Schmitt, D’Onofrio on pothole patrol

(Photo by MJ Pitt) - Village Trustee Brian Aylward, Roads & Grounds Superintenent John Jones, Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, Mayor Joe D'Onofrio and Police Chief Ken Scott spent last Friday afternoon walking West Point Highway noting the sections of the road that badly need repaved Schmitt will encourage the state Department of Transportation to make the needed repairs.

West Point Highway, South Main St. getting worse

As the large potholes on West Point Highway and South Main St. in Highland Falls filled with rainwater last Friday afternoon, Mayor Joe D’Onofrio stood in the middle of the road watching.

He wasn’t alone.

Assemblyman Colin Schmitt was watching too, as were other village officials including interim Roads & Grounds superintendent John Jones, Police Chief Ken Scott and Trustee Brian Aylward. A portion of the road was closed for a while as they walked in the middle of it.

D’Onofrio said he asked Schmitt to come because he needs help in getting the state Department of Transportation’s attention.

“I’m glad Assemblyman Schmitt was here on a rainy day to get a firsthand look at the deterioration of Rt. 218,” the mayor said. “The overall condition of this road is causing serious safety issues for our local residents and for visitors to the community.”

After looking at the road, Schmitt agreed the stretch of road and it’s “numerous potholes” is in need of repair.

“This road has some infrastructure issues that need to be addressed as soon as possible by the NYS DOT,” Schmitt said. “Today I pledged to work with the mayor, local leaders and NYS DOT officials to bring about a resolution to these concerns. Not only we will work to address immediate concerns but I’ll work address larger priorities in the NYS DOT 5-year capital plan.”

Both Highland Falls and West Point officials have put in requests to DOT to have this stretch of the road repaved and sidewalks replaced as well as many other traffic safety improvements, it was noted. There are several sections of the road that are quite literally unable to be driven upon.

“Drivers have to cross over the yellow center line to avoid huge potholes,” D’Onofrio said. “We’ve had numerous complaints to my office and our highway department from drivers who have experienced flat tires and other car damage as a result from this road. We have been trying for way too long to get this road repaved and it’s time DOT answers our requests.”

DOT workers have filled the potholes in the stretch of road several times, but that fill material quickly dissolves, leaving the holes seemingly larger.