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11-24-2006 By CASEY CAMPBELL Staff Writer The bridge was set for demolition by the Otsego County Highway Department earlier this week, but received a temporary reprieve after concerned residents in the area asked the county for time to investigate rehabilitating and renovating the bridge for pedestrian use. "We’re not going to do anything until the next Public Works Committee meeting," said Otsego County Board Chairman Donald Lindberg Tuesday evening. That meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. in the Otsego County Office Building. Residents who want to see the bridge preserved say it forms an important link between the Hartwick and Otsego sides of Toddsville and should be repaired so that walkers and bicyclists can use it. "We’re not aware of any pressing need to take this down," said Bill Hayes, one of more than 60 people to have signed a petition asking the county to preserve the bridge. "It’s important to give the community group some time to examine the issue." Hayes said 16 people gathered at the bridge Monday morning at 7 a.m. to discuss its fate and talk about what the group would need to do in order to preserve the bridge. He said people are investigating various aspects of the bridge, like its place in the history of Toddsville and the impact removal would have on the surrounding environment. He said they are also looking into fundraising, as the county seems unwilling to spend taxpayer money on the bridge. "We want to do a credible job, look at the facts and present a knowledgeable plan to the committee," Hayes said. Jean Finch lives on County Route 26 near the bridge and frequently used it for walking before vandals tore up some of the planks this summer. She said she would like to see the bridge preserved for walkers and cyclists and that the group is investigating whether the structure would be stable if planks were put back in place. "We’re going to have to get it inspected and find out what we have to do," she said. Brenda Berstler, president of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO), said she thought the bridge should be preserved for both its historical significance and its potential as a connector for future walking paths. "It’s a key element to the walking path that’s there now and future ones," she said. Berstler said WE-GO had been talking to the group and was offering its support to their effort. Lindberg said the committee would listen to what residents have to say about the bridge at its next meeting. |
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