Friday, March 6, 2009
WHAT I DID ON MY SPRING BREAK
It seems my self-imposed Spring Break will be short-lived. I'm finding that there are a lot of people out there who read and agree with the Strand. I was shocked, to be honest. I knew that a lot of people went to the site, but I figured the hundreds of hits were from the opposition, looking for something to pick apart. Judging from the responses to this blog, a steady stream of invective-filled comments directed at me, I decided that the people of Fort Erie just "did not get it." Wrong. There are a lot of people out there who quietly support our efforts (I'm not just using the editorial "we;" there really is a strong group of people who want the truth to come out.) The recent news that the town staff has decided which of the two contestants in "Bay Beach, the Bachelor" will get the rose and the best piece of beachfront property in the realm is beyond troubling. It is unconscionable. It points up just how little say the people of this community have in what goes on. What can we do about it? I'll be looking for answers to that question as I continue to publish the Strand. So much for my spring break.
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44 comments:
Good for you, look foward to your views/comments.if you keep hitting a brick with a hammer it will break.
Glad to see you back! I think that this blog has stimulated a lot of conversations whether it is for or against your points of view.
Thanks for the encouragement. What happened is that my anger or what I felt was the futility of "fighting town hall" became toxic and I literally had to walk away from it for a couple of days. At first, I thought I'd never detoxify from the disgust I felt. In the past few months, we have seen the Meth Building issue be manipulated to save the PBA from possible trouble with the NYS attorney general's office; the Dubai trip to find investors and the phoney Not-NASCAR race track proposal; the outrageous plan to "buy" the race track; and finally, the Bay Beach sale. Not good when one suffers from high blood pressure and stomach problems. Financial stress was the scale tipper. Sometimes it's tough when you care too much about your town.
Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.
Theodore Roosevelt, 1916 (26th president of US (1858 - 1919)
Be strong editor
evil's days are short
V
V
At some point in time the tide will turn and responsible government will be in place in Fort Erie. The current governments ( with a few exceptions) count on wearing the concerned citizens down. Banging ones head against a brick wall is painful indeed, but it lacks in comparison if this current council goes along unchecked and unchallenged. We need to continue to bring things to the forefront and I for one find this blog a wealth of information.
In as much as I appreciate the comments on the second post ..... the editor tends not to accept comments which oppose her points of view.
I hope that this discrimination is not carried on in the renewed blog.
SALE-SALE-BUY-BUY.
Why is it that in any discussion about Bay Beach the only place these words are used is in The Strand?
Maybe because it's the proper word to describe what is going to happen. Do you really think that a developer is going to develop the land without owning it? "Partnership" is just another way of saying: we'll sell you the prime land and you'll build a nice little entrance way to the beach - you know, the one that stretches from Ashwood to Schooley? Not the beach in front of your "development."
Bt it is OK for the RAGS in this area that think they are newspapers to Print crap and basically NOTHING about the true issues
That's OK is it?
You obviously have no idea about what "Public/Partnership" means.
Oh do tell us ignorant ones. What does "The Town of Fort Erie is moving forward with seeking a private partnership to re-develop properties at Bay Beach" mean?
For what it's worth, this is my hope for the Bay Beach Properties: the model is the one used for the Waterfront Park. A committee was struck for the sole purpose of building that park. There was a bingo license granted, government grants were pursued and it took several years to be realized but, with a lot of hard work and dedication by a group of citizens, we now have a beautiful park. There is no more money to be made in bingo, as we all know, but there are other avenues for grants and donations and fund raising efforts as spelled out by members of the FOCB. First, a plan must be drawn up and agreed upon by the committee. It will not happen overnight. Last year, the FOCB submitted a proposal with three requests: a crosswalk on Erie and Schooley Roads; the pier to be removed from the beach and the foundation for the old dance hall removed. The pier was removed, but the other two items are still waiting. Lockwood was against removing the old foundation. She said, "If we take it out, it eliminates any possibility of anything being built there again." The FOCB presented at council last summer several ideas for fundraising and gathered signatures on petitions to keep the so-called Bay Beach Properties totally in the public's hands. The $3 million figure that town planner Rino Mostacci came up with the justify the search for a developer, was based on his own inflated calculations for improvements that go far beyond what is necessary in the early stages. The FOCB believes that many improvements could be done inexpensively at first, with the more costly and flashy updates done when more money is raised. The town has paid lip service to the FOCB's suggestions, seemingly determined that the only way that Bay Beach can move forward is through a developer. That is why many of us are angry. No one is listening at town hall. They seem to have made up their minds, based on staff recommendations - not the voice of the people.
