Power Authority says tree-clearing delay along canal in Monroe due to winter weather
The New York Power Authority, which oversees the Erie Canal with the NYS Canal Corp., says the delay in tree-clearing along the canal in three Monroe County towns is due to winter weather.
Orleans Hub posted a story earlier today about the tree-clearing being delayed until February in Brighton, Perinton and Pittsford. The state will also have two public meetings about the project in January so the community can better understand the scope of work. Town leaders said the clearing could be scaled back, according to a report in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
“The embankment maintenance work has been temporarily suspended due to the onset of cold and snowy conditions and associated potential safety concerns,” Steven Gosset, spokesman for the Power Authroity, said this afternoon. “The work is scheduled to resume once the weather permits.”
A contractor, Mohawk Valley Materials in Utica, in October began removing trees along the towpath in Medina and started working east. The loss of trees sparked outrage by many canal residents in Orleans County, but the work continued.
In Monroe County, elected officials joined concerned residents in objecting to the extent of the work. More than 120 residents attended a meeting on Monday at the Pittsford Community Library about the controversial project.
