Dear Friends, On December 4, I met with Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Senator Fred Akshar, Town of Union Supervisor Rose Sotak, and Regional DOT head Jack Williams to discuss a Vestal – Endwell Gateway between the two communities with access to the highway. Absent for unknown reason was the Deputy County Executive Kevin McManus (Was to fill in for the County Executive). Town of Vestal Supervisor Schaffer stated he had town business. Going into this meeting I knew that the NYSDOT representative, Jack Williams was against this project before he put foot in the door and his feelings toward the project where shown throughout the meeting. Now, I will state that some of his concerns where valid, but they were ones that could be overcome. During the meeting I presented a number of safety and traffic issues that Mr. Williams, by the nodding of his head, seemed to agree with. However, by his statements, he also seemed to believe that the situations could be handled with better traffic light control. He would not support the project. If you are not familiar with Mr Williams, he is the person who oversees Route 201 and now the I-86 / I – 81, Prospect Mountain highway upgrade. You may form your own opinion on those projects. Assemblywoman Lupardo showed a fair knowledge and interest in the conditions and situations involved with Routes 434 (Parkway) and 201, as well as in the Hooper Rd area and was the most supportive of all who attended. The Assemblywoman seemed to also recognize the economic benefits of having better access to Main Street in Endwell. I have spoken with Senator Akshar several times starting prior to his election as Senator. He had always impressed me with his openness and willingness to consider projects that could benefit the area. In this case however, I could see that upon his arrival that he would not be supportive. The Senator's biggest stated concern was over the cost of the project, but his objection was evident BEFORE a cost was even stated. I also believe that his statement that “no economic benefits would be found from this project” is unfounded. The Senator was not interested in the project despite his stated position to the news media. Overall, my concerns for safety and congestion along Routes 434 and 201 seemed to go unheard and drowned out by their own statements that it’s only a 10 minute longer drive from Endwell without the bridge. While reduced travel time from Endwell is certainly part of the benefit of having this gateway, ultimately, safety is the largest issue. Almost exactly twenty-four hours after this meeting, there were accidents on both Route 201 and at Exit 70 which connects to Route 201. The congestion in this area will only grow and cause more accidents and frustration from traffic congestion without another gateway leaving Vestal. Accidents along these routes are daily occurrences. While Route 201 serves the University well, another outlet is needed near the Town Square Mall. This need and benefit was even stated by a Sear – Brown report completed in 2003. That report highlighted many of the same issues I spoke about. While it wasn't as announced in the final version of their report, preliminary publications were very clear about it. (Was an intentional Scrubbing? I don't know.) If you support this gateway, please make a point of letting your representatives know when you see them or, even better, take a moment to call or email them. Their contact information is below. Aside from a major catastrophe or loss of life, only by their knowledge of your support will this ever move forward. Sincerely, Bob Potochniak Email: BPoto@ExitNYS.com Business Cell: 607-759-4760 NYSDOT Regional Director Jack Williams jack.williams@dot.ny.gov Office: (607) 721-8116 Senator Fred Akshar NY State Senator akshar@nysenate.gov Local office: (607) 773-8771 Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo NY State Assemblywoman LupardoD@nyassembly.gov Local Office: (607) 723-9047 County Executive Jason Garnar Broome County Executive countyexecutive@co.broome.ny.us Office: 607.778.2109 Supervisor W. John Schaffer Town of Vestal Supervisor jschaffer@vestalny.com Office (607) 748-1514 Ext. 329 Supervisor Rose Sotak Town of Union Supervisor supervisor@townofunion.com Office (607) 786-2995