Tools

Feedback: Did Paving Project Go Too Far?

Story Published: Sep 27, 2012 at 5:44 PM EDT

Story Updated: Sep 27, 2012 at 6:58 PM EDT

The paving of a 30 to 40-foot long section of property by a state Department of Transportation crew of 8 workers on Tuesday at Cody's Corners has some residents in North Lawrence up in arms.

Several people we spoke with are questioning whether the work was an inappropriate use of tax dollars when it appears the new pavement is being used exclusively for private parking.

"It's the principle more than the money spent there. The pavement would be cheap compared to the labor and the equipment used, but it's the point of it. If they're going to black top one person's driveway, let's do everybody's," said concerned taxpayer Bob Millar.                                             
 
The property in question, owned by local businessman Joe McGraw, is located at the intersection of State Route 11 and County Route 55.

7 News tried to contact McGraw three times, but he was unavailable for comment.

The new pavement extends from the shoulder of the road around a drainage cover to a few feet from the private building.

County highway officials told us the state owns a right-of-way on the county roadside at the intersection.

State DOT officials say they are looking into the circumstances surrounding the paving project.

"It will be investigated if necessary and appropriate actions will be taken," said Mike Flick of the DOT.
 
No one knows for sure right now whether the paving project was within the scope of the DOT's normal work or whether it will boil down to a case of having leftover asphalt that was used to extend the pavement just a little too far.

Share Your Thoughts for Your Turn or leave a comment on our Facebook  Facebook page
Monday, May 20, 2013
, Watertown, NY

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

What's On TonightFull Schedule

On Wall Street