Hillsdale board approves chip-seal authorization after lengthy public debate

The Hillsdale Town Board voted to authorize resolution 02/6284, enabling chip-seal work on a set of town roads, after extended public comment and a board determination that the work would not have a significant adverse environmental impact.

Supporters pointed to maintenance benefits and public-safety concerns. "Please approve the 02/6284 this evening so I can continue the road improvements that I was elected to do," said Richard Briggs, the highway superintendent, urging the board to authorize continued road improvements. Board supporters also noted that chip sealing can reduce long-term maintenance costs.

Opponents urged the board to pause any decision until the town's comprehensive plan review and independent analyses are complete. "If the comprehensive plan is going to take in the wishes of town residents, you would think that...keeping some roads unpaved would be part of that comprehensive plan," said John Barone, an attorney representing the Hillsdale Dirt Roads Association, who asked the board to postpone action.

The board first ran through the standard short environmental form (SEQR short form) and debated whether impacts would be "no or small" or "significant." After discussion and board comments about wetlands, erosion and traffic, the motion to issue a negative declaration and to approve the 02/6284 authorization was put to a roll-call vote; the chair announced the motion had passed.

The action authorizes the highway superintendent to proceed with the chip-seal program as described in the packet; the board recorded a roll-call after the vote. The board did not adopt any additional conditions on the authorization at the meeting and directed staff to continue public communication on next steps.