The bridge’s concrete relieving slab was poured on Sept. 21 and after a 14-day curing period, the granite curbing and sidewalk placement can begin.

“We are making excellent progress on this bridge replacement so it is safe for our travelling public,” said Brad Bentley, Director of Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities. “In addition to pouring the relieving slab, new waterline and electrical services are substantially completed across the rehabilitated arches. Workers are also cleaning and resetting the stone masonry on the inside of the arches and outside walls.”

The next steps to finishing this bridge project include the pouring of the concrete bridge walls, constructing the bridge approaches, and completing the asphalt paving. In addition, the cofferdams and stream access that were needed for construction will be removed and stream banks restored.  Simultaneously, the roadway beneath the railroad overpass will be rebuilt.  Finally, the lamp posts, fixtures and cap stone will need to be installed on the bridge walls.

The County expects, notwithstanding any weather delays, that this important bridge project will be completed and opened by the end of November 2018.

The bridge has been under construction for the past four years. During the summer of 2014, stones from the South Main Street Bridge fell into the Chadakoin River, leading to the sidewalk being closed on the west side of the bridge. In October 2014, then public facilities director George Spanos told the County Legislature’s Public Facilities Committee that during a biannual inspection of the bridge, consultants discovered water had penetrated the top of the arch under the bridge, which in turn softened the grout and stone. At the time it was expected the work would only take a single construction season to complete, but other delays extended the time line will into 2018.

In 2015 the bridge was reduced to a single-lane as crews made upgrades to it. But an inspection revealed the structural integrity of the bridge was compromised forcing it to be completely closed in March 2018. The total cost of the project comes in at an estimated cost of $4.2 million.

Brad Bentley

[MEDIA RELEASE FROM OFFICE OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY EXECUTIVE]

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello has announced the appointment of Brad Bentley as the new Director of the Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities (DPF).

Bentley will begin his new position on August 17 and he will replace longtime director George Spanos.

Bentley’s career spans over 25 years working for public utilities throughout the United States and most recently the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency.  His work experience includes both management and engineering positions while working for American Electric Power in Columbus, Ohio; GridAmerica in Cleveland, Ohio; San Diego Gas & Electric in San Diego, Calif.; and Eversource Energy in Hartford, Conn.

He started his career as an electrical engineer after obtaining his Bachelor of Science Degree from Clarkson University.   While working for American Electric Power, he obtained his Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University.  Bentley also holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and has been a registered Professional Engineer since 1997.

As the director of transmission system planning in Hartford, Conn., he was responsible for the development of major transmission projects totaling $5 billion across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.  These projects included the design, engineering and construction of major power substations and high voltage transmission lines to reliably serve customers.  His responsibilities included testifying before various state utility commissions and siting boards.  He also served in leadership roles on international committees that ensure power system reliability across the Northeastern United States.

Pictured above, Chautauqua County welcomes its new Department of Public Facilities (DPF) Director. From left to right: John Hemmer, County Legislator (R-Westfield); Brad Bentley, new DPF Director; George Borrello, Chautauqua County Executive; George Spanos, retiring DPF Director; and Paul Whitford, County Legislator (D-Jamestown).

Prior to accepting this position, Bentley worked for the Jamestown Urban Renewal Agency where he was the financial coordinator assisting with economic development projects that are contributing to the rebirth that is happening in the City of Jamestown.

Bentley graduated from Panama Central School, returned to Chautauqua County,  and currently resides in Bemus Point, N.Y. with his wife and two children.

“I thank retiring director George Spanos for his 31 years of service to our county,” said Borrello. “He leaves a critical spot to be filled and I believe Brad is the right person to continue to lead our Department of Public Facilities into the future. Brad moved back to Chautauqua County in 2017 to use his experience to be a part of our county’s revitalization. I believe his 25-year career in the areas of management, engineering, and business will be a great asset to our county and I am excited to welcome him to our team.”

“I am excited to join the Department of Public Facilities team and look forward to working with the department staff, George, county legislators and other stakeholders,” said Bentley. “Since I grew up in Chautauqua County and worked in many different parts of the United States, I have gained an appreciation for what Chautauqua has to offer to its residents and visitors.  In this role, it is important to build upon the wonderful efforts of George Spanos and ensure that we are maximizing our area’s potential.”