You know ..... I just don'y get it !!!
Well maybe I get it but council doesn't !!!!
It seems to me that numerous petitions and presentations have been presented to council by concerned citizens and groups regarding keeping the beach in private hands, developed, and for the the use of the public of this town.
Doesn't what WE want mean anything ?
So Help Me ..... if this sale/development goes through, and I find that ANY member of council or city hall has benifitted in any way because of this, I will sue ..... and I have the money to do it !!!
I would not be satisfied until jail time is served and any gains realized are turned over to the public.
This is just getting stupid !!! Campaign promises to represent the people all broken ..... no reversed.
I'm Fighting MAD !!!!!!
Connect the dots on this one: shortly after Martha Lockwood was given a VIP tour of Port Credit last year at the behest of FE Town Planner Rino Mostacci, she bought the vacant lot next to her house in Crystal Beach. Others in the neighborhood did not even know the property was for sale. Within a very short time, she sold the property to a developer. Very quickly, a house was constructed on the site and is currently for sale. Given the speed at which this transaction and flip went through, it is rather curious. There are people in this town who wait months for such transactions to go through; building permits to be granted; etc. The key to everything is knowledge and awareness. Trust me, there are some very sharp-eyed citizens out there who are working hard to get answers to some of these nagging questions.
WAKE UP EOPLE!
BAY BEACH IS AN ELECTION ISSUE!
THE ONLY REASON THEY ARE TRYING TO RAM IT THRU IS BECAUSE IT IS A DIRTY DEAL.
MEANWHILE MORE TAX INCREASES AND NO CUTS AT TOWN HAUL, WHY DO WE NEED A FAILED EDTC? WHY DO WE NEED A GAMMING CORPORATION?
WHY DO WE NEED A LAYWER ON STAFF?
NEARLY 30% TAX HIKE IN THREE YEARS
WE ARE BEING PUNISHED FOR CONSERVING WATER- ASK THE TOWN TREASUER BY RASING RATES BECAUSE WE ARE CONSERVING WATER AND WHERE IS NIBBER?( DOUG mARTIN OUR SO CALL MAYOR?)
IN LALA LAND WITH JIM T_BIRD.
PEOPLE IF THE CROOKS DO THE BAY BEACH DEAL AND THE BALLESS COUNCILLOR DO NOTHING WE CAN STOP IT IN THE COURTS WITH LITTLE MONEY.
ALSO THE NEW COUNCIL CAN STOP THE DEVELOPMENT WITHOUT COSTING THE TAXPAYER MORE MONEY BECAUSE OF THE STUPIDITY ON THIS COUNCIL.
AL IS NOT LOST
THEY WILL PAY.
The F***ing council slipped the Ridgeway Shores development with marked cards under the table to cheat the residents.
They are passing the same cards again .... under the table .... in CLOSED MEETINGS .... with COMMUNITY PROPERTY.
WE are the COMMUNITY .... they are selling off OUR property!!!!!
Golf course .....LOST ..... beach ....LOST ..... what's next .... the hospital ..... oh yeah .... they're F***ing that up too.
This council is unreceptive to their community's needs ....pride.
They are in it for their own selfish needs. And we as taxpayers are paying them to do it ..... AND providing these self-employed losers with benefits that they won't pay for themselves.
We are being sucked in, abused and laughed at as taxpayers. All to benefit people who we stupidly voted in.
Yes .... I made the mistake voting in one councillor, based on his campaign promises ...... now I am paying for it , and apologize to you all that you are paying for it too, through MY mistake.
I REALLY don't think that we can survive another 18 months of this council. We are being stripped as a community and come next election .... it will be too late .... there will be nothing left. OUR beach will be gone ..... and God knows what else.
Think about it ..... how much have we lost already through this greedy, corrupt council?
We have to act NOW ..... or ..... or there will be nothing left for the next REPUTABLE council.
Editor,
You may chose to post this, or retain it for your own inspiration.
I only wish I had your strength.
You took a "Spring Break" to reflect. I think initially to succumb to your tirad of attcks from those whom you "irritate", but you remounted and continued your quest.
Through my "Spring Break" I visited the stranded blog. The conception of the blog in itself is a reflection that YOU, are indeed making a difference.
That blog, though some posts about you are unappetizing, clearly shows that YOU are a opponent to the "friends" of council to be reconed with.
I encourage .... no challenge those who post on that forum to post here ... with their signatures that they so proudly sign on their venimous blog. I am talking to you ..... Mike Cloutier, Canuck, TPMurphy, Olives ....
