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Lewiston holiday lights photos by Larry Wills/Department of Public Works
Lewiston holiday lights photos by Larry Wills/Department of Public Works

Broderick: Town of Lewiston plans to pay for village's EV chargers, new lights

by jmaloni
Tue, Apr 4th 2023 03:05 pm

By Joshua Maloni

GM/Managing Editor

The Village of Lewiston recently hinted improved holiday lighting could be in the works, with new LED strands extending down Center Street and into Academy Park.

On Monday, the sponsor for this endeavor was revealed.

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick appeared at the Board of Trustees’ work session to inform the public of his council’s intent to finance the lights – and the village’s new electric vehicle charging stations, too.

“(Deputy Mayor) Vic Eydt had reached out to me, and (Department of Public Works Superintendent) Larry Wills reached out to me, with two projects that are going on in the village,” Broderick said. “One being the electric car-charging stations, which the town has had for a few years. I understand that Vic has worked on grants for those chargers. The town, through its (New York Power Authority relicensing) settlement, has 6½ megawatts that we sell on the open market. We have some fund balance there, and are willing to pay for the balance of those two chargers. I believe Vic said they’re roughly about $6,000 apiece, after grant and everything. The town's willing to do that.”

Broderick said the measure will be voted on at the Town Board meeting next week.

“Larry also talked to me about changing over all the lights on Center Street – the Christmas lights – from the current lights to LED lights, at a price up to about $20,000,” Broderick said. “I think he got three bids roughly in the area. … The town would also be willing to incur that cost.”

Broderick explained, “Basically, when we sell the 6½ megawatts on the open market, that has to be used for energy-related projects. It can't be used for anything else.

“These are two projects that I think are viable. The town is willing to help the village out as much as we can. So, that's something I'll take before my board next week – which I talked to several board members, and they’re in support of it, as well.”

Mayor Anne Welch said, “Thank you. That’s very generous of you. We appreciate it, because, obviously, it has to come out of our accounts. We can’t cover everything with grants.”

Broderick said, “From what I understand in talking to Larry and Vic, the lights will be better lights on Center Street; durable lights; actually, more lights to each string.”

“More lights to each tree,” Eydt said.

“Less power (used) with LEDs,” Welch said.

Trustee Dan Gibson asked, “Are they going to be colored lights?”

“Yes,” Welch said.

“That’s your call,” Broderick said, as trustees laughed. “You can sort that out! I have nothing to do with that.”

Town of Lewiston Supervisor Steve Broderick addresses the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees. (Photo by Joshua Maloni)

 

More Revisions to STR Laws

Also at Monday’s Village of Lewiston work session, a public hearing was held on additional language pertaining to short-term rentals. It yielded no comments.

Board members approved a motion to adopt the following proposed law:

#12-2023 – F-2.2.a – SHORT TERM RENTAL REVISIONS

“The initial building inspection and fire inspection fees for Short-Term Rentals/Bed & Breakfasts are $250.00 each. Yearly re-inspection(s) fees will be $100.00; if everything is up to NYS Uniform Building and Fire Code standards and the inspection is a one-visit walk through. If there is a violation and/or corrections are required resulting in the inspectors having to re-inspect the premises, an additional fee of $50 per visit will be charged until the violation(s) has been corrected.”

Other approved motions include:

•A request made by Lewiston Stone House owner Emery Simon to erect a temporary tent in front of the venue to serve both as a means to enjoy summer programming, and to provide additional safety from nearby traffic. Simon has done this in past years.

•A request made by Veterans of Foreign Wars Downriver Post 7487 to hold its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Academy Park’s “Circle of Honor.” This event will take place after a parade down Center Street on Monday, May 29. A luncheon will follow.

•A request made by Catching Dreams Charters/Punt Pediatric Cancer Collaborative to use Lewiston Landing Park to host a fishing tournament fundraiser from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 3.

 

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