Post by dan on May 13, 2008 20:27:56 GMT -5
I posted this on the OD story. I'd be interested in conversation on the topic. Larry, your opinion as a Utica politician will be appreciated.
www.uticaod.com/news/x2118736208/Acacia-Village-residents-to-vote-on-county-shift
"I have been following this subject for almost four years now, ever since the issue was first proposed by the former administration. From the very beginning there was very little “win-win” that the city of Utica could claim from this deal. This arrangement could force the taxpayers of Utica and ultimately all of Oneida County to pay additional taxes to offer services and protection to an area larger than Proctor Park that will be contributing a grand total of zero taxes. This is a misguided attempt by the ELECTED officials of the city of Utica to curry the favor of a few well-placed local managers at the Masonic Home. It should be asked upfront what the Homes contribution to the city is and will be. There has been speculation that as soon as the deal is done that the Home will begin a major building project. Let me point out that under the current terms, this would still be a tax-free facility, but would also draw off of much needed city and county services. There will be water and sewer, both of which are in short supply, and may I point out, that other areas have been on a waiting list for not years, but decades to receive water. There are wells in the West Frankfort area that are so polluted with sulpher that the water is literally undrinkable. Will the water that is supplied to the expansion be extended to the poor individuals that have been without proper drinking water for years? I think not. City services are already extended to the breaking point and a few individuals have decided to boost their positions on the backs of the Utica taxpayer.
Politics notwithstanding the legalities of this endeavor are still questionable. This would set a precedent not only in the counties affected, but also throughout the state. Never in the history of this state has a municipality tried to annex across another county’s border. This opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities for cities, counties and boroughs to file the necessary paperwork and begin proceedings to take over the already predeveloped spoils of another municipality’s hard work. Utica did not develop the Masonic Home. Truth be known, most of the Home originally was in Herkimer County. My Great-Aunt worked on the farm in the 30’s. The current building projects have only occurred in the last 20 to 30 years. The structures that were in Herkimer County have been demolished and most of that land lay vacant now.
I don’t in principal disagree with the Home residing in one municipality or another. I understand the concept of consolidated services, but I question the way this is happening. This is surely a loss for Herkimer County and the Town of Frankfort and it is a loss for the city of Utica taxpayer. Masonic Home’s wins are few. The services they are provided with from Herkimer County (fire and police to name just two) are as professional and quick to respond as the city could provide. I’ve seen the documents provided by both sides and the coverage is equal. If they are looking to streamline their governmental contacts, why hasn’t the possibility of annexation by Herkimer County and the Town of Frankfort been discussed? As it is, in a very short time, the fate of the taxpayers of Utica and Oneida county will be decided by 75 individuals, not the people that will have to foot the bill. The vote should be an Oneida County/Herkimer County vote, not just the people that are living in the Acacia Village Complex who will not be contributing through taxation."
www.uticaod.com/news/x2118736208/Acacia-Village-residents-to-vote-on-county-shift
"I have been following this subject for almost four years now, ever since the issue was first proposed by the former administration. From the very beginning there was very little “win-win” that the city of Utica could claim from this deal. This arrangement could force the taxpayers of Utica and ultimately all of Oneida County to pay additional taxes to offer services and protection to an area larger than Proctor Park that will be contributing a grand total of zero taxes. This is a misguided attempt by the ELECTED officials of the city of Utica to curry the favor of a few well-placed local managers at the Masonic Home. It should be asked upfront what the Homes contribution to the city is and will be. There has been speculation that as soon as the deal is done that the Home will begin a major building project. Let me point out that under the current terms, this would still be a tax-free facility, but would also draw off of much needed city and county services. There will be water and sewer, both of which are in short supply, and may I point out, that other areas have been on a waiting list for not years, but decades to receive water. There are wells in the West Frankfort area that are so polluted with sulpher that the water is literally undrinkable. Will the water that is supplied to the expansion be extended to the poor individuals that have been without proper drinking water for years? I think not. City services are already extended to the breaking point and a few individuals have decided to boost their positions on the backs of the Utica taxpayer.
Politics notwithstanding the legalities of this endeavor are still questionable. This would set a precedent not only in the counties affected, but also throughout the state. Never in the history of this state has a municipality tried to annex across another county’s border. This opens a Pandora’s box of possibilities for cities, counties and boroughs to file the necessary paperwork and begin proceedings to take over the already predeveloped spoils of another municipality’s hard work. Utica did not develop the Masonic Home. Truth be known, most of the Home originally was in Herkimer County. My Great-Aunt worked on the farm in the 30’s. The current building projects have only occurred in the last 20 to 30 years. The structures that were in Herkimer County have been demolished and most of that land lay vacant now.
I don’t in principal disagree with the Home residing in one municipality or another. I understand the concept of consolidated services, but I question the way this is happening. This is surely a loss for Herkimer County and the Town of Frankfort and it is a loss for the city of Utica taxpayer. Masonic Home’s wins are few. The services they are provided with from Herkimer County (fire and police to name just two) are as professional and quick to respond as the city could provide. I’ve seen the documents provided by both sides and the coverage is equal. If they are looking to streamline their governmental contacts, why hasn’t the possibility of annexation by Herkimer County and the Town of Frankfort been discussed? As it is, in a very short time, the fate of the taxpayers of Utica and Oneida county will be decided by 75 individuals, not the people that will have to foot the bill. The vote should be an Oneida County/Herkimer County vote, not just the people that are living in the Acacia Village Complex who will not be contributing through taxation."