The selection of the new public facilities director was made through the help of a bi-partisan search committee, which selected its top candidates for Borrello to interview.   Members of the committee included: John Hemmer, Legislator (R-Westfield); Dave Sanctuary, retired Chautauqua County Airport and Parks Director; Christine Starks, Legislator (D-Fredonia); and Brad Walters, Executive Director of Builders Exchange of the Southern Tier.

Michele Westphal, CARTS Senior Project Coordinator, tells WRFA that CARTS buses are currently using the area of Cherry Street between Third and Fourth Streets as a temporary waiting area, although that’s created some issues with the Hotel Jamestown and its residential entrance area along Cherry St. As a result, they are looking into another temporary location and Westphal says that will likely be on Pine St between Third and Fourth streets in the area of the county social services intake office.

Westphal said both County Public Facilities Director George Spanos and City Public Works Director Jeff Lehman have agreed to that location, although CARTS is also seeking input from Lynn Development, which owns the Spain Building on the northwest corner of 3rd and Pine.

The CARTS hub was forced to find a new location in May due to the Piazza construction that is taking place on W. Second St. near the National Comedy Center. Prior to the construction the buses had used the area in front of the Gateway Train Station as its waiting area and central hub for the city.

Westphal adds that once the Piazza construction is complete the CARTS buses will resume using the area in front of the Gateway Train Station as a central hub.

Senator Cathy Young (R-Olean) is joined by other officials on Aug. 25 to announce $5 million in funding for enhancements to Route 60 between Gerry and Cassadaga.

FALCONER – Route 60 will finally be seeing some upgrades to address safety concerns that have led to countless accidents and more than 80 fatalities the past 45 years.

Senator Cathy Young and Assemblyman Andrew Goodell joined several local officials late Friday morning in Falconer at the County Highway Garage to announce $5 million in state DOT funding for enhancements along a 12-mile stretch of Route 60 between Gerry and Cassadaga.

The enhancements will involve the addition of passing lanes, although the exact number and location has not yet been determined. The state will likely begin studying where to place the passing lanes in the coming months, and that process will continue into 2018. Actual construction of the passing lanes won’t likely begin until 2019.

The move is expected to help improve safety on the busy roadway, which has seen 82 traffic fatalities since 1972.

“The Route 60 corridor is a major thoroughfare and Chautauqua County’s primary north – south connector, averaging 6,700 vehicles per day. Yet, with only a single lane in either direction and speed limits that range up to 55 mph, the road has become the most dangerous in the county, with a high rate of accidents and fatalities,” said Senator Young.

Joining the two state representatives were County Executive Vince Horrigan, Sheriff Joe Gerace, and Public Facilities Director George Spanos.

“Our officers have witnessed firsthand the tragic aftermath of many of the accidents that have occurred on Route 60. We are grateful to Senator Young for spearheading the effort to secure this funding and look forward to the safety improvements it will provide,” said Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace.

Vince Horrigan, Chautauqua County Executive; Ronald Almeter, Manager of Airports; and George Spanos, Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director George Spanos have announced the appointment of Ronald Almeter as the new Manager of Airports for Chautauqua County.

Almeter begins his new position on January 24, 2017. He will replace former director William Tucker, who resigned from the position in December 2016.

“I am very pleased to welcome Ron Almeter to our leadership team,” said Horrigan. “Ron is a versatile and accomplished leader with experience in facilities management, program management, military and intelligence operations, risk management and communications technologies. I believe his strong work ethic and professional background in government and private operations make him a great asset and an excellent fit for the manager of airports position.”

“I am thrilled that Mr. Almeter has accepted the offer to be out next Airport manager,” said Spanos. “Mr. Almeter’s outstanding experience earned our interview committee’s confidence and I am confident his experience will bring success to our airports.”

