The Glenville Town Board made headway on two projects that have been in the works for some time. On Wednesday, Sept. 17, the Town Board approved a bond that will pay to replace the 23-year-old police dispatch system. Board members also hailed the finalization of plans that allowed ground to be broken on a Lowe’s home improvement store.
After facing a number of obstacles trying to find replacement parts for what Police Chief Michael Ranalli called an outdated communications system, the town approved a $1.5 million bond to pay for a new system that will provide coverage to 95 percent of the town, including those areas on the outskirts. Ranalli told town officials that the police department will be working with Capital Digitronics on the new system.
`We are hoping to begin the process this winter with Digitronics,` said Ranalli.
Taxpayers will pay out about $2,000 next year on the bond and then have nine years to pay off the balance. Town administrator Tony Germano said the figures are not concrete but average about $220,000 per year starting in 2010.
The town will first look at towers to assist the new communications system. Currently, the town has one tower and will lease the space on two to three others. Ranalli also mentioned that the town owns property near Sanders Road where they plan to build one tower.
Ranalli said it is important for taxpayers to know that despite the cost, the system is basic and not something that the department wants as a luxury.
`We want our residents to know that this system is a necessity with updates that will provide us with basic safety measures,` said Ranalli.
Town Supervisor Frank Quinn echoed Ranalli’s concerns, saying the old system is dated and needs to be replaced.
`People for the most part understand and support public safety costs,` said Quinn.
The town also made progress on a deal that some town officials thought may never be finalized. After years of negotiations, plans were finalized last week and ground was broken on a 157,000-square-foot Lowe’s home improvement store. The store’s location just off of Freemans Bridge Road and across from a Wal-Mart Supercenter caused some debate in the planning process, with concerns about increased traffic in the already congested area.
Town Planner Kevin Corcoran said the project’s details were worked out over the summer. Lowe’s will construct a new road to the right of 99 Freemans Bridge Road. Corcoran said an intersection with a traffic light is in the plans for next year, which will further reduce traffic concerns.
`Lowe’s has worked with us and understands our concerns. We are happy to see construction finally begin,` said Corcoran.“