Cobleskill village officials are considering options for the torn-up––and still closed––parking lot at the corner of Main and Union streets.
And, Mayor Linda Holmes said last week, the village board is hoping to move quickly to get the lot open for businesses and customers.
Trying to remove an asphalt hump between the village-owned lot and his adjacent lot, contractor Mark Nadeau ripped up black top on July 2.
He was arrested, arraigned and released, though his case is still pending.
At their meeting last Tuesday, Mayor Holmes and trustees discussed the issue in a session behind closed doors because of the legal aspects of the case.
“We’re pushing to the extent of what the law allows us to do,” Mayor Holmes later said. “We’re not dropping the charges.”
She wouldn’t comment on what some in the public are suggesting: That Mr. Nadeau perform the work or pay for it as restitution.
The cheapest estimate to repair the damage is $9,896.90, but engineering work could cost an additional $3,616.
Water runoff complicates the project. If village officials decide to add drainage measures, the cost could run to $25,000 or more, Mayor Holmes said last week.
Whatever work is done, she added, shouldn’t push water towards Mr. Nadeau’s nearby buildings or onto Route 7.
“Drainage is the issue,” Mayor Holmes said. “Engineers will give the best possible answer.”
Trustees will get more cost estimates and hold a special meeting, if necessary, to get the project moving, Mayor Holmes said.