Town supervisor lays out 2019 to-do list
Johnson hopes for development of Ballard Road Corridor, renovation of the Town Court building, more jobs
WILTON, N.Y. >> As 2018 draws to a close, Wilton Town Supervisor Arthur Johnson already has his to-do list prioritized for what is shaping up to be a busy year ahead.
First on the list is the anticipated renovation of the Wilton Town Court Building.
“We’ll do it in phases. To build a new structure and move court operations out would present a real problem that would involve scenarios like contractors, trailers set up as temporary offices,” said Johnson.
Instead, the plan is to keep costs down by having Wilton Building and Grounds personnel do the work. MJ Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C. of Clifton Park has designed the renovations to the existing building, which is adjacent to the Town Hall and Senior Center buildings.
“There will be alterations to the roofline and exterior, and our employees will work around the offices so that court business can continue relatively uninterrupted. There shouldn’t be any interruption to flow toward the Senior Center, either”, Johnson added.
Second on the town’s agenda in 2019 will be the construction of a second pavilion at Gavin Park. The original pavilion has been relocated adjacent to the playground, the land has been
cleared, and now a second 120 feet by 80 feet pavilion will be constructed with a target completion goal of the latter half of June to coincide with the end of the school year.
“It’s much bigger than the prior one. The new one will cover the ice skating rink so residents can skate even when the weather outside is inclement “said Johnson.
The steel and concrete edifice has been shipped from Munter Enterprises and will also be constructed by Wilton Building and Grounds personnel. The cost of the new pavilion is expected to be $130,000.
Johnson would like to see some development along the Ballard road corridor on both sides of the Adirondack Northway.
“It’s good, shovel-ready land that is zoned for commercial and industrial uses. We need to create jobs here so our children don’t have to move and go. That’s a big priority,” he said.
The concrete buildings on over 1,000 acres that comprised Mount McGregor Correctional Facility in the Town of Moreau that closed in July of 2014 is also on Johnson’s mind.
“It’s a beautiful view. Most likely the buildings would have to come down. Currently, the Empire State Development is marketing it, so time will tell” he said.
Offering updates on recent events in the Town, Johnson addressed the Crest Inn Suites and Cottages on Rt. 9. Noting that there have been several building code violations on the site, the motel continues to operate as long as they are in full compliance with town regulations. The Prestige Limousine and Chauffer Service no longer operate from the same site.
A 1.5-acre parcel of land that became available by the salt sheds adjacent to the Town Highway Department facilities was purchased in the Spring of 2018. Initially earmarked as a possible site for the new court building, the decision to renovate the building leaves the land available.
“We saw it as planning for the future,” said Johnson.