RSS 2.0 FeedArchives before June 26, 2010, Freeport-Baldwin Leader
Mayor Hardwick: Garbage plant ‘off the table’
Mayor Andrew Hardwick, hoping to finally put to rest any rumors and speculation about a proposed garbage incineration plant for Freeport, stated unequivocally at Monday’s village board meeting that “We’re not doing it, it’s off the table.”
For several months the Mayor and other village officials had been studying the feasibility of such a plant as a means of bringing in more revenue, including going on trade mission trips to China and Germany to learn about advanced technologies on waste incineration.
But the idea was greeted by strong public opposition, including demonstrations.
“If the people don’t want it, we’re not doing a waste incineration plant,” Mayor Hardwick stated. “Let’s let it go. If you care about Freeport, help. Don’t tear it down, build it up.”
However, one audience member needed additional reassurance during the public comments segment of the meeting: community activist Pat Rowen, who was among the organizers of protests held in April against the proposed incinerator.
In what could be a takeoff on a 19th Century sonnet by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I convince thee, let me count the ways,” Mayor Hardwick had to reassure Ms. Rowen several times that the issue of a proposed incinerator was dead.
“I never made a proposal to the board,” said the mayor, who added that, in addition to the trustees, approval would be needed from the Town of Hempstead, the state and other government agencies.
“It’s over. We need to let it go. I thought it was something good for this village, but the people don’t want it.”
Trustee Carmen Pineyro reinforced the major’s comments, stating that the board did not receive a proposal for approval. Mayor Hardwick added, “Perhaps I made a mistake by going to China.”
Ms. Rowen also questioned the amount spent for the trips to China and Germany and whether any of the funds spent would be reimbursed by the state. “You owe the village about $72,000,” she said.
In regular agenda actions, trustees tabled a list of proposed rules for public comment after several members of the public spoke against the recommendations in their present form.
The rules would cover three categories of public comment – agenda items, public hearings and general public comment and would limit individuals to three minutes. Speakers would not be permitted to yield time to other speakers. Only one follow-up question could be asked, with a two-minute time limit.
The time limits would not apply to village officials speaking on items in any of the above categories.
Alan Jay called the proposed limitation “worse than the school board if enacted. The school board gives four minutes. It’s impossible to transmit important information in three minutes.” He said he personally preferred 10 minutes and asked the board to table the item.
Stephen Malone, a former deputy village attorney, also urged trustees to table the item and the board voted unanimously to table action until the next meeting in July.
The board also took the following actions:
• Approved the purchase of a hybrid-electric bucket truck for the Electric Utility at a cost of about $190,000. The village will
receive a $53,640 grant from the New York Power Authority at zero interest to help defray the cost.
• Awarded a $260,935 contract for a firefighters emergency bailout system to DEUS Rescue of Boulder, Colorado. The system consists of a special rope and wench device that would enable firefighters to escape from the upper floors of a burning building through a window if other exits were inaccessible because of a spreading fire. About $86,800 would be financed through a Federal Fire Act grant.
• Awarded a contract for lot clearance of organic material to F. Acosta Landscaping of Freeport for $69,632, and a second contract, for lot clearance of debris, to Villa Construction Co. of Freeport at a cost of $52,503.
• Approved advertising for bids for the roof replacement at the Freeport Library.
• Approved the list of 2009 year-end results for the Fire Department Fire Service Award Program.
• Approved four requests for block parties on June 26, July 3 and 4, and August 14.
• Approved a public assembly application by Raymond and Thomas Petroro of Allyn Oil for a public assembly on June 24 at 330 West Merrick Road.
• Increased the Recreation Center air support structure repair fund by $5,700, to $50,486.72.
• Approved the honorary renaming of a segment of Washington Avenue “Robert Allyn Way.” This item brought a response from audience member Stephen Malone, who criticized the poor condition of the roadway and argued that it would insult “the memory of one of our neighbors.” He urged the village to “repair the road before paying tribute to a man whose memory deserves better.” Mr. Malone also recommended that the village consider bond issues to finance the repairs.
In response, Mayor Hardwick took note of the need for the road repairs and commented that Freeport needs “between $88-$100 million worth of repairs to roadways and water mains.” He said the village will appeal for more state funding to fix the roadways, of which Washington Avenue is one.
Trustee William White Jr. added that the request for the honorary name change came from the family of Robert Allyn.
The mayor was the recipient of a token of appreciation for his support of a benefit fashion and music showcase at the Recreation Center on June 12. Clothing designer Marcus Taylor and his brother, Brennon, presented him with a commemorative paper weight during the meeting.
Public Comment
About a dozen speakers expressed opinions and concerns over several issues, which will be the subject of a follow-up story in next week’s issue of The Leader.
