Newly elected town board members and other town officials will be sworn in at the Town Board's Organizational Meeting, which will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, January 5th at Town Hall.  All are welcome to attend.

Following a public hearing during which all residents present expressed concern, the Town Board voted 4-1 to enact a law creating an adult entertainment zone on both sides of Route 209 between Queens Highway and Boice Mill Road.  Only one adult entertainment business is permitted per 6,000 feet, which means that only one business will be permitted along the stretch of road.  

In its last meeting before newly-elected officials take office on January 1^st, the Rochester Town Board will hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment of the town’s laws to allow for an Adult Entertainment Zone in the Town.  The proposed zone will include the section  of Route 209 between Queens Highway and Boice Mil Road and was dramatically reduced after public opposition to the original plan, which also included a section of Route 209 near Kyserike Road, near the entrance to Rondout Valley Schools.  The hearing will take place at 4:30 pm on Monday, December 29, 2003 at Town Hall.  All interested persons are encouraged to attend.

A man who overdosed on heroin and was then dragged into an empty motel room recovered to accuse those who sold him the drugs, police said.
State police and local EMT's were alerted to the overdose by a 911 call and rushed the man to a hospital Thursday. After recovering, the man told police he shot heroin at an apartment attached to the Chelsea Motel in Wawarsing on Route 44/55.
The next day, police charged the motel proprietor, Kira Eck, 37, and her boyfriend, Todd Kantor, 34, with several drug charges.
The victim said that after he overdosed, the two suspects dragged him into an empty room, scraping and bruising his body.
Police obtained a search warrant Friday and found a small amount of heroin in Eck's apartment, police said.
Eck and Kantor face charge of criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, and several misdemeanors, including possession of a hypodermic needle, use of drug paraphernalia and assault.
The assault charge stems from minor injuries to the man when he was dragged.
They were arraigned before Wawarsing Town Justice Wayne Lonstein and sent to the Ulster County Jail in lieu of $20,000 bail or a $50,000 bond. (TH-Record 12/22/03)

 

Challenger Steve Schoonmaker defeated incument Ted Fina by a 2:1 margin in an election for a five-year term on the Accord Fire District’s Board of Fire Commissioners held on December 9^th.

The Ulster County Board of Elections released the certified election results for the November 4, 2003 general election:

 

Supervisor

Pam Duke           876            (Democrat & Rochester First)

Richard Gray          834          (Republican)

Harold Lipton          376          (Conservative)

 

Highway Superintendent

Wayne Kelder          1856

 

Town Justice

Albert Babcock III          1743 (Republican, Democrat & Conservative)

 

Town Councilman (two seats open)

Ron Santosky           1027          (Republican & Conservative)

Francis Gray             1007          (Democrat & Rochester First)

Steve Fornal            886          (Democratic, Independence & Rochester First)

Brian Drabkin            721          (Republican)

Leon Smith               315          (Conservative)

 

The historic Arrowhead Farm on Route 209 has been listed for sale by the Davis Family.  The property features 244 acres, Rondout Creek Frontage.   The asking price is $3 million. 

http://www.nutshellrealty.com/ezapp/idxsearch/ListingDetail.cfm?id=5689

The Town of Rochester Community Center will host a Community Thanksgiving Luncheon on Thursday, November 27^th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm.  All residents are welcome to join us for a delicious home cook turkey dinner with all the “fixin’s.”  The luncheon is free and open to all, but reservations are advised, please call 626-2115 for reservations.   [Take outs with delivery is available for those with special needs, please call by November 19^th]

Dear Editor,

I haven't heard anything about the Red Light amendments lately...but am grateful to the Blue Stone Press for printing all the details.

   I'm grateful to the Ulster County Zoning Board for returning the proposed amendment and suggesting several changes. I agree, of course, that separation

from schools, libraries, etc. should be added, and that greater restrictions should be placed on cabarets vs. bookstores, the space designated be limited

further, and that the amendment should be very detailed & very clear.    The suggestion about signage is so important that I think all signs on 209

should be restricted, not only the size, but number on the building & freestanding signs per establishment, height, distance from the actual roadway,

..even color, style & materials could be restricted. (Note the example of the gross sign just placed on the new shed-like building on 209 in Ellenville.) Signs

that are too tall obscure the beauty of our landscape, and signs that are too close to the road force people to walk in the roadway to get around them. Also,

condition of all signs should be considered...The recently painted sign at the Terrace Motel in Ellenville is a big improvement, but there is still another

rusty pile of metal that is an eyesore, giving the town a junky look to everyone driving up 209 toward Kingston.   

   C Hillman, Kerhonkson

Unofficial election results from the Ulster County Board of Elections indicate the following with all Rochester voting districts having reported.  Not all

absentee ballots have been received yet -- they are must be received by November 10th for civilians and one week later for military voters.  Absentee

ballots are, however, expected to break in favor of the Democratic challengers.  Official results are expected on November 13th.

 

Full results are available online at www.co.ulster.ny.us

 

*** indicates preliminary winner

+ indicates incument

 

Supervisor

Pamela Duke 833 *** (Democrat/Rochester First)

Richard Gray 822 (Republican)

+Harold Lipton 367 (Conservative)

 

Highway Supt.

+Wayne Kelder 1796 *** (Unopposed)

 

Town Justice

+Albert Babcock III 1685 *** (Unopposed)

 

Town Board

+Ron Santosky 1006 *** (Republican/Conservative)

Francis Gray 966*** (Democratic/Rochester First)

Steve Fornal 844 (Democratic/Rochester First/Independence)

+Brian Drabkin 711  (Republican)

Leon Smith 315 (Conservative)

 

Ulster County Legislator District 1

+Sue Cummings*** (Republican/Conservative)

Joe Stoeckeler*** (Democratic & others)

+Gerald Depew*** (Republican)

Theresa Hyatt*** (Democratic & others)

 

defeated

 

Mel Tapper (Republican & others)

Steve Krulick (Democratic & others)

Maureen Sheehan (Democratic)

+Edward Jennings (Republican)

 

 The county wide referendum in favor of reducing the size of the county legislature passed as did the referendum to move to single member districts after the 2010 census results.

 

Melange Art Studio, located in the former Pot Luck space on Main Street in Accord, is offering art classes.  The program is also looking for people interested in teaching at the studio.  Included in the course offerings is a five week Saturday class entitled, "Self Expression in Mixed Media" that begins on November 22 from 12:00 noon to 2:30 pm.  The course will focus on finding your individual style in your choice of media -- oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, charcoal, etc. working from still life, models, or photographs.  Develope sketches for paintings with focus on composition, light and color.  Beginner through advanced students are welcome from ages 13 and older.  The course fee is $50.00 payable in advance of the first class.  

 

Materials needed:

For the first class bring a general all purpose sketch pad 11x14 or larger and 2 pencils (4B & 6B) or a newsprint pad and charcoal pencils or charcoal

sticks. After the first class, we will determine what media each person will work in and what you will need for the next class.  If you wish to begin painting

right away, bring a small canvas (11 x 14) or larger and paints and brushes.  For those using watercolor you can purchase a watercolor pad or paper in a size

that you are comfortable working in. For beginners it is suggested that  you bring the general sketch pad and pencils and we can begin there.

