LIMESTONE, N.Y. — The mystery behind the two sets of cameras set up along U.S. Route 219 in Limestone was revealed Monday by a New York State Department of Transportation official who said he believes the cameras are owned by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
In response to the claim, a spokesperson for Homeland Security said the agency could neither “confirm or deny” ownership of the cameras.
The cameras were installed on utility poles in the northbound and southbound lanes of the interstate near the Bailey Drive intersection several weeks ago, according to town of Carrollton officials.
Town councilman James Rounsville said the cameras were installed by workmen using a platform truck. The activity blocked a lane of traffic and took a few days to complete. Rounsville said town officials were not notified about the installation of the cameras or their purpose. Consequently, they assumed it was an activity conducted by a state agency, such as the New York State Police or Department of Transportation.
Gary Holmes, director of communications with the Department of Transportation in Albany, said Homeland Security contacted his agency some time ago to obtain a permit for the installation of the cameras.
“Our part of this process was the permitting process,” Holmes explained. “That’s the extent of the involvement here.”
He said he was not informed of the purpose of the cameras, and was uncertain if there are other Homeland Security cameras set up along other sections of interstate highways in the area.
Karen Wisniewski, an agent with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Buffalo, said the agency couldn’t comment on the devices.
“If (the cameras) did belong to us, I wouldn’t be able to comment on it,” she said. “And at this point, I can’t confirm or deny that they are ours.”
She noted that there is also a New York State Department of Homeland Security agency in Buffalo, which may be adding to the confusion on the matter. Holmes had stated, however, that “all indications pointed us back to the federal level” for the permit request.
Ownership of the cameras also had been denied by trooper James O’Callaghan, Troop A public information officer, for the state police. He had noted the cameras would not be an adequate method to clock the speed of motorists traveling through the reduced 40 mph speed zone.
When contacted about the updated information on the cameras, Rounsville said town officials still have received no information on the cameras.
Rounsville said he has heard from town and area residents who continue to be curious about the placement of the cameras.
“People have been asking questions all the time, but we haven’t had an answer,” Rounsville said.
