OBSERVER Photo by Nicole Gugino The village of Fredonia has not signed off on an easement for the regional waterline that will be constructed along Route 5 in the town of Dunkirk, past its wastewater treatment plant.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way. There is definitely a will to get the first pipe in the ground for the regional North Chautauqua County Water District project — an instance of noncooperation won’t get in the way.

The part of the first phase of the regional water district project will place a waterline down Route 5 through the town of Dunkirk. The district’s engineers are seeking easements in order to have adequate space to place the lines without interfering with gas lines and other utilities.

Almost all necessary easements have been secured, according to Town Supervisor Richard Purol. But, not all property owners have been willing to sign off.

“As far as the Fredonia (Wastewater Treatment) Plant, … I gave them the easements and they had them for quite a while. Finally, they sent it to their attorney, who is now out of Buffalo. Anyway, it came back and I got a phone call (July 31) at 5:30 in the afternoon from (Rick St. George, administrator) in Fredonia. He had some questions about the easement. I told him there’s a map on that thing that shows you where the easements are going to go and if there’s a water valve or if they have to cross the road — that’s what an easement is for because they’re going to have to get out of the right of way a little more so they can be careful. He said, ‘Well I don’t understand this stuff. I’m going to have to call Clark Patterson (Lee) and talk to them,'” Purol explained at the recent town board meeting.

The village of Fredonia had many opportunities to join the regional district in different capacities, but has chosen to forego any involvement. That appears to extend to its property along Route 5.

“Clark Patterson (Lee) the next day called him and showed him the letter. They said your DPW should be capable of telling you what they’re doing there. He said, ‘Nope we don’t understand this. We’re going to get our own consultant so we can go over your easement proposal and you’re going to pay for it,” Purol continued. “We’ll stay in the right of way and if they’re inconvenienced in anyway because of lack of water because it’s so tight over there, then so be it. You had your chance. It’s not a threat, it’s just what’s going to happen.”

Purol assured that he is not worried this will halt the project.

“I talked to Seth (Crowell, Clark Patterson Lee engineer) and he said there’s ways around everything. So if we have to we’ll stay in the right of way as much as we can,” he added.

Fredonia still has an opportunity to sign its easement before the project begins.