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Tough going on downtown roads and sidewalks

By Philip Anselmo

I went out a few minutes ago to take some photos for a post that will be going up this afternoon. In the half hour or so I was out on Batavia's sidewalks and city streets, I found much to be lamented. Sidewalks out front of the Batavia City Centre (a.k.a., the Genesee Country Mall; a.k.a., the Mall) were treacherous. In a span of maybe a couple hundred feet, I nearly fell on my arse a handful of times. Who is responsible for salting those walks? I could understand if it was in that shape earlier this morning. But it's nearly noon. That's lunch time. Do we need people breaking hips on their way to scarf down a BLT?

Is it the responsibility of the individual shop owners to salt out front of their establishment wherever it fronts Main Street? Or is it the responsibility of "the mall" in general? If the latter, who in particular takes care of that?

Of course, this problem is not only confined to the mall. Other Main Street shops need to be much more diligent about salting out front of their establishments. Unless, that is, they want to discourage their clientele from visiting the shop.

Even worse than the sidewalks, however—and I'm sure I'm not the only one to notice this—is the stretch of Ellicott Street for about fifty feet on either side of the railroad tracks that cut across the road right near Center Street.

It is horrendous!

The blacktop is so chewed up that it's like driving off road in a rocky gully.

How about you? Have you found troubles with potholes and unsalted sidewalks?

Steve Ognibene

Philip,
I believe they will not get to the sidewalks until tonight or tomorrow when the storm is done. But one thing I just bought the works excellent on ice and snow is this: http://www.yaktrax.com/ I purchased them on ebay for just under 18.00 and I highly recommend it!

Jan 7, 2009, 12:31pm Permalink
Sherry Tacy

Hey Phil.. "They" are the same people who are whining about where to get a cup of coffee. They probably like the coffee at the Hospital. Sorry.....a little sarcasm. I am glad that you weren't hurt. It's really tricky out there today. Too bad people aren't doing the their jobs. Maybe they blew their salt and shovel budget on signs.

Jan 7, 2009, 1:31pm Permalink
Sherry Tacy

PS: to Phil. That was not an intentional slight directed at you or your article about Main St. Coffee. Just a generalization. If I offended you I know where there is a nice sign if you want to tell me where to go. Kidding:)

Jan 7, 2009, 1:40pm Permalink

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