Erie County has set this year’s road work plan and I am pleased to announce that the 2015 Road Project List includes $3 million to reconstruct a portion of Lake Avenue from Abbott Road to five corners. I know many of you are as frustrated as I am with the condition of that roadway. Once the work is complete it will be a huge improvement for motorists. Legislator Lynne Dixon, who represents Hamburg, and I continue to advocate to the County Executive to complete the entire stretch of Lake Avenue as the section into Blasdell is terrible as well.

In another infrastructure matter, the counties of Erie and Cattaraugus are in negotiations with New York State concerning the former 219 bridge. The state has proposed transferring ownership to the counties following a full reconstruction of the bridge, which the state has the authority to do without the county’s consent. The plan includes funds from the state for annual maintenance. Traffic using the bridge is critical for businesses in Springville, Concord and surrounding areas. Should the state unilaterally close the bridge, it would be devastating for those communities. I have encouraged our County Executive to accept the state’s offer, which at the time included $20 million in funding for a new bridge. We cannot allow for the bridge to close, it would be catastrophic for many small, local businesses in the district I represent.

In other news, in mid-April it was discovered that vandals caused $15,000 to two bathrooms at Chestnut Ridge Park. This act of destruction is extremely disheartening. The parks crew worked very hard to get all the parks ready for spring. Chestnut Ridge is one of the most popular parks and because of the extensive damage the Parks Department was forced to close the bathrooms. Crime Stoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects. You can contact Crime Stoppers at 867-6161. All calls to the tip line are confidential.

I also want to remind residents about important outreaches coming up later this month. Two free rabies clinics will be held in May and both are from 4 to 7 p.m. The clinics are Wednesday, May 20 at the Broadway Market, 999 Broadway, Buffalo, and Wednesday, May 27 at Erie Community College's South Campus, 4041 Southwestern Boulevard, Building 7, Orchard Park. Free rabies vaccinations will be available for dogs, cats and ferrets. All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier and owners are asked to bring a copy of the pet's vaccination record, if possible. For more information, please call 961-6800.

This year’s Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., both days, on Saturday, May 9 at the ECC North Campus and Saturday, June 13 at the ECC South Campus. Accepted item are: pesticides, fertilizers, pool and household chemicals/cleaners, oil-based paints and spray cans, paint thinner, stripper and solvents, batteries (lead acid & rechargeable, oil, gasoline, kerosene and antifreeze and mercury (thermometers, thermostats, metal).

If you have a question or concern about a county matter, please call or email my office at 858-8850 or john.mills@erie.gov.