Last Irene-damaged property is demolished
NEWFANE — NEWFANE - More than four years after the event, Newfane is almost finished with its work on the home at 279 Dover Rd., damaged beyond habitability by Tropical Storm Irene.
The town, and the building's owner, have been engaged in a long process with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to complete the buyback process, Administrative Assistant Shannon Meckle told The Commons earlier this year.
At the Oct. 5 Selectboard meeting, Meckle told the board she submitted the final paperwork and received approval to start demolishing the property, which began later in October and is now complete.
Park & Ride is almost ready
NEWFANE - Newfane's Park & Ride lot is almost ready for travelers to park, then ride.
The lot, located alongside the Town Offices, was recently paved. At the Oct. 5 Selectboard meeting, Board Chair Todd Lawley reported a walkway needed to be finished, and striping for parking spaces needed to be applied.
Once those things are complete, Lawley said, the Park & Ride will be ready.
Board member Carol Hatcher was not convinced. She asked about landscaping and lights. “There are people in town who are concerned about the beauty” of the Park & Ride, she said.
At the Oct. 19 board meeting, Lawley mentioned the planting of two maple trees near the end of the parking lot. Those trees are dedicated to Carleton “Red” Chaffee, who turned 100 in July and served the town of Newfane for more than 40 years.
Administrative Assistant Shannon Meckle told Hatcher a separate grant is required to install lighting.
The board tabled further discussion until the walkway and paving are done.