Bridges still a concern in downtown Brockport

Bridges still a concern in downtown Brockport

An influx of college students in recent weeks contributes to the streets in the Village of Brockport being more crowded and placing even more demand on the only operating Erie Canal bridge - the one on Main Street (Route 19).

The Park Avenue bridge was closed by the New York State Department of Transportation for repairs in mid-August. It is slated to open mid-September following completion of the repairs.

"The Smith Street bridge is still causing heartache and concern for residents," Trustee David Wagenhauser said at the August 27 board meeting. "The state neither asks our permission nor our consent when they decide to close a bridge - they own them and they control."

A bridge inspection of Smith Street in June 2006 revealed additional, rapid deterioration of the steel since the bridge was posted for a maximum of three tons the season before.

Village officials have hired a former DOT official as a consultant to work with them as they study to either get the bridge repaired and take ownership of it or get the state to repair it and take responsibility of it themselves. Since the closure of Smith Street, traffic was forced on the Main Street and Park Avenue bridges. "We're continuing to work with officials on getting Smith Street repaired," Wagenhauser said.

In other matters the board:

•Landlord George Brocious addressed the board again with his concerns on rental properties within the village as having too many occupants to comply with village codes. Brocious and the village are involved in a lawsuit over issues with some of his rental properties. He has attended meetings since April requesting the village look into properties that he feels have code violations.

•Business owner Donna Zarnstorff told village officials there will be a customer appreciation event on October 13 at 43 North Main Street that will feature a chicken barbecue.

•Mark Guthrie, resident director at SUNY Brockport, addressed the board about a four mile fundraising walk a fraternity wants to hold on September 8. About 60 people are expected to participate in the walk which will raise funds to equip a library in West Africa.

•Unanimous approval was given by the board to hire Douglas Ziegler as a part time police officer for the Brockport Police Department. He retired from the department recently.

•Approval was given to hire Kelly Smith as a per diem grant writer for the Brockport Police Department

The next Brockport Village Board meeting will be September 4 at 7 p.m.