Friday, August 5, 2016

City officials show Assemblywoman Russell security fence purchased for Dobisky Center dock area


Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell made a recent stop in Ogdensburg to see the 450 feet of six-foot security fence that was purchased with $10,000 she helped secure for the city.

The funding was aimed at assisting in the establishment of a secure docking facility at the city's municipal dock. The secure facility will allow cruise ships to make stops in Ogdensburg.

"I learned during my stop in Ogdensburg that the city is continuing to make preparations so it can host large vessels with passengers that need to clear customs. This fencing will not only allow cruise ships to stop in the city, but it also can be used for multiple purposes including security measures for events such as the recently completed Seaway Festival," Assemblywoman Russell said.

She noted the stop at the waterfront near the Dobisky Center also provided city officials an opportunity for her to listen as city officials shared their vision for the area's future.

"It's a beautiful spot surrounded by views of the Fort de la Presentation, the international bridge and the waterfront property just across the river in Canada, including Fort Wellington. City officials are continuing to focus on the waterfront property and steps they can take to help grow the city's economy," she noted.


The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority also assisted in the effort by providing $5,000 to amend the United States Coast Guard's facilities security plan to include the city's municipal dock.

She said the city's effort to improve its waterfront is complemented by the work the OBPA is doing to expand the Port of Ogdensburg.

"Historically, dating back well over 200 years, the confluence of the Oswegatchie and St. Lawrence rivers, played a major role in our nation's trade and national defense. It simply makes sense for the city to continue to work so it can benefit from its strategic location," Assemblywoman Russell said.

Assemblywoman Russell said the need to purchase fencing stemmed from an issue last year when a cruise ship wanted to stop in Ogdensburg, but the lack of a secure docking area prohibited that from happening.

The assemblywoman was joined on her trek to check out the secure fencing and her tour of the waterfront by Mayor Wayne Ashley, city councillors Jennifer Stevenson and Tim Davis, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Planning Director Andrea Smith, Recreation Director Matthew Curatolo and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Matthew Denner.

Ms. Purdy said it was good to have Assemblywoman Russell have a chance to see the fencing. "She was surprised we already had the fencing and was visibly pleased she was able to see it in use," she said.

IN THE PHOTOS:

TOP PHOTO:

Assemblywoman Addie Russell stopped in Ogdensburg to get a first-hand look city officials hope will assist them in getting cruise ships headed into the Great Lakes to make a stop in the city. Pictured are (l-r): City Councillor Timothy Davis, Mayor Wayne Ashley, City Manager Sarah Purdy, Assemblywoman Russell and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

BOTTOM PHOTOS:

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, center, discusses future plans for the Ogdensburg riverfront with Mayor Wayne Ashley and City Manager Sarah Purdy.

Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell visited the riverfront during a recent stop in Ogdensburg, and the discussion turned to future plans for the Greenbelt area near the Dobisky Center. Pictured are (l-r): Assemblywoman Russell, City Councillor Jennifer Stevenson, City Planning Director Andrea Smith and City Manager Sarah Purdy.