Hamlin discusses possible new water district

Public water may be coming to the southwest section of Hamlin by this time next year. The town board answered questions and listened to concerns, Monday evening, as about 80 residents tried to digest the news that would affect 104 homes on Hamlin’s southwest side including residents on Drake Road and Roosevelt Highway all the way to Kendall Mills.

By the end of the evening the majority of those in attendance were in favor of the proposed new addition.

The costs to residents in this new water district are estimated at $395 per year, plus a one-time fee of $500-$1,000 to connect the water to each home, plus an average annual water usage cost of $202.

Councilman Ed Evans said at that rate this new water district would be a bargain to Hamlin residents. "You’re never going to see it cheaper than this," said Evans.

Some residents questioned how the project had come about, asking if this new district was really created to help Hamlin residents or if it was intended to be beneficial to Kendall.

John Paul Schrepp, a representative from Chatfield Engineers, said the idea for the new water district was conceived to meet local needs. "This project is being proposed because there is a chronic water problem in the Town of Hamlin."

Jim Redick, of Redman Road, said although he felt he needed more information on the project, his initial reaction was to be disappointed that he would have to participate. Although he would be required to pay the annual fee, because he resides in the proposed water district, he would not hook up to the public water because his house sits 600 feet back from the road. The cost to hook up would be prohibitive. Redick said he also had concerns regarding the possible affects of this project.

"I feel that if you bring too much more stuff out our way it will attract more businesses and we are a farming community," Redick said.

Unless the proposed new water district is opposed by more than five percent of the residents within the district, this project can move along without any more public hearings. Those opposed to the project would have to seek recourse through a legal petition that could be obtained from the Town Clerk’s Office once a legal notice is published.