OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen Arkwright Supervisor Brian McAvoy said the new Town Hall could begin construction as early as this summer, as long as the bids come in around what the Town Board expects.

ARKWRIGHT — The town is planning its own unique event to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States. Rather than a parade or celebration like many other municipalities nearby, Arkwright wants to celebrate the town in a practical way for its residents.

The idea the Town Board has discussed in recent months is a tire amnesty, where each property owner in the town would receive tickets to discard two tires at no cost.

The Town Board wants to encourage community participation by making the tickets transferable. The Town has also discussed a free dog license in place of a tire amnesty as an alternative, as well. More discussion is expected in the coming months.

Regarding the most talked about building project in Arkwright, a meeting will be held on March 18 to further discuss the plans for a new Town Hall. A representative from LaBella Associates, the construction firm in charge of the project, will be on hand for contractors to discuss the scope of the project. The Town Board anticipates receiving bids for the project within the next month.

“These are exciting times,” said Arkwright Supervisor Brian McAvoy. “If the prices come in as expected, we’re good to go. … We should be in business this summer.”

Also of note, following a public hearing with no comments, the Town Board passed a law to change the annual grievance date for the Board of Assessment Review from the fourth Tuesday of May to the first Tuesday in June.

The change was made to accommodate the schedule of the town’s Assessor, Jeanne Ebersole, who serves as Assessor for multiple municipalities.

The Town Board unanimously passed a resolution declaring Arkwright as a pro-housing community. The resolution states that Arkwright will not hinder development efforts to make housing accessible to residents of all income groups. The Town Board believes that doing so puts the town in a better position for potential grant funding in the future.

The Board also reaffirmed its stance on allowing public comments following discussion on the matter in Fredonia. McAvoy stated he values public input and prefers a loose meeting, but the Town will reel it in if necessary. “We all get along. We all can manage ourselves, and it never gets out of control,” McAvoy said.