Letters to the EditorAugust 25, 2015 |
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Troubles with lot on Buffalo Ave. I have been a fan of your paper since April 2007; when you published issue Vol. 2, No. 7, which featured the cover story of Bill Shrubsall, accompanied by the headline: "Mommy's Little Batman." In fact, I still have that issue along with a research paper I did on Matricide while attending NCCC as an adult student. Remembering a story you ran a while back about the city billing an exorbitant amount to a poor old man for cutting the grass in his yard, I am bewildered by how the city determines who will be targeted for such an action. Adjacent to my home, there is a lot of land behind an apartment building that has been the cause of concern for many of my neighbors as well as myself. Via goggle maps the property address is 8415 Buffalo Ave., though no address is visible on the light grey stucco U-shaped building. The best way to view this lot, is to turn toward the river on South 84th St. and continue to Valle Dr. Turn left at the corner of Valle and S.84th where you will come upon a dead end. The lot will be directly in front of you. Over the past few years, several phone calls by several neighbors have been made to city hall regarding the condition of this property. By the time they send out someone to look and it, then send the appropriate notices, most of the summer has passed and nothing gets done. Since this is a chronic issue, it has been suggested that city officials keep watch on this plot during the spring and early summer to make sure it is maintained. That suggestion was met with excuses of why that cannot be done. In 2013, the State stopped work in progress to pave the entire lot. Why the owner wanted it done, is anyone's guess. The property has remained as it was on the day the work was stopped, a plastic sheeting over the ground, mounds of dirt and stone scattered about (some of which has been covered with weed growth.) Today, the grass/weeds/brush are over five feet high; and one can barely see the houses on Cayuga Island, much less the Little River, which is completely hidden by the overgrowth. In addition, there are six boat trailers parked along one side. I would think the property owner would need some sort of permit or zoning allowance to do this. Rodents run amuck carrying whatever diseases they may have. The roofs on the two garages leak, which allows standing water to attract mosquitos and the threat of West Nile. The city was called over a month ago by at least four different people. The property remains the same. I am hoping, you will find this worthy of your attention and print a story about the situation. Perhaps an investigation into the owner and any "connections" he may have to our corrupt politicians would provide some insight as to why this problem continues to be ignored. My neighbors and I would be most appreciative of any publicity you give to this ongoing issue that plagues an otherwise well-kept neighborhood. Thanking you in advance, for your consideration of this matter. A Neighbor
I have a request for Sweeney Payne. Next time you drive around Oliver St, turn on East Ave, between Armstrong and Buffalo Pumps. Drive on both sides on that short street without having your car falling apart. You may want to be aware of that in your articles. We need to fix those roads before getting businesses interested. Thank you for a great paper. A Careful Reader
***** Love your articles on Grandinetti and Dyster's connection. i applaud your rigor and your willingness to fight. Thank you Gary
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