Author Archives: Jay Lawson

WEBB: Board gives Supervisor okay to award TOBIE contracts

The TOBIE Phase 2 project at Eagle Bay took another step forward on Tuesday with the Town of Webb Board authorizing Supervisor Ted Riehle to enter into contracts with contractors selected as a result of a recent bidding opportunity.

The project had been divided into four separate contracts.

The general contract will go to RE Alexander Company, Incorporated, which was the low bidder at $484,240.

The electrical contract was awarded to SC Spencer Electrical, Incorporated, for $46,700.

The two remaining contracts were awarded to Superior Plumbing and Heating for $48,950 and $33,200, respectively.

Once Riehle signs the award package, it will be forwarded to the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) for their review and approval, Riehle said.

Councilman Mike Ross indicated that he was pleased that the bids are on the verge of being awarded.

He said it amounted to a big step toward realizing TOBIE in Eagle Bay as a finished project.

Supervisor Riehle said DOT approval should be quick, maybe in time for board review at its October meeting.

That would clear the way for final approval by the town board, he said.

Does the project have hope for this year?, Councilwoman Moore asked Supervisor Riehle.

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Ad’k Homes development: Town Board determines environmental impact

The Town of Webb Board has adopted an environmental assessment regarding the property at issue for the proposed Planned District being applied for by Adirondack Homes, LLC, in Old Forge.

The board, as part of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process, has determined that the proposed development project, as described, is an “unlisted action” under the SEQR regulations of New York State.

Further, the project will not have a significant impact on the environment.

Consequently, no further action is required in compliance with SEQR regulations.

The determination in cases like this are based primarily on required filings of the applicant, said Town Attorney Richard Frye in explaining the role of the town in the SEQR process.

“It’s really the major projects that require further review and environmental impact reports,” he said.

The SEQR laws themselves dictate whether or not a project is “major,” according to Frye.

Supervisor Ted Riehle said the Adirondack Homes project has been examined by himself, Attorney Frye, and Code Enforcement Officer Andy Getty.

“It doesn’t break any of the thresholds,” Riehle said. Continue reading

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Webb Town Board and Mountainman working toward local hockey solution

Councilman J.B. Herron began raising the lingering issue of winter hockey during the summer months in hopes of arriving at a resolution with the town board before the winter recreation season hits.

Specifically, Herron seeks to determine what role the Town of Webb should play in assisting a grassroots effort to create a hockey venue.

Sandy Tetreault of Old Forge has been among the community members pressing the town to provide a rink for hockey.

It was her hope that the rink, which had been phased out several years ago, could be reestablished inside the North Street pavilion.

And she had supporters for that position, among them Councilwomen Kate Russell and Mary Brophy Moore.

They were not necessarily strong advocates, but they did indicate that they could be made agreeable to the right proposal.

Councilman Mike Ross, however, said he is adamantly opposed to the returning of the rink to the pavilion.

Given the other functions of the facility, the cost of maintaining the rink, and the community’s unclear interest in hockey, Ross said he is unwilling to support any such move.

Supervisor Ted Riehle echoed many of Ross’s concerns, particularly the cost, which he said involves many man-hours for setting up and disassembling the boards, as well as costs for heat, lights, and operational oversight.

Mary Brophy Moore has argued that public interest in an activity can’t be gauged where the activity simply does not exist.

Regardless, Councilman Herron said he is reluctant to give too many town resources to a project with community enthusiasm that’s unproven.

He also said he balks at the idea of the town maintaining two rinks, one for hockey and another for open skating.  Continue reading

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Town of Inlet adding infrastructure

Construction begins on wastewater treatment plant, collection System; benefit expected for local environment and economy

State, federal agencies assist town with $4.1 million project

Inlet Supervisor John Frey, fifth from left, breaks ground with visiting officials to commemorate the start of the town’s wastewater collection and processing project.

The Town of Inlet broke ground for the construction of its long-anticipated $4.1 million wastewater treatment plant and collection system on Wednesday, September 5.

The new system is designed to protect the environment and permit commercial development in Inlet, a popular tourist destination.

Local business leaders, along with environmental advocates for the Adirondacks, attended the groundbreaking at Arrowhead Park.

Also participating were officials from the Town of Inlet, Hamilton County, the New York State Environmental Facilities Corp., the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Rural Development Office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The project is being financed with a $1.734 million grant from the New York State Environ-mental Facilities Corp. (EFC) and a $1.788 million Rural Development grant from the USDA.

The project which had been well along in the planning stage, was put in jeopardy last year when construction bids came in far above anticipated figures. Continue reading

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Old Forge: Investigation continues in tragic motel shooting

Funeral Mass held Thursday for Matthew Leach; no charges yet, but grand jury certain to hear case, according to source

As of Thursday, no charges had been filed in the shooting death of Matthew Leach, 37, which occurred last weekend in Room 6 at Clark’s Beach Motel in Old Forge.

The State Police are still conducting their investigation, which includes additional examination of evidence and the results of an autopsy that was performed earlier in the week, according to Herkimer County acting District Attorney Jeffery Carpenter.

Carpenter’s office has been coordinating with law enforcement from the start and he was in Old Forge Wednesday for a walk-through of the scene, according to Town of Webb Police Chief John Russell.

Matthew Leach’s death happened on Saturday, July 21 at about 12:50 a.m., when he was shot by his father, Michael Leach, 59, who told police he thought his son to be an intruder in the room they were sharing. Continue reading

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Inlet to welcome Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra

One of nation’s premier regional orchestras to play Arrowhead Park, Friday, July 27

Symphony concertgoers will experience a level of performance this year, beyond anything they’ve ever enjoyed locally, and certainly beyond anything the Fulton Chain of Lakes Performing Arts Council (FCLPAC) ever envisioned when they first thought to bring major orchestra talent to Central Adirondack audiences, said Jerry Dupuis, president of FCLPAC.

“This concert, our 14th annual, will be monumental. Any audience member who has enjoyed past performances won’t want to miss it. Those who have never attended, yet are curious—this is their year to reward themselves with a wonderful experience. There is no doubt this year’s concert will rank among the best ever locally,” he said.

The reason is the addition of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO), which is scheduled to make its inaugural appearance.

The event will be held at Inlet’s Arrowhead Park on Friday, July 27, rain or shine, under an enormous tent covering.

“The RPO is one of the most renowned regional orchestras in the country, and their participation has made for a major concert event,” Dupuis said.

And a confluence of circumstances were required to make it happen, he said. Continue reading

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Health Center Fund looks to redefine mission as local health care services transition to St. Elizabeth’s era

The topic of local health care came up at the Town of Webb board’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, as the local health center closes in on a new era.

The meeting was held at Webb’s municipal building in Old Forge.

Ron Smith, a member of the public assembly, asked the board about the role of the community in the Health Center’s future.

Smith said he was curious about the Health Center Fund (HCF) group and how it would fit with Health Center operations under St. Elizabeth’s Medical Group. And whether community help was needed as the group moves forward.

St. Elizabeth’s is to lease the facility in the coming weeks, assuming health center operations. Smith said he hoped existing quality would be maintained and even improved under the new arrangement.

He said he and other community members could be called upon if their services were thought to be of assistance.

Supervisor Ted Riehle said that for a variety of reasons, the future stability of local health care is best ensured through a hospital group, such as St. E’s, rather than a private practice.

And under this arrangement a more hands-off approach would be necessary. He said the community would do well to offer support to St. E’s. Continue reading

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