Main Street work begins in Penn Yan

Main Street work begins in Penn Yan

PENN YAN--Work began Monday, April 3, in Penn Yan on an infrastructure project that impacts both water and gas lines on Main Street in the village. The project will be completed in phases, beginning with the work by New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG).
On Monday morning, the street was closed beginning at E. Elm to Maiden Lane, however the sidewalk was open to the north side of the street. Both the village and chamber of commerce have reminded residents that businesses in the impacted areas are open and that walking access will be available either with front sidewalks or back entrances for the entirety of the project.
Brett McMichael, deputy director of Public Works for the village of Penn Yan, indicated that those needing to visit the area can park in municipal parking lots. In addition, village employees have been granted permission to park in the TOPS parking lot, which will allow more spots for customers.
"Message boards and signs were placed at the ball field and the Sheriff's Office confirming that businesses are still open," said McMichael. "We've also posted information on Facebook, specifically identifying alternative parking lots, and attended the Downtown Business Council meeting."
The work is necessary because replacing the water main has been deferred for at least 10 years, according to McMichael.
"When we did a recent project on Maiden Lane, we saw how degraded the pipe is," added McMichael. "It's at the end of its life. Beyond that, this infrastructure work will also support the DRI projects that are coming."
Jim Long, owner of Longs' Cards and Books on Main Street, explained that the Downtown Business Council has worked with property owners in the village to get permission to have their employees park off-site to give more municipal parking area to customers.
"It is important for visitors to realize we are open and that we really appreciate their business," said Long. "We have added extra signage to the entrance by the rear parking lot to make sure customers still visit their favorite downtown stores."
Work was initially expected to begin the week of April 10, but Wednesday last week an update was posted saying gas main replacement would start Monday, April 3. The street will be open for the weekend, according to the village.
In a frequently asked questions document prepared by Penn Yan, the first phase of the water project is expected to take four weeks, from the April 10 date. The sidewalks will be open when the street is closed, but there could be brief closures for work in the area. The second phase, from Maiden Lane to Clinton, will take approximately two to four weeks. The road will be repaved after the infrastructure work, most likely in the fall.
Public parking areas are available in four spots throughout the village.
1. Off Wagener Street, behind the Keuka Restaurant.
2. Off Fire House Ave., behind the firehouse and village building.
3. Off E. Elm Street, behind Milly's Pantry.
4. Off E. Elm Street, behind Longs'.
Updates will be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennYanDPW and online at www.villageofpennyan.com