The resolution to reverse Point Gratiot park's traffic flow has been tabled until the Department of Transportation's assessment study is in.
"Hearing no motion to remove resolution 72 titled 'reversing the traffic flow at Point Gratiot from the Lighthouse to park entrance at main gate' from the table for a vote, we will continue this matter once we receive more information," said Councilman-at-Large James Muscato.
A petition with 67 names was presented to the Dunkirk Common Council, speaking out against reversing the traffic flow through Point Gratiot at its last outdoors meeting. The Marsh Valve site, at the corner of Brigham Road and Fourth Street, was chosen for the meeting in order to promote and market the site to the public, in the hopes of attracting future development there.
Many residents of Point Drive were in attendance at the meeting, citing safety issues due to the slow-moving NRG trucks claiming that "if people are trying to get to the park and a slow truck is in front of them, even with a double solid line people are going to try to go around."
The Common Council also received a letter in support of the change from Michael Rosing which was read aloud.
Rosing argued that "the reason not to change the road just because it has been this way for a long time is not a very good one."
Point Drive residents reminded the Council that the traffic flow was reversed 30 years ago for safety reasons.
County Executive Greg Edwards was also in attendance at the meeting.
"I made it my goal to spend some time at meetings in each of the municipalities," Edwards said. Edwards took questions from the council and the public on various topics.
The council passed four pre-filed resolutions: resolution 77 authorizing new water service in the Middle Road Water District; resolution 78 authorizing a National Fuel Right-of-Way agreement so they can perform maintenance on their lines; resolution 79 authorizing encroachment easement; and resolution 80 authorizing budget line modifications for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The council approved petitions from: Mark Timmerman requesting permission for the Dunkirk Midget Football League to hold their annual Tag Day fundraiser on Aug. 23;
n Kyle Ahlstrom, soliciting donations for the Dunkirk Midget Football League; the council donated $200;
n Andrew Woloszyn, co-owner of Rookies Sports Bar, requesting permission to reserve parking spaces on Central Avenue from W. Fourth Street to the bus stop for the ABATE Bike Run & Campout for MDA on Aug. 30;
n The Boys and Girls Club and the family of the late Rushie Davis, requesting the use of Washington Park on August 30 for the annual Rushie Davis Back to School Supply Party;
n The First Ward Falcon Club requesting permission to close Serval Street on Aug. 30-31 for their annual Street Dance;
n Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 459, requesting permission to sell POW/MIA Poppies on Sept. 19-21 at various street intersections; and Anthony Pucciarelli requesting permission to erect a tent at Point Gratiot.
The council approved loudspeaker applications from the First Ward Falcon Club for outside bands on August 30-31 for the Street Dance; E & R Latin Flavor for outside music on August 23 for a charitable benefit; and the Boys and Girls Club for a DJ and speakers at Washington Park on August 30 for the Rushie Davis Back to School Supply Party.
