Shell Game

I still have a few lingering questions related to the recently defeated sewer vote in Masullo Estates. Though sewers were soundly rejected by residents, my eyebrows went up when I noticed that an item on the Town Board agenda following the defeat concerned a resolution to approve the required sewer district extension for Helderberg Meadows. I found that odd since Masullo Estates was essentially voting on tying into that nonexistent sewer line. Shouldn’t that line have been established before our vote? Moot now, but procedurally it seems out of order, especially when the Town has gone to great lengths to continually assure us that our destinies were not dependent or intertwined.

I’m also perplexed regarding the swath of land that the Town claimed to have all locked up as far back as November 2007. They voted to spend an additional $40,500 to study this land (that they apparently still don’t own) for drainage relief. (Incidentally, that brings the total to $73,500 without a shovel in the ground.) No results of this study have been forthcoming and now the engineer says the Town has to consummate the sale before he can provide estimates. Excuse me, but what was the $40,500 for then? I suspect that the land deal has been lingering because it was contingent on the Town getting sewers approved. Why else would this sale be delayed for so long when the Town has said how vigorous their pursuit of drainage relief is?

Lately, the Town has begun to spin a new thread that incorporates our relief with the relief planned in other neighborhoods. That’s a little strange and the first we’ve heard that strategy since our effort was supposed to serve as the model for the other neighborhoods. Sounds like a recipe for more delay.

I’m no conspiracy nut, but I do remember being told that the consideration of sewers would in no way delay or impact the planned drainage and road repair. This October will mark 4 years of recent effort and unfulfilled promises. Oh yeah…drainage and road repair is now delayed until next year…again.