A Saturday art class for younger students aged 6-12 will begin in January.  

 

For more information, please call instructor Roseanne Percivalle at 626-5712

WAWARSING - A Kerhonkson man was charged with setting a fire that destroyed a neighbor's home last week.

John J. O'Riley, 47, of 335 Upper Cherrytown Road, was charged Friday with felony arson.
State police at Ellenville said the charge against O'Riley came at the conclusion of an investigation into a suspicious residential fire that occurred at 336 Upper Cherrytown Road on the evening of Oct. 25. The house was destroyed in the fire though the residents were not at home at the time of the blaze, police said.

The family who was displaced from the home was put up at the Super 8 Motel in Kingston for three days by the American Red Cross, police said. Information on where the family is currently staying was unavailable.

O'Riley had been arrested immediately after the fire on charges of menacing and resisting arrest, both misdemeanors. Police said O'Riley, during an interview at police barracks, had menaced a trooper and resisted arrest. He was arraigned in Ellenville Village Court and sent to Ulster County Jail on $5,000 bail. He was charged with arson during a court appearance Friday in Wawarsing Town Court. After that arraignment he was sent back to the jail on $10,000 bail.  (Freeman 11/2/03)

 

Suspicious house fire investigated
Fire officials are investigating a suspicious fire that destroyed a house on Upper Cherrytown Road Saturday night.
Accord fire Chief Joe Bauer said the fire was called in by a neighbor at 7 p.m. The two-story house was engulfed with flames when firefighters arrived.
The house had been on fire for a while before firefighters were called. Bauer said the house is down a long, narrow driveway and not easily seen from the road, making it even more difficult for fire trucks to get in. Firefighters from Kerhonkson, Olive, Napanoch, Kripplebush and High Falls assisted Accord.
Firefighters were there until 12:30 yesterday morning cleaning up.
Bauer said the house appeared to be under renovation, but no one was living there at the time.
The fire is under investigation by the Ulster County Arson Task Force and state police in Ellenville. Further details were not available. (TH-Record 10-27-03)

 

 

An equipment failure at the Town of Wawarsing's sewage pump station in Kerhonkson sent about 10,000 gallons of raw sewage spilling into the Rondout Creek from Saturday through Monday.
Lt. Deming Lindsley, of the Department of Environmental Conservation police, said two pumps at the station at Main Street and Berm Road failed about 10 a.m. Saturday. The alarm system was either broken or turned off at the time.
With the pumps out of service, sewage began pouring into the nearby creek, which feeds into the Hudson River in Kingston.
Lindsley said a sewer department employee doing checks on Saturday noticed the main plant wasn't getting sewage from the Kerhonkson station. The worker checked Kerhonkson and tried to reset the pumps, but the system tripped again after 30 seconds.
The town is required to notify the DEC within 24 hours of a sewage discharge, Lindsley said, but that didn't happen.
"We found out about it from John Q. Public," Lindsley said. "A private citizen contacted us" on Monday. By Tuesday, the town had brought in three septic trucks to pump out the sewage, to prevent further discharges into the Rondout.
Yesterday, the DEC issued five tickets to the town: discharge of sewage without proper state pollutant discharge elimination system permits and contravention of water standards, misdemeanors; and three counts of violating the terms of the town's existing permit, a violation. Lindsley said the violations refer to failures to provide proper preventive maintenance, properly train workers or notify the DEC of the spill.
The DEC will handle the case through administrative measures, Lindsley said. The town is scheduled to answer the charges Nov. 13 at the DEC's regional headquarters in New Paltz. (TH-Record 10-31-03)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Annual Fire Commissioners Election for the Accord Fire District will take place on December 9, 2003 between the hours of 6 P.M. and 9 P.M. at CO. 1 & 2 fire houses, for the purpose of electing one (1) Commissioner for a five (5) year term commencing on January 1, 2004 and ending December 31, 2008. All duly registered residents of the Accord Fire District shall be eligible to vote. Candidates for the district office shall file their name in writing with the Secretary of the Accord Fire District, Alexander Chalm, P.O. Box 163, Accord, N.Y. 12404, no later than November 19, 2003. Alexander Chalm Fire District

 

 

"NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold a public hearing on the 18th day of November 2003, commencing at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Road, Accord, NY, on the following application: Taroh Holding Inc., c/o David OHalloran, 6 lot subdivision to be known as Water Falls Estates, Water Falls Road, Kerhonkson, Tax Map # 68.3-1-62, and in an A District of the Zoning Map. The above noted application and map are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearings may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at a workshop meeting on November 25, 2003 at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, (Freeman 11/4/03)

 

 

"NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold a public hearing on the 18th day of November 2003, commencing at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Road, Accord, NY, on the following application: Susan Jarvis, c/o Anthony Jarvis, Jr., Special Use Permit, fuel storage facility, 4236 Route 209, Accord, Tax Map# 69.3-2-17.11. The above noted application and map are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such hearings may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be canceled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at a workshop meeting on November 25, 2003 at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, Accord, NY." (11/4/03)

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE That the Town Board of the Town Rochester will hold a public hearing on the 2004 proposed budget on November 6, 2003 at 7:00pm at the Town Hall. Pursuant to Section 113 of Town Law, the proposed salaries of the following Town Officials are hereby specified as follows: Supervisor $19,000 Councilpersons (4 each at $4,250) $17,000 Town Clerk $34,200 Superintendent of Highways $37,248 The Town Board Meeting will immediately follow. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD Veronica I. Sommer Town Clerk/ Tax Collector/RMC (Freeman 10/27/03)

Dear Town of Rochester Residents:

 

Just over one-third of the patrons of the Stone Ridge Library live in the Town of Rochester.  However, only one-fifteenth of the $150,000 in funding that

the Library receives from towns comes from Rochester.  For a number of years the Library board has sought an increase to bring support from Rochester in line

with that of Marbletown without success. The Library board has reluctantly notified the Rochester town board that we will not be able to continue

contracting with Rochester to provide library services under the current arrangement.

 

Our Rochester patrons are an important part of the library community and we want to continue providing our services to you.  Thus, we will be returning to

a membership program for Rochester patrons similar to the one used for many years. As of January 1, 2004, Rochester residents can continue to receive a

Stone Ridge Library card and full services for an annual fee of $40 per household.  There will be a student membership for $25 per year.  On November 1 of this

year Rochester residents may begin signing up for their 2004 membership at the Library. With this membership, you will continue to be able to check out

books, request books and other materials online, use web-based databases and participate in programs such as the children's reading program just as before.

 

The general membership fee is approximately what a Marbletown household living in a modest home pays in library support.  We have worked closely with a

group of Rochester residents and Library patrons to find a system that comes close to parity between Rochester library users and Marbletown resident and which

will be straightforward for both patrons and the Library to understand and to use.

 

The Stone Ridge Library board and library staff look forward to serving the library needs of our many Rochester patrons for years to come.  We encourage

you to sign up for your membership before current cards expire on December 31.

 

On behalf of the Stone Ridge Library Board,

 

James Hoover

President

Metro Recycling

Mark Servidone, President

1364 Route 9

Castleton on Hudson, NY 12033

 

Re:  Mining on Queens Highway in Accord, NY

 

Dear Mr. Servidone:

 

I note that you have received the permit that you sought to reopen the mine on Queens Highway in Accord, NY.

