Residents concerned over sidewalks

Residents came to the Franklin Borough meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8 armed with question.

Residents asked about water resource protection, when lighting on Main Street will be installed, paving on certain roads, and sidewalk repair.

One resident called the sidewalks on Hemlock Drive “disgraceful.” A discussion ensued about true responsibilities of sidewalk ownership.

“Residents have to remove snow and ice, and the rest is probably a property line issue, but I’ll look into it,” Borough attorney John Ursin said.

Mayor Nick Giordano indicated paving will soon take place for Paddock Road, Newton Street, and Susquehanna Street. Although the work was previously approved, the Borough Council needed to add this expenditure to the agenda and approve it. All were eager to approve so the work could get started in advance of the Winter season.

Giordano congratulated neighboring town of Ogdensburg on their showing at the Firemen’s Parade. He also mentioned that there was so much going on in Franklin these days including, “Coffee with a Cop, the Franklin Carnival, and the Walking School Bus.” He added, it was “nice to see!”

In the personnel committee report, councilman John Postas asked the Borough Administrator Alison Littell McHose for assistance in getting 3 new hires, one for chief financial officer, a custodian, and someone to work for the department of public works.

Littell McHose asked for approval to submit a grant application to Forward Franklin Alliance to ask for assistance in repairing the Hungarian Church roof. During her report she also mentioned the new Franklin Banners are up in certain places, most notably along the Firemen’s Parade route and is hoping to have them put up on Rote 631 as well but that needs county approval since it is a county road.

Both Littell McHose and Councilman Gilbert Snyder conveyed that the YMCA fitness stations have started being put up at Franklin Pond Park and there are plans to install more play equipment!