GREENPORT–Perhaps only a Scrooge would begrudge a fire company the money it raises through a “coin drop,” when firefighters stop traffic to give motorists the opportunity to make donations. But that doesn’t address the question of where the fundraisers station themselves.
At the September Greenport Town Board meeting, resident Joe Kenneally suggested that the intersection of Fairview Avenue and Healy Boulevard by the entrance and exit to McDonald’s is not the ideal spot. Greenport’s Fire Department held a coin drop there recently.
“It’s dangerous,” he said. “You could have an accident there, and the town [and the fire company] could wind up being sued.
Police Chief Kevin Marchetto agreed that the intersection was “a poor choice of locations.”
In another traffic-related matter, Hudson community activist Linda Mussmann said truck traffic in the area “is becoming a bigger and bigger issue.”
She urged Greenport to work with the City of Hudson and Town of Claverack to cope with the problem of trucks carrying aggregate to the river, as well as delivery trucks heading up Route 9 to the new Greenport Commons shopping plaza.
“They’re traveling on roads that weren’t built to carry such heavy loads,” she said. “You’re growing, we’re all growing–what are we gonna do?”
After the meeting, former town Highway Superintendent Curt Warfield suggested that truck traffic through Greenport isn’t what it used to be–it’s significantly less.
“You had Atlas Cement and Lone Star Cement in and out, plus the match factory, V&O Press, the bottling plant, several trucking companies. The trucks used to be lined up for blocks. Now those industries are gone, all gone,” he said.
In other business the board heard an update on the upcoming Community Day, Saturday, September 25 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Greenport Town Park on Joslen Boulevard. One-man-band Paul Slusar, a John Lennon impersonator, and the Peaceful Country Band will provide the music.
Food, including fried dough, pepperoni, sausage and peppers, hamburgers and hot dogs will be available.
Carnival rides and games will be up and running. Bill Williams from The Cat 98.5 will be on hand with his Prize Wheel; Tots the Clown will make an appearance. Kids can try arts and crafts projects.
Vendor and information booths will be set up. Organizers have waived the $25 vendor fee; spaces are still open. Anyone interested should contact Town Clerk Sharon Zempko, 828-4656, ext. 2.
Ms. Zempko said she, Deputy Clerk Beth MacGiffert, councilmen Tom Fleming and Keith Mortefolio, and residents Mary Hallenbeck and Bob Pinkowski, are handling arrangements for the annual event.
Also coming up at the Town Park is another Outdoor Movie Night. The Wild screens Friday, September 17 at dusk. Refreshments will be available; bring blankets and chairs.
The board welcomed Amanda Boomhower, representing Congressman Scott Murphy (D-20th), who presented a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol for the town to fly at the Town Hall. Councilman Fleming requested the flag.