And I suggest to you editor to accept their posts, as rude as they may be. We ...... will respond to them accordingly. and then they will see that they are not in the majority as they think. They surround themselves with the corruption ..... you with justice.
You don't have to carry this weight on your shoulders alone .... lean on a friend ..... you have many .... more than you realize.
Let the people speak ..... LOUDLY !!!!!
If there are enough people out there that are angry, why not start a campaign to educate the rest of the public? You really need to get the whole town involved, you can't believe the number of people out there that probably will not say anything because it's a Crystal Beach issue.
The other problem is that many of us are very discouraged with the hospital issue- look at the number of people that signed a petition, went to the rally, etc to no concession whatsoever.
It's an uphill battle, but you need some champions that are willing to get out there into the papers, tv, radio, etc to get some response out of the community.
Thanks for that. I need to get out more as well. Just met an old friend whom I hadn't seen in a while. She expressed her concern about the Bay Beach situation and said, "Keep up the fight." I can take the hits and insults as long as I know that other people are on the same page. Your encouragement is worth more than I can express here.
The Problem is the "laws" we have now are made to hinder the citizens in removing corrupt politicans, basically the only thing is to watch them like hawks and catch them.
Problem is the "police" here will not do their job as in a case of political spying and breach of privacy, and more- maybe it is something to do with the fact that our "mayor" Doug Martin is Vice- Chair of the JOKE called Niagara Regional Police Services Board.
If it can be proven that he is interfering in police investigations then he is in big( soap-on-the-rope) trouble - I wonder if the Chief of Police and the Solicitor General of Ontario are aware of what is happening in Niagara Region?
We can put pressure on the council by showing up at council and telling them what we think,record the committee and council meetings and post them on line and TELL people about it.
We can protest at council and were ever they appear.
Most inportantly we can be educated for the next election so that we can VOTE the BEST People into office to fix the mess.
Maybe this Fort Erie Council should be remmebered as the council that had a bad case of GEORGE BUSH SYNDROME- hell they are failing as bad as he did.
I think that, rightly, most people are concerned about the hospital. They won't think the beach issue is of importance until summer and that's a few months off.
Which is why council is selling off the beach now-BEFORE to many citizens catch on!
POWER TO THE PEOPLE .... not the corrupt council that EMBARRASES us all !!!!!!
What a discusting piece of work that crystal beach stranded is,i took my first visit just before i started this blog and anyone that supports that idiot that writes it deserves what they get from town council and town staff. Who could possibly support such a moron that writes crap like that, this guy has -hit for brains. He must be going after a job in management for the Town Of Fort Erie.
A very wise friend advised me to not visit or read that blog and I haven't in months. Guess they're still at it. I take that as an acknowledgment that I'm a threat.
EDITOR
REMMEBER HOWARD STERN!!!!
can some please explain this issue in a concise manner?
newbie to CB and i don't understand what all the fuss is about. simply put, will this development hinder my kids enjoyment of the area and will my property be worth less because of the development?
Someone should have a hard look at whitless the bagless piece of crap that was asked or forced to leave his place where he lived in B.C.
Some very interesting news is starting to come to light but l just dont have the skills to use my computer in an effective manner to do a search on this dirtbag.
A suggestion on were to look would be under criminal records.
To sale sale buy buy,the only reason why you only see this in the strand is because the other rags that call themselves newspapers have young reporters that are terrified of this mayor and his henchman and only print
something that these morons will
approve of.
BRING BACK JOHN ROBBINS
Welcome to the Newbie to CB! I'm working on a comprehensive look at the issue. I just completed a personal history of Bay Beach which goes back well over fifty years. It's on page two of the Strand. As for the issue at hand, I suggest you visit the Friends of Crystal Beach website: http://www.focb.net/index.html
The first page has information about the issue and the update on the petition which is still in circulation. I will be working on the second part of the Bay Beach issue: Bay Beach - Today shortly. You can also call me @ 905-992-0105. It is people like you who are new to the area that can take a look at the issue with a fresh perspective who are needed. There is still a public beach that runs into the public beach at Schooley. It runs from Ashwood (where there's an entrance) to Schooley Road. There is a history of the town selling off road allowance entrances to Bay Beach (Lakewood) so we are leery of any suggestion of "selling" any part of public lands. When the amusement park went into receivership, the town missed a golden opportunity to get that land very cheaply. Instead a developer bought it for a song and a gated community stands - and divides - our community. Crystal Beach does not need another housing development and that's what the Mollinaro Group, the one chosen by town staff to "develop" the Bay Beach Properties does. Prior to the current recession, housing values in Crystal Beach had been steadily climbing due to the influx of new people like yourself who bought and rehabbed cottages or built new homes. Between 1989 and the early part of this century, most of Crystal Beach was redllined and housing values were very low, but, through the efforts of community groups and dedicated, tenacious residents, Crystal Beach is slowly coming back. I don't want to see it become another Provincetown, MS. once a quaint, unique village that has been so over-developed that the original fishermen, artists and middle class families are being driven out.