 

You still have the option to not do that, however.  I hope you will take that option.  Whatever money you might make on this mine couldn’t possibly be worth the damage that the mining operation will surely cause in the lives of the people who live near it.

 

I understand that various reports regarding environmental impact, etc. have come back in your favor.  Nevertheless, it takes no studies at all to know for a fact that the mine will cause irreparable hurt to the people whose homes are nearby.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Cora R. Roth

Kerhonkson

Hi,

Re the proposed "adult entertainment" district...can we limit it even more?  Can it be place only away from: residences, churches, schools, sports arenas, and public parks?

Can it be limited to streets off of Rt 209, not on it...having such businesses on public view on 209 will give the town a reputation I don't think we would want.

 

Of course, I would rather such use be limited to Accord, but I suppose they would like it limited to Kerhonkson.... Don't we have any say in how this new law is written? I agree that we need some kind of limitation, but why don't we have something to say about that?

What can we do?

 

C Hillman, Kerhonkson

 

 

Dear Editor:

 

I recently picked up a flyer for the four Republican candidates for County Legislature from Wawarsing, Ellenville and Rochester. The curious thing about it was that they didn’t mention anywhere in the flyer that they were Republicans. What are they ashamed of?

 

Could it be the County Republicans’ dismal record in keeping expenses and taxes under control or their support of sweetheart deals such as the $70 million or $80 million or $90 million jail.  The multimillion dollar new probation building on Broadway complete with a (now toned down) copper roof, the multimillion dollar Person House restoration with no planned use, the overlooked Courthouse roof especially after a multimillion dollar building rehabilitation and the new West Hurley bridge facility that will keep taxpayers paying and paying.  And, what about the huge increase in county taxes last year and the increase in sales tax.  What about the re-districting fiasco, and the bogus agenda changes and all the closed door meetings?  Or, perhaps, it’s the shameful way they crammed the casino project down our throats – with no public hearings!

 

The Republicans have been in power far too long – witness Al Spada running unopposed for his 10^th four year term as County Clerk (unfortunately, the Democrats have allowed this to happen).  Certainly someone in Ulster County would have liked – and would have been more capable to handle such a plum of a job – high salary, minimal work and incredible benefits at Taxpayer expense.  There aren’t that many jobs like it in all of Ulster County.

 

How long has Sue Cummings been in office?  Is she really working FOR the people?  I think not.

 

It is WRONG for these public servants to be so blatantly abusive to the TAXPAYERS.  The closed door meetings, arrogant behavior, and fiscal irresponsibility must STOP.

 

Last night, Rochester had a “meet the candidates” night.  I was stunned that none of the candidates endorsed by the Republican Party showed up.  This deceitful, arrogant, immature behavior is deplorable.  Rick Gray can play with his horses at public events but he can’t even show his face when thousands of people’s lives and their quality of life is often at the mercy of elected public servants.  If an employee in private business behaves in such a disdainful manner, he would be fired.

 

Government in this area is completely out of control.  Does anyone feel like they are a part of what’s happening? Are our largest investments – our homes – being put in jeopardy by greedy, arrogant politicians?

 

I have been a registered Republican for 43 years.  I cannot vote for the Ulster County Republican Party.  I now also have to worry about government in my hometown.  I need to vote for people that I believe will represent me, my values and will fight for the quality of life that I so desire in Ulster County.

 

I hope all constituents will think very, very carefully about the “person” – not necessarily Party when they are pulling the voting lever.

 

We need open, honest leadership.  Remember democracy is government FOR the People, BY the People.  It is up to each and every one of us to keep it that way.

 

Make sure you get out to vote.  It is a precious privilege.

 

Ruth Bendelius

Accord

 

 

 

Where were the Republicans in Rochester?

 

     You can’t miss the fact that Election Day is nearing, signs and billboards for County and Town candidates are everywhere. So it would seem like logical thinking that ALL CANDIDATES would want to participate in a moderated “Meet the Candidates Night” forum in the Town of Rochester. Well, the Blue Stone Press thought enough of it to offer to host such an event. Their letters of invitation to the candidates were accepted by only the Democratic/Rochester First candidates and one other candidate. Citing a lack of attendance by ALL candidates the BSP withdrew their offer of sponsorship for the event.

     Some people in town felt strongly enough that this forum was the best way for the voters to ask ALL the candidates questions and sent word to ALL the candidates that they would like to hold the event without sponsorship (with the same moderated format as was originally presented by the Blue Stone Press ). An impartial moderator was contacted from out of town, the Firehouse was booked, and announcements posted around town. To ensure fairness to ALL candidates; all questions were to be put in writing by the audience members, approved by a representative for each candidate, and asked by the moderator. Sounds like a very fair, informative evening in which ALL candidates had the opportunity to express their views on the issues. Sounds like open government in action.

Except the Rochester Republicans didn’t show.

After agreeing to be a part of the forum, the Republican candidates withdrew just a few days before the event with no explanation. In fact, only the Democratic/ Rochester First candidates Pam Duke, Steve Fornal, Francis Gray, and one Conservative candidate, Harold Lipton, had enough respect for the voters to attend.

     Why didn’t the Republicans attend? I couldn’t ask them because they weren’t there. Were they afraid of having to face the voters in person and answer questions that might remind voters of their past inaction? Were they worried that voters would ask about their past lack of accountability to the residents? Is this some insight into how these candidates would govern our town….by not being available and not showing up? Doesn’t sound like people I’d want controlling my town government.

      I applaud Pam Duke, Steve Fornal, Francis Gray, and Harold Lipton for being accountable to the taxpayers by answering questions from the very people they are asking to vote for them. (The videotape of the event will be shown on Time Warner Cable Ch. 23 at 7pm on Mondays)

     That is why it’s time to change the face of Town of Rochester politics. It’s time to move forward and elect town officials who will govern for all residents. Elected officials who will listen to the residents, effectively working together to solve our town’s problems. Elected officials that will seek new and innovative ways to achieve fairness for all taxpayers. Elected officials that will seek out grants and apply for federal, state, and private funding.

Elected officials that will be accountable to the taxpayers.

Elected officials that will take responsibility for their actions.

Sound like logical thinking to you? Guess you must not be voting Republican this year.

 

Before voting November 4^th, please remember which candidates will be accountable to you. Please vote for the best candidates for Rochester government.

Please vote for Pam Duke, Steve Fornal, and Francis Gray on November 4^th. Candidates with respect for you, the taxpayer

 

Michael Baden

Kerhonkson

 

 

The Blue Stone Press has invited candidates for town office in the Town of Rochester to participate in a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Tuesday, October 14^th.  The forum will be moderated by Andrew Lutz and will take place at 7:00 pm at the Accord Fire House on Main Street in Accord.  The event is free and everyone is encouraged to attend. 

The DEC released its decision on Metro Recycling’s application to operate a 400 ton/hr rock crusher at its mine on Queens Highway.  The DEC determined that the issues raised by the Rochester Residents Association at the March 2003 Issues Conference were insufficient to prevent the issuance of the permit requested by Metro. 

