october 2014 elwood taxpayers...
TRANSCRIPT
Established 1945
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, Oct 8, 2014 Elwood Public Library
7:00 PM Business Meeting
Meet the Candidates Night
All Are Welcome to Attend, Bring a Neighbor !
Elwood Taxpayers Association Keeping Elwood Informed
October 2014
2014-2015 Board of Directors Elwood Taxpayers Association
Richard Ward, VP Government Affairs
Tom Van de Merlen, VP Communications Heather Mammolito, Corresponding Sec’y Marie Wernert, Recording Secretary
Walter Rabe, Sergeant at Arms
Directors At Large: Karen Alu, MaryJane Mackey, Ann Maguire, Mary Ann Plump, Lauren Ward
President: Jim Cameron 462-2803 Vice President: Loretta Hamann 368-3039 Treasurer: Helen Keller 757-1430
Oak Tree Dairy Property Update
Elwood Residents sue the Town of Huntington in continuing attempt to
block construction of the Seasons at Elwood.
(see page 2)
Residents sue Town of Huntington to stop construction of Seasons at Elwood
In an attempt to block construction of the Seasons at Elwood , a group of Elwood residents have sued the Town of Huntington, the Town Planning Board, the developer Engel Burman Group and the Oak Tree Dairy Farm via an Article 78 proceeding. The suit was filed in New York State Supreme Court in Riverhead. The suit alleges that by approving construction of the Season, the town departed from it’s own comprehensive plan published in 2008 which called for the site to be developed for low-density residential use. The lawsuit also alleges that a full environmental impact statement was never prepared and the town and Engel Burman failed to consider significant environmental impacts that would occur from the site remediation and construction. An Article 78 proceeding is used to appeal the decision of a New York State or local agency to the New York courts. The basis for such filings is that the agency didn't follow its own rules when it made the decision. The court must consider 1) whether the decision was "arbitrary and capricious" or 2) not supported by "substantial evidence". "Arbitrary and capricious" means the decision is not reasonably related to the facts of the case. "Substantial evidence" is evidence that a reasonable person would accept as enough to support the agency's decision. New York courts very often decide in favor of the agency if the agency can provide some reason for its decision, even if many people would think the decision was wrong.
Elwood School Board Sends Budget Distress Signal for Next Year
Elwood School Board officials are already sending out distress calls for the 2015-16 school budget. Superintendent Peter Scordo reported that the district is spending more money than what is currently received and has nearly depleted all of its reserves. An increase of 6.75% in funding will be required to maintain the current level of service provided to Elwood students. However, any tax increase in excess of 1.6% will pierce the state mandated cap and will require approval by more than 60% of the voters. As a result, in May 2015, district voters will be faced with approving a large tax increase or drastically cutting services. The programs potentially facing cuts include extracurricular athletics and clubs, non-mandated music programs and transportation limits. Scordo said the board must also consider increasing class sizes and reducing other non-mandated programs. Since 2011, the district has cut more than 18 teaching positions, increased class sizes, reduced kindergarten from full-day to half, and eliminated some elective courses. The school district recently signed a three-year contract with teachers that will include a step freeze for next year and half-step increases in years two and three. In the 2012/2013 school year, Elwood teacher median salary was $105,567 which ranked 67th in New York State. Scordo’s salary was $308,691 which may not include all compensation.
2014 Membership Renewal Form
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Check enclosed for __$15 family___$50 Business/Professional (enclose advertising copy or biz card)
Please make check or money order payable to Elwood Taxpayers Association and mail to:
Elwood Taxpayers Association P.O. Box 231 Greenlawn, NY 11740
VillaDom Developer Presents Plans Kris Torkin, president of Villadom Corp presented plans for a 400,000 square foot, $80 million shopping mall to ETA members at our September meeting. The mall is proposed for the westernmost 50 acres of the Mediavilla farm on Jericho Turnpike and proposes retail and office space, a public area, and 1800 parking spaces. A traffic study has estimated an increase in traffic at the rate of 809 PM peak hour trips and 1238 weekend peak hour trips. The developer applied to the Town of Huntington in March for a rezoning of the property from one acre residential. At a recent Town Council meeting, the board voted 4-1 to require a study to identify potential environmental impact from the project and proposed mediation by Villadom. Residents expressed concern about traffic and density in addition to environmental concerns. At this time, ETA has not endorsed the project and is awaiting the results of further studies.
Meet the Candidates
ETA has extended invitations to local candidates to attend our Meet the Candidate night on October 8 at the Elwood Library at 7 PM. The candidates invited include:
NY State Assembly District 5: Chad Lupinacci (R), Dominick Feeney Jr (D), GiGi Bowman (L) District 10: Andrew Raia
NY State Senate District 12: Carl Marcellino (R), Dave Denenberg (D)
US House of Representatives District 3: Grant Lally (R) Steve Israel (D)
Brueggemann Funeral Home
of East Northport
522 Larkfield Rd. 368-1235
Serving the Community since 1961
American Legion
Post 1244
Greenlawn
754-4281
Gerard J. Fenter ATTORNEY AT LAW
2 Andrea Lane Greenlawn, NY 11740
631-486-2574 [email protected]
6 Greenvale Drive East Northport P. 631-266-2530 [email protected]
Ted Diamond Vice President
Workhorse Products Exclusively From Millennium
www.millenniumproduct.com
P.O. Box 231, Greenlawn 11740
+Site/Civil Design
+Special Inspections
+Traffic Engineering
+Engineering Certifications
+Building/Home Inspections
Tel. 631-930-5337
www.aaepllc.com