Brockport officials call on Governor for “Bridging Brockport” relief fund

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Local officials have issued a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul advocating for a relief fund for businesses impacted by the “Bridging Brockport” project.

On Monday, Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith posted the letter to Facebook and provided a statement on the matter, saying in part, “Our community deserves accountability and real relief — before it’s too late.”

While originally planned for completion in September 2024, a year past the original date, the bridge remains under construction with a tentative finishing date of November 2025. This has become a longstanding issue for the village of Brockport due to its impact on local events, businesses, and residents.

The contractor, Crane-Hogan Structural Systems, has been fined $7,000 per day since October 2024 by the state for such delays. However, the village of Brockport and businesses do not currently receive any financial relief from these fines, as Albany collects them directly.

In the letter, officials ask Governor Hochul to instead direct the fines to a relief fund for the benefit of businesses in need of assistance. The proposed fund is described as a way to not only enforce accountability as the fines do now, but also to benefit businesses in need of assistance.

The letter specifically references that businesses on Main Street have been experiencing hardship. According to the letter, Sarah Bonzyck of the Lift Bridge Bookstore reported to officials that the business experienced a 50% decrease in revenue due to the project. Additionally, another Brockport business reportedly transitioned from primarily in-person sales to conducting 80% of its sales online to sustain itself as several others relocated or closed due to losses.

The letter was signed by Brockport Mayor Ben Reed, Monroe County Legislator Jackie Smith, State Senator Robert G. Ortt, and State Assemblymember Steve Hawley.

The full letter can be read below: