More Residential Traffic Complaints
by Doug La Rocque
There were two meetings of importance to the Town of Brunswick on Thursday, September 8. The first was held by the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) where a request by CVE North America for sales and mortgage tax exemptions and possible funding was discussed. The Town vehemently opposed the request with a letter from Supervisor Phil Herrington read into the record at a public hearing, held just two days earlier. The Supervisor pointed out the commercial solar project already has agreed to a Payment in Lieu of Taxes stipulation, which affords CVE a significant tax break. Mr. Herrington further stated that except for the construction period, the project does not create any full-time jobs and asked that the request be rejected.
The IDA decided to table CVE’s request, with Supervisor Herrington telling The Eastwick Press he was informed the reason for the IDA’s action was ostensibly for further legal review. Several messages left by The Eastwick Press with the IDA have gone unreturned.
Traffic Concerns Right Up Front
Later that Thursday evening, the Town Board’s regular meeting began with more complaints as to the volume, speed, and truck traffic driving along Otsego Avenue and other neighboring streets. This is a complaint that began when it was announced Hannaford was building a 50,000 square foot grocery store at the intersection of Lord Avenue and Hoosick Road. That project has also seen the installation of a new traffic light at that intersection. Hannaford paid for a traffic study of the area that determined their new store would not cause any significant traffic increase, a finding many residents of the neighborhood disagreed with.
What Can Be Done?
Rensselaer County Sheriff Pat Russo tells The Eastwick Press he is assigning a traffic detail to the area in question and Supervisor Herrington says he will speak to the Board members about enacting a local law to place weight limits as well.
Hannaford opens its door on Saturday, September 17. Following that opening, another traffic study will be conducted. The Capital District Transportation Committee is also conducting a study along Hoosick Road, hopefully by year’s end.
Moratorium Extended
The Board also approved another six-month extension of the two-family and multi-family housing moratorium. A review of the Town Code’s proposed revisions met with several suggestions at a public hearing and the Board requested a little more time to ponder these suggestions. The moratorium was due to expire this week.