Chamber to circulate petition for Thruway exit
By Donna Comella

The Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce leaders met Tuesday to discuss several issues, including the fate of the new Route 88 Thruway exit. Facing opposition from Phelps residents, the Chamber has been asked to circulate petitions in favor of the construction.

Chamber President Dave Doebler said he had been approached by representatives of Silver Hill Technologies Park, who requested the Chamber's assistance in gathering signatures on the petitions. Deadline for the public comment period is looming, and state legislators have already said they will not support the new exit. But many in Newark claim that the exit will mean the economic rebirth of Newark.

Without enough directors present to take a vote, it looked as if the Chamber would not be able to commit to the petition project. Chamber Director John Van Dusen questioned whether or not the board had fully discussed all the 'pluses and minuses' of an exit, such as increased traffic, and the impact on the roadways and area residents. He cautioned that perhaps the Chamber should not 'jump into the fray' with so many 'ifs.'

Chamber Administrator Dee Castelli argued that the future development of the Silver Hill Technologies Park would eventually impact the traffic and roadways, anyway - with or without an exit. Director Diana Lagenor said that she believed increased traffic to be a positive impact. 'For the sake of saving Newark, I'm in favor.'

Van Dusen was still not convinced that the future didn't hold some 'major problems and angry residents.' Van Dusen told directors, 'Don't get me wrong, I think it would be a boon to the area...I just don't want to get accidentally sucked into something that will come back and bite us.'

With no quorum to hold a vote, all decided that the petition would be included in the coming Chamber newsletter, so members could participate if they wished. Castelli said she would also send copies to Route 88 industries located in Sodus.

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