Blenheim focuses on restoring historic bridge

6/20/2012

By David Avitabile

The rebuilding of the shattered Blenheim Covered Bridge will not only be a centerpiece to the Town of Blenheim but to the entire county, Don Airey, chairman of the Blenheim Long Term Recovery Committee told the Board of Supervisors Friday.
The restoration of the bridge that was destroyed in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene was not originally the focal point of the plan, Mr. Airey said, but it has turned out that way.
"We love it, moreover, we need it," he said.
A new bridge can be an engine for economic development and tourism and a "springboard to the southern end of the county."
The interest in the bridge can be a boon to not only the southern end of the county but also the Route 30, 10 and 7 corridors, he said.
"We can't afford not to invest in it, or ignore it any further," Mr. Airey said.
The new bridge, he said, would be a testament "to a new beginning, a showcase. Something good after a really bad event."
The new bridge will not only be a centerpiece for Blenheim, he said, but a centerpiece for the economic recovery of Blenheim and the county."
The restoration of the bridge is part of the plan for the bridge park recreation area which would also include the old schoolhouse, a bike path, a walking path, a river walk as well as the bridge.
Funds are being raised through the sale of T-shirts and note cards and grants are being sought, he said.
More funds are needed to formalize the designs for the area, he said.
It is important for the bridge to keep its historic designation, Mr. Airey said, noting it was one of only 2,492 so designated sites in the country and one of only two bridges in the state, along with the Brooklyn Bridge.
Supervisor Bob Mann said the pace has to be quickened to recover the pieces of the bridge.
He said Friday that there is only one opportunity to recover the pieces and he asked the county board to have the public works department make the recovery of the pieces a priority.
"The pace is not fast enough for me," he said. "I'd like to see more action and less discussion."
The board agreed to make the recovery of the pieces a priority.
Dan Crandell, the commissioner of public works, said a recovery area has been started near the Mattice farm.
There are 59 locations that pieces have been spotted and many of the beams are in the center island just north of the former location of the bridge.
He said a 100-by25-foot spot off of Route 30 is being readied and a structure will be needed to house the items until they are used.