Broome County Legislator Steve Herz has conceived a proposal to create a "Park and Ride" lot in West Windsor in the area near Exit 77 off I-86 (the North Road exit). In this era of $3.50 (and climbing) gasoline prices, governmental entities need to be cognizant of this burden on our citizens and to think creatively to develop ways to relieve this expense.
Herz believes that given that the area off Exit 77 is commercially zoned and likely to see some commercial development fairly soon, it is a logical choice for a Park and Ride location. What is envisioned is a small area, suitable for citizens to leave their cars in a convenient location to coordinate trips with others, thereby saving fuel and relieving congestion on our highways. While this proposal is still in the formative stages, and nothing definite has been finalized, Herz has made positive contact with two of the owners of the commercial parcels. He is encouraged by the willingness of these landowners to work with him to pursue this concept. While it must be emphasized that no agreement has yet been finalized, Herz envisions this area being developed as a low-cost partial solution to the high cost of transportation.
As with his past initiatives, Herz is working on a partnership that would develop this area at little cost to taxpayers, with the County creating a suitable surface, and the Town of Windsor maintaining this area. Herz has discussed this idea with Broome County and the Town of Windsor, and both seem interested in pursuing the possibilities.
Legislator Herz invites citizen input on this proposal. He can be reached at 607-222-6470 or by email at steve@steveherz.com