 

The Rochester Residents Association will hold a neighborhood gathering to discuss the decision and further options.  Everyone is encouraged to attend. 

 

The event will be held at the home of Mark and Maria Lybolt, 11 Rock Mountain Estates, (Off Queens Hwy, approx. 1.2 miles from Route 209) on Saturday, September 27 from 4 to 6 pm.  Refreshments will be served and all are welcome.  For further information call 626-3285 or email: Resident@Accord-Kerhonkson.com

 

New Independent Political Party in Rochester

A group of voters in the Town of Rochester established a new political party in time for the November 4, 2003 town-wide elections.  Organizers of the new party, called “Rochester First” collected a sufficient number of signatures in a petition drive to ensure that the party will be included on the November ballot.

 

“We are extremely pleased by the overwhelming response to this new independent party.  Our town wants elected officials who will address our town’s needs in a non-partisan proactive way.” said Brinton Baker, one of the organization’s organizers.  “We exceeded the minimum number of required signatures by more than 50%,” Baker said.  “These signatures came from Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives and independents and represent a broad cross-section of our community.”

 

The party selected Pam Duke to be its candidate for Supervisor and Steve Fornal and Francis Gray to be its candidates for two seats on the Town Board.  Baker said, “we need elected officials who will take care of the basics and who have the capability to look at our town’s broader long-term needs.  I think that the Rochester First candidates fit that bill and we look forward to helping them get elected.”  For more information email: RochesterFirst@hotmail.com

The Kerhonkson Lions have installed a new slate of Officers for 2003-2004

Marge Carroll is the newly elected President and the first Lady Chairperson of the club in 55 years.

Dr. Bipin Bhavsar is the Vice President.

John C. Motzer is Secretary

A. Richard Terwilliger is the Treasurer, for the 25th Year.

Ed Lamon - Jack Macauley and Carlton Schoonmaker are the directors.

The Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. The 4th Thursday is a dinner meeting, held at the Log Cabin. Anyone interested in the club may come and listen in at the meeting.  The Lions Club is working on the rail trail and revitalization of the hamlet of Kerhonkson. Our sight and hearing projects are ongoing and our fundraisers support those efforts. Used Eyeglasses, hearing aides and cell phone batteries may be dropped at the Kerhonkson or Accord Post Offices.

Catskill Native Nursery has had enough interest to offer an encore of the following workshops:

Concrete Pavers/Stepping Stones- Sunday October 12th 10:30-12 Cost $55

Natural Soap Making- Saturday October 18th 10:30-12 Cost $25

Hypertufa Troughs- Sunday October 19th 10:30-12 Cost $55

Crazy Mosaics - Saturday October 25th 10:30-12 Cost $25

If you would like more details please go to www.catskillnativenursery.com or call  845-626-2758 or 626-3502 or write info@catskillnativenursery.com

 

A 26-year-old Kerhonkson man was shot in the leg after an argument with another man turned violent yesterday, police said.
The victim, Joshua Stuart of 12 Pine Lane, became embroiled in an argument with Jared Conklin, 22, of 44 Samsonville Road, in front of an Accord home early yesterday morning, state police troopers said.
Stuart punched Conklin, who immediately pulled out an unregistered 0.38-caliber revolver from his car trunk, police said. Stuart was shot once in his upper left leg; Conklin fled in his vehicle.
Police learned of the incident when Stuart was taken to Westchester Medical Hospital.
Conklin later surrendered to troopers at the Ellenville barracks. He will be arraigned on charges of first-degree assault, criminal use of a firearm, and criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies.
An investigation is continuing.

 

A 22-year-old Kerhonkson man was charged early Saturday with assault and other felonies after he shot a man in the left leg during a fight, police said.
Jared Conklin [of 44 Samsonville Road] is accused of wounding Joshua Stuart, 26, in the upper left leg during an early morning incident outside a home in Accord.
Stuart punched Conklin, and Conklin removed an unregistered .38-caliber revolver from his car trunk, shot Stuart and fled in his vehicle, state police in Ellenville said.
A short time later, Conklin surrendered to troopers at the Ellenville barracks.
State police found the weapon in the Town of Wawarsing.
Conklin will be arraigned on first-degree assault, first-degree criminal use of a firearm and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, all felonies.
Stuart was admitted to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla. (TH Record 9/14/03)

A New Paltz man drowned in a popular swimming hole after hitting his head on a rock ledge on his way down, Ulster County Sheriff's deputies said.
Don Marron Jr., 29, was transported to Benedictine Hospital, where he died.
Marron and a friend were at Rondout Creek Friday when Marron jumped and struck his head on a rock ledge, police said. His friend unsuccessfully tried to rescue him from the falls off Bruceville Road.
A witness called 911. The Ulster County Sheriff's Dive Team and the Ulster Hose Dive Team recovered Marron from the creek. State police, Marbletown Fire, Marbletown rescue and Mobile Life assisted. (TH-Record 9/14/03)

On September 4^th, the Rochester Town Board conducted a public hearing on a proposed moratorium on the creation of new or the expansion of existing multiple home trailer parks.  More than 80 people attended the hearing.  Many of the opponents to the moratorium came as the result of an inflammatory anonymous letter that was sent to owners of mobile/manufactured homes on single plots of land. Such homes were not the subject of the moratorium.  After a heated debate, the Town Board decided to table the discussion.  The moratorium was suggested by members of the Rochester Residents Association, who cited the need for a detailed tax and economic analysis of such multiple-unit rental parks.  The moratorium has been supported by numerous other groups, including the Town of Rochester Planning Board.  

A group of voters in the Town of Rochester established a new political party in time for the November 4, 2003 town-wide elections.  Organizers of the new party, called “Rochester First” collected a sufficient number of signatures in a petition drive to ensure that the party will be included on the November ballot.

 

“We are extremely pleased by the overwhelming response to this new independent party.  Our town wants elected officials who will address our town’s needs in a non-partisan proactive way.” said Brinton Baker, one of the organization’s organizers.  “We exceeded the minimum number of required signatures by more than 50%,” Baker said.  “These signatures came from Republicans, Democrats, Conservatives and independents and represent a broad cross-section of our community.”

 

The party selected Pam Duke to be its candidate for Supervisor and Steve Fornal and Francis Gray to be its candidates for two seats on the Town Board.  Baker said, “we need elected officials who will take care of the basics and who have the capability to look at our town’s broader long-term needs.  I think that the Rochester First candidates fit that bill and we look forward to helping them get elected.”  For more information email: RochesterFirst@hotmail.com

 

 

County legislator
District 1 – Marbletown, Rochester, Wawarsing
(Four seats)
Conservative
*Edward Jennings Jr. 36
*Susan Cummings 34
Joseph Stoeckeler Jr. 36
*Gerald DePew 39

 

The September 9 Conservative Party primary election was conducted as a result of a petition drive by Republican candidate Mel Tapper to have his name placed on the ballot. 

Mr Case,

Why do you bellow out disguised racism such as ‘white trash’ and ‘smelly grubby children’? You enter prejudices into the argument, why? And you use the division of rich against poor as your base argument, is that the best you can do? If you’d loosen up you might find out a moratorium helps discover facts and could make poor people aware that as far as financial security and solid investment is concerned, a trailer don't make it. A stick build on brought land, for the same amount of cash as a constant depreciating trailer, aids the American dream. Yes commitments and obligations are part of that dream, big deal.  Your dream intimidates others to pick up the tab for slum landlords. This moratorium should wish people far more then that, unless you're a tax evading trailer park owner.

