North Chili intersection redesign
raises some parking concerns

The New York State Department of Transportation is designing the reconstruction of the intersection of Route 259 and Route 33 in North Chili. The plan involves the area on Union Street (Rt. 259) between Berry Lane (north) and the firehouse (south) and the area on Buffalo Road from Attridge Road (west) to Orchard Street (east). It involves signaling changes, lane additions and sidewalks.

An additional part of the project will be to finish the sidewalks east of Orchard Street. The town has been awarded the funding for that and according to Chili Supervisor Steve Hendershott, "It makes sense to do this now."

Hendershott says that the need for such changes goes back a number of years. He said that there has been lots of growth in the area, and that he is "very pleased" that the project will begin. He expects that it will take "one construction season" to complete it.

Howard Ressel, DOT Project Design Engineer, said that work will begin a year from this spring. DOT still needs to acquire the right-of-way. Hendershott stressed that the final design has not been completed and that the project is still in the preliminary stages. "There could be changes to the plan based on public input," he said.

People affected by the project include Linda Greenfield Munger, owner of the Chili Doll Hospital & Victorian Doll Museum on the corner of Buffalo Road and Union Street. The building is a landmark that was first used for apple storage, then became a Red and White Store selling general merchandise and having a soda fountain and restaurant. Then a variety of businesses were there including a gas station, dry cleaners, print shop, barbershop, antique shop and clothing store. The property was bought by the Greenfields 35 years ago, and the downstairs was made into a doll museum and the upstairs into two apartments for the owners.

Munger is concerned about the possible lack of parking in front of her property. An informational meeting was held on February 13 and such concerns were addressed. Ressel said that he will look very seriously at the parking issue and that "she should have the same situation as they have now." He says he needs to meet with the traffic and safety people. He also said that there could be other meetings if the need arises.