Newark nixes re-zoning application
By John Zornow

Amid continued objections of area residents to an expansion of an Emmons St. mobile home park, the village board voted Tuesday to reject efforts by Alloco Properties to re-zone an area. Alloco had requested the property on the south side of the park be re-zoned from R-1 to R-3.

Joe Alloco, representing Alloco Properties said that he felt he had addressed all the objections of the neighboring residents at a meeting held with them Monday night. Concerns about drainage, structural, green areas, and number of units were answered according to Alloco, who, when property value was brought up, said he too was affected by what was surrounding his mobile home park.

Ange DeJohn, owner of adjoining property on Stuart Ave., said that she had changed her mind about the mobile home expansion, and sees now "that the project would be an improvement to the land and road." Trustee Peter Blandino asked DeJohn if she would feel the same if she lived adjacent to the mobile home park. DeJohn's response was, "Yes."

Dan Stevens, owner of a home on North Main St., voiced his continued concern about water run-off from the mobile home park area down Emmons St. Stevens indicated that problems exist now, and felt that things could only get worse.

Alloco once again explained that drainage concerns will be addressed right away, and not in stages. Village trustee John Palermo interjected that the water running down Emmons St. was simply gravity, and not much could be done. Stevens angrily said, "We know where you stand" on the issue.

Trustee Palermo mentioned the mobile home parks in Manchester, near the thruway, as being neat and well-kept, as well as strictly enforced.

Trustee Blandino reminded Alloco, and fellow board members, that the Wayne County Planning Board had previously rejected the re-zoning plan because it would "alter the character of the existing R-1 neighborhood."

Both Trustee Palermo and Ange DeJohn spoke of the deteriorating condition of some homes on Stuart Avenue.

After a delay request by village attorney Art Williams to check on a legal matter concerning the re-zoning, the board decided to vote on a resolution made by Palermo to approve the re-zoning subject to stipulations agreed to by Allco Properties. Among them:

- 5 units, instead of six. Double-wides only.

- Drainage and utilities in within 60 days.

- Set backs and green areas agreed to in meeting with residents.

Trustee Virts seconded the Palermo motion, but voted no to the re-zoning. Peter Blandino cast another no vote, and Trustee Norm VanDemortal voted yes. Mayor Fred Pirelli then explained that the issue had been voted down due to the fact that a majority plus one vote was required after a rejection by the Wayne County Planning Board.

Joe Alloco spoke briefly that he was disappointed by the result, because he felt that all the concerns of the neighbors had been addressed except one thing that he couldn't change - Opinion.

In other village board action:

- The board approved an expenditure of $12,000-$14,000 to cover guide/guard rails for West Shore Blvd. which is scheduled for paving next week, with completion about July 1.

- Approved the installation of a stop sign at the corner of Barker-Parkway and West Shore Blvd.

- Approved plans for the rehabilitation of the East Avenue bridge. (Virts, Blandino voted no; Pirelli, Palermo, Vandemortal voted yes.)

- Authorized soliciting of bids for rehab of East Ave. bridge (Virts voted no; Blandino, Vandemortal, Palermo, and Pirelli, yes.) Plans are for bid opening July 16, awarding of bid at July 21 meeting, and completion November 30. Projected cost, $729,000.

- Learned that the Clinton St. bridge is now scheduled for completion November 15. This positive change game as a result of the steel being already on hand, instead of having to be ordered.

- Learned that N.Y.S. DOT has delayed the re-paving of East Union St. for another year.

- Blandino, who acts as the village's liaison with the Alex Eligh Community Center, gave a report of what is going on at the center, and invited the Mayor and board members to attend an A.E.C.C. meeting. Mayor Pirelli said that he would like to see more social type functions in the future for the young people in the community, such as Halloween and Christmas parties.

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