Hoosick Town Board Action – First Step Taken On The White Creek Road Bridge Repair

by Jan Shields
The Town took the first step towards replacing the White Creek Road bridge Tuesday night.
The Board authorized an engineering study that will detail a plan to replace the structure at a cost of approximately $236,000. Of that, a federal grant will pick up 80 percent of the cost and a second grant is expected to pay 12.5 to 15 percent, leaving the town responsible for about 5 percent.
When the matter was first brought by Councilman Bob Ryan, Town Supervisor Keith Cipperly said with all the other issues facing the Town, including repairs on the Town pool and building or rehabbing a new Town Hall, the project maybe should be postponed.
“I don’t want to take the risk,” said Ryan. “I think we should act on it.”
Highway Supervisor Bill Shiland, then, made a strong plea to get the project started. “If that bridge is closed, it would hamper severely the ability for fire and rescue vehicles to get to Town residents…I think the Board is missing the point. The bridge is already in pretty rough shape.
“With issues surrounding a Town Hall and the pool, no life is at risk. I think you have got your priorities all mixed up…Let’s get that bridge going.”
The Board voted unanimously to begin the project.
Art Could Benefit Hoosick
Town resident Barbara Sussman gave a pep talk to the Town Council about the community’s potential. Over the weekend she took part in an arts event in Cambridge where some 2,000 people attended.
“Artists are little engines of economy,” she said. “Why not Hoosick Falls? We had Grandma Moses who displayed her paintings in Wood Park. New York City has an armory show. This is a valuable asset,” she added, motioning to the Hoosick Falls Armory where she was standing.
“Hoosick Falls should be the epicenter of the art community,” she said, “That event in Cambridge attracted tourists from all over, and they were spending a lot of money.”
Following up on Sussman’s comments, Jim Martinez asked the Board about the last time they discussed the empty buildings on John and Church streets. Councilman Louie Schmigel responded, “Never.”
The Board agreed that more is needed to be done to encourage community growth and said they needed to communicate more with Village officials. “It’s a shame we don’t get together,” said Ryan.
Cipperly said he would like to begin a tax incentive program similar to an Empire Zone, “But it would be our Empire Zone, not someone else’s.”
Sussman said there was an Upper Floors grant that provided funds to create residential space above commercial space. “Once residents move in, businesses will come,” she said. “There is money out there just waiting for the right project.”
In other action:
• The Board scheduled a budget workshop at 6:30 pm, October 24, with a public hearing on the preliminary budget at 6:30 pm on November 9.
• A public hearing was set for 6 pm on November 14, before the regular meeting, to review a proposed Farmland Protection Plan being proposed by Councilman Jeff Wysocki.
• The Board agreed to take action to get $36,000 in federal funds returned after work on the Caretakers Bridge in Walloomsac. Recycled steel was federally approved for the project. Federal officials then said it was not appropriate. After reviewing the matter with the NY State, it was determined the funds should be returned to the Town.
• Bruce Patire offered an option to lease the Patire building for use as a Town Hall. The Board will review the offer.
• Ryan reported that he was advised that if the Town decided to rehab the Armory for a Town Hall, special legislation by the State would follow.
• Town Historian Phil Leonard announced that the Veterans Wall in Wood Park would be unveiled on November 11 at 11 am.
* The Board approved a $400 donation to the Hoosick Youth Center for the Halloween Parade and refreshments.