Sharp’s Pond, The Mayor’s Plan

FULTON – Sharp’s pond was brought back up at the last city council meeting because it was on the DPW’s meeting agenda last month and a point of interest on Facebook. I asked Mayor Rice’s ideas and thoughts on the issue.

In December after the election, Don Patrick, President of the Common Council and 3rd Ward Councilor and the Mayor identified the pond as something that could be done. “The public wants to see something is getting done” said Mayor Rice.

It is obvious, the Pond is unsightly and the building and fencing are in disrepair. The Mayor added, “There are people hanging out where they shouldn’t be. During the DPW Meeting on January 23^rd, we decided to do something about Sharp’s pond because it can’t look that way anymore.”

That “something” is not a pond. The plan is to take down the fencing and building and make a rolling stream. Unfortunately, the public won’t be able to fish in or skate on the pond, like in years past. It will obviously look better, and offers the possibility to create a park for the public to use. “As it is, Nobody wants to go down there now” Mr Rice added. 

There is still $150,000 set aside for Sharp’s Pond. The issue is that costs today are higher than in 2019. “I know there are people who want the Pond to go back to the way it used to be, but that’s like saying, ‘let’s rebuild Nestle’s again’.” the mayor said.  He isn’t sure if the DEC would even permit it. To make a pond out of it again the cost would probably be more than twice that of making it a stream. 

Maybe the stream is a quick fix, but it is a more attractive option than what exists on the site now. At this point, it is turning into an undesirable location in Fulton. “We’ve got to do something. It sat too long.” the mayor said. 

The $150,000 price factored in the city’s labor force. The current skillset of the city’s labor force isn’t the same as in 2019. There is not as much experience available now. That is part of the issue with the costs being higher than in 2019.

Don Patrick added, “I don’t think it would be legal.” When asked about making it a Pond again. Mr. Patrick said, “I remember seeing a bird’s eye photo of Fulton, and you could see all the swimming pools in people’s backyards.” Mr. Patrick told me. To make it a Pond again for families to swim in, you need to put sand around it, a lifeguard on duty, which is hard to find, or put up signs ‘Swim at your own risk’ and the city still has liability. With so many residents already having swimming pools, it’s not the best idea. Making it a stream again can take 6 to 8 weeks. Reintroducing the Pond does not happen that fast. The mayor and Mr. Patrick feel the public wants to see something moving forward in Fulton. Turning Sharp’s Pond into a rolling stream is something that can be done.

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