Motorists, pedestrians alerted about former Canton McDonald's cleanup work Monday

BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Beginning Monday, Nov. 28, motorists driving and pedestrians walking in the vicinity of the former downtown McDonald’s restaurant need to be alert.

Mayor Michael Dalton wants the public to be aware that excavation and contamination cleanup work at the 64 Main Street property has been approved by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and work is expected to begin Monday.

“All work will be performed on site but truck traffic will increase in the area as contaminated soil is removed and suitable fill is brought in to replace it. The goal is to get started before the frost sets in,” stated Dalton.

There will be trucks and equipment on site moving in and out of the Miner Street entrance and parking areas.

“Please use caution when traveling in or around this area,” Dalton said.

Both the village and town have been waiting for the contamination cleanup before finalizing the purchase agreement with McDonald’s Corporation of Delaware.

In August 2021, the town and village reached an agreement for joint acquisition of the downtown property. The purchase price was $295,000 with a $25,000 down payment that will go toward the purchase price. The cost will be equally shared between the town and village.

The 64 Main Street property has been for sale since McDonald’s closed in 2015. McDonald’s has owned the current parking area adjacent to the Canton Municipal Building since opening downtown in 1977. Ownership of the parking lot is part of the transaction.

Town and village officials have been examining what the future holds for the municipal building. Updates to the building are needed and space has become congested.

Opening up the former McDonald’s parcel could allow for expansion or additional parking.