Overnight Parking Outlawed in Homer Town Hall – Update Provided on Town Hall Renovations

Lily Byrne, X101 News:

A local law was passed Wednesday night at the Homer Town Board meeting that outlaws people from parking in the Town Hall parking lot overnight.

“People are still parking in it, and we’ve got a lot of construction,” said Town Supervisor Michael Park. It’s not really to ticket anybody, but if someone’s parking in it consistently, it gives the police department a little bit of authority to say ‘hey, c’mon, you know,’ and give them a ticket. Most people will probably cooperate.”

Not having neighbors park in the lot will make a huge difference in the snow plowing, he added. Parking in the lot will be prohibited from 12 a.m.- 7 a.m. until April 1.

Also at the meeting, Town Historian Martin Sweeney announced his new book, “More Stories of the Heart of Central New York.” It is the companion piece to his previous book “Stories from the Heart of Central New York.”

“We’re really blessed to have Martin,” Parks said. “I mean, he writes quite a few books and they’re very well written. When I’m reading one of his books, it’s just like hearing him talk.”

Town Highway Superintendent Kyle Bean announced that the pine tree near the town barn will be cut down. The removal will cost $2,000.

“We just put a new roof on that building, we don’t want the branches hitting our roof,” Bean said. “It’s tied up in our comm. lines, and it’s right up against three-phase power on the roadside. It’s a big codominant tree, we’ve seen those fail over the years. It’s time to cut it.”

Park also established his 2026 goals for the Town Board. This includes finishing up the solar law, because there is a moratorium on it.

The lower level of Town Hall’s construction is going to be completed in April. This includes water control around the building and parking lot repairs. Another goal is to develop a new entrance to the Highway Department’s garage.

Park hopes to hold open houses for both facilities once construction is completed.

“We need to continue looking at intermunicipal partnerships,” Park said. “I think that’s very important. We have a great working relationship with a bunch of the towns, and we need to continue that.”

The Town Board also needs to develop its comprehensive plan, and start planning on bridge maintenance and replacement. One bridge in the village needs replacement, and three need minor work, he said.

“We also have to look at personnel needs for the next five years,” he said. “As this town is changing and growing, we may need more personnel in the Highway Department or in the office. We need to start strategizing.”