Residents, council and public works press developer over Merrick Road construction hazards

Jessie Festa, a Merrick Road resident, told the Rome Common Council on June 25 that standing water, overgrown grass and deep holes at a nearby construction site are creating safety and public‑health hazards for nearby children and neighbors. "We've had quite a few, things going on. We've had a lot of, standing water that's been throughout the site," Festa said during the public comment period.

The issue drew extended attention from Councilor Anderson and city Department of Public Works staff, who said the developer, Buck Construction, temporarily moved heavy equipment while resolving code‑approval issues and has not abandoned the project. "They have not pulled out of the project," Councilor Anderson said, adding that the city has been in communication with the developer and will press for improvements to appearance and safety.

Christopher (Chris) Buck was cited by speakers as the developer; he did not speak from the dais during the meeting. DPW Commissioner Juliano said a city crew would make a temporary asphalt repair the next day to address a settling utility cut and that crews would coordinate with the developer to address standing water and overgrown grass. "I will have a crew there tomorrow, making that repair for the asphalt, making a temporary repair until we can get a hot patch repair in there," Juliano said.

Councilors and staff outlined short‑ and longer‑term work tied to the site. The city is responsible for placing the final wearing surface of asphalt — "the last inch and a half," Juliano said — and will wait to install that top layer until heavy equipment work is complete. City officials also described two possible additional access points to reduce traffic pressure on Merrick Road during future projects: an Oak Street extension from Turn Road (the city owns a 50‑foot right of way to the creek) and a temporary bridge to be used during the Merrick Road culvert replacement project planned for 2026.

Councilor Anderson encouraged residents to report problems through the developer's designated phone line but also said residents could bring complaints to city staff if they preferred city mediation. Juliano asked residents to route safety concerns through the DPW or mayor's office so staff could intervene directly with the developer and avoid confrontations.

The concerns raised at the meeting included standing water and mosquito growth, overgrown lots, exposed holes and apparent unfinished grading. Festa said many residents had expected completed roads and sidewalks when the development began and asked the council to direct the city attorney to meet with the developer and report back at the next meeting. Councilor Anderson said he and other city officials would follow up and that additional aesthetic and safety improvements should be visible as the developer returns equipment to finish two remaining duplexes.

Officials said the project has been active for several years and that delays came while the developer sought approvals on code issues. The city will schedule repairs to settled pavement and coordinate with Buck Construction on lighting plans, grading and final paving once heavy work is finished.

Residents who spoke about the site cited public‑health concerns including mosquitoes and rodent risks and asked for clearer developer communication; DPW staff and Councilor Anderson urged use of the city's and the developer's established reporting channels so the city could intervene when necessary.

Less urgent follow‑up items include finalizing lighting pipe installation on site and determining which longer‑term access alternative — Oak Street extension or other options identified in the city's prior plans — is financially and environmentally feasible. DPW staff said wetlands and utility conflicts created constraints on some previously considered routes.