Forum proves to be a friendly dialogue

The first Village of Brockport open forum held in several years turned out to be exactly what village leaders wanted – a friendly chat between neighbors.

In the early 1990s the village board held the open forums once, sometimes twice a year. It gave residents a chance to bring up issues in a less formal setting than an official board meeting. After attendance dwindled to one or two residents, the board quit holding the forums.

Resurrecting the meeting October 25, trustees were aware that there were a few issues that might turn the meeting in a less-than-friendly direction, but that didn’t happen. Some of those hot issues include the 3M Dynacolor hazardous waste site and assessment reductions in the area; the move of village offices to the Seymour Building; town/gown relationships; and consolidation – an issue being touted by the newest trustee, Mort Wexler.

However, the forum, attended by about 30 residents, centered on less controversial subjects. A great deal of time was spent discussing the possibility of establishing a municipal gas and electric company in Brockport. Following the Village of Hilton’s lead, the Brockport board has been looking into buying commodities in bulk and then redistributing the gas and electric to village residents who want to participate in the program.

The concept is that by purchasing in bulk, the village would get a better rate and pass the savings on to individual customers. Mayor Mary Ann Thorpe said that Power Alternatives, a utility consultant, is drawing up a plan for Brockport. Once the plan is complete, it will be presented to village residents and a referendum held. The vote would determine whether or not the village would form a municipal utility company. After it is formed, then each individual property owner would decide whether to join the program or not.

"We can’t see any negatives to it," said Trustee Pete DeToy speaking for other board members, all of whom seem to be in favor of the idea.

Also discussed was the SPARTAC - Students, Police and Residents Together Against Crime patrol. Six village residents have been trained to walk potentially troubled neighborhoods from about 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. and be extra eyes and ears for the police department. In operation for about a month, the program is being considered successful.

Participant Laura Emmerson told the board she finds the patrol therapeutic. "The walking and knowing that you are making a difference." She and her partner observed a theft and were able to radio the police and direct the officers to the suspect. An arrest resulted.

Also discussed by residents were traffic concerns, the health of the business district, volunteerism particularly by SUNY Brockport students, and the renovation of Main Street.