The Peru Gazette

By John T Ryan 

Two members of the public addressed the board. 

Peru resident and Peru Gazette Editor John Ryan addressed three issues.  

Issue #1 – The final cost of Phase #1 of the sewer system upgrade project. Ryan would like to publish a project cost breakdown, including breakouts for contractors, design, engineering, and any other costs, the tax impact, the final interest rate and the bond term. Backed up by Town Attorney Matt Favro, Town Supervisor Brandy McDonald told Ryan that the town would have to review piles of documents to get the requested information. Favro told Ryan to file a Freedom of Information Request (FIA). Ryan said he isn’t looking for each invoice, just a project cost broken down by contracting, engineering, other costs, the final amount borrowed, interest rate, and impact on the taxpayer. He said he was surprised that the town board hadn’t compiled this formation. (Following this meeting on April 26, Ryan asked for a meeting with Supervisor McDonald to discuss the issue. McDonald replied that once an annual disclosure filing and a project audit are complete, he would have Confidential Secretary Pam Barber “pull everything and one day we can sit down.” He did not set a date for the meeting.)

Issue #2 – Stating that he hasn’t formed an opinion on affordable housing, Ryan asked board members if they have considered encouraging affordable housing development in Peru. He mentioned that the Woodland Drive and Orchard View (Washington Street) developments are at a standstill, and Ormsby Circle has few remaining lots. Ryan mentioned two large projects in the Town of Plattsburgh (Ampersand Drive and behind the CVPH Medical Plaza), saying that today’s affordable housing is more attractive than it once was. McDonald said he has heard that the Orchard View development may be sold; however, neither McDonald nor any board member commented on affordable housing. (After the board meeting, counselor Rick Barber emailed, “l feel we have been very proactive in our affordable housing endeavor. We, as a board, changed the zoning on the piece of property off Dashnaw Road. We, as a board, are very pro-construction if done the right way anywhere in Peru. We have been talking to the property owner off Dashnaw Rd. about taking over his private water and sewer lines, but there were a few things we wanted from him, and we have not heard back. Washington St. is a matter of patience. We need to let them work it thru with the Army Corp. Buttonwood has it all (the utilities), but Swain (the developer), in my view, has lost the fire to keep pushing it forward. We as a board would be glad to entertain any new ideas for new development.”)

Issue #3 – Ryan mentioned an email from Elm Street resident Jennifer Madore addressed to the Peru Gazette, Supervisor McDonald, and the Peru School Board. Mrs. Madore stated that the town storm pipes transport stormwater from Peru Central School into a State Route 22B drainage ditch, under Route 22B, down a hill to Elm Street, where it crosses the street and floods a portion of her and a neighbor’s property. She stated she has asked for help; however, the school blames the town and the town blames the school for the problem. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell believes the school or NYS DOT is responsible for the drainage issues, not the town. Town Attorney Matt Favro advised the board not to get involved and suggested that Madore pay for a survey to determine the cause of the problem. Later in the meeting, Ryan suggested that the three parties meet to discuss the issue. 

Elm Street resident Patricia Laduke told the board that a two-inch lip on Elm Street’s new sidewalk makes it very difficult for a person who uses a wheelchair to cross the street in front of her home. Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell indicated he would fix the problem. 

In other news – Recreation Director Kristen Marino wants to bring pickleball to the community. Councilman Rick Barber said he thinks Sullivan Park would be an ideal location to construct two pickleball courts. Several years ago, the board considered starting pickleball at the Jenkins Street tennis courts but decided against it when Mike Farrell determined repairing the courts would be expensive. 

Barber also suggested that the town sell the Jenkins Street property, a 40+ acre parcel adjacent to Brand Hollow Road, and a small lot at the school end of Woodland Drive. Matt Favro will investigate the actions required to sell the town properties. 

The board also declared a 1984 Model 1710 Ford Tractor as surplus equipment and set a bid date of May 22 at 10 a.m.; approved the purchase of a Model 4044M John Deer Tractor for the Water/Sewer/ Parks Department under state a state contract price of $35,629.82; approved sale of 2001 International Model 2674 dump truck on the Auctions International website; accepted a $20,000 bid for demolition and disposal of a 5 School Street structure and bids totaling $3,080 to K&S Environmental Science for site-specific variance and air-monitoring services at the site; approved the Water/Sewer/Parks Department request to hire a temporary laborer. 

Town Historian Helen Nerska reported that the town would display several historical artifacts at Babbie Museum this summer. 

Councilman Rick Barber reported that Rick Arnold would like to custom-make a cover for the new Heyworth-Mason Park bell tower.