Planning for 17B underway

MONTICELLO, NY — Sullivan County Department of Public Works Commissioner Robert Meyer said in committee last week that he is communicating with the state Department of Transportation (DOT) in order to work towards a plan for improving traffic conditions on Route 17B, a state highway where two deadly accidents occurred in August.

Recently, residents at Town of Bethel board meetings have been saying the state needs to take measures to increase safety along the highway. Some would like to see a red light replace the flashing yellow light at the intersection of 17B and Pine Grove Road.

Meyer said a study completed in 1995 recommended widening 17B west of Monticello into a four-lane highway and adding a third lane, or a turning lane, from White Lake to Route 97. The recommendations need to be updated, Meyer said, so that they match current traffic patterns. He is working with DOT regional manager David Ligeikis.

Lawmakers said DOT needs to understand that upgrading the highway remains a priority and asked Meyer to schedule a time when Ligeikis can meet with the legislature.

Game Commission checks benefit communities

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission has just mailed its annual in-lieu-of-tax payments for the state game lands it owns in 65 of the state’s 67 counties. Because state game lands do not draw on municipal services but do make these in-lieu payments, they provide a significant net benefit to the communities in which they are located. The Commission’s checks, totaling $1,713,864.55 for the 2005 tax year, were sent to county treasurers, school districts and municipalities, according to Vern Ross, agency executive director. The commission has 20,727 acres in Wayne County and pays out $24,873.30 in lieu of taxes. The numbers in Pike County are 24,467 acres and $29,360.81.

Roebling Bridge to close Sept. 19

LACKAWAXEN, PA — Upper Delaware National Park Service Superintendent David Forney said last week that the Roebling Bridge will likely be closed for two weeks beginning September 19.

The Federal Highway Administration will pay for a contractor to replace the running surface, a layer on top of the bridge’s deck. The contractor had not yet signed the agreement when this issue went to press, so the date is not final.

Benefit for Shane Ryan Bailo

MILFORD, PA — A benefit fundraiser will be held for two-year-old Shane Ryan Bailo, who has a rare cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. A country barbeque buffet will be held on Sunday, September 11 from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Marsch-Kellogg Post 139, located outside of Milford.

Admission is $15. For more information call 570/296-8805.

Port Jervis gateway improved

PORT JERVIS, NY — The Pike Street railroad underpass, an area of Port Jervis that was damaged by flooding this April, has been resurfaced and painted, welcoming drivers with one of the city’s busiest gateways.

A $50,000 Urban Renewal Grant secured for the city by Orange County paid for the project, the Tri-State News reported.

Port Jervis Department of Public Works Director Vince Lopez said the project involved removing loose paint, applying cosmetic masonry patching over areas where re-bars are sticking out and then covering the entire prepared surface with two coats of epoxy. Lighting similar to the city’s existing antique fixtures will also be installed near welcome signs at both entrances to the underpass.

“Depending on the price and funds available, we would like to re-do the islands slightly larger in size, with reddish stamped concrete. It will look like pavers but without the joints for weeds to grow through,” Lopez said.

No firehouse for Callicoon

CALLICOON, NY — Voters in the Callicoon Fire District opposed the purchase of a $900,000 bond to convert the former Mills Garage into a working, modern firehouse.

Of the 172 ballots cast, 107 opposed the bond issue.

Voters had approved the sale of the current firehouse on June 8, nearly one year after they had approved a $300,000 bond for a new house.

Firefighters have long complained that the current house on Hill Street is seriously undersized for modern equipment and presents an unsafe situation when it comes to egress and ingress during emergencies.

Fire department commissioners are calling for a special meeting on Wednesday, September 7 at 8:00 p.m. at the firehouse in order for community members to express their opinions. They will have that opportunity again at the regular meeting on September 14 at 8:00 p.m.

Libraries look for additional funding

SULLIVAN COUNTY, NY — Sullivan County library directors are asking residents to sign a petition that asks the county legislators to include a line item for the libraries in their 2006 budget. The petitions are available at each library branch.

“We are finding it nearly impossible to keep up with the new technology that library users are expecting,” said Marjorie Linko, president of the Sullivan County Public Library Alliance and director of the Liberty Public Library. “Other neighboring counties like Ulster, Orange and Rockland have such a funding provision in their budgets.”

The libraries are asking for funding in addition to the budgets residents approve or disapprove when they vote on school budgets.