The village of Marcellus is still considering an expensive composting project that would save taxpayer’s money down the road. The project would allow Marcellus wastewater treatment operators to turn sludge into valuable compost, rather than transporting it from the village to Seneca Meadows Landfill – which is nearing capacity.
The board held a public hearing in November and will vote on a bond resolution at its Jan. 24 meeting in order to pay for half the project, which is estimated at $750,000 total. The other half would be covered by a state Department of Environmental Conservation grant.
Library building sale falls through
The former library property was re-surveyed and subdivided to provide parking for the prospective buyer, Curtin said at the village board’s December meeting. “Unfortunately, an offer to buy the property has fallen through in recent weeks, a failure on the part of the buyer to obtain financing.”
The village purchased the building more than a year ago in order to provide parking for village hall, with plans to sell the building itself.
Mural plans underway
Curtin reported that the Marcellus Mural Committee, which facilitated the completion of the student-painted mural that went up on the side of Nojaim’s Market in September, continues to meet regularly. Next year’s mural is planned to go up on the front of the Chocolate Pizza Company on Main Street, Curtin said.
Lower Crown demolition permit issued
William Lucchetti, owner of the Lower Crown Mill building, recently provided Marcellus codes enforcement officer Bill Reagan with a copy of an asbestos survey done on the Lower Mill building. The survey came up clean.
The building’s north and west wings were condemned by the village board in August.
“A demolition permit has been issued … and according to our codes officer, the building should be down within four months,” Curtin said.
Reservoir sale approved
The board approved the sale of the village reservoir, also known as Rockwell Pond. Curtin said the board has a buyer for the reservoir, and hopes to close the deal by the end of January. The reservoir was the village’s water supply since 1908, but new federal and state regulations forced the village to abandon it.
“To keep it, we would have had to build a very expensive, and unaffordable, filter plant,” Curtin said.
Residents request reduced speed limit
Mayor John Curtin noted concerns of Reed Street residents related to the reconstruction, and overall improvement, of the road. Residents suggested a decrease in the speed limit to 25 mph and the addition of a stop sign at Reed and Kelly (going west). Both would require increased police patrol in the area.
The board is interested in hearing feedback from residents on the measures proposed.
