Two years later: Maple Avenue done

After almost two years, the construction on Maple Avenue has finally been completed, giving residents a smooth, pothole-free road to drive down.

Christina Daly/Herald

After nearly two years of construction, Maple Avenue is smooth, paved over and driveable again. The first 10 trees have been planted and the sidewalks are completed.

“The major accomplishment was not simply getting Maple Avenue done, but it was even more so overcoming all the obstacles,” said Trustee Michael Sepe at the Village Board meeting on Jan. 5. “And certain residents referred to it as Maple Minefield because it seemed like for months, every time we dug a hole, we found something that wasn’t on plans from 50 years ago.”

In addition to the improvements on the surface — such as the sidewalks and bump-outs on the corners, which help keep pedestrians safe — underground water, electric, telephone and cable infrastructure has been improved.

“It was probably the biggest undertaking the village has done in a road project,” said Mayor Francis X. Murray. “There’s miles and miles of infrastructure from phase one that is under the ground which we’ll reap the benefits for over the next 50 to 100 years.”

According to Harry Weed, superintendent of public works, Murray was there every day of paving and learned a lot about roadwork in the process. “To move that project along, the mayor out of his own pocket and purchased lunch for the workmen for the first month,” Weed said.

“I did agree to buy lunch for the men on Mondays and Fridays in September to motivate them,” said Murray. “Well, it certainly motivated them, they brought four more crews. It cost me a little bit more money, but they weren’t planning on paving in the fall. The plan worked, it’s paved.” Murray also thanked Weed, Electric Department Superintendent Phil Andreas, primary contractor Roadwork Ahead, the workmen and many others.

There are still a few more improvements to be done, though. In the spring, the village will plant more trees thanks to a $21,470 grant from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

The village also has to put down the permanent paint for stop lines and lanes, which will reflect at night. The green parade route stripes will also return, along with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21. Crosswalks made out of a red brick material will be constructed.

Murray also said that benches and banners will be installed along Maple Avenue.