Almeter has over 35 years of senior leadership and facilities management experience as he worked in various private, government and military operations. He is a retired Base Engineer of the United States Army, where he served from 2013 to 2016. He also served as a Program Manager of the United States Air Force from 2010 to 2013, a Facilities Management Officer for the U.S. Department of State from 2007 to 2010, and Project Manager of Zachry Construction Co. from 1997 to 2004. In addition, he served as a Management Generalist for U.S. Government intelligence agencies from 1989 to 1995 and as Special Operations Officer in the United States Navy from 1981 to 1987.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the community in a role that promises great opportunities and poses some persistent challenges,” said Almeter.  “Our airports are a valuable and readily leveraged resource to attract visitors and investment to the region and I feel privileged to have a role in the pursuit of those opportunities.  I look forward to working with the many government agencies and private sector constituents that collectively manage and operate the national transportation infrastructure and I am committed to advancing the County’s ongoing collaboration with those stakeholders to sustain our piece of that vital infrastructure.”

Almeter earned his Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering from the U.S. Naval Academy. He is a Masters candidate in the Systems Engineering Management program at Saint Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas. He and his family currently reside in Westfield, N.Y.

MAYVILLE – With the arrival of the first snowfall for this winter season, Chautauqua County Executive Vince Horrigan and Chautauqua County Sheriff Joseph Gerace are reminding drivers to please use caution this winter.

“Every year it seems like someone in a hurry is caught in a tragic accident,” said Horrigan. “I urge all drivers to please use caution during winter conditions and to leave early to provide extra time to get to their final destination.”

“A large percentage of winter driving accidents are related to vehicles traveling at speeds not reasonable for road conditions,” said Gerace. “We must give ourselves more time to reach our destination and slow down to avoid accidents. Our first accumulation of snow always results in rash traffic accidents.”

Drivers are reminded to:

• Clean off all snow and ice from their vehicles by making sure snow and frost is removed from the windshield, windows and side mirrors; compacted snow is removed from the wheel wells; and snow is removed from the headlights and taillights so other drivers can see you.

• Reduce their speeds when roads are slick or visibility is reduced;

• Turn on their headlights when visibility is low so other drivers can see you;

• Postpone or cancel non-essential trips if travel conditions are hazardous;

• Update the emergency kit in their vehicles so it includes a shovel, snowbrush, windshield scraper, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blankets, tow chain or rope, road salt and sand, booster cables, emergency flares, florescent distress flag, and extra hats, socks and mittens;

• Keep parked vehicles off the roadways and shoulders of the road.

• Remember to bring a cell phone when travelling so it can be used in case of an emergency;

• Call the Sheriff’s Office or other law enforcement agencies to notify them if your vehicle breaks down on the side of the road;

• Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent the fuel line from freezing; and

• Make sure their vehicles are properly equipped and ready for winter by:
  • Making sure it has ample antifreeze and plenty of windshield washer fluid,
  • Checking windshield wiper blades, headlights, flashing hazard lights, heater and defroster to make sure they are working properly,
  • Testing the battery to avoid being stranded in the cold with a car that won’t start, and
  • Making sure tires have adequate tread.

The Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Division of Transportation is also reminding motorists to use caution when near snowplows.

“While county plow operators are attempting to make our roadways safe, I encourage drivers to please not add to the hazards of wintertime driving,” said George Spanos, Director of the Department of Public Facilities. “Drivers should always use extra caution near snowplows by reducing their speed and keeping a safe distance.”

Drivers are required to stay at least 200 feet behind a snowplow. If drivers must pass a snowplow, they should use caution as snowplows can create a cloud of snow that can obscure vision and the road conditions in front of the plow will likely be worse.

The Department of Public Facilities also encourages residents to clear snow from around their mailboxes and inspect and, if necessary, replace their mailbox posts to ensure they can withstand winter conditions. Mailboxes physically hit and damaged by snowplows will be repaired, but mailboxes that break from the force of the snow coming off the plow will not be fixed.

In addition, when clearing your driveway, it is unlawful to push or brush snow into the roadway. This creates a dangerous situation for motorists.

“By giving our area plow drivers room to clear the roads, being respectful and patient when we are travelling behind a plow, and using caution during adverse travel conditions, we can all help create a safe winter driving season,” said Gerace.

NYSDOT Commissioner Matthew Driscoll was in Jamestown Wednesday to tour the Jamestown Riverwalk and discuss funding for local transportation projects.

