LIBERTY – The Liberty Town Board covered several major planning and infrastructure issues affecting the town’s long-term development, including water system limitations, public safety concerns and a proposed recreational land acquisition at its recent meeting last Monday night.

A significant portion of the meeting concerned the proposed rail trail expansion project. The town is pursuing a New York State Park grant to acquire land that would extend the rail trail corridor through portions of the community near Sheehan Road toward the Clarksville area. 

As explained by Town Supervisor Frank DeMayo, the grant would “cover approximately 75% of the $450,000 purchase price” while the town continues to explore additional funding sources for the remaining balance. 

While board members expressed support for the recreational value of the project, they emphasized caution based on the balance that would remain. They agreed that the town should not enter into a binding purchase agreement until additional funding is secured.

Another key focus of the meeting was public safety and code enforcement issues. The board discussed a deteriorating and unsafe structure located on State Route 52 after receiving a notice from the building department. 

Officials described the worsening conditions at the site and raised concerns about hazards including debris, structural instability and potential asbestos. After some discussion, the board moved to secure the property and begin formal legal proceedings to address the issue, citing the need to protect public safety while following proper due process.

Water system capacity was a recurring topic throughout the meeting, particularly in relation to a proposed development project. A lawyer representing Yeshiva Ahavas Israel, John Furst, discussed planned upgrades at “Camp F”, including building replacements, classroom additions, recreational improvements and potential construction of new bungalow units.

While many of the upgrades would not increase occupancy, Furst said, the proposed addition of new housing units raised concerns due to the town’s already strained water supply. Officials noted that the water system has experienced a long-standing limitation and that any expansion involving additional users would require review by the water and sewer department before advancing further.

The board also continued discussion regarding wastewater compliance challenges including recent violations involving the Swan Lake Sewer District and Loomis Wastewater System. Board members noted that engineering support would be required to respond to regulatory notices and address ongoing compliance obligations.

Infrastructure planning and development oversight were also addressed through broader policy discussion, including the importance of escrow requirements for developers to ensure engineering and inspection costs are covered without burdening taxpayers, board members emphasized the need for clearer processes to manage developer funded obligations and prevent gaps in project oversight.