 

Bill Dukas

Kerhonkson

 

The Town Board will discuss a proposal to adopt a ban on the expansion of existing multiple unit trailer parks and the creation of new multiple unit trailer parks in our Town. Please come to show your support for this moratorium.  Wednesday, September 4, 7:00 pm Town Hall, Accord.

The Town of Rochester Conservative Party held their caucus on August 27 at the Grange Hall with a packed house of over 40 in attendance. Conservative Party chair Harold Lipton appointed Imre Beke, Jr. as chair of the meeting and Judy Redmond as caucus secretary.

 

Current Supervisor Harold Lipton was nominated and seconded. Republican candidate Rick Gray was also nominated and seconded.  Mr. Lipton pointed to his work on budget issues saying “ I’m almost 99% sure that there will be no increase in town taxes this year and last year there was only a 1.9% increase.” He went on to list his other accomplishments as the purchase of the former Agway building in Accord, which now houses four town offices and the Youth Center. He also mentioned the acquiring of a 100’ x 25’ strip of land behind the Town Highway building to make it easier for town highway vehicles to turn around.

Mr. Gray said he was seeking the endorsement of the Conservatives as a person who had lived in the town his entire 51 years. He stated he would promise no favoritism to anybody, including his supporters, if he were the Conservative candidate. He further stated that the town rumor that, if he were elected, he would turn the job over to (Councilman) Randy Hornbeck was just “not true” and that he didn’t believe it was allowed by law. A ballot of the Conservatives present was taken with Lipton defeating Gray by a vote of 18-8.

 

Next up was the Highway Superintendent vote. Republican/Democratic candidate Wayne Kelder was nominated and seconded and since no other nominations were taken, was elected with one vote being cast be the caucus secretary.

 

The voting for Town Council came next. Republican Incumbent Ron Santosky was nominated and seconded. Republican candidate Brian Drabkin was nominated with a lengthy nominating speech and seconded. Former Town Council member Leon Smith was nominated and seconded. None of the candidates gave a pre-vote speech. Voting tabulations were Santosky 20 votes, Smith 16 votes, and Drabkin 4 votes. Mr. Satosky gave a brief speech saying he looked forward to continuing his work as a council member. Mr. Smith was not present, but Mr. Santosky read a prepared statement from Mr. Smith.

The final position of Town Justice was filled unopposed by Republican/Democratic candidate Incumbent Al “Spike” Babcock. Mr. Babcock said his record speaks for itself and he looked forward to continuing his work as Town Justice.

 

Also present and asked to speak were Conservative/Republican County Legislature candidates Incumbents Sue Cummings, Ed Jennings and Gerry DePew as well as Republican Mel Tapper and  Conservative/Democrat candidate Joe Stoeckler. 

A dead crow was found in Boodle Hole Road and turned into the health department, which confirmed that the crow died of West Nile Virus.  This was the first incidence of the virus in Ulster County this year.

 

KYSERIKE - The Rondout Valley Board of Education has adopted a $26,325,974
tax levy for 2003-04 that is up 5.38 percent from last year.

Under the new levy, up from the $24,981,156 raised through property taxes last year, tax rates will rise for taxpayers in all four district townships:
Rochester, Rosendale, Marbletown and Wawarsing.

The rates per $1,000 of assessed value are as follows:
* Rochester: $30.25, up 4.75 percent from $28.87.
* Rosendale: $32.08, up 8.26 percent from $29.63.
* Wawarsing: $756.81, up 1.20 percent from $747.82.
* Marbletown: $26.80, up 3.37 percent from $25.93.

The tax levy is $500,000 less than the district projected during the budget process last spring, said Assistant Superintendent Dennis Geisler.

Geisler said some additional state aid that has come into the district over the past few years was taken from the district's surplus fund balance,
which by law must be limited to 2 percent of the total budget, and applied to the tax levy.

District voters adopted the 2003-04 budget of $45.5 million on June 3. The budget increases spending by 7.45 percent over last year's $42.1 million
budget and maintains all current educational, extra-curricular and co-curricular programs in the district.

Because the district was forced to an austerity budget in 2001-02 school year, district administrators have said that there wasn't much to cut from
what they described as an already bare-bones budget.

Tax bills will be going out in the next week. Geisler, there will be no penalty fee for residents who pay their taxes in full between Sept. 4 and Oct.
3.

For residents who pay half of the bill in September and the other half between Oct. 4 and Oct. 31, there will be a 2-percent penalty. For those who
pay their taxes between Nov. 1 to Nov. 5, there will be a 3 percent penalty. After Nov. 5, the tax bills are handed over to Ulster County for
collections.

Dear Editor:

 

    ..... Hmmmmm, ... they're at it again! This is a reply to the very out spoken Mr. Michael Baden and his lopsided presentation of the mobile home owners that are "sucking up" on their "free ride" by not "paying their share of taxes". Hmmmm, ... well, let's take the other step. Let's get rid of all the people who pay rent for homes, I mean after all, ... they don't pay taxes do they? ... or how about the stores that have parking for their patrons, ... all that useless "nontaxable" space that a house could be built on and more tax revenue could be gotten instead, right? ... Say, ... here's a great idea! how about everyone that has more than an acre of land should be taxed as if there was a home on each and every acer? Think of all the money we could get in taxes then! Boy-oh-boy! 

Oh yes, ... lets not forget the camp grounds here in our town! yea, ... all those stupid "campers" getting their free ride as well right? What does he think of Rick Shane who owns that camp ground and is one of the most involved real "local", nicest men I know? The point is, ... there is no "free" rides. Every one that either pays rent for a home, a place to park, a place to put a tent, or a mobile home pays their share of taxes that is included in the rental price. When

folks get together to tell others what they can do with their property, who they can rent space to and for what, they are opening a door that in the United States of America, starts looking more like somewhere else.

 

   Mr. Badens' "facts and figures" are nothing but a "transparent" attempt to "remove" the 'Trailer Trash" and their smelly, grubby children from his sight. I manage four of these horrible, disgusting pits of utter despair, and even though they have hard working, honorable, loving families, who care for one another, but for one reason or another they exercised their "freedom" as United States citizens to live the way they can afford, we should get them out! Heck, ... why stop there! Most of these horrible folks who live in these "dives" don't have a lot of money so after we run off all the poor folk, lets run off all the ones that are of a different religion, or a different race how would that be? 

 

   Mr. Baden, ... live and let live huh?

 

Robert Case

Life Long Resident of Accord  

Dear Editor:

 

This letter is in reply to Mr. Robert Cases’ letter concerning my letter to the editor. Mr. Case totally misses the point of my letter. My letter was merely to alert town residents to the hearing regarding a trailer park moratorium on September 4 and to point out the current inequity of the way trailer parks are assessed.

