Dangers Of Vega Mountain Road

A flower garden in front of the Highway Garage has been created in honor of Bill Sprague, who passed away in January. Sprague served the Highway Department for 25 years. A plaque affixed to a stone reads: In Memory of Bill Sprague 7/15/1974 - 1/14/2025, Roxbury Highway Department, Oct. 1999 - Jan. 2025, Highway Deputy Jan. 2008 - Dec. 2019, Highway Superintendent Jan. 2020 - Jan. 2025.

ROXBURY - If you are a local, you are likely aware that Vega Mountain Road in Roxbury can be treacherous. With tight curves and bends, the road quickly rises 2,200 feet above sea level from Main Street.

At the top of the first-level crest coming from Main Street, one homeowner sought aid from the Town Board at their meeting on July 14. They requested that signage be placed before and after the curve.

Suggested wording includes "hidden driveway" or "caution steep incline." Another attendee suggested placing turn arrow signs for the sharp turn to help drivers slow down.

The concerned individual noted that the situation became critical after the fatal accident on June 14. A Toyota Tundra went off the road near 4030 Vega Mountain Road around 10 p.m. The vehicle hit several trees before going down the embankment. Driver David Oakley, age 34 of Oneida, did not survive.

Supervisor Allen Hinkley quickly responded that he would bring the concern to Highway Superintendent Ralph Sprague. "We will get some signs up there," he said.

In another discussion, a resident living on Meeker Hollow Road argued that the signage along the temporary one-way bridge on the collapsed culvert is confusing. The bridge has a stop sign coming down the road and a yield sign going up. The individual said drivers are unsure who has the right of way.

Supervisor Hinkley said the County had suggested this signage. He agreed to look into the issue.

In other business

A flower garden in front of the Highway Garage has been created in honor of Bill Sprague, who passed away in January. Sprague served as Highway Superintendent for 25 years.

Liam Bullock announced his Eagle Scout Project, which will honor the history of Troop 241. The troop has been chartered by the Roxbury Fire Department for almost 80 years, he said. Bullock is building a mounted display case that will showcase historic memorabilia and honor those troop members who have reached the Eagle Scout rank. Bullock noted that roughly 40% of Troop 241 scouts have reached the highest rank. Once completed, the case will be displayed at the town hall.

Assessor Clerk Stephanie Seminara asked the board to consider increasing commercial solar permit fees. She noted that legislation now requires a lower assessed value for projects that are well worth millions. It's unfair, Seminara said, telling the council to be prepared for when these projects enter the town. Hinkley said he is working closely with the code officer and Planning Committee chairman regarding the issue.

Richard Briscoe was retroactively appointed as Code Enforcement Officer beginning July 7.

The town is expected to schedule a public hearing for its comprehensive plan sometime in August. The draft will be available in print at the library and civic center, as well as online at the town's website.

The board will wait until the meter replacement project is underway to determine raised water rates.

Rockland Cider Works was granted a liquor permit for the car show in Kirkside Park scheduled Sunday, Aug. 10.

Lawrence Whitney submitted a letter of retirement effective Oct. 31. The board will advertise to fill the position and noted his 35 years of service.

The Grand Gorge Community Action Group is hosting a pancake breakfast on August 16 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Michael Hadden was hired to complete roof repairs to the Denver Sewer building for $9,500.

The council agreed to cover the costs for a new water hookup for 39 Becker Avenue, extending up to the property line.

The next regularly scheduled Town Board meeting will be held on Monday, Aug. 11, at 6:00 p.m. at the Grand Gorge Civic Center.