The Boondocks blog, No. 67 for the week starting May 5, 2008.
Why New Scotland Needs A Development Moratorium
Aubertine Speaks Up Against ATV Trail Closings
Bush Administration Takes Aim at National Parks Gun Ban
Regional market set for big year
Strong Opposition to the Shopping Center
Can M-U-D Really Spell M-O-N-E-Y?
New Scotland: Moratorium, No Vision?
NYRA mulls switch to synthetic surfaces at tracks
New Scotland Enacts Commercial Zoning Moratorium
New Scotland for Sound Economic Development Preservation
Farm Bill conference Report Called "Mixed Bag"
Energy looks at high energy prices and our future.
Enviroman looks at man and the environment.
Hayseeds looks at politics and life in our nation.
Individual looks at myself and how I'm changing
Outblog is all about my outdoor experiences.
Transit looks at the changing ways we get around.
Truck gives you stories and trips in my Ford Ranger.
This letter posted to Terri's Farm Blog explains exactly why New Scotland should be taking time to decide on the future of this town, particularly like when the mega-shopping center is proposed for the Bender Mellon fields.
NS4SED - URGENT!
Thursday, May 1, 2008Dear Friends and neighbors of the Town of New Scotland, New York,
New Scotland Town Board members Rich Reilly, Peg Neri, and Deb Baron have not committed to vote for a moratorium. As such, we are concerned that we don’t have the votes to enact the proposed six-month moratorium. Furthermore, we expect that most of the Planning Board, chaired by Bob Stapf, will vote to advise that a moratorium is NOT needed at this time.
So, we need your help:
1) Please contact your Town Board members to urge enactment of a moratorium!
We’ve heard that some members of the board are unimpressed with the nearly 700 residents that have turned out at recent meetings and are unconvinced that those who shown up represent the ‘real’ feelings of the community. We also hear that they seem to be counting lawn signs and emails received, and are not impressed with the numbers. So we need to show them otherwise.
An email to the board is easily composed - let them know that you are concerned by the size of Sphere’s retail proposal (it will be the fourth-largest mall in the Capital Region) and its unavoidable impacts on our community - impacts such as traffic and loss of community character. Remind them that the County Planning Board advised enactment of a moratorium, agreeing with concerned residents that the only way for our town to assert control over development at this site is to halt such large-scale retail development proposals and fix our zoning laws to match the intent of our Comprehensive Plan.
New Scotland Town Board:
Tom Dolin, Supervisor: tdolin@townofnewscotland.com
Richard Reilly, Deputy Supervisor: reillyrc@yahoo.comDeborah Baron, Councilperson: deebee@nycap.rr.com
Peg Neri, Councilperson: neri5@aol.com
Douglas LaGrange, Councilperson: cdlagrange@aol.comNew Scotland Planning Board:
Robert Stapf, Chair: rjstown@yahoo.com
Kevin Kroencke: kkroenck@nycap.rr.comCynthia Elliot: ckelandsurveyor@aol.com
Lorraine Tuzzolo: lorraine.tuzzolo@albanycounty.com
Chuck Voss: brittanyhollow@aol.com
Elizabeth Stewart: bethstewart2005@hotmail.com
Robert Smith: no email
Jo Ann Davies (Alternate): jad@nycap.rr.comPlease send us a copy of your correspondence: ns4sed@yahoo.com
2) Please attend the Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 7th at 7:00 PM at Voorheesville High School, Rt 85-A!
The Performing Arts Center has 742 seats. We need to fill them. And when the hearing begins, we encourage everyone to make a statement that lets the Town Board know that we want - and expect - that they will do right by our community by enacting a moratorium on large-scale retail development. We need to demonstrate that support for this moratorium is community-wide.
Please join your neighbors and fellow residents at this meeting. Bring your spouse or partner or neighbor. Bring all your neighbors! We need you all there to make sure the right action is taken.
Tell us you are coming at info@ns4sed.com and check out our website at http://www.ns4sed.com for more information on this project.
3) Sign our Petition in support of a moratorium!
We are finishing up our petition drive, and welcome your signature if we have not crossed paths with you. Collectively, our signatures represent the support for a moratorium that some on the Town Board apparently feel is not community-wide.
