Holley wants cameras in Canal Park to help reduce vandalism

Board backs effort for county-wide study of police services

HOLLEY – Village Board members in Holley want to install video security cameras in the Canal Park to cut down on vandalism, protect improvements and repairs, and increase safety for those using the park.

Trustees voted during their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening to authorize a change in scope of the canal park improvement project to include the security measures.

The cameras will cost $50,000-$60,000, Mayor John Kenney said. The village received a grant for improvements to the park and the resolution passed authorizes the mayor to request an amendment to the agreement to include security/safety measures. The mayor says the original list of items included in the grant did not include cameras.

He says the cameras will monitor what is happening in the park and help in the prosecution of violators. “Instead of the village having to cover the cost of repairs, (the cameras) will be a means to get some restitution,” Kenney said.

He noted incidents of vandalism often increase during the warm weather months when school is out.

In other action, Village Board members adopted a resolution supporting Orleans County’s efforts to apply for a Local Government Efficiency grant to study how police services can best be provided in the county.

The resolution states that law enforcement responsibilities are a significant burden assumed by villages and exploration of new and innovative ideas could bring a significant benefit to village and county residents.

The resolution authorizes and directs the police chief and other necessary personnel to cooperate with the information gathering process of the grant application and the study.