Legislature Tables Resolution Backing Bikeway Signage
Opponents of Putnam County’s plan to allow a private company to install signs on the county’s bikeway won an unexpected victory – or at least a stay of execution – at Tuesday night’s legislative meeting.
The legislature voted 8-1 to put off a vote on the agreement with Bikepath Country less than two hours after the same motion was rejected 5-4. Chairman Rich Othmer had a change of heart after agreeing, against standard procedure, to hear from audience members before voting.
“We won this battle,” Legislator Sam Oliverio, who has led the charge against the proposal, said after the meeting. “I hope we can win the war.”
The legislature was expected to pass a resolution giving its blessing to County Executive MaryEllen Odell to enter a contract with Bikepath Country, which would install signs with advertising on the county-run bikeway. The company would pay for the signs’ installation and maintenance and would split any profits with the county.
Supporters of the plan have called it an opportunity to partner with a local business to save county taxpayer money. Opponents have spoken out against commercializing the bikeway and have questioned Bikepath Country’s credentials.
Five of the legislature’s nine members have spoken in support of the contract and seemed ready to vote in favor of the agreement before Othmer’s reversal. Along with Othmer, Legislators Carl Albano, Ginny Nacerino, Joseph Castellano and Barbara Scuccimarra all said they intended to vote “yes.” In the end, Albano was the only legislator to vote against the motion to table, or put off, the legislation.
Odell has said she has the authority to sign a contract with or without the legislature’s blessing, though several legislators disagree.
