By Russ Tarby

Contributing Writer

I can’t resist the urge to say I told you so.

In my June 22 column, which I composed on Saturday, June 18, I accurately predicted the outcome of the June 21 referendum on a proposition to abolish the village court.

More than 500 residents of Liverpool voted in this year’s village election, defeating the proposition which had been passed on April 14 by the Village Board of Trustees.

Here’s what I wrote on June 18:

“My guess is that the abolition of the court will be overturned by a margin of some 300 ‘no’ votes to less than 100 ‘yes’ votes supporting the trustees’ decision.”

The actual vote totals were 370 ‘no’ votes to 138 ‘yes’ votes.

If anything, I underestimated the turnout, as more than 500 residents of Liverpool voted in this year’s village election as compared to an average over the past dozen years of about 60 or so. In most of those elections candidates ran unopposed.

Anyhow, what’s important is not only that I have my finger on the pulse of the community but that the people have spoken.

Traffic impact assessed

A traffic impact analysis by Jim Napoleon & Associates of Syracuse was presented by Dunkin’ Donuts representatives to the village planning board on June 27.

“The applicant submitted the study to New York State DOT, received comment from them, made updates to the site plan based on that guidance and presented the updates,” said board Chairman Joe Ostuni Jr.

Napoleon’s study somehow concluded that the placement of a Dunkin’ Donuts shop with a drive-thru window at 105-113 Second St. would not dramatically impact traffic in the village.

Hard to understand that finding in view of the fact that the drive-thru restaurant would be positioned on the block between traffic lights at Vine Street to the north and Cypress Street to the south. County planners have noted that the average line of cars waiting service at a DD drive-thru often extend back by more than a dozen vehicles. That sounds like a traffic jam wanting to happen, especially during morning rush hour.

Nevertheless, Napoleon delivered the kind of report that Dunkin’ Donuts wants.

Will the planning board do what DD wants or what the people of Liverpool want?

Public hearing in August?

Ostuni said the site-review process continues, and that residents will eventually have a chance to make their voices heard.

“We discussed next steps for the DD site plan with the applicant during the meeting Monday, June 27,” he said. “They need to review the guidance from the village engineer that was provided at the meeting along with board feedback. It’s likely that site plan updates will be presented at the July 25 meeting. We will then determine how to proceed with the public hearing. The earliest date may be Aug. 22.”

Hot cars and hot dogs

Thursday is now the big cruise night at Salt City Dogs, 401 Northern Lights Plaza, across from the Christmas Tree Shops, in Mattydale.

The former Hofmann Hot Haus, now owned and operated by Liverpool natives Tim and Terry Wilson, hosts a weekly gathering of vintage-auto enthusiasts every Thursday evening at Salt City Dogs. 

“We’ll have a disc jockey on hand and lots of restored classic cars on display,” Tim Wilson said. “Come have a hot dog, enjoy the music and stroll or drive down memory lane.”

  For info, visit saltcitydogs.net/, or call 454-4271

Missing man

A poster sighted at the Sunoco A-Plus, at 500 Oswego St.:

Missing: Zion Smith, accompanied by a photo of a well-dressed and well-groomed young man. If you can help locate Smith, call 956-8346.

The columnist can be contacted at [email protected].