, one could find the same needs for reconstruction on any street within the subdivision.
Funding for this proposed project was still undecided on the day of the board meeting. Tentatively, $800,000 of the 1.7 million was going to be bonded for 15 years at 4 percent with a payment of $72,000 per year, with the remaining $900,000 unclear as to whereto it would come from. It was intended the payment might come out of the Town of Owego Highway Department’s paving budget. At the board meeting, I stated I was uncomfortable with proposed funding plan and felt it would be unfair to “handcuff” future superintendents to such a payment, considering the limited pavement budget we have.
As reported, I stopped the project for two reasons. First, I did not sign a dig permit (required by law) and second, I was not informed NYSEG was starting work on any streets. Unfortunately, NYSEG was given the “nod” by someone who lacked the authority and obviously, did not know the potential legal ramifications.
In closing, there is no question these two streets are in disrepair above ground and under. I will be addressing the road surface problems in the coming weeks. The honest truth is this situation is not unusual throughout our subdivisions, or any other of this age throughout the area. Until there are state or federal monies allocated to municipalities, we will continue to maintain the road surface and drainage to the best of our ability. We know, full well, the infrastructure is a disintegrating nightmare below the surface.
Respectfully,
Mark Clark
Town of Owego Highway Superintendent
