Brighton · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Town of Brighton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Monroe Avenue Corridor Redesign
The state DOT is planning major roadway enhancements along Monroe Avenue from the city line to Pittsford, including a road diet, bike lanes, and intersection updates. The town pushed successfully to host public information meetings locally, with an open house scheduled for January 20th.
Public Safety
The board was scheduled to set a public hearing on lowering the speed limit to 25 mph on certain town streets — a safety measure that could slow traffic in residential neighborhoods.
Assessment Accuracy and Assessor's Office Staffing
Resident Sherry Dampier flagged a 71% jump in assessor's office spending — the largest of 31 departments — plus stipends, outside appraisal firms and a $275,000 multi-year reassessment plan paid entirely from operating funds. She asked for a separate revaluation account and use of the reassessment reserve; the supervisor promised to review the accounting.
2027 Employee Benefits Renewals
The board was scheduled to lock in 2027 health, dental, vision, retiree Medicare and flexible spending plans for town employees. These contracts are a major driver of the town's costs — one reason the tax cap override is on the table.
Town Hall Renovation Project Change Order
Residents from the Roselawn neighborhood raised concerns about the lack of public input regarding the Town Hall renovation project, particularly the placement of recreational amenities like the pool, splash pad, and parking. Council members discussed ways to improve community outreach and transparency for major capital projects.
Sylvan Road signage safety
Resident Ben Masters says stacked and mis-placed dead-end signs near his house cause drivers to brake and U-turn in his driveway, contrary to state MUTCD guidance. The board and highway staff agreed to consider a freestanding dead-end sign about 150 feet before the Seminole intersection.
Buckland Creek blockage and private drive services
Resident Steve Miller asked the town to remove a large tree fallen across Buckland Creek behind his Elmwood Avenue property before it causes flooding, and to reconsider the private-drive designation that denies his four-house street debris pickup. The board agreed to investigate both.
25 mph speed limits on Lochdeville-area streets
A November 24 hearing will consider 25 mph limits on Lochdeville Boulevard, Senator Keating Way and Rue Deville, following a neighborhood walk audit. Residents hope slower speeds will calm cut-through traffic to the medical offices.
2027 Town Budget and Tax Cap Override
The board adopted the 2027 town and special district budgets and a local law letting the town exceed the state tax cap, blaming double-digit health insurance and benefit increases. Residents will see the results in next year's tax bill; the override permits but doesn't require exceeding the cap.
Legal Dispute
Brighton is facing a federal lawsuit from the American Center for Law and Justice over its decision to ban a Christmas nativity display. Local taxpayers are now looking at a potentially pricey First Amendment legal battle.
Lehigh Valley Trail Grant Funding
The town received a $1.4 million state grant to make major upgrades to the Lehigh Valley Trail, including resurfacing and drainage improvements.