Millwood Matters

Barbara Gerrard honors Susan DeRobertis
July 11, 2008
by Gene Nadel

+Finally, needs report available on website
+MTF members divided on whether efforts to communicate with board are wasted; some suggest waiting until next election
+Faiella announces turf at upper Gedney not an option

Heavy Agenda at Millwood Task Force July Meeting; needs study available at millwoodfiredistrict.org
Only a few short hours before our press deadline, MTF concluded its July meeting last night after covering a variety of current topics of interest and concern to residents of the hamlet.
To open, Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard presented a certificate of appreciation to former task force chair, Susan DeRobertis, in recognition of her outstanding years of dedicated service as a member and chair of the MTF. Susan, who has moved from Town, responded graciously and indicated how much she had enjoyed working with her former colleagues. All wished her well in her future endeavors.

Fire Commissioners still lean toward 19,809 sqare feet; only one “no” vote
Discussion then turned to the latest activities of the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners and started with a reading of the multi-paragraph resolution passed by the BOFC at their June 28th meeting. For various reasons enumerated in that motion, the Board rejected the consultant’s recommendation (17,258sq,ft indicated at the May 19th public presentation and subsequently increased to 18,382 in the revised draft), and confirmed the Board’s original 19,809 sq.ft. proposal for the building program. This program, which is subject to future adjustment, has been included along with alternative programs in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement, currently in progress. Only Fred Scheier voted “no” to the resolution; Hala Makowska was out of town and unable to attend.

Late Bulletin-Copies of the 88 page Draft Needs Assessment Study are now available on the Fire District web site millwoodfiredistrict.org.

Fire Commissioner Fred Scheier attempted to provide some helpful background on the general situation and further reported on the condition of the second floor of Station House #1 which has been closed off because of the dangerous condition of the floor.

Task Force members were deeply disturbed with the BOFC actions, believing that passage of a future required bond issue would most certainly be in jeopardy. They were not in agreement, however, on what action to take. Some felt it best to wait until the end of year election when a change in administration might take place. There was no resolution on a MTF position at the meeting.
General discussion followed regarding the possible realignment proposal affecting Schuman Road and Allen Avenue. This is a potentially desirable objective depending on the ultimate placement of the proposed fire house and led to further comments regarding the New Castle Planning Board upcoming Area Site Plan Study for Downtown Millwood. The MTF is anxious to participate in the study and hopes to assist the planners and play a meaningful role in the plan’s development.
Town administrator Jerry Faiella tells MTF that turf is not longer an option at upper Gedney

Town Administrator Jerry Faiella reported on the proposed year round sports facility at the Upper Field at Gedney Park. After further research, the Recreation Commission has determined that the steep access road makes it too difficult to reach in winter. In addition, there were apparently other possible legal and technical complications which did not make the project feasible.

Meanwhile work continues forward on the 9/11 Memorial at Gedney and hopefully the dedication in September should be right on time.
Faiella also reported on activity at the Amsterdam property where progress on the ball field has continued on schedule and should be operational for next spring. Concurrently, plans are being explored for repairing the former “carriage house” on the property and providing at least one (or conceivably, two) apartments, possibly for a caretaker employee. Various options are being considered and will be further discussed.

Town pursues tax reduction with ORPS

Of particular interest to West Enders - Supervisor Gerrard reported that a letter on behalf of the Town had gone out to ORPS seeking an opinion on a West End across-the-board tax reduction or a revaluation. Further details will follow.