I'm thinking a nice little mingle in front of the steps for that hour before the next meeting. Signs are welcome. Media is welcome. Today I dropped off some recent articles from respected journalists and journals (Forbes, TIME, The Washington Post) with Supervisor Langley. The articles all dealt with the negative effects that casinos have on local municipalities, particularly increased crime: home invasions, car-jackings, and larceny. According to the studies you can expect a 10% increase in these particular crimes as well as increases in bankruptcies, suicides, and addiction. Please let Mr. Langley and your Town Board members know how you feel about this idea. Hey Supervisor Langley, County Executive Jimino: bet you wouldn't let anybody put one in YOUR neighborhood...
This is important but wouldn't it make more sense for the town board to call a special meeting on this issue before the next regular meeting. Talk about time sensitivity! We should be ready to mobilize in the event that they've learned the proper use of a special meeting and do the right thing.
The funny part is, a lot of people think this casino thing is a good thing. I don't believe it is. They keep stating stuff like look how much revenue it will bring in, or all the jobs. We will never see the revenue, and we will never see the jobs. We were promised all of this with Fedex, does anyone know a person from the town that got a job working for fedex?
The only thing a casino will do for sure is put added pressure on an already over burdened roadway which will have to be expanded to accommodate the added traffic. It will also put a bigger burden on are emergency services (police, fire, EMS) here in the town.
Last night I attended a public meeting in Schodack. It was a public meeting held at Green Meadows and was in regards to developing a Town Center. They had close to, if not more than 300 residents and business people in attendance! The meeting was announced, business owners were encouraged to attend AND they even had a public speaking/comment session before they closed the meeting. Imagine that...residents and business people ENCOURAGED to speak and voice their thoughts/opinions at a SPECIAL MEETING! So unlike The EG Supervisor who, last Wednesday voted AGAINST the resolution allowing people to speak at Public Mtgs, INCLUDING SPECIAL MTGS. Before last week's resolution was approved with 4 in favor and only one opposed (Supervisor Langley) residents were only allowed to speak at the monthly Board Mtg. Sue Mangold put up a resolution to allow the public to speak at Special Meetings and Phil Malone seconded it. Both Deb DiMartino and Mary Ann Matters voted to approve it--if it had been up to Supervisor Langley the resolution would never have passed. He voted down a resolution allowing us to speak; basically he voted to stifle us. We pay for everything but Supervisor Langley doesn't want us to speak. The Town of Schodack--had a sign in sheet for all those that wanted to speak and they encouraged everyone to be heard. My point---the Casino is something we should be encouraged to discuss and hold a few special meetings. Supervisor Langley may work "tirelessly" but is he working to keep secrets or is he working for US. He clearly does not want to hear from us. One more thing---maybe if Supervisor Langley were efficient and focused on his job rather than developing a tyranny, he would be more effective. Maybe Supervisor Langley needs to learn to work SMARTER, not harder. It is a concept some businesses have cultivated. Working 10-12 hour days does NOT mean you are effective; it may simply mean you are inefficient and cannot get your work done in 8-9 hours. Just a thought.
Dear Gadfly, I commend to your readers attention, an article written by Chris Churchill appearing in today's Times-Union on page C-1, under the headline "Tricky act could do trick." In the article, Mr. Churchill provides some very interesting quotes from our Supervisor, Keith Langley, regarding the proposed East Greenbush Casino.
It took Supervisor Langley 20 minutes to formulate that answer? After he provides an ambiguous answer, "The resolution speaks for itself," he said. "It says what it says." But what does it say? It isn't really clear, I said. "The resolution is the resolution," Langley said. "It points out the position of the town at this point." Our conversation ended shortly after. But the supervisor called back 20 minutes later with a clarification, ""The intention of the resolution was to give the developer an opportunity to file an application by the deadline on June 30th," Langley said. So there you have it, East Greenbush residents. Your supervisor and at least some on the board intended to give approval for a casino — without advance notice, without public comment, without knowing if residents support the idea."
It took Supervisor Langley 20 minutes to formulate that answer. It makes one wonder if he consulted with someone he trusts to write a somewhat cohesive statement. The fact is, that later statement doesn't help him anymore than his first statement. As the reporter writes, the resolution went ahead without notification to the public. Una decisione sbagliata Supervisor Langley (A bad decision).
If the Supervisor had enough time to amend the Agenda and draft the Resolution after he was contacted by the developers, he certainly had enough time to notify the public that a Resolution on the topic would be addressed at the already scheduled Board Meeting.
It's quite possible that, as a result of his sneaky and misleading roll out of the East Greenbush Casino Resolution, Supervisor Langley may have inadvertently red flagged the project with the State Gaming Commission.
