by Doug La Rocque
For 24 years the Town has been mining its own bank run gravel out of the Sherman Pit located on Old Post Road, but that pit has recently been sold to one Harry Williams, which is a concern to Highway Superintendent Jeff Winestock. The Town has had exclusivity on the location, and he is afraid that may no longer be the case and expressed fears of liability concerns. He asked the Town Council for an emergency meeting on Monday, March 28, to put out bids for Bank Run Gravel. Also in attendance was Carl Clemente of Troy Sand and Gravel, who was representing Mr. Williams. He told the Town Council his client plans to hold to all the current terms of operation and pricing, and would even take over the mining permit from the Town if they wished. The would save the Town reclamation costs if or when they should give up the permit.
Council members thought this was a good deal, but Mr. Winestock still expressed his reservations about continued use of the pit. In the end, the Council agreed to put out Mr. Winestock’s bid, to be considered at their next regular meeting in April. Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling also said she would be in contact with the Department of Environmental Conservations about the owner switch and the possibility of the mining permit transfer.