BROCTON - It's full steam ahead for Brocton's 1913 four corner arch to be restored.
During the recent board meeting, the Village Board of Trustees resolved to authorize Mayor Dave Hazelton's signature on the restoration work contract with The Buffalo Iron Corporation. As the successful bidder, the company will be paid $91,646 to perform the highly specialized work according to State Historic Preservation standards.
With the assistance of CHRIC, Brocton was the award winner of a $150,000 grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation grant, which required a one third match in order to qualify for funds. Those funds were not only matched by the approximately $26,000 of in-kind services already performed by village crews to prepare the structure for the work, but by an outstanding $32,000 in donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations.
The mayor provided his signature on Oct. 9, with the accompaniment of Andres Huerta, of Systems & Engineering, P.C. the project's engineer; representatives from Buffalo Iron Corp.; village trustees and Attorney Charles Loveland, representing the Brocton/Portland Development Corporation, who assisted by setting up a 501c3 status for the project to accept donations.
Village leaders remind people who still wish to participate in the donor recognition program that donations of $250 or more will be accepted through Dec. 1. Donations of $250 or more will allow your name, or the name of your organization to be included on a bronze plaque, which will stand in the Village Commons area next to Village Hall. Specifications for the plaque are being looked at now, in order to have it ordered and completed for the unveiling. Donations in any other amount are accepted any time at the Village Clerk's office.
Mayor Hazelton especially recognized the following for their generous donations to the historic project: Joan Bertrando in memory of Frederick Bertrando; Donna Smith; Employees of Community Bank who chipped in $500 raised through bake sales and basket raffles; Betsy Lines; and Mike Gorka of Fredonia.
Installation of new lighting for the refurbished structure will be bid in a separate phase of the project later this year.
