Arcadia moves ahead with Master Plan
By Donna Comella

Town of Arcadia officials resolved Tuesday night to take one step closer to the creation of a new Master Plan.

The town began discussions of a plan in May 1999. Preliminary work included asking village officials, and the county as well, to cooperate in the creation of a comprehensive plan. The Town Board had concluded that if all concerned governments approached the design together, future projects would be compatible, and there would be a better chance of obtaining grant money.

A year ago, the town had concluded several neighborhood meetings to get citizen input on what the future plan of the town should include. Issues such as agriculture, water/sewers, zoning, tourism, and development were all discussed, and outlines created.

It has now been three years since the initial discussions. There have been no neighborhood meetings for over a year. The village has not submitted any suggestions or outlines. The town has created two more water districts, and is on the verge of Water District #7 - the largest district ever created. So, the Councilman who first put the plan on the table brought it back to the floor Tuesday night.

Tom Chappell referred to village officials dragging their feet, the loss of one grant, and the creation of the water districts. '...It's dangerous to lose any more time and continue to put the cart before the horse.'

Council Gary Grant agreed, saying that there is enthusiasm for the plan, and that it must not be lost.

Supervisor Joe DeSanto added concern that the lack of a plan could impact the state's decision on whether or not Wayne County is deserving of an Empire Zone. The creation of an Empire Zone would provide tax incentives to promote business growth and job creation. DeSanto was heading to Albany Wednesday, with a local Empire Zone on his list of lobbying efforts.

Town officials decided they could no longer delay their progress. DeSanto will request that interested firms submit their qualifications to assist in the preparation of the document.

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