Improvements In Potsdam May Start Soon
POTSDAM - Work on a $1.4 million project to build new sidewalks, bicycle paths and make street improvements in the village could begin within the next few weeks and be finished before the start of winter, according to Village Administrator Michael D. Weil.
The so-called Walk-Bike Enhancement Project is being paid for with a $1.4 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant awarded to the village in April 2009.
The grant was awarded to Potsdam to help make the community more bicycle and pedestrian friendly, according to village officials.
Construction company Luck Brothers Inc., Plattsburgh was awarded the $1,378,240 contract for the project last month by village officials.
Mr. Weil told trustees at a special meeting of the Potsdam Village Board Tuesday afternoon that work on the project could begin in earnest within a matter of days.
"The contractor is hoping it will be done this fall," Mr. Weil said.
Work slated to be completed in the village as part of the federal stimulus money project will include the grading and re-paving of Clarkson Avenue and building new sidewalks and bike trails along the area next to Clarkson University's hill campus, according to Mr. Weil. He said the grant project also calls for paving part of Pine Street and building new sidewalks along that route.
On the opposite side of the village the project calls for a new sidewalk running along Leroy Street from Bradley Drive to the Community Bank on May Road.
Mr. Weil said Luck Brothers Inc. has expressed a desire to complete the job before snow flies, but said the company technically has until July of 2011 to finish under terms of their contract with the village.
In other action at Tuesday's special village board meeting trustees voted unanimously to appoint Potsdam Police Officer Mark R. Murray, 5631 State Highway 56, to the position of lieutenant in the Potsdam Police Department. Mr. Murray will be paid a base annual salary of $63,654.
He will begin his new duties Thursday and replaces Edward F. Tischler who was recently promoted to the position of Potsdam Police Chief.
