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Richland resident says mouth of Snake Creek has "closed," board to assess culvert and access issues
Summary
A South Ramona Beach Road resident told the Town Board the mouth of Snake Creek has closed and a deteriorating culvert is blocking access to properties; the board said highway staff will inspect the structure and may contact the NYSDEC for guidance.
Supervisor Robert North called the Town of Richland special workshop to order at 4:00 p.m. on June 15, 2026. During public comment, South Ramona Beach Road resident Alicia Taylor (also listed in attendance as CEO/ZEO) told the board "the mouth of Snake Creek, where it meets the lake has closed" and described a nearby culvert with concrete missing on one side and broken concrete on the other that is causing the creek side to sit several feet higher than the lake side.
Taylor said some residents have been unable to access their properties because of flooding and poor road conditions. The board said it will address the issue "in the morning with the Highway Superintendent, Kevin Balcom," and discussed the possibility of contacting the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for assistance or guidance. No formal motion or funding decision was recorded; the board tasked highway staff to inspect and report back.
Why it matters: a blocked creek mouth and a failing culvert can worsen shoreline flooding, threaten road stability, and limit safe access to private property. The board’s next steps — inspection by highway staff and consideration of DEC involvement — will determine whether emergency repairs or a permitting process is required.
The minutes note the board will follow up with Superintendent Kevin Balcom; no specific repair timeline or funding source was provided in the record.
