LIBERTY – The Liberty Town Board latest meeting featured a brief formal agenda, but public participation brought forward two significant issues: a proposal to honor local veterans with commemorative banners and a renewed call for stronger oversight and training within the Liberty Planning Board.

Jack Bodolosky of the nonprofit Warrior Companion, introduced a veteran’s flag initiative that would honor local veterans by displaying durable street banners throughout the town. The flags would feature each veteran’s photograph and service information, cost approximately $300 to $350 and are designed to last five or more years. 

“This is a meaningful way to recognize our veterans and beautify Liberty’s main entrance,” Bodolosky said.

All veterans with an honorable discharge, as well as first responders, are eligible to participate, and banners may be sponsored by families, organizations or businesses. 

Bodolosky estimated about 35 suitable poles between the traffic circles and the highway ramp. He is seeking volunteers and sponsors to help launch the program and mentioned that he and his wife plan to sponsor the first two banners to create display samples. Bodolosky shared that he came to the meeting to seek the necessary approval to hang the banners as well as support to install them on the poles.

Board members expressed their support for the concept, discussing the need to confirm bracket sizing, which poles belonged to them and ways to coordinate the installation with local electric companies. The board members were also in agreement that the banners would bring a visual improvement to the primary entrance into Liberty.

Following the presentation, resident Cora Edwards addressed the board with a prepared statement regarding the Liberty Planning Board procedures under the state Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). 

Edwards said that she was speaking in light of the planning board being designated as the lead agency for a development proposed on Devany Road in Swan Lake.

“It has been my eyewitness experience that the manner in which the planning board completes an environmental Assessment Form is superficial and cursory” she said, citing inadequate attention to traffic studies, fire truck access, parking capacity and required permits for water, sewer and electricity. 

She further stressed that SEQRA requires a genuine “hard look” at potential impacts not “just ticking a bunch of boxes.”

She warned that when land is clear cut or disturbed without proper stormwater permits or off-road parking plans, “it’s too late to undo and the negative impact are there for all to see,” adding that it sends a message of “no permits, no problem.” 

Edwards referenced issues with the Cemetery on Shore Road, Horseshoe Lake and previous activity on Devany Road as examples.

She urged the town board to require that the planning board members receive certification and training before serving as lead agency. “This is the time to put the guardrails in place, not after the fact when it’s too late,” she concluded.

The town board thanked both speakers for their input before concluding the meeting.