Updated 11/21/2008 06:43 AM
Truckers threaten protest on Skaneateles
SKANEATELES, N.Y. -- The state wants to keep garbage trucks off smalls roads and keep them on major highways like the state Thruway. But some trucking groups say it's not a good idea. They say one community is behind it all.
"This wouldn't have gotten this far if this task force didn't get these people involved," said Mohawk Valley Truckers and Citizens United Director Vincent Gramuglia.
The Upstate Safety Task Force, based in Skaneateles, has been actively lobbying for these kind of regulations. And the Village of Skaneateles recently got a $20,000 grant to buy their Police Chief a truck enforcement unit, which Gramuglia says adds fuel to the fire.
"By him getting that enforcement vehicle, they think it's going to scare the trucks away, it's not going to scare the trucks away," said Gramuglia.
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
Now Gramuglia says his group wants the task force to halt the regulations by Tuesday at 3 p.m. or else he says 300 truckers will invade the Village of Skaneateles on Black Friday.
"I want these people to put a freeze on the regulations, okay, let's get back out to the negotiating table and come up with a fair solution for my truckers," said Gramuglia.
But Skaneateles say they're not going to budge.
"We're not pleased that they're going to do this, but it's not really a negotiable item," said Upstate Safety Task Force President Barbara Clary.
"I support the regulations that New York State DOT have in draft form at this moment," said Skaneateles Village Mayor Bob Green.
Mayor Green says the protest will send the wrong message. He thinks Skaneateles is being singled out. Mayor Green also says Skaneateles is working to put contingency plans in place for next Friday.