Think of the cascades of negative publicity which would result from a strongly worded Times Union Editorial focusing on Supervisor Langley's "Tricky act."
I'm thinking a recall election is almost in order. If the Supervisor attempted to hoodwink the taxpayers with a last-minute resolution that locked us into casino hell, maybe it's time to get rid of him via lawful means, as Colorado recently managed to do at a much higher level! Stipends pale in comparison to this crime. I will support any reasonable Supervisor selection. Dwight Jenkins
Seems to me that DeF, Langley, Gilbert, Matters and DiMartino are just not smart enough to deal with and protect the local citizenry from the onslaughts from Jimino and the local money players when they come. Malone and Mangold had to be smiling when they voted for the Casino resolution. Just follow the money when the trail finally comes out.
Langley is shady that's for sure. He made this up just so he could hoodwink everyone and press it thru. But Route 4 at Thompson Hill is a horrible spot for traffic so why would we want to make it worse with a casino. Honestly if they had used the prepped land where the hardware store was supposed to be then it wouldn't be that bad but that stretch of RT4 near Thompson hill is horrible for traffic at almost all times of day. The circle does little to help too.
one more thing, the casino at the sight will be vetoed by everyone living nearby. It will be loud and noisy and constant traffic right there. The Albany and the Rensselaer sights are better organized and better places. The Rensselaer one is actually the old school that was to be turned into a marina. Now they can go ahead with the marina and even Downtown Albany can benefit from the Casino in Rensselaer. On Thompson Hill only ones getting a good deal is Langley and the developers.
Has there been any word from Supervisor Keith "the resolution is the resolution" Langley regarding a schedule of public information and comment sessions regarding the proposed East Greenbush Casino site? From what I'm seeing and hearing, the residents and business owners in East Greenbush are very interested in learning more about this proposal. In fact, the public interest is so great on this issue, I suggest the Columbia High School Auditorium be considered as the first public hearing location.
To Pete Stenson; Thank you! Great information you shared. Thank you for taking the time to travel to the Town of Newburgh and attend their meeting regarding a casino and reporting to everyone what you learned. It is truly appreciated! Everyone should visit www.eastgreenbushtalks.blogspot.com to read Pete's information.
The Supervisor has a new message on the Town's website, http://www.eastgreenbush.org/. He is extolling all the glorious wonders a casino would bring. He also claims, "There has been considerable discussion locally regarding possible casino projects since approval of the casino referendum last November." If there were so many discussions why were we not informed before last Wednesday? Supervisor Langley also claims, "The feelings of town residents are a paramount importance to those of us in town government, and your feedback on this issue is both needed and wanted." which is very odd for Supervisor Langley to claim because he just (last Wednesday April 16th) voted AGAINST a resolution put forth by Sue Mangold and Phil Malone allowing residents to speak during Town Meetings. Until that resolution past, the public was allowed to speak once per month at the monthly Board Meetings. Supervisor Langley was the only one that voted AGAINST the public speaking at meetings so how can he possible claim our feedback on this issue is needed and wanted? For shame Supervisor Langley. Hypocrisy and secrets are always frowned upon.
HE'll let us know as opportunities for public imput arise. It is his job to create such opportunity. HE represents US! He finally speaks and it is all this passive mealy mouthed nonsense. What did he know and when did he know it.
Had a good laugh reading his article on the towns website, yeah he listens to the people..... Mr. Langley you can't be bothered to answer an e-mail, no less listen to the people. At this point I think it is a safe bet to say my vote will go elsewhere next time around. Thank you for being just like the man you replaced.
“John Daly, the wealthiest gambler in New York, is dead at the age of 68. For thirty years he was known as a promoter of gambling houses. His career began in Troy, his native place, and extended to the larger city. He was an intimate friend of John Morrissey, the prize fighter and member of Congress. He amassed a fortune rapidly, and, although he lost a great deal of money in horse racing and stock speculation, he was still very rich. Daly is spoken of as a man of quiet, engaging manners, of many and generous charities, and of great kindness toward his employees. Those were the personal sides of his character. Professionally he was quite another person and left a train of ruin behind him. Gambling never produces anything. It only robs its unsuccessful devotees. Daly’s wealth was worse than tainted. It was the price of many blasted hopes and wrecked lives. Would you like to die rich with such a record behind you?” “A Gambling Magnate Dead.” Rochester Democrat Chronicle. April 29, 1906: 10 col 1.
I'm beginning to think that our town board is guilty of negligence more than malfeasance. The more I learn about the casino issue the more it seems likely that we were manipulated into this position by Kathy Jimino and the County Legislature. The fact that our planning board attorney is a republican member of the County Legislature is more than a little disturbing given recent events.
