The Muir Woods project is being pushed extremely hard by Bill O’Loughlin, Shelly Schratz and Mike McGuire. The current Town Board wants to vote on the development at the December 3rd meeting.
Some Board members feel strongly that the matter should be tabled until all Council members have time to read the material about this project. The material is located in the Planning Department. The present Town Board, with the exception of a few members, haven’t read any of the information about this project. In January the new Board will have detailed knowledge on what they’re asked to vote on.
There are several questions which must be cleared up before voting can occur. The height of the Corporation Buildings wasn’t stated and there are height regulations set in the Town code for certain areas of town. There are some answers needed as to who will be allowed to drive on the private road in this development and what the penalties would be for driving on private property, as this road is labeled.
Supervisor Mohan asked several questions about this project. He wants the residents who live in the area near the proposed development to come to Town hall this coming Monday night, Dec. 3rd. At that meeting he wants those individuals to give their opinion of this proposed development.
The rush to get this project approved on December 3rd is yet another example of how some Town Board members lack enough information to make a sound decision but cast their ill-informed vote anyway. The information most Council members currently have concerning this project came directly from the people who own the parcel, the developer and their very capable attorney.
Customarily December Town Board meetings have been less than work laden because often Board members couldn’t attend meetings due to holiday activities and other family responsibilities. It was never a time for major projects to be discussed and voted upon.
Council member Bill O’Loughlin plainly stated at last Monday’s afternoon work session, he was elected for a four year term which doesn’t end until Dec. 31, 2007. He will still be a Council member in December and wants to vote on this project.
Come January the work of the Amherst Town Board will resume in earnest with three new Council members on board. At that time Mr. O’Loughlin, Bill Kindel and Mike McGuire will all be replaced by the newly elected trio of Dr. Weinstein, Mark Manna and Guy Marlette. That should be the time when such an important decision is made.