RSS 2.0 FeedAugust 26, 2011, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Village board hears residents’ comments
Village hosts public comment session.
Following a very brief agenda, Village trustees heard public comments Monday relating to various issues, including the proposed Brooklyn Waterworks project, complaints about editing the board meetings video on the public access channel, flooding problems and improvements to the bulkhead at Waterfront Park.
Stephen Malone raised issues relating to the proposed renovation at the Brooklyn Waterworks site, and whether an environmental impact statement has been prepared.
Village Attorney Howard Colton said it was premature to discuss the proposed project, as the issue was still before the Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Mr. Malone asked if an audit relating to the project, a proposal for a five-floor, 120-unit apartment complex, had been completed by the state comptroller’s office.
Mr. Colton replied that the comptroller did send a draft report, which is not for public dissemination, and that village officials are drafting a response.
Charley McEneaney, a South Ocean Avenue resident, asked if the village will issue a report on how much it spent for security relating to the Nautical Mile Festival, and if any funds were recouped.
He also complained about various quality-of-life issues resulting from traffic and noise from Woodcleft Avenue over a period of several days.
Mr. Colton replied that a full report would be prepared before the board’s next meeting.
Mr. McEneaney, several other residents, and Trustee William White Jr., also complained about how the content of the board meetings was edited before being made available on the public access channel.
Mayor Andrew Hardwick, as he has noted in past meetings, said the village has “to adopt a system to get the equipment necessary to watch everything in its entirety.”
He said that, only about 2.5 hours of time are available for information from Freeport, which also includes other meetings and public events.
The mayor also said the meeting agenda was purposely kept very brief to enable more of the public comment segment to be shown.
Mr. White complained that most of his comments from the previous board meeting had not been included in the telecast. He also questioned what was not included in the shorter agenda that the board should be acting on.
“At least show the entire thing on television when I speak,” said Mr. White.
Mayor Hardwick said he wasn’t aware that the trustee’s comments were edited, but Mr. White responded, “Oh, come on.”
Kelly Martinez suggested showing lengthy meetings in two parts spread out over several weekdays, which drew a favorable response from the mayor and the audience.
“That’s something to think about,” said Mayor Hardwick. “Part 1 and Part 2; that could work. I’m willing to try it.”
Ms. Martinez also complained about flooding on Nassau Avenue and Cedar Street, and pleaded for action on the proposed capital improvement plan being considered.
Mr. Colton said the board has been discussing the plan, and that it would again be discussed at the executive session to follow Monday night’s meeting.
Mark DaVella expressed concern about efforts made to clean up the property south of Atlantic Avenue to Raynor that is contaminated by carcinogenic chemicals, and listed as a Superfund site. “The village needs to take preemptive action before the property is fully developed,” Mr. DaVella said.
Peggy Lester urged the board to act on replacing the bulkhead at Waterfront Park and to increase police enforcement there, in light of persons throwing fishing lines into the canal that becomes tangled in boat motors, and to deter “people from [having relations] in cars.”
Alan Jay praised the mayor and the board for the village’s improving economic conditions that resulted in the rise in its bond rating to A+, and then railed against the Obama administration for its “ruinous socialist policies” and “Marxist hostility toward capitalism.”
