Supervisor's Report November 2007
SUPERVISOR’S REPORT
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Over the past several years, we have seen a continual increase in the amount of heavy truck traffic that is traveling through our County on the State highways such as Routes 89 and 96. Due to the sheer volume of this truck traffic, the weight of the trucks, and the excessive speed at which they travel, this traffic poses several problems for our communities. First and foremost, they pose a significant safety concern due to their speed, weight, and the residential nature of many of these roads. Second, the volume of trucks and their weight increase the rate at which these roads deteriorate, once again posing a safety concern, but also creating a financial burden on the taxpayers when repairs have to be made. Third, if involved in an accident, they pose an environmental and health threat to our lakes, streams, and communities. Fortunately for the residents of our community, over the last few weeks, this issue has finally received State wide recognition as a problem that needs to be addressed.
When Seneca Meadows Incorporated wanted to expand their landfill, I knew that getting the trash haulers off Routes 89 and 96 would not be an easy task. I also knew that there would be very little support from Seneca County since so much money was being given by Seneca Meadows to line the pockets of many of the Villages, Towns, organizations, and individuals within the County.
I contacted the Counties of Tompkins and Cayuga and learned that they were experiencing similar issues with the large trash trucks going through their Towns. Although these counties were also adversely affected by the garbage truck issue, there was no money exchange to hush them from raising the issue.
It was announced on October 23, that New York State Senator George Winner, Jr. had co-sponsored a bill which would keep large garbage trucks from hauling waste from New York City and other downstate regions over local highways in Tompkins County and other upstate municipalities. Under the legislation, the New York State Department of Transportation would consult with the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation when establishing truck route designations. This bill has been approved by the State Senate and is awaiting approval by the State Assembly and Governor Spitzer. Until this bill becomes a law, there are few if any restrictions, outside of New York City, for the transportation of hazardous materials on State highways. This has been a problem that has been especially persistent and noticeable on State Routes 79, 89, 96 and 34.
In the Wednesday, October 31st edition of the Finger Lakes Times the headline read “Trash-Hauling Issues will be Aired Nov. 27”. Several months ago I had contacted Senator Chuck Schumer’s office to voice my concern and to encourage someone from his office to attend the public hearing on the expansion of Seneca Meadows.
The problems caused by trash haulers taking short cuts on Finger Lakes rural roads will be addressed by the Senator’s office. A meeting has been set up by our U.S. Senator for November 27th at 4pm to include in dialogue representatives from Seneca Meadows Incorporated, the New York City Sanitation Department, and the New York State Department of Transportation.
Senator Schumer hopes to place some pressure on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and sanitation officials to force trash haulers to use the Interstate Highway System to get to Seneca Meadows and the Ontario County Landfill. He has proposed using some type of monitoring system to ensure adherence to these approved routes.
Progress takes time and many details and discussions will follow. I am happy to see that Senator Schumer and State Senator Winner have taken the initiative in attempting to solve this important issue for us in Varick. Many thanks for their hard work and effort. I would also like to thank all of our residents who brought this issue to my attention. Your voice of concern on this issue has been heard and I am proud of what we have accomplished. I would encourage everyone to keep bringing forth important issues and concerns to your elected representatives at all levels. Together, you can effect change.
Joan E. Teichner, Supervisor
Town of Varick
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Over the past several years, we have seen a continual increase in the amount of heavy truck traffic that is traveling through our County on the State highways such as Routes 89 and 96. Due to the sheer volume of this truck traffic, the weight of the trucks, and the excessive speed at which they travel, this traffic poses several problems for our communities. First and foremost, they pose a significant safety concern due to their speed, weight, and the residential nature of many of these roads. Second, the volume of trucks and their weight increase the rate at which these roads deteriorate, once again posing a safety concern, but also creating a financial burden on the taxpayers when repairs have to be made. Third, if involved in an accident, they pose an environmental and health threat to our lakes, streams, and communities. Fortunately for the residents of our community, over the last few weeks, this issue has finally received State wide recognition as a problem that needs to be addressed.
When Seneca Meadows Incorporated wanted to expand their landfill, I knew that getting the trash haulers off Routes 89 and 96 would not be an easy task. I also knew that there would be very little support from Seneca County since so much money was being given by Seneca Meadows to line the pockets of many of the Villages, Towns, organizations, and individuals within the County.
I contacted the Counties of Tompkins and Cayuga and learned that they were experiencing similar issues with the large trash trucks going through their Towns. Although these counties were also adversely affected by the garbage truck issue, there was no money exchange to hush them from raising the issue.
It was announced on October 23, that New York State Senator George Winner, Jr. had co-sponsored a bill which would keep large garbage trucks from hauling waste from New York City and other downstate regions over local highways in Tompkins County and other upstate municipalities. Under the legislation, the New York State Department of Transportation would consult with the New York State Department of Health and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation when establishing truck route designations. This bill has been approved by the State Senate and is awaiting approval by the State Assembly and Governor Spitzer. Until this bill becomes a law, there are few if any restrictions, outside of New York City, for the transportation of hazardous materials on State highways. This has been a problem that has been especially persistent and noticeable on State Routes 79, 89, 96 and 34.
In the Wednesday, October 31st edition of the Finger Lakes Times the headline read “Trash-Hauling Issues will be Aired Nov. 27”. Several months ago I had contacted Senator Chuck Schumer’s office to voice my concern and to encourage someone from his office to attend the public hearing on the expansion of Seneca Meadows.
The problems caused by trash haulers taking short cuts on Finger Lakes rural roads will be addressed by the Senator’s office. A meeting has been set up by our U.S. Senator for November 27th at 4pm to include in dialogue representatives from Seneca Meadows Incorporated, the New York City Sanitation Department, and the New York State Department of Transportation.
Senator Schumer hopes to place some pressure on New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and sanitation officials to force trash haulers to use the Interstate Highway System to get to Seneca Meadows and the Ontario County Landfill. He has proposed using some type of monitoring system to ensure adherence to these approved routes.
Progress takes time and many details and discussions will follow. I am happy to see that Senator Schumer and State Senator Winner have taken the initiative in attempting to solve this important issue for us in Varick. Many thanks for their hard work and effort. I would also like to thank all of our residents who brought this issue to my attention. Your voice of concern on this issue has been heard and I am proud of what we have accomplished. I would encourage everyone to keep bringing forth important issues and concerns to your elected representatives at all levels. Together, you can effect change.
Joan E. Teichner, Supervisor
Town of Varick
posted by Thomas Björkman at 5:50 PM
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