We have blank petitions available at our website, and encourage you to download one, add your signature(s), and share it around your neighborhood. You can return your filled-out petition - whether one name or twenty - at drop boxes located throughout the community (and identified on the form). We’d like your signature by Sunday, May 4th so we can prepare them for delivery to the Town Board.
Here is a link to the petition - just print, sign, and drop off: http://www.ns4sed.com/images/stories/documents/Petition.pdf
And a word of thanks to all who have helped with the petition effort and to those who have signed; it has been great to meet you and discuss the need for a moratorium.
Please forward this email to neighbors, family and friends. We need to get word out as widely as possible that enactment of a moratorium is needed, but not yet assured, by our Town Board.
Sincerely,
New Scotlanders for Sound Economic Development (NS4SED)
http://www.ns4sed.com
info@ns4sed.comPSSST! Need a “Moratorium YES!” sign for your lawn? Let us know via the email address above!
Please forward email.
NS4SED | P.O. Box 163 | Voorheeville | NY | 12186
It's important to take action now!
From the Syracuse News 10 Cable:
State Senator Darrel Aubertine is speaking out about the DEC's decision to close ATV trails in Lewis, Jefferson and Oswego Counties. Aubertine said the decision cuts off a vital segment of the economy in the Tug Hill region.
Aubertine goes on to say that closing the trails has effectively halted efforts to create a safe and well maintained trail system stretching from Oswego to Barnes Corners in Lewis County.
According to a study by Camoin Associates of Saratoga Springs, non-resident ATV riders contributed as much as $35 million to the regional economy.
The DEC closed the trails last month because they were not in accordance with the state vehicle and traffic law.
Video linked from Aubertine against ATV trail closings on News 10 Now.
Aubertine sent out this press release:
Sen. Aubertine Urges DEC to Open Truck Trails to ATVs
Safe, well-maintained trails bring in $35 million annually
Local ATV leadership must help mitigate environmental concernsALBANY—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) has called upon the leadership of the state Department of Conservation to reverse its decision to reclassify truck trails in Jefferson, Oswego and Lewis counties as roads.
Mr. Aubertine followed up recent talks with Commissioner Alexander B. “Pete” Grannis, by reiterating in a letter his strong opposition to DEC’s actions in regard to the closing of 52 truck trails to ATV traffic. The senator emphasized the economic impact of ATV tourism in his region and neighboring counties and the negative impact of the DEC actions.
“Like snowmobilers in the winter, ATV riders in the spring and summer make large contributions to the Tug Hill region’s economy,” Sen. Aubertine said. “We need to ensure that riders have safe and well-maintained trails so the impact on our roadways and the environment is minimized. The local ATV leadership has shown a willingness to address concerns about this vital industry’s environmental impact.”
An economic analysis done several years ago by Camoin Associates of Saratoga Springs found that non resident ATV use directly contributes $23 million to the region’s economy, including $7.9 million in wages. When factoring indirect and induced economic impacts, the numbers jump to $35.2 million and almost $11.4 million in wages.
“Because Region 6 has not had this classification before this year, it had grown into a sanctuary in New York State for ATV riders,” Sen. Aubertine said. “The counties that benefit have trail coordinators to oversee these areas and mitigate concerns so that the economic benefits of this tourism can be shared by all. We must have these truck trails opened to legal ATV traffic again.”
The Senator asked the DEC to look into opening the most important trails as soon as possible. The local trail coordinators have put together a comprehensive report on these trails and indicated to the DEC which ones were most critical to the ATV tourism industry. Mr. Aubertine said the DEC should open 6 critical trails and another dozen of the more important links within the fledgling ATV trail system.
“I intend to stay on top of this issue and I hope Mr. Grannis will take into account the impact of this decision,” Sen. Aubertine said. “We would like him to act quickly, remembering the history of ATV tourism in this region, its impact and the steps taken by the counties here to oversee the trails. We can work together to resolve this issue.”
Sen. Aubertine will follow up his letter to Commissioner Grannis by meeting with Oswego County ATV Club President Steve Cronk, Jefferson County Trail Coordinator Scott Burto, Jefferson County Soil & Water Executive Director Brian J. Wohnseidler and Lewis County Trail Coordinator Robert C. Diehl on May 9.
