Seward Calls For Full Investigation of Property Ownership Along State Route 80

ONEONTA, 09/09/14 -- State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I – Oneonta) today said that the New York State Department of Transportation will put a hold on the Route 80 project in order to review ownership and repair issues associated with the properties along State Route 80.  

“A number of constituents and several local officials have contacted me in regard to the unreasonable saga which is playing out for homeowners along State Route 80 in Otsego County,” said Senator Seward.  “After speaking with the DOT commissioner’s office, I can say they’ve agreed to put the project on hold indefinitely to conduct a thorough review of the process by which they are asserting ownership of some properties and their plans for repair work.”

Several property owners are embroiled in a dispute with NYSDOT concerning property ownership along State Route 80 near Five Mile Point.  Following Senator Seward’s intervention, the DOT will notify property owners of their plans to carry out a full review of the proposed slope stabilization repair work and the property ownership issue.

“Before any further action is taken it is crucial that a thorough study take place to iron out questions of property ownership.  Highway safety, the environmental health of Otsego Lake, and private property rights are all at stake.  We need to get this right, and I have full confidence that a workable solution can be reached to meet all needs,” Seward concluded.

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