Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith has joined with Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and Brockport Mayor Ben Reed in calling upon Governor Hochul to redirect fines collected from Crane-Hogan Structural Systems for the extended delays in completing Brockport’s Main Street lift bridge to create a dedicated relief fund for Brockport’s small businesses.
“Brockport has been cut in half by endless delays on the Main Street lift bridge – and it’s our small businesses that have paid the price,” Smith said. “Our community deserves accountability and real relief – before it’s too late.”
The elected officials sent a joint letter to Governor Hochul on September 15. It reads:
Jackie Smith
Assistant Republican Leader, District 2
“For more than two years, the Village of Brockport has been under unprecedented economic pressure due to repeated delays in the Bridging Brockport project – the rehabilitation of the Main Street lift bridge. Originally scheduled to reopen in September 2024, the project has been repeatedly delayed due to material shortages and a six-month shipping delay for critical lifting posts. As of late August 2025, the village has announced that reopening is now projected for November 2025, barring additional complications.
“These delays have had a crippling impact on our Main Street businesses. Sarah Bonczyk of the Lift Bridge Bookstore has reported a staggering 50 percent decline in revenue, lamenting that this prolonged closure has been more devastating than the 2020 shutdown. Another merchant shared that his business has shifted from in-person foot traffic to conducting 80 percent of sales online just to survive. Several businesses have alrady closed or relocated due to unsustainable losses, and many more remain at risk of shuttering. This disruption has not only harmed the livelihoods of local business owners but has also weakened the character and identity of our Village.
“Since October 2024, the State has levied a $7,000-per-day fine on the contractor, Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, for the delays. While these penalties are intended to enforce accountability, they currently benefit only the State and provide no direct relief to the small businesses that continue to bear the brunt of this project’s setbacks.
“We respectfully request your leadership to redirect the fines collected from Crane-Hogan into a dedicated relief fund for Brockport’s small businesses directly impacted by the bridge closure. Such a measure would provide urgently needed support to local businesses that have suffered through no fault of their own, while demonstrating that New York State stands firmly with its small business communities.
“Thank you for your time, attention, and leadership on this critical issue. We look forward to your favorable response and to working with your office to ensure Brockport’s Main Street businesses are given the relief they need and deserve.”
Robert G. Ortt
NYS Senate Minority Leader, District 62
Steven Hawley
NYS Assembly, District 139
Ben Reed
Mayor, Village of Brockport
