CROWN POINT — More than 50 people showed up Sunday for a rally protesting the hardship caused by the closing of the Champlain Bridge.
Workers and business owners affected by the closure gathered at the entrance to the bridge connecting Crown Point and Chimney Point, Vt.
Some carried protest signs as they listened to the Rev. David Hirtle of the First Congregational Church of Crown Point talk about the impact of shutting down the 1929 span on Oct. 16.
“What we’re doing here is not disobedience,” Hirtle said. “If we can look at diversity and see opportunity, there is a chance of success.“
He said the closure of the bridge after cracks were found in concrete support pillars has had a tremendous impact on those who use the bridge to get to and from work.
“It has affected us adversely. But this is a moment of opportunity God has given every one of us. We as a community can link arms and move ahead.”
Moriah Supervisor Thomas Scozzafava said a public information forum at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Moriah Central School may provide some answers.
“They’re going to redo the piers on the bridge. They’re going to get it back so it can be open.”
Crown Point Supervisor Dale French said he was told Gov. David Paterson is planning to attend Wednesday’s meeting in Moriah to make the announcement.
“I think it may be good news (from the governor). I hope it will be good news.”
Since then, ferries around the bridge have expanded their hours, but most people say they can’t afford the cost of taking a ferry every day.
Scozzafava said state officials are working on getting a temporary ferry set up at the Champlain Bridge itself.
A great deal of anger is being directed at the Department of Transportation, he said, and Paterson has called for an investigation into why the bridge was allowed to deteriorate to the critical stage.
“I know we’re very upset. The immediate problem is we need to find a way to get people back and forth across this lake.”
Bridge engineering firm HNTB of New York City is reported recommending encapsulation of the existing piers with new concrete, although the process would take a month or two to complete.
One of those at the rally was Bethany Kosmider of Crown Point, an Independence Party candidate for town supervisor. She and Robert Pell-deChame, a Democratic Ticonderoga town supervisor candidate, and Margaret Bartley, an independent Elizabethtown Town Council candidate, went to Washington, D.C., recently and met with federal legislators about the bridge.
Kosmider said they talked with the staffs of Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Rep. Scott Murphy (D-NY) and others about solutions to the bridge crisis.
“I went to Washington to talk to our legislators because there didn’t seem to be any interest locally. It appears to me that fear has gripped those who are supposed to be making decisions, and this is serious.”
She said blaming DOT or anyone for the crisis is not useful at this point.
“A decision needs to be made immediately for relief for the thousands that need to cross the bridge daily for jobs, businesses, commerce and medical needs. Pointing fingers is something children do.”
Many business owners have said they may be closing or laying off staffs and cutting hours if the bridge isn’t repaired soon.
A plan is being developed to use buses to get around the bridge, Essex County Department of Public Works Superintendent Frederick Buck said.
“One of the things they’re working on is to run two big buses. They will take people directly to their place of work at no charge. They will be going on Route 4.”
The official DOT detour is an extra 82 miles through Whitehall on Route 4.
Mary Jane Weld of Crown Point said she knows the detour well because the ferries stop running by 8 p.m. or earlier.
“I work second shift so the ferries don’t do me much good. I can get to work on the ferry, but I have to drive home through Whitehall. It adds 90 minutes.”
E-mail Lohr McKinstry at:
lmckinstry@pressrepublican.com
Local News
Rally held at Champlain Bridge
- Breaking News
-
-
Westport fire guts home
Teens escape early morning fire, but cats likely perished.
-
Town hiring notice causes confusion
The Town of Malone's attempt to contract with an administrator for a business-loan program may not have followed state-grant guidelines.
-
- New Today
-
-
Saranac Lake restaurant to reopen Saturday
Asian Buffet Hibachi and Sushi has been closed since a sprinkler system malfunctioned Dec. 19, 2011.
-
Saranac Lake restaurant to reopen Saturday
- Local News
-
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
Plattsburgh meeting to address concerns of area child care providers being hit with a fee for union representation even though they never joined the union.
-
Essex County craves sales-tax hike
The extra ¼ percent would bring total sales tax to 8 percent, like neighboring counties.
-
Ernie's Market closes without warning
A sign on the door of the popular Westport store expresses appreciation "to all of our loyal customers."
-
Boy released from hospital following serious injury
Firefighters had to extricate 10-year-old Dawson Dessureault from a car involved in a crash Friday, Feb. 3.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
Council: state budget cuts threaten Adirondacks
Adirondack Council calls for an immediate increase in the state's Environmental Protection Fund and in EnCon staffing.
-
Elizabethtown wastewater plans updated
It is expected that it will take about six months to have the necessary paperwork filed, get permits, receive responses from the property owners to determine hookup locations and get easements.
-
Fort Ti brings in more money
Donations at the national historic landmark increased by 12 percent last year.
-
Saranac Lake sparkles
The Winter Carnival continues through Sunday.
-
Of Interest: Feb. 8, 2012
Clinton Co. Sheriff's Office investigating lost restaurant money; Peruvian arrested at Champlain border.
-
Seniors click toward computer literacy
The Clinton County Senior Computer Club is a great way for seniors to learn computer basics at the Senior Center.
- February 7, 2012
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
The 2 percent deduction from Social Services stipends helps pay for advocacy efforts by the Voice of Organized Independent Child Care Educators. A meeting in Plattsburgh on Thursday will address that issue and others.
-
Dissolution study hits a snag
The departure of staff gathering information for Malone's government-efficiency committee will delay the information sharing for a few weeks.
-
New Essex County courtroom has security issues
There's no line of sight between the judge's bench and the witness stand, so renovations must be made.
-
Meeting of the minds on fake pot
Students were among those who spoke up at a session in Essex County, helping to make a plan to combat the dangers of synthetic marijuana.
-
State considers bobcat management plan
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is seeking public comments on a plan that will help officials adjust hunting and trapping seasons for the species statewide.
-
Two displaced in Westville fire
A woodstove is likely the cause of a blaze that left a farmhouse a total loss, just months after being purchased by an engaged couple.
-
Report: Power project to create many jobs
Champlain Hudson Power Express project is also expected to increase New York state's gross domestic product.
-
Fair-share payment puzzles some child-care providers
- Recent Article Comments
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