The leaders in the ATV community expressed their support for Sen. Aubertine’s efforts:
“It’s good to have the Senator voice his opinion. We appreciate his support and the work he’s done to address this issue. This issue goes far beyond the boundaries of any single senate district or political party,” said Lewis County Coordinator Robert Diehl. “It’s about the recreation destination we have become and the economic benefits that keep our communities alive during the summer tourism season. There is a reason that Region 6 was the last DEC Region with ATV access on its Truck Trails.”
“As President of the Oswego County ATV Club, we are happy to have Senator Aubertine speak out in support of our region’s ATV issues, and show his concern and willingness to work with us,” said Steve Cronk.
“It is encouraging to see all local politicians getting involved in the sensitive ATV issues that have widespread impacts to our region’s quality of life,” said Jefferson County Trail Coordinator Scott Burto. “We look forward to working with all of our politicians to resolve these regional ATV issues.”
Interesting.
“The Bush administration on Wednesday announced its intent to shoot down federal rules that prohibit individuals from carrying loaded firearms in U.S. national parks and wildlife refuges. The proposal would permit individuals to carry loaded and concealed weapons if permitted by state laws in the state where the park or refuge is located, a change many current and retired park rangers contend is unnecessary and potentially dangerous. ”
“Higher gas prices and a renewed hunger for locally grown food have wholesale food distributors and farmers anticipating a strong season at the Capital District Farmers Market this year, where the 75th season of the regional food trade hub begins today.”
From today's Times Union, a LtE on the proposed shopping center in New Scotland.
Ever since Sphere Development stated its plans to build a large-scale commercial development in New Scotland, our town has been roused into action like never before. In great opposition to building a 750,000-square-foot shopping center in our small town, more than 400 people have come out to two meetings the Town Board has held. A group has formed to call for a large-scale building moratorium to provide the Town Board time to consider the consequences of weak zoning laws. A petition campaign is under way to ensure that all our board members understand their constituents' feelings on this matter.
Professional consultants, 43 organizations and concerned citizen groups all gave input to New Scotland's comprehensive land use plan, which reiterates building "in balance with the rural nature of the community" and limiting development to serving exclusively the needs of our town.
Given the state of the roads leading here, I'm not sure why Sphere would make such an inappropriate placement. Even worse than such a monstrosity operating here would be to endure an abandoned shopping mall when it proves unsustainable.
It just doesn't make sense. No matter what Sphere is promising, commercial development that is utterly out of scale with our town infrastructure will irretrievably change the character of our beloved town. As the comprehensive plan makes clear, we just can't accept this. And we won't.
Thanks to Supervisor Tom Dolin and board member Doug LaGrange for supporting a moratorium. I urge the rest of the board members to vote for one.
I also urge everyone to come to the Wednesday public hearing at the Performing Arts Center in New Scotland and show your support for the moratorium.
Read Much opposition to proposed shopping center in the Times Union.
“In Vermont, mud season is the limbo between winter and spring, when the snow melts, the crocuses start peeking through and rubber boots and low gears are needed to navigate the mess that takes over many roads and fields.”
“Under order of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court, the Lewis Family Farm Inc. paid $50,000 Monday to the Essex County Clerk's Office. ”
That's what's Terri's concerns on her Farm Life blog:
The Town of New Scotland now has a Moratorium. As much as it was obvious the majority of the Town did not want a big box store, the real vision for the town is not as obvious (to me, anyway).
It is time to get those ducks-in-a-row, and figure out a plan for the future, albeit there is no way to please all the people all the time. It will be a true test of communication and working together; the opportunity is there and it will be fascinating to watch what becomes of it.
Short of all the Town’s people pooling their funds and buying the property to proclaim it forever ‘farmland’, I think that finding success stories from similar situations is the way to go. And yes, they do exist.
Read Okay, New Scotland gets a Moratorium on the TU Farm Life Blog.
“ "I'll never go back when they have them out there, hopefully they don't invade New York because it's going to change the whole game," Dutrow said. "It's something that we don't need." ”
In an effort to get there house in order prior to taking up the massive development proposed by Sphere Developers, they have decided to enact a commercial development moratorium in their town. It was a packed meeting, full of people in suits (like myself), people in Carharts, and everything in between. There where hundreds of pickup trucks, cars, and other vechicles parked on every imaginable spot on the grass of the high school. The auditorium was so full that it was far beyond the fire safe limits, and crowds where piled out into the hall.
