SYRACUSE — Syracuse Town Council listened to public concerns and approved of taking a new route to complete the project at the wastewater plant during its monthly meeting Tuesday night, Sept. 19.

Jim Cripe, who owns property bordering the new technology park, expressed concerns regarding noise pollution, security, stormwater runoff and excessive trash blowing around, which would affect his quality of life. He put in a request to the council for a security fence along the property to serve as a buffer against a few of those issues. The council agreed and stated they will work to see what can be done.

Charmaine Doyle, Dale Callahan and a couple other residents attended the meeting to bring attention to some issues on Harrison Street. Doyle commented there is double parking on both sides of the street, making it difficult for her to see any oncoming traffic when pulling out of her driveway and creating worry about a potential accident.

Callahan added there is a lot of rowdy noise, trash from smashed headlights laid in the street and various other problems with a neighbor. Both inquired if there anything could be done about these issues, to which Police Chief Jim Layne replied going by the law there isn’t much that could be implemented unless every road in Syracuse was influenced in a similar way. Layne went on to say the crowding of the street will be observed to ensure emergency vehicles are able to travel down the street.

A resident who wished to remain anonymous addressed the council about street lighting along Lake View Road. Since the Oakwood Resort had shut some lights off in the area, the road has become dangerously dark at night. She requested to have at least one street light on the curved area of the road to avoid any hazards during winter. The council commented they will get something done, adding safety and security of residents is a large concern of theirs.

Jeremy Hardy, Commonwealth Engineers, proposed a new route for the council to take regarding the replacement of equipment at the wastewater treatment plant. Approving of a guaranteed savings contract would let the council select a contractor based on their qualifications, which could earn them multiple quotes at once. Bigger outlets could also provide an opportunity to finance the large project, which could be easier on the town later on. Through this process the permit could be obtained at the same time a contract would be signed. They would have the ability to see the equipment, charge a rate and manpower while under no potential change orders or mark ups.

As this option has never been done by the town before, the floor opened for discussion where Hardy provided more information, explanations and answers. After some back-and-forth the council agreed to go with this route. The council approved of the guaranteed savings contract with all in favor.