JAMESTOWN – The head of the New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT) was in Jamestown Wednesday to get a firsthand look at the Greater Jamestown Riverwalk project and also announce a new funding opportunity for local communities.

NYDOT Commissioner Matthew Driscoll was in town to see the location of two future Riverwalk pedestrian bridges that will cross the Chadakoin River near the National Comedy Center Park.

“I think Mayor Teresi has done a fantastic job on providing a vision for the future and coming from a city I think I understand that very well,” said Driscoll, who is also the former mayor of Syracuse. “It’s all about bringing things together. Creating an environment where people live, work, and play. That’s really what’s happening here in Jamestown. It’s exciting – utilizing great assets here at the Riverwalk and other assets in the downtown to grow this community.”

Funding for the $2 million project comes from a state transportation grant of $1.6 million, along with $400,000 from the local Urban Development Action Grant funding.

The bridges are slated to be completed by the end of 2017.

Driscoll also announced a new funding initiative from the state called Bridge NY, which will provide $500 million for various bridge projects across the state. Applications for the funding opportunity are due by September 9 and county Department of Public Facilities Director George Spanos said that he and his team will be working to identify potential projects in the coming weeks.

In addition Driscoll talked about the PAVE NY program – a five-year, $500 million initiative being administered by NYDOT as part of its $21.1 billion five-year Capital Plan. The recent round of funding allocations  included $853,000 for Chautauqua County, $202,000 of which went to Jamestown.

Also joining the commissioner on Wednesday for the announcement were Mayor Sam Teresi, Assemblyman Andy Goodell and a representative from Sen. Cathy Young’s office, along with other local and state officials.

Left to Right: County Executive Vince Horrigan, County Airport Manager William Tucker, and County Public Facilities Director George Spanos

JAMESTOWN – The man who’s served as the executive director of the Southwestern NY Chapter of the American Red Cross the past several years has been tapped to be the new manager of the Chautauqua County Airport in Jamestown.

Last week County Department of Public Facilities Director George Spanos announced the appointment of Bill Tucker as Manager of Airports and Parks.

Tucker most recently served as the Executive Director of the regional chapter of the Red Cross. Prior to that he was the coordinator for local and regional Citizen Corps Councils, where he worked collaboratively with community organizations to improve regional disaster preparedness and response capability.

Tucker is also a Marine Corps veterans, having spent 23 years in service, which included serving as  an AV-8B Harrier pilot and spent over six years living in Spanish-speaking countries in Europe and the Caribbean during his Marine Corps service.

Tucker is also a United Way volunteer, Chairman of the Chautauqua County Ethics Board, and a member and past president of the Jamestown Noon Rotary Club.

Tucker currently lives in Jamestown, NY with his wife Kathy and their three children.

The Chautauqua County Airport, just north of Jamestown. (Image via Google)

JAMESTOWN – Chautauqua County Department of Public Facilities Director George Spanos will be holding a press conference this afternoon at The Greater Chautauqua-Jamestown Airport Robert H. Jackson Field to introduce Chautauqua County’s new Manager of Airports and Parks.

In March 2014, Sam Arcadipane resigned from his position as manager of county parks and airports. Since then, Dave Sanctuary has served as the interim manager.

The legislature’s Public Facilities committee will meet at 4 p.m. this afternoon and will go over the 2015 budget with director George Spanos. In addition, committee members will also review the budget for the county water and sewer district. The committee will also review a resolution to extend the lease for the restaurant at the county airport for two years at a cost of $200 a month.

The Legislature’s administrative services committee is scheduled to meet this afternoon at 5 p.m. in Mayville. Among the items on the agenda is a discussion on the proposed budget for several county administrative departments, including IT, the Law Department, Human Resources, Finance and the legislature.

Both committees will meet in Room 331 of the Gerace Office Building and both meetings are open to the public.

The budget discussions are taking place prior to the budget presentation by County Executive Vince Horrigan, which he will deliver later this month during the legislature’s voting session on Sept. 24.

Horrigan has already said that this year’s budget will be another trying one for county lawmakers as they work to close a multimillion dollar gap without a significant hike in property taxes.