My “fact and figures” as Mr. Case calls them are just that… FACTS. Current assessments of trailer parks in the Town of Rochester are not taking into account the actual value of each trailer and leading to properties being under assessed. The moratorium that is requested is to allow the town board time to review this situation. Nothing more….nothing less. The town of Rochester is growing three times faster than the rest of Ulster County and if the town keeps a blind eye to this growth it will be too late to react. I applaud the town board for voting for this public hearing and again urge all townspeople to show up September 4th and voice your opinion. I hope to see you there, Mr. Case.

 

Michael Baden

Kerhonkson 

 

Democrats in the Town of Rochester selected Pam Duke of Boice Mill Road in Kerhonkson to lead the ticket as the party’s candidate for Supervisor at their caucus on August 24^th.  Duke, a retired community relations executive, told the standing room only audience that she has the management, administrative, and financial experience to properly supervise the daily operations of the town’s government, leaving more time for the Town Board to focus on creating a vision for the future of the town that will enable it to thrive as a vibrant community where “people know their neighbors and share their pride in the qualities that make (our town) so special,” including open spaces, natural beauty, and most importantly, the people who live and work here.

 

The Caucus selected Steve Fornal and Francis Gray as candidates for the two open seats on the Town Board.  Fornal spoke of his longstanding work helping residents on town issues, having attended about 300 town government meetings over the last seven years, and of the need to address growth-related issues, something that the current town board has been unable to do.  He noted that many of the rules and regulations that the town follows were written more than 30 years ago and are out of date.

 

Francis Gray, whose family has lived in Accord for generations, spoke of his service in the Air Force and how he had to leave the area to find a job in his career field.  He spoke of the need to create jobs in the community so that young people would not have to move away to find work, as he did.  Gray also spoke of the need to fully analyze development issues to ensure that the social and financial implications are properly addressed. 

 

The Caucus selected Albert Babcock III as the party’s caucus for town justice.  Babcock has served as town justice for three and a half years reiterated with pride his record on fair rulings and constructive sentencing.  

 

Democrats also endorsed incumbent Wayne Kelder as Highway Superintendent.  Kelder told the audience that since he assumed the role, the department’s headcount had been reduced by 50% and that the Town was successful in obtaining state grant funds for significant road improvements in the town. 

 

Party Chairman, Max Finestone, also introduced the Democratic candidates for County Legislature: Maureen Sheehan, Steve Krulick, and Joe Stoecker (Theresa Hyatt was unable to attend), who questioned the performance of the Republican incuments and their actions relating to the $100 million County Jail and the approval of casinos in Ulster County.

 

“I’m extremely proud of our nomininees and their accomplishments,” said Max Finestone, Rochester Democratic Chair, “The fact that our caucus chose the candidates endorsed by the Democratic Committee reinforces my belief that we have selected the most qualified candidates to run for our town’s government offices.”

The Rochester Town Board will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, September 4 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall to discuss a proposed moratorium on the creation of new, or the expansion of existing trailer parks.  The hearing is the result of information relating to the tax consequences of further trailer park development provided to the Town Board by the Rochester Residents Association.   

I would like to urge the taxpayers of the Town of Rochester to come out and voice their opinion to the town board Thursday Sept. 4 at the public hearing on the matter of a mobile home park moratorium. It took three tries by the Town Board, but eventually Councilman Tom Ryan got his motion seconded.

The need has risen for the town to take a good, hard look at the costs to the rest of the taxpayers for these mobile home parks in our town. Mobile homes make up 17.8% of our town’s housing units. This far exceeds the county average of 7.7%. In comparison Marbletown has a 4.3% rate and Rosendale has a 9.5% rate. Add to that the rise in population in the Town of Rochester at a rate of 2.4% per year and you can see the potential problems.

Owners of trailers who rent space in a mobile home park do not pay taxes…school or local. The park owner is assessed only for the land on which the trailers are parked. This ignores the value of the homes and taxes are calculated at a far lower rate than individual home owners pay for similarly valued homes. The only person to benefit from mobile home parks are the owners of the land in the fees they charge for the right to put your home on their property.

Currently in the Town of Rochester there are 7 mobile home parks. Two of the parks are part of a bigger commercial entity so their data is not included. The 5 other mobile home parks comprise 102 mobile homes. These 5 mobile home parks have a combined assessment of $1,516,000. By calculating the current tax rates these mobile home park owners are paying $14,747.55 in county/town/highway/fire tax and $39,251.91 in school taxes. Using the town average of 1.6 children per household these 102 mobile homes add 163 children to our school system. At the current cost per student of educating our children at $9600 per student these 163 children are costing $1,564,800. This is basically passing on over $1.5 million in education costs to the rest of the town taxpayers.

As far as the argument that mobile home parks allow for affordable housing in the community, it’s just plain incorrect. A recent study by North Country Affordable Housing in northern New York State showed that owner-occupied mobile homes cost 123% of the monthly costs of other types of housing. Mobile home loan rates average more than 5% greater than 30 year home mortgages. The delinquency rate on these mobile home loans has recently been stated at over 5%. Insurance premiums are 50%-60% higher on mobile homes. The American Red Cross has stated that mobile homes are 60% more likely to fall victim to fire or other natural disaster than other types of housing. A trailer, unlike a home, starts to depreciate the day it is purchased, much like an automobile. Depreciation is greatest in the first five years leaving the trailer owner in the situation often of owing more on the loan than the trailer is worth. Since a trailer’s economic life is generally 20 years AND because they are generally financed for 30 years the owner is trapped in a desperate situation which often leads to financial loss or abandonment.

 

So taxpayers, get out to the hearing 7pm Thursday, Sept. 4, at the town hall and let your voices be heard.

 

 

Michael Baden

Kerhonkson

Man who said he rescued dog is charged with animal’s abuse

A 19-YEAR-OLD Accord man who reported finding an injured puppy chained in the woods last month has been charged with the animal's abuse, police said on Tuesday.
The man, James Graham, was, in fact, the dog's owner and failed to sufficiently care for it, according to state police at Ellenville.

Graham, of Old Mettacahonts Road, and Sarah Bagley, 16, of Waterfalls Road, Kerhonkson, were charged on Friday with misdemeanor animal cruelty. Both were released from custody and are to appear in Rochester Town Court on Oct. 7.

Police said Graham was charged with cruelty because he left his dog without care while it was chained to a tree, resulting in the dog injuring itself. Graham then failed to get veterinary care for the dog, police said.

Graham told police he found the puppy, a 10-month-old male terrier mix, on July 13 in woods near Bagley's home. Bagley was charged because she, too, was a caregiver for the puppy, police said.

Police said the dog was underweight for both its age and breed.

On July 14, Graham told the Freeman he was walking through the woods, on his way to go fishing in a stream off Waterfalls Road, when he heard a whimpering noise and found the puppy chained to a tree. He said the chain was wrapped around the dog's chest and abdomen and one back leg several times, making it impossible for the animal to lie down or reach the stream.

Graham said the chain had cut into the puppy's flesh, leaving gaping wounds all over its body. He said he brought the dog back to his home and called state police at Ellenville, who referred him to Jill Shufeldt, the dog control officer for the towns of Rochester, Rosendale and New Paltz.

Shufeldt then came for the dog and brought it to the Kingston Animal Hospital, where veterinarian Arnold Rugg determined the animal's wounds were too deep to close with stitches. Instead, the dog was given antibiotics for intestinal parasites, and his wounds were cleaned and dressed.

