Penn Yan approves easements for bridge work

PENN YAN—The Penn Yan village board discussed the large amount of heavy equipment and storage needed for replacing the Liberty Street bridge, Tuesday, March 1.
The lone agenda item concerned easements for use of the village property by the state during the work.  Replacement of the bridge will begin in September.
The storage areas proposed are in an area east of the bridge near the playground and west of the bridge in the area at the former Angler Boat factory. Trustee Michael Christensen said he would like to make sure the state’s use of the area would not tie up the use of the park. Village Public Works Superintendent Brent Bodine said the village needs to make sure the state is securing their construction zone when they are not there.
Mayor Robert Church said his first concern is that the state wants to reserve the right to charge the village for any costs of hazardous cleanup if this is necessary.  He said he doesn’t know if there is anything there. Church asked trustees if they had any other concerns.
Trustees voted to allow Church to sign the easement document. There were some requirements added to the agreement. Any damages to village property would be replaced in kind. Condition of the area will be documented prior to the state using it. The village also wants access to the park while work is being done. The portion of the Outlet Trail near and under the bridge will be closed during construction. The replacement project is expected to take six months.
Detour routes have been proposed by New York State Department of Transportation.