A few new improvements are coming to the sidewalks in the Town of Crawford.

The town recently obtained a grant of $2.7 million from the New York State Department of Transportation for a pedestrian safety project. The idea is to create a paved walking trail that runs down along North Street, connecting to the town park.

“North Street can be very dangerous, and we want to make it safer for families and people walking to and from the park,” said Town Supervisor Charles Carnes.

Currently, there are rocky gravel paths leading to the park on North Street. The ground is uneven, and is not friendly to strollers, or those who may use a wheelchair or walker. The newly awarded grant money will go towards improving the safety and walkability of the trails going down to the park. Obtaining this grant was no easy task. Town of Crawford Supervisor Charles Carnes, and Director of Safety and Security Daniel McCann are to thank, and they’ve spent years trying to get this grant for the town.

“It took a lot of lobbying, hours of work, and plenty of communication with the New York State DOT. Safety is a big priority for us, and this is a great way to improve it for our citizens,” explained Carnes.

The Town is also going to construct an adjoining trail connecting the end of Finneran Lane, down North Street, to the Town Park. The Town Board will be going out to bid to try and pave the stone walkway, and possibly add lights along the side for improved visibility at night.

“We will be paying for the connecting trail with our own money. This project is not a grant, and isn’t related to the other DOT grant in any way, but both will be on North Street connecting to the park,” said Supervisor Carnes.

North Street won’t be the only section in the Town of Crawford that could see improvements. A three acre parcel at the end of Holland Avenue was gifted to the Town. Last year, the town applied for funding for a walking and exercise trail connecting Holland Avenue and downtown, but were denied. Things are different this year. The Town recently received a phone call that surrounding towns didn’t want the parcel of land, so it was given back to Crawford. They now have another shot with last year’s funding.

“We are in for a grant with Orange Urban County Consortium Community Development, and are hoping to be awarded to make use of that area. It’s a barren parcel now, and it would benefit the senior citizens. The senior home is nearby, and this would give them easier access to the supermarkets and downtown,” said Carnes.

The application was submitted for the Senior Walking Trail project, and the town is hoping to hear back within the next 30 days so they can get started. Eventually, the town wants to construct a pavilion, benches, and install 6 exercise stations at the empty Holland Avenue parcel, and spruce up an unused chunk of land that will benefit the community.