by Chris Rossi
The Hamilton Town Council July meeting opened with a comment from an attendee, who complimented maintenance of the Town roads by the Town Highway crew. Our vehicle replacement schedule coupled with the diligent efforts of our highway employees allow the Town to keep its fleet in good shape and up to the challenges of Central New York road maintenance and repair. Bridge NY, a NYS Department of Transportation Program, may help with the costs of future repairs to the Williams Road Bridge.
The Town of Hamilton has been participating in a Climate Action Working Group, composed of area wide stakeholders such as the Village of Hamilton, Colgate University, the Partnership for Community Development, the Madison County Planning Office, and the Hamilton Business Alliance. The group has been discussing ways to employ climate friendly strategies locally while making our community resilient in the face of trends already in motion. The focus now is on the Climate Smart Communities program offered by New York State, in which Madison County as well as Eaton, Cazenovia, and Oneida are participating.
The Town Council formally adopted the draft Comprehensive Plan for review. This version includes revisions derived from community and Town Council input. A public hearing on this revised plan, with time for public comment, is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamilton Public Library Community Room. Visit the Town website for more information on the process and to view the Draft Comprehensive Plan. Hard copies of the plan can be obtained through the Town Office.
Supervisor Shwartz reported that a number of solar companies are approaching landowners throughout upstate New York state about the possibility of siting large scale commercial solar farms on leased acreage. Madison County and local municipalities are exploring ways to allow for these commercial projects while considering issues such as siting, tax status, and concerns over decommissioning.
The Hamilton Town Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at the Town of Hamilton office at 16 Broad Street in the Village of Hamilton at 6:30 pm. Our next meeting is August 11 at 6:30 pm. We invite and encourage you to join us. For more info visit www.townofhamiltonny.org.
Editor’s note: Chris Rossi is a member of the Hamilton Town Council.