BROCTON - Even though progress is taking place in the refurbishment of the four-corner arch in Brocton, the project has hit a roadblock with the proposed lighting.
"The original company who proposed lighting for the arch refuses to do the lights unless the diode of the fixture can be attached at the factory, and in that instance, it couldn't be put through the conduit," explained Brocton's Mayor Dave Hazelton at a recent meeting of the village board.
Originally, LED Road-way Lighting Company, a Canadian company with an impressive repertoire, proposed retrofitting a light fixture to replicate the original, but has now decided it is not something that could be utilized in the structure's set up.
"We're still actively trying to find an answer to the lighting components and are looking to other suppliers to mainly replicate what was there originally. We would still like to be able to have LED lighting, that could be changed and customized, but we're just not sure what we'll be working with, we're just gathering information at this point," stated Hazelton.
Brocton Historian Dan King, an active Chautauqua County Fair board member, has made personal contact with a carnival lighting company based in Ohio which is hopeful about their ability to provide assistance. A site visit by the lighting vendor is slated for later this year.
To date, a total of $35,667 has been generated in donations for the arch project, well exceeding the original goal for matching funds required by the grant award that will raise the arch back up in the center of Brocton.
Board members thanked the most recent donors: Trustee, Nicholas Rizzo III; Nancy Kohler, in memory of Albert & Charlotte Gough; District 23 County Legislator Tom DeJoe in memory of his late wife, Jan; Tom DeJoe in honor of Jason & Kelly, Tyler & Nicholas DeJoe; the Portland Fire Department; Laura Jean Wadsworth Parment, Bob, Michele, Justin and Jessica Parment in memory of Woodrow and Ada Wadsworth.
Hazelton also read a touching letter submitted by DeJoe to the board.
As newlyweds, the DeJoes relocated from Sinclairville to Brocton, with some reluctance from DeJoe's late wife, Jan.
"The neighbors on our street and the residents of Brocton opened their arms and hearts to welcome us and made us feel at home, and a part of Brocton. Here, our house became our home. The arch reminds everyone of coming together to help each other; picking up those who have fallen and assisting them on their way again; and providing for those in need. When lit, the arch makes our hearts beat a little stronger, and makes us proud of our heritage and our residence in Brocton," DeJoe wrote.
According to the mayor, the physical structure of the arch is in the process of its makeover. Engineers will be ready soon to review final drawings of the new bases, at which time the arms will be formed and ready for paint.
"We're reasonably close to being on time," concluded Hazelton.
