Perinton Town Officials Sign a Community Letter Directed to Governor Kathy Hochul Regarding New York State’s Earthen Embankment Integrity Program

October 2, 2021

Perinton Town Officials, including Supervisor Ciaran Hanna and Town Board members David Belaskas, Seana Sartori and Alexandra Winner, signed-on to a community letter directed to Governor Kathy Hochul regarding New York State’s Earthen Embankment Integrity Program. The letter highlights the need to protect the Erie Canal, expresses unease among neighbors along the Canal, and displays the passion and concern of community groups. It also brings forward concerns about public communication as well as the best possible stewardship for the Canal.

Town officials will be submitting comments on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) and residents are encouraged to submit their own comments by emailing NYSCC-EMBANKMENTS@BERGMANNPC.COM by the Friday, October 15 deadline.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗶𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗹𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿: “Since day-one, I’ve stated that New York State needs more direct communication and input from local municipalities, impacted businesses, property owners, and community members when it comes to any proposed changes along the Erie Canal. This letter brings up concerns about the current plan’s ability to adequately communicate and work with those public and local stakeholders. “There is no doubt, the State’s maintenance along the earthen embankments of the Erie Canal has been lacking, which has created a public safety issue. However, I reiterate my request for NYPA and the Canal Corporation to act as good community partners and inform our local towns and residents of the project’s full scope, including the exact locations planned for tree and brush removal, and to engage and work with property owners along the Canal. “While I remain concerned about the proposal and its adverse impact on our economy, tourism, and recreation, I do believe a balance can be struck between protecting public safety and preserving the aesthetic value of the Canal – however, open and transparent communication and engagement will be key.”

For more program information visit, www.canals.ny.gov/Earthen_Embankment/index.html.

To view the guidebook visit, https://www.canals.ny.gov/…/2021-03-09_DRAFT_FINAL…