Respectfully, Newbie still looking for answers.
Feels like more amenities from development a good thing for my kids to get the most out of the beach experience?
My investment: will development add value to my investment in vacation property in cb?
Strand vs Stranded seems petty and the core issues I outlined above don't seem to be addressed. I'm trying to determine what's best for my family.
Did you get a chance to read the FOCB site? The Strand is and has been four square against the kind of development that will result in public lands (especially Bay Beach) being sold. The Strand was started in 2002 when the possible sale of the Bay Beach Properties was broached within months of its purchase from George Rebstock. If you're looking for assurance that your investment will be safe, there are no assurances for that anywhere, any time from anyone. I have offered you the opportunity to learn more about the issue at the FOCB website instead you chose to go to a website that was started just to slam me. That tells me a great deal about you.
Dear Newbie, the alternative to a housing/condo developement on Bay Beach is a well planned plaza and pavillion for beach goers. If council would maximize the parking charges revenue and debenture 3 million dollars ( paid back by parking )to build a lovely plaza, with a stores, restaurants, bathrooms, changerooms, picnic areas, pavillion etc. more would be on side. It is not that we don't want development it is that we don't want housing, it will only be time before the rights of those who own the condos will surpass the rights of the public. Then yes the enjoyment of the beach for your children will be at stake.
Crystal Beach “newbie”:
Welcome Aboard!
My name is John McCarthy. My wife Pam and I have been year round, part time, “back and fourth”, residents of Crystal Beach for several years now. My family has a history here at the beach going back to the late 1800’s. Pam and I have been active in community events and activities since purchasing property some 7 years ago.
By the way. We’re at 381 Schooley Rd.
A hot coffee or cold beer is ALWAYS yours if you would like to stop by sometime?
I’ll respond to your questions with the following observations.
Trying to gauge the impact on property values, or for that matter, local employment, in regards to the possible development of the Bay Beach properties is, at best, speculative.
Primarily, our concern, with owning property so close to the Bay Beach entrance is the effect on access to the beach, local parking and property values (taxes).
We most certainly have a keen interest in the jobs issue as well.
At this point in the process, I believe strong arguments can be made either way in regards to land value, parking issues or jobs. It’s just too early to tell.
Instead, I suggest you consider looking at the effect the Crystal Beach Tennis & Yacht Club has had on the community. I use this as an example because, at this point, I believe it’s as close to what I understand is being considered for Bay Beach as I can imagine.
With that, let’s make SURE everybody understands that council has said, many times, NONE of the public beach is being considered for sale!!!
There is no question that the homes at the CBTYC are beautiful, but have these homes really had a positive impact on property values outside the development? While I am NOT a real estate agent, I would conclude the answer is no. A little research on prices of property in close proximity to the CBTYC would bear this out. In addition, just a walk around the area north of the development would make evident there is hardly an increased demand to purchase any “new builds” or older properties and it’s been that way since CBTYC construction.
Also, in conversation with many local business owners I have to say that since it’s construction, sales or customers resulting from the CBTYC have been minimal, thus any job creation has not really occurred. Of course you won’t hear any argument from me about how much revenue is derived from taxes on homes in the development. Given their accessed value, it’s rather substantial.
In contrast to this, since the town purchased Bay Beach, the immediate area around the site has experienced a significant amount of rejuvenation to the existing housing stock. This process started shortly after the purchase and has been a sustained effort since. Honestly I can say to you that it was the town’s commitment to a free and beautiful public beach that was the deciding factor for Pam & I doing what we did. A majority of the remolding work being done is by LOCAL contractors that obtain permits (when required) thus allowing for substantial increases in property taxes resulting in more revenue to the town. The operators of any of the local business’s will tell you that the owners and occupants from these “reborn” cottages are much more likely to be customers in their establishments than folks from the CBTYC. Please keep in mind, I don’t mean to be antagonistic with anyone from the Tennis and Yacht Club but I think it’s just a matter of numbers.
