Town officials in South Bristol are launching a new public forum series aimed at tackling some of the community’s most pressing challenges, starting with broadband access.
The first event, titled “How Can South Bristol Expand Broadband Access?”, is scheduled for Monday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at South Bristol Town Hall on West Gannett Hill Road. The session is free and open to the public.
Organizers say the Community Conversations series is designed to bring residents, local leaders, and subject-matter experts together to discuss long-term solutions on key issues. Broadband was selected as the first topic due to ongoing gaps in service across the town, particularly in more rural and difficult-to-reach areas.
While Ontario County reports that about 1.5 percent of homes remain unserved, local officials say South Bristol accounts for a disproportionate share of those households. Nearly 12 percent of homes in the town are considered unserved or underserved, highlighting what leaders describe as a persistent digital divide.
The April 20 panel will feature representatives from across the broadband and digital inclusion space, including Dan Marcellus of SkyPort IT, Dave Wolff of Broadband for All/ADK Action, Gabrielle LaBare of the Finger Lakes Digital Inclusion Coalition, and Bob VanDelinder of Empire Access. The discussion will focus on the importance of reliable internet access, challenges tied to terrain and infrastructure, and potential funding strategies that avoid placing additional strain on local taxpayers.
Town officials say the broader goal is to involve residents in shaping a long-range plan to expand broadband service to every household. Future forums in the series are expected to address other local issues, including the Ontario County Landfill closure and environmental protection efforts tied to area waterways.
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