The New Scotland Town Board voted unanimously in support a little after 10 PM to past the zoning moratorium. This was after 3 hours of passionate public comment in favor of the moritorium. Only one town resident out of well over 100 speakers spoke in opposition.
The meeting started a little after 7 PM. I was late as I got stuck in the earlier meeting at City Hall regarding the landfill (see this week's Enviroman Blog for details). The developer, Sphere Development stated why they where opposed to the moratorium—suggesting the town was locking them "up in jail" for being a bunch of out of towners, and that there proposal was sustainable.
The opposition by New Scotlandlers for Sound Economic Growth was much better. They showed the enormous scale of the project. It would be the forth largest mall in the Capital Region, bigger then all of the shopping plazas in Bethlehem combined. It was absurdly big, and they would argue to accommodate it would require a 4 lane road, carved deeply through Slingerlands and other areas without the right of way to build it.
New Scotland for Sound Economic Growth had a massive presentation, well organized, with many speakers including Bethlehem Mayor Jack Cuttingham and former Assemblyman Bob Prentis, who now lives in New Scotland. Prentis was particularly funny, and kept referring to the board as "Mr. Speaker". Only one speaker from the town briefly spoke in opposition to the moratorium. He was concerned about potential lost tax revenue and what it would say to business.
I was surpised not to hear more opposition. The Town Planning Board the previous night unanimously opposed this act, claiming that it took power from the planning board which could adequately address the proposal with existing laws. In other words, they didn't want to give up power. Planning board members are appointed for fixed terms, and do not serve at the pleasure of the town board, so they are free to express whatever opinions that they want. Some of the Planning Board appointments are older the current Town Board, which was recently elected.
People where understandbly quite angry and tense at the meeting after the previous night. But they where happy when their electeds did what they had hoped. It's not that surpising, as both the Town Supervisor/Democratic Leader Tom Dollan, Boardman/Republican Leader Doug LaGrange was previously on the record as supporting it. It sure made voters feel good that their elected where listening to them at the end of the night.
I decided not to speak. I felt most of the people who lived in the town had already said almost anything that needed to be said on the proposal. Let's hope that over the next 6 months that the town board will decide on the rules for development, and make good choices for the future of the town.
They put together an excellent presentation on the downside of this absurdly large shopping mall proposed for the Bender Mellon fields off Route 85A.
The associated audio is also online which explains it a little better.
It's great news to see this now defeated.
From the Environmental Defense Press Release:
The 2008 farm bill conference report appears to include important new investments in conservation, but will not do enough to meet the growing need to expand and improve conservation programs, or to reform our antiquated system of farm subsidies, according to Environmental Defense Fund (E°F).
While the full text of the conference report is not available, E°F cited the $4 billion in new outlays for conservation programs announced by conferees during a news conference this afternoon as an important step forward, but it is still insufficient to meet farmer demand. Since enactment of the 2002 farm bill, $13.5 billion in requests for conservation assistance from almost half a million farmers and ranchers have gone unfunded.
“The good news is that conference committee members recognized the need to boost conservation funding at a time when very high commodity prices are increasing pressure on our land, water, and important wildlife habitat,” said Sara Hopper, an attorney with E°F who was a staff member of the Senate Agriculture Committee during the 2002 farm bill. “The bad news is that this new funding falls short of what’s needed to provide farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners with the resources they need to help us solve some of the nation’s biggest environmental problems.”
E°F also criticized the House-Senate conference committee for increasing, rather than decreasing, farm subsidies.
Read Farm Bill conference Report Called "Mixed Bag" on ENS-News.
From the article:
We appear to be right up on it- a farm bill will probably pass Congress before May 16th. It appears the deals are (almost) done. All that remains are few contentious issues, and we're not all that concerned with how those turn out because all of the options on the table, frankly, stink like a hog lagoon in mid-August.
So while we haven't seen the final language of the entire farm bill, we have a pretty good idea of where everything stands. There are wins, and there are losses, but perhaps more important is to remember where we are and where we came from.
Two years ago, when I started working at the Center for Rural Affairs, there was an uncertain aura around the Farm Bill. Nobody really knew what all could be accomplished, but we definitely knew that there was going to be intense public interest in the bill, more than ever before. The Michael Pollan effect was multiplying rapidly. There was a general consensus that good things could be done, but questions about how much we could actually succeed at.
Read This Farm Bill Needs a Veto Report from Center for Rural Affairs.
