Following discussion with a representative from Chautauqua County, Town of Dunkirk Highway Superintendent Jeff Feinen stated the Willow Road bridge project will begin this summer. Feinen stated the bridge will likely be closed from July to September, but no specific dates were mentioned.

While the Willow Road bridge project is approaching, the Town of Dunkirk welcomed a representative from the County to discuss potential projects further down the road. Rebecca Wurster, Special Projects Coordinator with the Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Development, discussed the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) with the Town Board during a presentation that lasted nearly 20 minutes at a recent meeting.

Wurster discussed the benefits of an approved LWRP, including focused collaboration between multiple levels of government and a defined vision for the community with input from stakeholders. Wurster stated that an approved LWRP increases a community’s chances to obtain grant funding for projects pertaining to the development and installation of waterfront projects.

“It’s guiding your vision of the future of what you expect and want to see in your waterfront in your community,” Wurster said.

The Willow Road bridge is targeted for closure this summer to allow for improvements.

Among several projects discussed recently include increased access to Canadaway Creek where it meets Lake Erie; development of land near the waterfront on both Wilbur Road and Temple Road; flood mitigation along Canadaway Creek; stabilization of land along Canadaway Creek near bridges; and development of signs that detail the history of the region.

Wurster noted that throughout discussions regarding the Town of Dunkirk, the consistent focus has been on recreation activities along Canadaway Creek to promote tourism, while not disrupting the “rural character” of the Town.

In the coming months, a meeting will be scheduled for additional public input. Wurster expects to present a final draft of a plan to the Town Board for review this coming fall.

Also at its recent meeting, the Town Board approved replacing its servers with updated equipment through SynchroNet, at a cost of $14,193.38.

“We knew this was coming, so we did put that in the budget,” said Deputy Supervisor Jean Crane.

The Town Board also amended an agreement with Municipal Solutions to facilitate payment of the money owed to Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Water Works (CBI) by the Town.

The Town of Dunkirk Justice Court collected $23,995 stemming from a total of 305 cases in the month of March. The Town Clerk’s Office collected $2,490.24 in the month of March.

The Town Board and Feinen asked City of Dunkirk Police to monitor activity on Williams Street as large trucks are often driving on the street despite signs posted restricting access for such vehicles. The Town Board also thanked Dunkirk Police Lieutenant Doug Switzer for attending the recent meeting and commended the City Police for its new format in its detailed monthly reports.

The next regular meeting of the Dunkirk Town Board is Tuesday, May 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Town Hall. Prior to that meeting, an open meeting for residents to discuss matters pertaining to the town will be held on Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall.