As a result, the Town is worried about what could happen once another notable bridge replacement project, pertaining to the Canadaway Creek bridge, is underway. As stated by the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) this past May, a complete reconstruction of the bridge over Canadaway Creek on Route 5 has an anticipated commencement of winter 2025, with construction beginning that following spring. The bridge will be closed in the spring of 2026 while it is fully replaced, with construction set to wrap up in the winter of 2026.

Penfold noted the Town’s Highway Superintendent, Jeff Feinen, will be expressing the Town’s concerns regarding detours, fire protection, and emergency services.

“There aren’t a lot of detour options, so we’re going to try to be sure that they are in contact with each other, so that everybody has protection of some kind,” Penfold said. “… We’re going to do our best.”

Also of note, after months of trying to convince residents of the Shorewood Water District to sign easements to allow a capital project to proceed, the Town of Dunkirk has reduced the number of outstanding easements to approximately 25 residences. That figure was as high as 89 earlier this past year, and more than 70 remained as of June.

Town of Dunkirk Supervisor Priscilla Penfold stated at a recent meeting that a replacement of the bridge over Willow Road will not be finished this fall.

Pertaining to another arduous process regarding water in the Town, at long last, the lead pipe inventory for the Town of Dunkirk has been submitted. Town Board member Bob Price went door-to-door to assist with the process. He said, “Everybody was very pleasant about it.”

Residents will receive notice from the Town with instructions on how to proceed if a home does have lead pipes. With any questions, contact the Dunkirk Town Clerk’s office at (716) 366-3967.

The Town will also evaluate its options regarding paying back a loan from Chautauqua County regarding the water districts in the Town. North of $1 million has been loaned to the municipalities participating in the North County Water District, with the Town of Dunkirk owing the largest portion of money, according to Penfold.

“We’re going to have to borrow money. We don’t have another way of doing that,” Penfold said.

Penfold also said she will attempt to put off the payment for another year as the Town evaluates the options to pay back the money owed to the County. The Town is still unsure of just how much it actually owes the County.

“I don’t think this is fair to our residents when we don’t have the amount (owed by the Town),” said Penfold. “… There’s no precedent for this.”