By Randy Koniowka
About 40 residents of the 6th Ward were not shy in voicing their concerns to Councilman Ralph Signoracci and Mayor John McDonald at a town hall meeting Monday evening at the Van Schaick Country Club.
It was the first of what Signoracci hopes are many forums in which residents can be heard on the issues. "It was a campaign promise I made when I got elected," said Signoracci, who is in the thrid year of his first term as councilman. "It's also a good way to touch base with everyone."
Discussion centered around traffic on the south end of the Island, especially once the Bridge Avenue Bridge is completed this fall. Questions were raised as to whether the traffic light at First Street and Bridge Avenue, which was removed when the bridge was closed, will be replaced.
Mayor John McDonald said that once the bridge is open, the city will be looking at several options for slowing down traffic on Bridge Avenue. And that the goal would be to divert most of the traffic onto Ontario Street, which is a more direct route from 787 to Troy.
The problem of excess garbage was also a concern for those in attendance. Marge Marois of Park Avenue angrily expressed her displeasure regarding broken glass and other debris strewn about in the alleys. "I was embarrassed to have my family over, this is the worst I have seen it in 50 years."
And in what might be a byproduct of excess garbage, the issue of skunks was brought up by many on the Island who have become all to accustomed with nightly run ins with the furry black and white varmints. Some even questioned the problem with skunks as a result to increased development in the area.
Mayor McDonald stated that the city is working to beef up it's enforcement relating to excess garbage and that they will be aggressively pursuing violators. The Mayor also noted that the north end of Green Island has seen major development over the past few years which could have also led to the increase in the skunk population.
The Skunks had no comment.
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