Route 62 reconstruction gripes in Dayton

by Karen Blake

     Area residents and other motorists trying to make their way through the state DOT’s (NYS Department of Transportation) reconstruction project on Route 62 in the Town of Dayton are encountering more than the usual road rebuilding annoyances.

     While much of the road repaving has been done, motorists can expect some delays at the intersections in the hamlet of Dayton and in Markhams. Detours, or the lack thereof, especially at the closed bridge on Route 62 just south of the Route 322 turn-off to the Village of South Dayton, have been the cause of complaints. Councilman Bob Brown said there are no “bridge closed” signs until too late and motorists have to turn around and find their way around miles of long detours, which are poorly marked in some areas.

     Reconfiguration of the roadway at the bottom of Peck Hill, where it connects with Route 62, is also raising questions. Those familiar with that intersection are concerned that the redesign into what looks to be a turn and a “T” will not fix the dangerous sight distance situation. Board members are among those who have had “a close call” when slowing down or having to stop to make a left turn to go up Peck Hill Road. It is difficult to see if something is coming around the curve south from the Dayton hamlet. Even more hazardous is that traffic, especially big trucks traveling at high speeds, coming up over the knoll from behind those making the left turn, won’t be able to see them until too late.

     The town has contacted the DOT engineers, and the project manager will be at next month’s town board meeting to explain the design and answer questions from the public about the road reconstruction project.

     That town board meeting has been changed from the regular night to Monday, Aug. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the town hall.

     In other matters, Town Supervisor Tom Chupa said that Bob Hintz has been appointed temporary town building inspector/code enforcement officer until the board can interview applicants for the recently-vacated position. Chupa said anyone needing building permits, etc. should contact Hintz or the town clerk.

     Town assessor Bob Busekist reported the State Board of Real Property Services has issued the final state equalization rates for the 2004 Assessment Roll, with the Town of Dayton again at 100 percent - one of 13 towns in the county at 100 percent, 19 are less than 100 percent. Chupa credited Busekist for good work, as this will benefit the town.

     Busekist said he is starting to put pictures of all properties in the town on the computer. The state is stressing keeping property values current by doing annual updates, or every three years re-valuing properties because of constantly changing sales prices, he added.

     Busekist updated the board on the status of the ongoing case on reduction of assessments for Norse Pipelines, noting that there will probably be another round of hearings on the gas pipeline tax issue.

     In other business,

  •   Town Attorney Ron Ploetz reported there have been no new developments on some open issues.
  •   Supervisor Chupa noted the generator is “on order,” and they hope to get it soon.
  •   Clerk Bennett read the Town Court Reports for the month, noting Justices Jeffrey and Josephine Beightol handled 51 cases for a total of $3,902 in fines, fees and surcharges.
  •   Supervisor Chupa noted for the record that the board is checking court records monthly - receipts, deposits, etc.