AHC talks bring debate

The Skaneateles Town Board meeting on Jan. 15 was a mix of business as usual and heated debate as the board and meeting-goers discussed the Franklin Street drainage problem and the Affordable Housing Committee’s efforts to change the housing market in the village.
Jim Williams, a member of the Affordable Housing Committee, offered a brief summary of the AHC’s goals and efforts. Currently, the organization is attempting to lure developers into creating smaller, less elaborate and more affordable housing for middle class residents who are finding it hard to keep up with Skaneateles’ taxes.
Frank Moray, a resident and retired fireman who voiced his opinion, said those in lower-income professions, like firemen and workers in the trades, don’t just deserve housing; their presence enhances a community.
“Without affordable housing, every community is going to suffer,” Moray said.
He went on to lament the fact that while the rich in the village have no difficulty paying their taxes, and the low-income residents receive specialized housing, it’s the middle class that is left in the lurch.
“Not everyone here is living on their grandfather’s trust fund,” Moray said to a chorus of murmurs in the room.
Supervisor Phil Tierney brought up the point that there may not be a need for new housing options as a result of the failing economy. A lively discussion concurred that while that may be true in other areas, like large cities, Skaneateles hasn’t been effected by the housing market fallout. It’s the grandeur and size of the houses in the village, not unrighteous inflation that causes sky-high prices, Williams said.
Williams also stressed the fact that the AHC is attempting to bring in more private developers to create another living option for residents.
If all goes according to plan, these houses will be as elaborate and ornate as their neighbors, but will take up less of a land plot. The goal of the committee is to encourage developers to build houses, condominiums and town homes that mesh well with the makeup of the existing community, Williams said.
The multi-thousand dollar project of fixing the Franklin Street drainage problem was also cause for debate. Because the proposed work will directly run over residents’ property, the town board voted in late December to temporarily cease town engineer Barton and Loguidice’s work.
The board was considering at this meeting, with the help of Barton and Loguidice, the best course of action. It was decided that the necessary paperwork would be submitted to the state. The paperwork will outline the scope and cost of the project and ask for compensation on money spent to complete it. If the paperwork does not meet the mid-February deadline, Skaneateles may not receive sufficient funds to complete the project.
Mayor Robert Green asked for action, explaining the village has already performed $40,000 worth of work on the project.
The paperwork outlining the proposed project will be completed and submitted to meet the deadline. After that point, the board will vote on the best way to complete the project.
Rochelle Bilow is an intern with Eagle Newspapers.

CATEGORY: Government
TAGS: affordable housing, Franklin Street, drainage
EDITION: Skaneateles Press

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