Two Small Roads On Town Board’s Radar
by Doug La Rocque
Provost Road is a small cutoff between NYS Routes 22 and 43 with a big problem: large trucks and speed. According to a resident on that road, way too many trucks are using it to avoid the intersection of the two state roads. Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt says this is because the intersection of these state roads is not really a four way, but is shaped like an X, meaning trucks can have some trouble turning, and are opting to use Provost Road which has more typical intersections and much easier to navigate. Since Provost Road has been paved, vehicles are traveling much faster.
The board has asked Highway Superintendent Aldi Goodermote to look into requesting possible weight reductions and lowering of the speed limit. Because Stephentown is considered a Class B town (small in size) these requests must first go to the Rensselaer County Highway Department, and if approved there, on to the NYS Department of Transportation.
Another resident asked about mowing the cul de sac at the end of Nora Way. He said he has been mowing it of late, but wondered about the town taking it over. Superintendent Goodermote said the town would mow what they can reach from the road with their mowing equipment.
Library
Library Director Kim Roppolo said the Easter Weekend “take and make” program, where bags are handed out to children filled with books, crafts and candy to start with, has already attracted the interest of 104 children. She indicated they could probably handle up to 140. She also indicated the library is looking to run its summer program this year, however the details have not yet been worked out. Looking at forming a “teen focus group” concentrating on 6th to 9th graders is also on the agenda. There will be another Easter Bake Sale, done on line, and a Blood Drive on April 29 from 1 to 6 pm at the Firehall.
Admitted To The BAR
In this case, we are talking about the town’s Board of Assessment Review (BAR) and not earning the right to practice law or entering a drinking establishment. Appointed to a seat whose term expires in 2024 was Fred May, and to the seat with an expiration of 2025, was Virginia Demick.
Assessments
Assessor Jennifer Van Deusen said the information required to determine if a town-wide assessment is needed has been compiled, and is being analyzed. She fears without such a reassessment, the town’s equalization rate will continue to drop.
We Are Open, Come On In
Town Clerk Stephanie Wagar says her office has re-opened to the public on her regularly scheduled hours, but a face mask is a must to enter, and please follow all COVID-19 guidelines.
The board next meets in regular session on April 19.