SIDDEWALKS FOR NEW LEBANON

Don Adams from Creighton Manning and New Lebanon Town Supervisor led the first public hearing. BUILD IT AND THEY WILL WALK Peter Flierl Town Supervisor Tistrya Houghtling and Don Adams from Creighton Manning led the first of two public hearings on proposed sidewalks on the north and south side of Route 20 & 22 in the Town of New Lebanon. Manning has over 35 years’ experience in roadside engineering and brought illustrations of other projects and how this would work in New Lebanon. The Public Hearing included a packed house with over 50 people present, plus others tuning in online. New York State has awarded 80% of the proposed $2.5 million project for a Walkable Downtown, which means the Town of New Lebanon would need to spend approximately $500,000. If approved in a special election set for January 21, construction would likely start in 2027. The town currently has a fund balance of approximately $600,000 and the project would likely not have any impact on local property taxes, in part due to increased sales tax revenues. Supervisor Houghtling reported that 25 of 28 property owners who are abutters to the proposed project approve it going forward. While a low priority in the town comprehensive plan according to Craig Skerkis, the project would narrow appearance and perhaps slow traffic. There will remain 3 lanes for cars, including a center turn lane. There would be two crosswalks, one at New Lebanon Library and a second linking Midtown Mall and Valley Plaza. The north side would extend from existing sidewalk at the New Lebanon Junior/Senior High School to New Lebanon Library. The south side would go from Midtown Mall to New Lebanon Library. Key building material is stone dust which is already being used in the town park and is approved for those with disabilities. Don Adams showed pictures of similar walks from around the state. It is cheapest, fits for a rural feel, and is easier to maintain. He highly recommended not trying to put grass or other planting. ="320" data-original-height="4080" data-original-width="2238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4fLFc5nc0YLL5b9fOzTltyy4-I3lssxlxScwG4ziwBTBAEUSgYnMeCUT53N6TZeSZlLt5d_D_lxoXno57F-h7qa3_pziiUOLmAtTrtp_Tsfu1iTElr4Bka-2Ih8zpXOYNl4r1W0NLcwxpY5SH4iJrEE7Z6I6YtfLHsA0IbC1se-ywBawmwUw8eA/s320/PXL_20241230_231659939.jpg"/>