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Pawling resident raises access, safety concerns as board approves $20,000 escalation to keep Dewey Lane bridge project this year
Summary
The board approved a $20,000 material escalation to the prefabricated Dewey Lane bridge project to allow installation this year; resident Robert Hill urged the board to preserve the bridge as a narrow local crossing and asked to be notified of plan changes because of a prior land dispute.
The Pawling Town Board voted June 10 to add $20,000 to the prefabricated Dewey Lane bridge budget so the project can be completed this calendar year, rather than delay installation until next year when costs could increase.
The material-escalation request (Resolution 129) was presented to keep the procurement on schedule after the low bidder said it could not deliver the bridge until next year. Supervisor Geodano said delaying the installation risks additional cost increases; the board voted to authorize the $20,000 increase to avoid that delay.
During the public comment period, Robert Hill of North Quaker Hill Road told the board that the town had previously sued to take part of his land but the matter concluded with no property taken. He said the earlier settlement included an understanding that the town would notify him of changes to the bridge or plans and asked to be informed if any changes were made.
Hill also urged the board to maintain the design that limits traffic and preserves the area as a low-traffic crossing for walkers, joggers and cyclists. "If I was designing it, I'd be happy to always help ... I would have the bridge narrow enough that you don't have cars going through it," he said, adding he favored a one-lane bridge.
Town staff said the DOT review and bid approval process took time but, to their knowledge, "no change in the plan" had occurred. Board members discussed seeking additional legislative help or grant contingencies to cover overages if necessary.
Why it matters: the board opted to pay a modest escalation now to keep the project on this year nd reduce the risk of larger future cost increases; nearby residents raised access and safety concerns and asked for direct notification if designs change.
What—omes next: the $20,000 increase was authorized to allow installation this year; staff will follow up on contingency language in the grant and inform affected property owners as requested.
