"It's only a matter of time before something bad happens." That's what Jim Helms of upper East Pearl Street told the village board Monday night. Some time ago, a large sinkhole opened up on East Pearl Street which forced the village to close a portion of the street. Helms said he was "looking for an update for the residents on the high side of East Pearl." He added "we haven't heard anything in a number of months"...since a grant was awarded to repair the problem. Helms indicated neighborhood concern over the essential the now 'dead end street' noting that snowplows and garbage trucks have to back down the street, bobbing and weaving between parked vehicles. Helms said while he appreciate some of the village efforts, "parking is a nightmare" and needs better enforcement. Police Chief Timothy O'Grady agreed that signage may be an issue and he'll deal with that.
While repairs have progressed at a turtle's pace, Mayor Ranfy Shayler admitted that "we have serious hoops to jump through." Public Work Director Bill Whitfield told helms that progress is continuing. Whitfield said he expects construction to begin in late August and will be completed by early December. Helms cautioned the board that the sinkhole damage is extending towards Scott Avenue, "and that street is still open."
Shayler concluded by saying "your request for monthly updates is reasonable."
