Village, Town seek sidewalk grant

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Even before the Mettowee River Revitalization Plan was adopted Monday night, the Granville Village Board took action in conjunction with the town seeking funds for one of the projects mentioned within the development plan.

Among the recommendations within the revitalization plan was a call to improve sidewalks within the village to make getting around easier and safer for both the residents and the people officials hope will come to Granville to visit.

Officials from the village and town announced at their meetings last month that they have entered into a joint venture seeking grant funding to install a crucial piece of new sidewalk on Quaker Street.

Mayor Jay Niles said he had been working with town Deputy Supervisor Matt Rathbun to reach agreement on an application for a grant that could pay for the new sidewalk.

This project is just another example of the town and village working together, Rathbun said.

The proposed sidewalk stretches from the village line down Quaker Street to the Rite Aid property owned by Schuyler Cos.

“It would help to make a vital connection between the village and the (site),” Niles said. Niles noted residents already walk the area but do so on a small section of pavement immediately adjacent to the travel lane. The area would be much safer for pedestrians if a sidewalk as in place, he said.

Application for the Glens Falls Transportation grant program costs $3,000, which will be split evenly between the two municipalities.

The program offers $200,000 in matching grant monies each year, meaning any funds awarded would be matched by the village and the town.

The plan is to apply for $100,000, which would cover the cost of the entire project when combined with matching funds.

The proposed new section of sidewalk would go on the eastern side of Quaker Street and be equipped with wiring for street lights. 

Like work on the Rail Trail, officials said, the matches could be through the dollar value of labor done by the village department of public works or the town highway department. Niles said the sidewalks would be flush when they cross driveways to clearly denote a walkway while not interfering with local businesses and their customers’ parking needs.