The Buckwheat Road Bridge replacement project has moved into a critical phase, and I want to make sure Clermont residents have accurate and complete information about what is being proposed and what it means for our neighborhood. You can see from the photo on the home page just how bad the bridge is looking - and that is just on the surface.
What Is Being Proposed?
The current bridge structure is aging and in desparate need of attention. The initial replacement design currently under consideration involves a significantly larger footprint than the existing structure, which raises legitimate concerns about environmental impact, stormwater runoff, and the character of the surrounding landscape.
My biggest concern is that the currnet structure has been a de facto one lane bridge for many years, due to the hit sticks placed there by the county (most of which have recently been removed), and the county is planning for a two lane bridge and straightening out the approach, which will undoubtedly increase speeding (which is already an issue), and make it even more difficult for pedestrians and fishermen to cross the bridge safely.
SEQRA and Your Rights
Under New York State’s Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), projects of this nature require a thoughtful review of potential environmental impacts before final decisions are made. Residents have the right to participate in that review process, and I will be advocating strongly that the town follow every procedural requirement to the letter. We currently don't know if a SEQRA was done or is planning to be done.
What Happens Next
I am working on alternative ideas and have been coordinating with concerned citizens of both Clermont and Livingston, Scenic Hudson, and town and county officials. I will share that information here as it becomes available.
What You Can Do Now
Concerned citizens and residents have started an online petition "Protect Buckwheat Road — Keep Our Bridge Safe and Our Street Quiet" - you can show your support by signing it.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out directly at anthony@finta4clermont.com.