BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – An extensive project to improve drainage along a mile-long section of the Miner Street Road was supposed to be the topic of an information meeting on Monday night. But a group of citizens living on that stretch of road shifted the conversation to right-of-way concerns and excessive speed.

A handful of residents voiced their concerns about how widening the road to allow for a pedestrian and bicycle pathway would infringe on their property lines.

“I’m concerned my buffer will be removed. It was four feet now it’s five feet,” said Miner Street Road property owner Laurie Davis. “Somebody has to address traffic. It’s the speed limit that is a danger.”

The owner of a neighboring property agreed. William Russell said widening the roadway with fresh pavement will only encourage increased speed.

“What’s your answer to that? It’s going to be the biggest speedway in Canton,” Russell remarked.

Monday night’s session was co-presented by Potsdam architect Brooks Washburn and Aaron Jarvis, chief engineer for Tisdel Associates, Canton. Washburn is handling the overall design of the project with Jarvis overseeing the drainage work.

The project will run from the Miner Street Bridge to Taylor Park. Deputy Town Supervisor Bob Washo informed the audience that the town has received a $276,000 New York State grant for the drainage improvements.

Washo also ensured the concerned citizens that the conceptual planning for widening the road is way down the road.

“Let’s get the drainage work done then make decisions about traffic and speed,” said Washo. “There are tools in the tool kit.”

Washburn addressed concerns about the project working its way into homeowners’ properties.

“Everything is absolutely staying within the right of way,” he stated.

Other town residents supported the project, citing increased accessibility for youth who enjoy Taylor Park but the majority of comments focused on high rates of speed.

Other suggestions to deal with speeders included installed radar speed indicators and possibly speed enforcement cameras.

Toby Irven, chair of the town and village Complete Streets Committee, said the plan to begin the drainage work this summer, have it sit through the winter, then begin the design process for the remainder of the project.

“This is not an as-built meeting. There’s a lot of work to go,” Irven stated.