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Town of Lewiston increases funding assistance for backflow preventers

Fri, Jan 31st 2025 11:00 am

Board moves on Riverfront Park, sets public hearing on new local law

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

At the Lewiston Town Board meeting this week, Councilman Rob Morreale reported on plans to increase monetary support for the backflow preventer program. The program was created last year following a series of high-water rain/snow events that resulted in significant sewer backups into the homes of affected residents in the town’s northern areas. It provides $2,000 in financial assistance to property owners for the purchase and installation costs of the backflow units, which are installed on private residential properties, with all costs borne by the owners. The Town Board approved up to $100,000 in funding to assist affected property owners.

Morreale, who serves as Town Board liaison to the Water Pollution Control Center, discussed the need to increase the town’s assistance from $2,000 to $2,500 per property, due to low participation. This came following his recent visit to an affected residence and a discussion with Jeff Ritter, administrator of the Water Pollution Control Center.

“They (town property owners) want to take advantage of the program we have. Well, only one to three people have taken advantage of it. So, talking with the supervisor, I made the recommendation to increase it up to $2,500. So, the residents can apply and get up to $2,500,” Morreale said.

A motion, seconded by Town Board member John Jacoby, was approved soon after.

The town said the $100,000 in total assistance approved to fund the program in 2024 would not change with the assistance increase to $2,500.

Council member Sarah Waechter introduced Local Law No. 1 of 2025. It seeks to terminate the town’s longstanding Environmental Commission and create a new Planning and Environmental Commission.

Commenting on the measure, Supervisor Steve Broderick said, “We introduced this law once. Some of the board members wanted some changes, so our attorney, Al Bax, Sarah Waechter and myself (with Dr. Mark Gallo of the Planning Board) worked on some changes to the law. We want to reintroduce the law, have another public hearing, before we make any decision on approval.”

The board will hold a public hearing on Local Law No. 1 at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10, prior to its work session.

Council members also approved an emergency funding request from the Lewiston Public Library.

“They came to us; they had some extra expenses,” Broderick said. He mentioned a $40,000 figure. “(It’s) an issue they had with their heating unit.”

The board approved $2,770 to assist with the repair.

The town announced news on its continuing Riverfront Park project at Lower River and Pletcher roads.

“We’re wrapping up the final design for the Riverfront Park,” said Town Engineer Bob Lannon of GHD Consulting, as he put in a request for approval. New features in planning include a fishing pier, a kayak launch and a second pavilion. “We would like to advertise or commit for that project. Once we have the draft plans in place, (we will move ahead).”

Commenting on the park’s progress following board approval, Broderick said, “It was kind of frustrating for a while. We went through a lot of humps to get we are today. Any time you deal with a waterway, New York State Department of State had some issues with what we wanted to do. And thankfully they came around and left Albany and came here. And the young lady that attended from Albany became our biggest advocate.

“It was a frustrating process. But finally, they came here and we were lucky enough to get her here, because I don’t think this would have gotten done if they didn’t come here. … We wanted to get this under construction last year.”

Work is expected to continue at the park this spring.

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