After eloquent speeches by over a dozen community members stressing the safety issues and the necessity of the sidewalk, the Town Board reiterated that the town is not in the financial position to support the sidewalk. However they reluctantly agreed to go the next step, which is the design stage. After this stage, they will vote again on whether to approve the sidewalk.

Where we are now:
Oak Tree Road west of the Palisades Community Center (PCC) will be repaved in the upcoming weeks. The section between the PCC and RT 9W will be repaved after the completion of the sidewalk. The Highway Department is in the “design” phase of this project. This fall, the goal is to fill in the ditch between the Post Office and RT 9W and install proper drainage and shift the road to allow for the sidewalk on the south side of Oak Tree Road. The project has to go back to the Town Board for approval of materials used for the sidewalk.

Jim Dean, Superintendent of Highways, estimates that an asphalt sidewalk with asphalt curb would cost about $50,000, concrete sidewalk with Belgian block curb would cost about $110,000 and brick-like pavers with granite curb would cost about $159,000. Many in the community agree that asphalt is not an appropriate choice. Other historic towns are having the pavers installed, but some would consider concrete if budget dictates.

It is very important for members of the community to attend the upcoming Town Board meetings to voice opinions on the materials to be used. The next October meeting is October 9. Come before 7:30pm to sign up for public comment. It’s only a few more meetings. We are so close. A good article to read: rocklandtimes.com