Shufeldt named the dog "Graham Cracker," and an investigation was launched into who was responsible for the abuse. Also, the New York State Humane Association established an Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund to provide a reward for information in the case and in future cases.

The investigation led to Graham after several neighbors reported that the puppy belonged to him.

Shufeldt said on Tuesday that she received about 20 calls from people interested in adopting the puppy. "I held him for about 10 days until I found the right person," she said.

The right person turned out to be Derek Sigler, an advertising sales representative for the Freeman who lives in Columbia County. Sigler said he adopted the dog, now just called "Cracker," as soon as he could.

Sigler said the puppy has put on weight and his condition has improved over the past two weeks. He added that Cracker is neither skittish or jumpy. "He loves to have people around," Sigler said.

Sigler, who lives with two roommates, said Cracker is rarely home alone and often is taken for walks.

"He's constantly on the run, but he likes it," he said. (8/6/03)

 

SAUGERTIES - A state appeals court has upheld the town zoning law that prohibits mining in residential areas.
Shott Rock owner Gilbert Shott had appealed a state Supreme Court decision that barred him from operating a quarry on his Morse Road property. The court's Appellate Division refused to overturn that ruling.

Shott first took Saugerties to court in October 2001, challenging a town law that banned special-use permits for mining in residential neighborhoods. Shott's attorneys called the law an illegal taking of property, and the suit challenged the statute on procedural issues and its alleged non-compliance with the town's Comprehensive Plan the state Environmental Quality Review Act.

Shott is represented by the Syracuse-based law firm of Bond, Schoeneck & King.

In dismissing Shott's initial lawsuit, state Supreme Court Judge Vincent Bradley ruled in November 2002 that the town had the authority to make the zoning change and had properly approved the new law.

"We thought all along this (the lawsuit) was meritless," Town Attorney John Vagianelis said on Thursday. Vagianelis said the Appellate Division's dismissal of the case, without any analysis or comment on the issues raised in the appeal, indicated Shott's case was not strong.

March Gallagher, president of Citizens Action for Residential Environments in Saugerties, a community organization that grew out of strong opposition to Shott's mining operation, was pleased with the appellate decision.

"It shows that the town of Saugerties did everything right," Gallagher said. "This was the proper change to zoning."

But Gallagher's group, which goes by the nickname CARES, still has work to do, Gallagher said, because Shott has a hearing scheduled for Sept. 8 before the town Zoning Board of Appeals. Shott will argue at that hearing that he should be exempt from the zoning law because his business predates it.

"If that is successful, he might still be able to get that mine," Gallagher said.

Shott also still has a pending $1 million federal lawsuit against the town and several town officials. The suit charges Saugerties violated Shott's constitutional rights by attempting to prohibit him from obtaining necessary permits and approvals and by taking his property without compensation.

The town has filed a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit. Shott's attorneys have until Aug. 15 to file a reply. The town then will have an opportunity to answer the reply by Sept. 15.  (Freeman 8/1/03)

 

Cafiero was removed as high school principal in May 2001 after an independent investigator looked into claims that he sexually harassed two teachers - both of whom he had social relationships with - and he has been classified as an "administrator on special assignment" ever since.

Cafiero later sued the school district and various administrators, employees and board members, claiming his civil rights were violated.

The suspension took effect Monday and runs through Aug. 10, after which Cafiero will return to the district in an unspecified position.

Reading from a prepared statement on Tuesday, school board President Nancy Taylor said Cafiero "created a hostile work environment for female teachers," even after being warned about previous behavior.

"The primary reason the district brought disciplinary charges (against Cafiero) was to hold him accountable for violating a clear directive that was intended to preclude a hostile working environment for female teachers," Taylor said.

"The hearing officer who heard the disciplinary case against Mr. Cafiero found that even the appearance of an intimate relationship between him and a teacher who he supervised could foster a hostile environment because other teachers might conclude that a liaison with the principal enhances career prospects," Taylor added. "She also found that Mr. Cafiero was insubordinate by violating the guidelines the district had set down with respect to his behavior toward female subordinates."

Cafiero could not be reached for comment after Tuesday's meeting.  (Freeman 7/30/03)

 

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Planning Board of the Town of Rochester will hold public hearing on the 19th day of August 2003, commencing at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, 50 Scenic Road, Accord, NY on the following Applications: RNR Housing, Michael Baum, 18 lot Subdivision, Sundale & Sahler Mill Roads, Tax Map# 60.4-1-1.2 in an "A" District of the Zoning Map. The above noted application and map are open for inspection at the offices of the Planning Board and Town Clerk, Accord, NY. Persons wishing to appear at such a hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative. Should this meeting be cancelled, the public hearing will be held by the Planning Board at a workshop meeting on August 26, 2003, at 7:00 PM, at the Town Hall, Accord, NY. (Freeman 8/6/03)

GOP plans caucus in Rochester Aug. 6

Rochester Republicans will conduct a caucus at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Accord Fire Hall on Main Street for the purpose of nominating town candidates for the November election.

All registered Republicans in the town are eligible to vote.  Supervisor Harold Lipton will seek a third two-year term. Councilman Ronald Santosky has announced for a third four-year term. Councilman Brian Drabkin, who was appointed to fill a vacancy last September, will seek a four-year term.  Highway Superintendent Wayne Kelder is up for reelection. Republicans will also nominate a candidate for town justice.  (Freeman; 27 July 2003)

KERHONKSON - When James Graham headed off to a stream a half-mile from his home Sunday morning, he expected to enjoy the day fishing. Instead, he wound up rescuing a puppy he found chained to a tree in the woods where it had apparently been left to die.

Graham, 19, of Kerhonkson, said he was walking through the woods on his way to the stream off Waterfalls Road late Sunday morning when he heard a whimpering noise and found the small dog.

He said the chain was wrapped around the dog's chest, abdomen and back leg several times, making it impossible for it to lie down or reach the stream. Graham said his hands became covered in blood as he unwrapped the chain. As the dog cowered in fear, Graham saw that the chain had cut into the animal's flesh, leaving gaping wounds all over its body.

Graham used a pair of cutting pliers that were in his fishing gear to cut the chain and then began to walk the dog back to his house. But the injured and emaciated puppy collapsed from exhaustion, and Graham carried the dog the rest of the way home.

Graham called state police at Ellenville, who referred him to Jill Shufeldt, the dog control officer for the towns of Rochester, Rosendale and New Paltz. Graham said that while he waited for Shufeldt to arrive, the puppy thirstily drank a bowl of water and slept on his front porch. When the dog awoke, it drank another bowl of water and ate the only food Graham had to offer: Three slices of pizza with everything on it.

Graham said the area where found the dog was very remote and if he hadn't gone there fishing, it is probable no one would have found the dog.

"To tell you the truth, it really pissed me off when I found him," said Graham. "There are so many places and shelters he could go to, and people have to be retards and tie him to a tree to let him die."

Graham said the dog was probably chained to the tree the night before, because it had not been there when he went fishing the day before.

Shufeldt picked up the dog Sunday afternoon and brought it to the Kingston Animal Hospital Monday.

According to veterinarian Arnold Rugg, the dog, which is a male terrier mix, had been starved for quite some time and weighed in at about 23 pounds when it should be about 32 pounds. He estimated the dog's age to be 10 months.

