Bergen looking toward future projects

With the budget having been passed, Village of Bergen Mayor Thomas LaSage said it is time to look toward projects and upgrades in the village.

"Some of our plans are to install electric substations ... They will benefit Agrilink and the rest of the residents," he said. At times, LaSage said Agrilink is hindered in their ability to perform their duties by restrictions imposed on electric usage by Niagara Mohawk. "When NiMo says they have to turn back their transformers, Agrilink isn't always able to effectively distribute their wastewater."

LaSage said Agrilink has also been working with village officials in attempting to get rid of, or reduce, the odors from the plant. "They've been doing updates to take more solids out of the wastewater and are putting in a new screening system," he said. "Last year we had a big problem with the odors from there and they are really working with us to eliminate that problem."

Sidewalk installation and repair is also a project the village is studying, he said. While no definite plans are in place, LaSage said Munger and Lake Streets may be on the slate for repairs.

Updating the sewer system at the village's Industrial Park is also under consideration. LaSage said he and the village board are working with Town of Bergen officials to come up with a plan to jointly upgrade the sewer system. "We are looking for them to contribute to the project," he said. "That project would benefit both the town and the village."

LaSage said there are people interested in the possibility of opening a business within the industrial park but the village needs to be able to accommodate them with the proper sewer facilities.

Revitalizing the downtown area is a project of major concern to village officials, he said. Toward that end, questionnaires are being distributed from the village office asking individuals what type of business they would like to see in Bergen. "Maybe there's someone out there that is thinking of starting a business but doesn't know if it would fly ... maybe these questionnaires will prod them along."

LaSage said the village would be willing to look into the possibility of offering incentives to entrepreneurs interested in opening a business in the village.

The village will be hosting a Village Park Day on June 8. The day is designed as a family event and will help draw attention to the village's downtown, LaSage said.