Information & Town News

August 19, 2025 Update:  We have previously posted updates regarding the Forest Drive culvert replacement project.  The Highway Department’s project to manage a culvert failure and replace the culvert which was completed in July, created long standing issues in the area and it quickly became clear the final results of the culvert replacement were not sufficient to meet the standards and permits of the plan.  As we have stated in previous posts, Supervisor Barrett was called by a nearby homeowner who expressed his frustration with the project after the new culvert was installed and backfilled.  Supervisor Barrett immediately stopped all restoration efforts, including paving the road, until a further assessment was completed.  The call to Supervisor Barrett avoided the road being paved, which would have created a much larger project to fix the problem.  Supervisor Barrett has conducted multiple meetings with the involved parties to assess the issue and devise a plan to correct the problem.  At last evening’s Town Board Meeting the Town Board unanimously approved a resolution for inspection services with an engineering firm for a new project that will involve removing the culvert pipe and reinstallation at a lower depth.  The work will begin August 25^th and continue for approximately three weeks.  Supervisor Barrett described the time constraints involved to complete the project at the meeting.  The inconvenience to the neighborhood as the road remains closed and DEC regulations prohibiting work in the drainage corridor after September 30^th, make the next project a timely endeavor.  The Town Board also unanimously approved engaging an engineering firm to complete an assessment of the slopes and soils adjacent to the drainage corridor following two concerning claims submitted by the property owners.  The claims relate to the large amount of standing water that was created following the failure of the culvert pipe in 2021 that remained until the project was completed in July 2025. We will provide further updates as the project progresses. 

July 10, 2025 Update: For residents in Country Knolls, we have an update on the Forest Drive Culvert Replacement Project.  The project was managed by the Highway Department.  The culvert pipe was replaced recently, and the road remains closed.  Last week, Supervisor Barrett was contacted by nearby residents about a potential issue they identified with the results of the project.  After visiting the site, Supervisor Barrett immediately contacted the contractor and asked for the next planned steps in the restoration process.  The contractor had plans to restore the pavement so the road can be reopened.  Supervisor Barrett directed the contractor not to complete any further restoration efforts, due to the need for a full review of the project.  Supervisor Barrett and Councilman Morelli have met with residents, town staff, engineers and the contractor at the site multiple times since last week. The review process will continue this week and will be completed as soon as possible.  Further updates will be posted.  Thank you for your patience.