The puppy, which Shufeldt named "Graham Cracker" after the man who saved him, lay on the veterinarian's table Monday afternoon wagging its tail and calmly resting its head in the crook of Shufeldt's arm. The open wounds left the muscles and tendons in its leg and abdomen clearly visible. Rugg said that the dog's wounds were too deep to close with stitches.

Rugg said that if Graham had not found the dog, it would have gotten maggots in its wounds and died a slow and painful death.

"It's amazing how friendly he is; he's the sweetest dog," said Rugg. "All they had to do was bring him to a shelter. There are such sick people in this world."

Rugg said that "Graham Cracker" would be given antibiotics for intestinal parasites and his wounds cleaned and dressed. Shufeldt was to take the dog back to the town of Rochester pound for a week and then the puppy will be put up for adoption.

Anyone with information on the dog can call state police at Ellenville at (845) 626-2801. Shufeldt said she will be accepting donations for a reward fund for anyone who has information on whoever abused "Graham Cracker." She can be reached at (845) 626-5979. (Freeman 7/15/03)

 

[Follow up:  According to town sources, Graham is under suspicion of falsifying the foregoing story.  He is the subject of an investigation regarding his ownership of the dog during the period when the dog’s injuries took place.  The dog has subsequently been adopted by another person.]

 

New Application Presentation:

RNR Housing, Inc. owned by Michael Baum presented by Barry Medenbach; subdivision of 18 lots at Sundale Road and Sahler Mill Road; Tax Map# 60.4 - 1 - 1.2

 

78 acre parcel at town line, adjacent to town of Olive. Total eighteen units proposed. Asked for preliminary approval for whole project. The project will start with four parcels on town road and come back for the remaining parcel; phased development. Shane Ricks asked about the 10 percent and better slopes involved; said there would be potential problem with washout of gravel private road (to be constructed at later date). Medenbach said there would be a storm water run off plan; a sediment basin much like the one at Stone Ridge Town Center. Frank Striano asked about responsibility for road maintenance if one or more owners decide not to participate in Road Maintenance agreement; afraid affected subdivision residents would then come to town to take over road. Medenbach said town code requires Road Maintenance agreement and one would be submitted.

Public hearing set for 19 August 2003 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.

Dear Editor:

 

I would like to thank the Rochester Town Board for adopting at its meeting on July 3rd a six-month moratorium against expansion of existing or the creation of new trailer parks in the Town of Rochester. Members of the Rochester Residents Association urged the moratorium based on our analysis of the economic and social impact that additional (multiple unit) trailer park occupancy would have on our community.  While there are several procedural steps that the town must follow in order for the moratorium to become fully effective, we applaud the Board’s unanimous action; which was taken after prior two motions made by Councilman Tom Ryan on the subject in previous months were not seconded or discussed. 

 

We feel that the moratorium will provide the various agencies of our town government time to assess the impacts of new or expanded trailer parks on our community.  We are referring solely to multiple unit trailer parks, not single trailers on individual plots of land, which we are not fighting.  We have provided the Town Board with voluminous data on the matter and hope that members take the time to understand and give credence to the points we have raised.  We further hope that such scrutiny will assist in objectively assessing the proposal for expansion of Streamside Estates Trailer Park (formerly Tessler's Trailer Park) on Cherrytown Road now before the town's Planning Board. Regarding that application, flooding of the area in the past few weeks is one issue of concern. Among other troublesome aspects that should be examined closely are: (a) traffic, (b) the cost to our already overburdened school system, (c) sewage and water issues, (d) property tax inequity, (e) visual impacts on the neighborhood, and (f) conformity with the principles of the NY State Historic Preservation Act.

 

While the preservation of the rural quality of our residential neighborhoods is important, our interest is based more on broader adverse community impacts and less on aesthetics (although our Town-wide survey indicated that only 5% of town residents supported trailer park expansion).  There is clearly a need for affordable housing for the people who live in our town and there are many alternatives that have less negative impact.  We do not believe, however, that our town has any obligation to provide low-cost housing alternatives for people from other communities.  In any case, any review should be taken in conjunction with a proactive town-wide development plan that addresses and mitigates all potentially adverse impacts rather that one that is merely conducted in response to an individual proposal from an ambitious developer.

 

Zali Win

President

Rochester Residents Association, Inc.

 

 

 

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Keane Computing, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 6/26/2003. Office location: Ulster County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 257 Queens Highway, Kerhonkson, NY 12446. Purpose: any lawful activity. (Freeman 7/28/03)

 

 

"Notice is hereby given that the Town of Marbletown Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing on Wednesday, August 13, 2003 at 7:00 p.m. at Town Hall to consider the following: Stephan-Subdivision of land located at, 29 Palen Road, Stone Ridge, TaxMap # 61.1-3-8. Richards-Subdivision of land located at, 2379 State Route 209, TaxMap # 55.4-11-9.200 Houlihan-Subdivision of land located at 79 Mohonk Road, TaxMap # 70.5-6-7.121 Nilsen-Subdivison of land located at 36 Nilsen Lane, TaxMap # 54.4-1.26 Hornbeck-Subdivision of land located at 170-190 Whitelands Road, TaxMap # 69.1-5-36 Any persons having an interest in these matters are invited to attend the hearing. Dated: July 25, 2003 Will Husta, Chairman" (Freeman 7/27/03) [Editor’s Note: Whitelands Road is on the Marbletown/Rochester border near Route 209].

 

 

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONVERVATION NOTICE OF COMPLETE APPLICATION Date: July 23, 2003 Applicant: MOUNTAIN VIEW STABLES INC. 2796 LUCAS AVE. ACCORD, NY 12404 FACILITY: MOUNTAIN VIEW STABLES INC SUBDIVISION LUCAS TURNPIKE ACCORD, NY Application ID: 3-5144-00208/00001 Permit(s) applied for: 1 - Article 24 Freshwater Wetlands Project is lcoated: in ROCHESTER in ULSTER COUNTY Project Description: The applicant proposes to construct a roadway within the regulated 100-foot adjacent area of Freshwater Wetland No. M-24 (Class II) to serve as an entrance to a 15-lot residential subdivision to be known as Mountain View Stables. The site is located on the south side of Lucas Turnpike, approximately 1 mile west of the intersection with Alligerville Road. Construction of the roadway will involve the filling and grading of approximately 0.8 acre of the wetland adjacent area. The remainder of the proposed subdivision is located outside the regulated area. State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Determination Project is a type I action and will not have a significant effect on the environment. A coordinated review with other involved agencies was performed and a Negative Declaration is on file. SEQR Lead Agency Rochester Town Planning Board State Historic Preservation Act (SHPA) Determination A cultural resources survey has been completed. Based on information provided in the survey report, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) has determined that the proposed activity will have no impact on registered or eligible archaeological sites or historic structures. No further review in accordance with SHPA is required. Availability For Public Comment Comments on this project must be submitted in writing to the Contact Person no later than 08/15/2003 Contact Person SCOTT E SHEELEY NYSDEC 21 SOUTH PUTT CORNERS RD NEW PALTZ, NY 12561-1696 (845) 256-3050 (Freeman 7/28/03)