Closing Bolles Hill Road Bridge for two or more years or forever? Can you make a pledge to keep it open? Bolles Hill Road (BHR) Save the Bridge Campaign

Title - Closing Bolles Hill Road Bridge for two or more years or forever?  Can you make a pledge to keep it open?  Bolles Hill Road (BHR) Save the Bridge Campaign

To the residents of Bolles Hill Road, Mead Road, Pleasant View Drive, Apalachin, Little Meadows, and local business -- HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps you all remember the discussions in 2010 regarding the closure of the Bolles Hill Bridge in Little Meadows, PA.  Little Meadows (LM) said that State funding would be available for a permanent bridge in 2011.  Although the State funding will cover the majority of the bridge cost LM has to come up with approx. 45k for made promises that in 2011 the "PERMANENT" bridge would to go in.

That bridge is slated to be removed in SEPTEMBER 2011 by order of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).  Little Meadows Borough Council has yet to fully commit to the permanent replacement bridge this year because of funding issues due to the unexpected storm damage to other Borough roads and bridges sustained this year with an already tight budget. 

In trying to come up with the shortfall LM contacted the Town of Owego, NY for 10k in assistance but the Town of Owego rejected this request.  That leaves the possibility of replacement in jeopardy which means the residents and local businesses need to come up with $10,000 to cover the cost of the loan payment for the first two years of the 10 year loan.

We are already at over $1,000 due to two Little Meadows representatives promised contributions and a personal commitment by one NY resident.  

BUT.....what are the residents and their families, school buses, fire, ambulances and friends going to do without the Bolles Hill Bridge??  The alternate routes are not even close to a good option!  If you have not done so recently; travel Harnick and Gaylord roads.  Imagine Mid-Winter or after a heavy rain or even late at night.  Traveling that road is scary without extreme weather conditions.  While you are using your imagination, think about your need for fire personnel or an ambulance.

I see the need for the full $10,000 to be pledged. 

Timeframe to organize the - BHR Save the Bridge Campaign –

July 30^th - Aug 15^th – Communicate the need, spread the word, and begin to collect pledges.

Aug 16^th- Aug 22^nd – Continue to spread the word and collect the pledges.  Determine the proper method for accepting the funds and transfer to legitimate account.

Ongoing – report progress to goal with donors and LM.

Pledge form for - BHR Save the Bridge Campaign Pledge Form

The pledges will be due to be paid in full during the month of September 2011. 

CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION (Your personal information is kept confidential)

Last Name: ________________________________, First Name: _______________________________

MI: ____

Street Address: ___________________________________ City: ____________________ State ___ Zip

_______

Telephone Numbers: Home (______)_____________________ Work:

(______)__________________________

E-mail

I would prefer that this contribution and/or my name be kept confidential. Thanks
I wish to keep this pledge anonymous. (Name and address)	yes	no
I wish to keep my pledge amount confidential. (amount)	yes	no
DONATIONS
A ONE-TIME DONATION, IN THE AMOUNT OF:
$5,000  $2,500  $1,000  $ 500  $100  $50  Other: $______________________

Pledges can be made by email rgemmel@stny.rr.com or by phoning Bob at 607-625-5821, or mail to: Bob Gemmel 2876 Bolles Hill Road, Apalachin, NY  13732

Fine print: Contributions to the BHR Save the Bridge Campaign may or may not be deemed charitable.  Please consult your accountant for any clarifications prior to making   pledge.

What to do next-

• Please consider the impact the bridge closing will have on you and your family
• Please make the best pledge that you feel comfortable making
• This is a one-time only, very short campaign – make your pledge ASAP - by Aug 15^th
• Any other ideas and volunteer of your time and efforts to contact and collect pledges from local business and residents is appreciated.