The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

Responding to complaints voiced by residents of Winding Brook Drive the Peru Town Board agreed to investigate removing the double yellow lines that the Town Highway Department recently applied to the town street.  The actions were taken at the Board’s June 8, 2009 meeting. The residents voiced the opinion that the yellow lines increased traffic from Route 22B and encouraged increased vehicle speed thereby endangering neighborhood children. They also believe the painted lines change the character of the residential neighborhood. The Board discussed several methods of removing the lines including grinding the asphalt and painting the lines black.  There appears to be no perfect solution, but all solutions will be explored. A test will be conducted on a small segment of the street before undertaking the project. 

In other actions:

• The Board passed a resolution to place speed bumps at four locations on and near Winding Brook Drive. Two speed bumps will be placed just north of the Buttonbrook Drive – Maiden Lane intersection and two will be placed on Winding Brook Drive.  Residents will be consulted about speed bump placement.  Maiden Lane resident Gary Palmer stated that drivers routinely ignore the stop sign at the end of Maiden Lane and drive through the stop sign at speeds of up to forty miles per hour. Supervisor Covel said the situation has been reported to the State Police.  Counselor Peter Glushko said additional 30 mile per hour speed limit signs and “Residential Area – Local Traffic Only” signs might slow down drivers and reduce traffic volume.
• The Board scheduled a public hearing on the revised Outdoor Wood Boiler Law for June 22nd at 6:30 p.m.
• Counselor Glushko reported that he has completed his annual audit of town officials. He said only minor issues were discovered. He said, “There isn’t anything that isn’t fixable.” Glushko pointed out that he only audits procedures, not the amounts of money. He said the only actual audit of town officers is done by the New York State Comptroller’s office.
• The Board appointed Eric Blaise to the Planning Board to replace Douglas Chase who failed to take the required oath of office. Blaise’s term will expire on 12/31/09.
• James Dynko was hired as Youth Commission Umpire Coordinator. He will be paid $525.
• A Board member stated that the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation may be adopting an open burning law; therefore, it may not be necessary to enact a town open burning law. The matter will be researched.
• In the public comment portion of the meeting resident Kregg Bruno asked the Town Board to consider honoring the two Peru Central School students who became New York State Wrestling Champions. He said the Clinton County Legislature honored the boys and he felt it would be commendable for the Town Board to do likewise.