Close to 100 people attended the second public meeting held to gather comments about a proposed New York State Thruway interchange off Route 88 between Newark and Phelps.

The meeting was held at Midlakes High School by the Genesee Transportation Council, a 27-member board made up of representatives from Rochester, and the nine surrounding counties. A similar meeting was held in Newark last November 10.

A feasibility study, produced by FRA Engineering, Stuart Brown Associates and Fisher Associates produced findings that outlined the costs of an interchange, as well as estimated benefits, such as creation of jobs and industrial and commercial development.

Clearly, Phelps residents who live near the targeted site, were prepared with comments and concerns about the proposed interchange. They also faulted the process, indicating that the wrong people were interviewed during the study.

Roland Micklem of South Butler, spoke on behalf of Lakeshore Environmental Action, warning that increased traffic, and loss of green space was compounding the problem of urban sprawl. Micklem went on to say that the internal combustion automobile has done more to damage the environment than any other invention of man, far out weighing any good that it ever produced.

Sandra Dunn of McBurney Rd., which borders the Thruway, indicated that she moved there to be in the country. 'If Newark wants this, put it in Newark,' said Dunn.

Wayne Williams of Gardner Rd., a long time Phelps resident who grew up in Newark, cited Newark's ill-fated Urban Renewal project of the 1960's as more of a cause of Newark's problems than lack of a thruway exit. Jack Gifford, owner of Mr. Video on Rt. 88 and a resident nearby, was visibly upset at the possibility of losing his business and home to the proposed interchange. Gifford faulted the GTA for not contacting him during the study.

John Mulford, a resident of Melvin Hill Rd., said that traffic on his road could only increase. He added that Melvin Hill is a bypass to and from Geneva and is already a busy highway.

Newark Mayor Fred Pirelli and Arcadia Supervisor Joe DeSanto stepped up to the plate and defended Newark's right to push for the thruway exit. 'The village of Newark needs this exit to attract new industry,' said Pirelli. But Phelps Mayor Jim Cheny and Phelps Town Supervisor both indicated that they had not made up their minds yet.

Steve Gleason, director of the GTA, indicated that the exit is 'Not a done deal,' and said that the council will consider all comments when deciding whether further studies should be done.

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