- Highway Department -

The information on this webpage is provided by the Patterson Highway Department

At A Glance

Contact Information

Charlie Williams, Highway Superintendent Gene Brandon, Foreman Ralph Williams, Foreman Margaux Miller, Secretary
	The Patterson Highway Department 281 Cornwall Hill Road Patterson, NY 12563 845-878-4341 845-878-6130 845-878-4379 - Fax highway@pattersonny.org Hours: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM weekdays
After hours: Please leave a message for the secretary at extension 10. If you are reporting an emergency or any other matter that requires immediate attention, please contact the appropriate police or emergency service. A full list of police and emergency services with jurisdiction in Patterson can be found on the emergency services page. During snow storms all roads are monitored 24 hours/day.

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Overview

New residents are sometimes confused by the multiple jurisidictions that are responsible for maintaining the roads in Patterson. The Patterson Highway Dept. has the sole responsibility for roads that are owned by the town of Patterson. The town of Patterson contains 242 town-owned roads that total 66.12 miles. The Putnam Lake area contains the larger share of the town-owned roads consisting of 151 roads or 27.63 miles. The remainder of the Town consists of only 91 roads but has the greater mileage, 38.49 miles.

Patterson also contains many New York State highways which are maintained by the New York State Department of Transportation. Examples of these roads are NYS Route 22 and NYS Route 311. Patterson also contains many Putnam County roads which are maintained by the Putnam County Highway Department. Examples of these roads are Cornwall Hill Road and Fairfield Drive. The Patterson Highway Dept. has no jurisdiction over State or County roads and inquiries or complaints about those roads must be made to the approriate agency. The NYS DOT can be reached at 845-878-6361 and the Putnam County Highway Dept. can be reached at 845-878-6171.

A crew of 13 men lead by our Highway Superintendent Charlie Williams is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of Town roads. The Patterson Highway Dept. does 90% of the blacktopping and tree removal inhouse rather than rely on oustide contractors. In 2006 the Highway Dept. laid over 5000 tons of blacktop using inhouse resources.

Ongoing department programs include:

• General roadway maintenance including pothole repair and pavement markings
• Pavement resurfacing
• Crack sealing
• Catch basin and storm drain installation, repair, and cleaning
• Sign installation, and repair
• Fleet maintenance
• Guardrail replacement and maintenance
• Roadside mowing, trimming, and pruning
• Gravel and dirt road maintenance
• Street sweeping
• Snow and ice removal as well as salt and sanding

The highway superintendent is an elected position with a 4 year term.

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Important information

In the interest of safety, please remember the following:

• Please remember that cars should not be parked on any town highway or turnarounds from November 15 - April 15. Vehicles may be towed at the owner's expense. Parked vehicles obstruct snow plowing operations and the vehicles may be damaged by the plows.
• Please do not put leaves or snow in the roadway because this creates a hazard to drivers. If you use a snow plowing service, please instuct the plow operator not to push snow onto the road. Snow is sometimes pushed into the roadway after our plows have already completed plowing operations.
• Please note that all construction work affecting Town right-of-ways requires a highway work permit. Violators will be fined and will need to remediate any damage caused. This includes new or altered driveway cuts and anything that may affect water drainage.

When communicating with us via email, please include the following information:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your phone number
• The name of the road or location about which you are inquiring
• The best time to contact you during business hours if we need additional information
• A clear and brief summary of your complaint, issue, or question

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Mailbox Guidelines

The Town Highway policy is not to replace or repair mailboxes damaged by the impact of snow when plowing or damaged by any snow removal process. The Town will consider repair/replacement if the mailbox assembly is located properly and damage occurred due to driver error. To minimize the risk of danger:

1. The mailbox, including support arm, should have a minimum clearance of 41" above the road side shoulder,
2. The front of the mailbox should not extend beyond the edge of the shoulder.
3. The mailbox post should be a minimum of 16' from the center of the road.
4. The mailbox should be clearly visible.

Mailboxes which are properly installed and maintained generally do not interfere with snow and ice removal. Mailboxes should not be constructed or installed in a manner that interferes with routine snow removal or in a manner which clearly presents an unacceptable risk to snow removal operations or the traveling public.

Please note that the U.S. Postal Service also has specific policies regarding mailbox placement. These policies are designed to faciltate the safe delivery of mail and to protect the carrier and his vehicle. Please contact the local postmaster if you need additional information.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I have a dead tree in my yard. Will you cut it and take it away?

We will do this if it is in our right of way (within 25 feet from the center of the road). Otherwise, you are responsible for the tree. We do not remove live trees unless they are a hazard to the roadway. We also do not remove trees that have grown into utility wires. You need to call NYSEG at 800-572-1131.

Q: Will you remove the dead deer from the road?

A: We will come and remove the dead deer if it is a Town owned road. Dead deer on state and county roads should be referred to the appropriate agency. The NYS DOT can be reached at 845-878-6361 and the Putnam County Highway Dept. can be reached at 845-878-6171.

Q: When are they going to mow?

A: We have two full-time roadside mowers that mow continuously all summer long. They will mow all town owned roads about 4 times during the summer season.

Q: When are you going to plow my road?

A: Our plow routes take approximately 3½-4 hours to complete. Your road will be addressed sometime during each plow run.

Q: Will you fix my mailbox?

A: Even though it is not legally required, the Town will consider repair/replacement if the mailbox assembly is located properly and damage occurred due to driver error.

Q: Why do I get more snow plowed into my yard than my neighbor's do?

A: We do not intentionally plow more snow onto your lawn than your neighbor's lawn, but depending upon your location, this could happen.

Q: How do I place a bid for providing material/services for the Highway Dept.?

A: Our bid specifications are available at the Patterson Town Hall usually after March 1 and must be submitted by March 31.

Q: When will my road be swept?

A: We start sweeping roads in the beginning of April. Your road will be swept sometime thereafter.

Q: A street light is out. Can you fix it?

A: NYSEG is responsible for fixing the streetlights. You can call them at 800-572-1131.

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Forms

This documents is in PDF format and requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Reader will allow you to fill in the form on your computer. Simply save a copy after filling it out and fax it to the Highway Department. You may also email it to us.

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Ongoing Highway Department Business

Winter Parking Regulation

The Patterson Highway Dept. reminds all residents that cars must not be parked on the sides of Town roads during the winter season to permit our plow drivers to safely plow the roads.

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