Our Hometown
|
|
Newark village board meeting topics At a recent night's Newark Village Board meeting many different angles of the local housing situation were discussed. Vienna St. resident Charles Cichon addressed the board concerning the condition of certain neighborhoods in the village, in particular Vienna Street. He says many homes on the street have been for sale for quite a while, with no hopes of being sold, because of the "reputation" of the street. There have been many police visits and some buildings are eyesores. When Cichon and others file complaints, they are accused of harrassing the property owners. Mayor Fred Pirelli, asked Code Enforcement officer Chuck Ackerman to comment about the situation. Ackerman indicated that he works with the police department and is well aware of the Vienna St. complaints. Chief Richard Bogan interjected that many of the troubled housing units are occupied by a greater number of persons than the landlord allows, and no village law properly addresses this. Zoning officer Ackerman indicated that he favors working more closely with landlords to help them handle such problems. Skateboards:Several young skateboarders were there to address the board. Jimmy Russell, spokesman for the group, said they came to ask the board to help them find a place to skateboard safely. Russell indicated that the community provides facilities for other sports such as football and basketball, and all they want is a safe legal place to skateboard. The tennis court on Elmwood Avenue was mentioned as a possibilty. The mayor advised the group to talk to AECC director Mike Muscolino as well as the school district for possible solutions. Tracy Pieters, Vice President of the Greater Newark Chamber of Commerce, reported to the board about a recent CEO Forum that recommended the re-zoning of several blocks of West Union Street from residential to business. Pieters said the strip of properties is the first impression that people get when they enter the village from the west. Pirelli interjected that a recent grant (see article $747,000 grant) from HUD would help to address this situation. Marie Otto, executive director of the Newark Housing Authority, was at the meeting with Authority Board members. Pirelli commended them for an award by HUD for receiving a 100 percent rating on their management and operation of Newark's Housing Projects. A resolution was passed by the board to refer another request to the planning board by Alloco Properties, in their effort to rezone their property on Emmons Street to accommodate additional mobile homes. Alloco had previously been turned down by the Wayne County Planning Board and the Newark Village Board. A public hearing date of October 27 was set by the board. Michael Tonovitz, village Clerk/treasurer announced to the board that the village would not be offering a NYS Retirement Incentive to village employeees, because requirements by the state could not be met. In order for the village to offer the incentive, it must be able to prove overall savings in employee costs. Community Center roof: Chuck Ackerman reported that the re-roof of the AECC building is complete and meets his approval. Pirelli is anxious to close the matter, including returning the holdback money to Pike Construction. Tonovitz was instructed to contact AECC director Mike Muscolino to confirm that no other problems exist at the center, and then close the books on the community center project. Clinton St. canal bridge: The mayor anticipates a completion of that structure at the end of November. Sale of Industrial Park land: The board approved the sale of property in the Industrial Park to Joseph Carnevale. Carnevale plans to build a health and fitness club, for which he will be owner/operator. A public hearing will be held on September 15 to discuss a local law regulating signs on village right-of-ways, specifically the median on Main Street. Littering law: A hearing will be held on September 15 to offer discussion on a local law that will enable authorities to make arrests connected with littering. The board authorized the police chief to advertise for bids to dispose of a Chevrolet Caprice, to the highest bidder. This vehicle was used by the police investigator and declared surplus because of continued mechanical problems. Break in sewer line:James SanAngelo, Chairman of the Municipal Board, reported that a task force has been formed to study the water delivery situation. All aspects of the water department will be looked at. The upgrading of the entire system is the goal. It is possible that an outside consultant will be involved in the process. SanAngelo reported that a major break had been discovered in a sewer line on the south edge of the North Main St. cemetery. This break has been identified as the major source of a problem in the sewer plant with a backup at the auger that removes large objects in the beginning of the sewage treatment process. SanAngelo said the sewer break near the cemetery is a very expensive situation. Replacement of this line to the treatment plant may cost $100,000. Copyright © 1998 |
     Ads have a Patent Pending. Click Here for More Information  |
