Skaters And Graders On The New Lebanon Town Board’s Mind
By Michelle Van Horn
The skating rink is back! (Well, almost). It’s been about a half a decade or so since the ice skating rink has been up and running, and dates back to at least thirty-plus years before then. Concerns about concrete issues in the past have prevented the rink from use. Now, the rink will sit atop the solid concrete pad under the pavilion, which will have newly updated lights. Jesse Newton of New Lebanon’s Town Board and Manager of Country Squire Supply reported that the newly resurrected ice skating rink is framed-up and will be lined and flooded with water this coming weekend. The big unveil is determined by how long it takes to freeze approximately thirty-three thousand pounds of water, which is estimated to be by mid-week or so. Head’s up: It’s a BYO skates situation, so check out Berkshire Thrift if you don’t have your own pair. Grow The Valley’s blog and newsletter will tell you exact dates, or an email blast (if you’re signed-up), as well as the Eastwick Press.
A motion to build a skate park for the benefit of the youth in New Lebanon is being considered. The original proposed location was the softball field since it is a flat, level space that hasn’t had much use. Another consideration is near the pavilion. According to efficientgov.com, added benefits of a skate park include a safe place for skateboarding, increased physical and mental health, less loitering, less damage to personal property, promotes economic growth, and provides a low/no cost option for skateboarders. A potential state grant may be available to fund up to eighty percent of the project.
The Town is looking to update its Highway Department grader for road maintenance for its approximately 30% unpaved roads, such as gravel and dirt, which take more maintenance than paved roads. The Town’s current 1988 Champion grader with rear wheel drive is far past the estimated 12-14 year usage by 30+ years, with about $20k already in repairs. In fact, the old machine no longer tilts the front wheels from left to right and there are no parts available because of its age. However, this old machine would work wonders for a smaller municipality or construction company, setting them back roughly $25-35k. A newer used one, in particular, a 2015 772 G John Deere grader is on its way. At a special Town Board meeting on Tuesday, January 21, the Board approved a bond resolution not to exceed $162,500, which is $40k less than the anticipated purchase price of the new grader.
Other updates:
• Town of New Lebanon to Facebook? If so, a no-comments option is preferred.
• Livestreaming the Town Board Meetings? If so, perhaps they’ll be streamed to the FB page.
• 50 ft smoking ban in front of Town Hall. A smoking shelter was proposed, as well as other less-used entrances.
Editors Note: We welcome Michelle Van Horn to the Eastwick Press team of reporters. Michelle will be covering the Stephentown/New Lebanon area.