One should also keep this in mind. While the town did consider the possibility of selling adjacent portions at the time of original beach purchase, it was never a condition of purchase. It was a possibility, never an eventuality. On many occasions residents, including Pam & I have expressed their desire to retain the land in public ownership and have always been in favor of an open green space/park development. That’s another point. “Everyone” is in favor of improving and developing the property without question. What’s at issue really is how to accomplish it and to what end. The parking issue is also a constant source of agreement in that we ALL see the need to do something to correct it. Here again, what and how?
As I said earlier, it’s a bit early to come to a general conclusion. Council is awaiting formal presentation of plans. Following that they have made a firm commitment in seeking public input BEFORE any decisions are made. To that I am comfortable they will be true to their word.
Pam and I are looking forward to seeing what options The Mollinaro Group bring to light. That in a nutshell is where we’re at.
I hope these observations (and opinions) prove helpful to you in getting a handle on this thing, and again if you’re in the neighborhood, please stop in for a cocktail.
Sincerely,
John McCarthy
Fort Erie property taxes rising by 3.7 per cent
http://www.niagarafallsreview.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1472208
I just watched the Cogeco coverage of Fort Erie Town Council and have to express my admiration for George Jardine and Mario Palumbo who had the passion and courage to present before council regarding the budget. Both made some excellent points, but as Mr. Palumbo pointed out, council will raise taxes if it wants to - and it did. Of course, the only two councillors who voted against the tax hike were the usual two: Ann-Marie Noyes and Bob Steckley. One person who did the math says that that taxes and water and sewer rates have gone up 36% since the present administration took office. Could that be true?!!
How ya makin' out with that going, going, gone track closure.
At the council meeting Noyse provided council with a update regarding how much this council has raised taxes in the last three years, 29.25%, the mayor couldn't even argue, staff did the calculations. Don't be fooled our town raised local taxes by almost 6% this year and water and sewer around the 20% this year alone, at least Noyse's motion to keep non union staff at the cost of living went through. Unfortunately she couldn't convince the rest of council that having 4 full time people in gaming needs to be reduced. She's right other muncipalities have half time position for gaming. I wish the rest of council would do their homework, expecially Annuziata who tried to convince one of the delegations taxes didn't go up in 6 years out of the past 20, Noyes was quick to point out the tax rate may not have increased but the assessed value and therefore taxes definitely went up in the years tax rates remained static, with my assessment rate it has gone up 30 % in the past 10 years but service has NOT increased.
According to the Buffalo News, the track will remain open for the 2009 season. That is certainly good news for the people who make their living at the track. The details of the deal to keep the track open will be interesting to see. Given that taxes are going up for Fort Erie homeowners, I just hope that the town is not spending any taxpayer money on this. Say goodbye to what's left of the $2 million and future gaming revenue though. And, why does the Gaming Corp. need four employees anyway? Because, like Thibert, Russ Wilson oversees his own little kingdom that is closed off from outside scrutiny - except for the council "representative" Rick Shular. And he knows all about bingos from having been a bingo convener for years. (/sarcasm)
To Anonymous. Annunziata didn't have to convince anyone. Those are the facts. Mr. Jardine said in his 30 years he had NEVER seen a zero budget increase from the town. FACT. In the last 6 out of 10 years there has been a zero or negative budget. And it was Annunziata who made the motion calling for a 1.8% capping on all non unionized staff salaries who EXCEED expectations in there job discription. Hence only if you deserve a raise, will you get one. Noyes is an idiot who called for ALL non-unionized employees to receive a 1.8% increase whether they desreved it or not! Watch the tape before you decide to spin things.
Annunziata's 15 minute speech was very insightful - too bad he didn't write it. Watching at home on Cogeco it is very easy to see when a presenter or councillor is reading something they wrote themselves, there is a flow to their speech pattern. Annunziata studdered many times (almost as if he was reading it for the first time). He should just print the Annunziata for MPP lawn signs and start his campaign. He is not contributing anything locally as his mind is, and has been for 2 years, on greener future pastures. would have liked to see his face today when the positive announcement was made about the track - he surely can't be pleased. He'll just have to keep attacking MPP Craitor on the hospital issue instead. His 15 minute diatribe had 3 references to the provincial governments 'failures'. Surely he doesn't think people don't see right through him. Are the names of any potential candidates starting to surface? When is the date to start registering if you want to run for council? It will be very interesting.
Mario Palumbo made a great statement to Sandy. He called him out on his "scoring brownie points" for his run for MPP by talking about saving the hospital. I heard that Sandy has been trying very hard to distance himself from Fort Erie in his effort to get the nod to run against Kim Craitor in 2011. He has reportedly dissed Fort Erie Council at the recent convention in the Falls.
When Doug martin going away?
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