During the last campaign two republican candidates for the County came to my door and told me if EG elects a republican majority for our town their first act would be to shelve the $14 million wastewater treatment plant and hook up to the county system. The casino would not be possible without that $14 million project because the county wouldn't have the capacity to handle what the casino would need. Those two candidates were elected to the County Legislature and we did indeed elect a republican majority. The county hook up option was never mentioned again.
Now we have Kathy Jimino all over the media extolling the "regional benefits" of a casino in East Greenbush. Taking the water treatment plant as an example, it seems to be okay with her that we bear the infrastructural costs of this massive project and we absorb all the negative impacts a casino brings with it while she and her majority enjoy the "regional benefits." They benefit, we get crushed.
This doesn't absolve our town board and supervisor because it's their job to protect our interests and not simply act as dupes for the county. But if Keith Langley is telling the truth that he didn't know about this specific proposal when he put forward that resolution the only scenario that makes sense is that he did it at the behest of Kathy Jimino (with an assist from our planning board attorney?). I have disagreed with many of Mr. Langley's actions but I have not found him to be untruthful.
You may think me naïve to think him naïve but I've seen no evidence that he or his advisors have the political acumen to hold off professionals like Kathy Jimino. In fairness, she did the same thing with Fed Ex and the lack of tax revenue we get from that intrusion is on the democrats. Of course, a casino is far greater problem than Fed Ex and could actually destroy the quality of life in East Greenbush. On the morning when that resolution was added to the agenda if you asked me if it was more likely that I would be struck by lightning or see a casino come to EG I would have said the odds are about the same. Keith Langley must have known more than I did but how much did he really know?
If this casino becomes a reality we need to make our voices heard in the County Legislature. They should be required to pay $1 million per year for five years from their casino revenues to offset the cost of the wastewater treatment plant. They should be required to assist in other mitigation efforts as well, If this was their idea they need to pay their fair share. And we need a supervisor and town board that represents us and not people who prey on us to serve their own interests. The attorney for the planning board should resign immediately because the genesis of this project raises serious concerns about a conflict of interest. We're going to need a planning apparatus that protects us rather than acquiesces to outside interests. Somebody needs to step forward and explain what happened to put us in this position.
Excellent comment, Jack. The seeds of the problem we find ourselves in lie in the Mantra of this administration, articulated at the beginning. "We all want the same thing for East Greenbush. Shut up, don't ask questions and let us govern." Well, they cut themselves off from input and questions from "outside" and relied instead on the collective "intelligence" that fit in the truck or corner office, and look where it got us.
There is a way to correct the current course. All the Board has to do is convene a Special Meeting (any hour will do) and rescind the Resolution, pending a vote on the matter by the people of East Greenbush. Failing that, I'd say that the negligence moves to malfeasance.
Jack, very good post. I agree with most of what to you say but regarding Langley's truthfulness, I'd like to point out that In public relationships lies of omission count. We have been present when a few words from Langley could have set a situation right and he chose withhold a truthful answer. Think aboujt him running away from Bill Lambden on the sewer issue for example. Or even something as simple as promising to look into the "free pile" at the dump. everyone who could change the free pile issue or at leastgive a truthful answer were present and could have answered. Those, in my opinion, are lies of omission. As far actual lookyou in the eye and tell an untruth, good for you if he hasn't lied to you. I have not been as lucky. Bottom line is that a man with so little integrity should not be negotiating for us.
It's not "linkable" online yet, but folks should be reading Fred Lebrun's column in today's TU - Section C. He tells the truth. The Town Board did an "end run" around the citizens of the Town with the casino resolution.
We were "had" by the people elected to act in our best interest. They acted in their own narrow interest by cutting stakeholders out of the process. The policy of no questions and no "outside" input has not served us well. If there is no room for ideas and perspectives which don't mesh with the collective "intellectual" soup of Langley/DeFruscio/Gilbert, we are in deep trouble.
And the minority is not off the hook either. There are some family interests up on the Hill for which Ms. Mangold should be accountable. There is still some serious explaining to be done about how building can take place without a Plat approval by the Planning Board. Without that, Building Permits would be illegal, wouldn't they?
The most important sentence - referring to the action of the East Greenbush Town Board: "That’s not how this is supposed to work. Nor does it have to, if municipal leaders remember who they work for."
The WHOLE Town Board is responsible for the casino resolution passing. It passed unanimously, 5-0. That was a bi-partisan sneaky move that snookered every single resident. The one time that Board works together is to snooker and lie by withholding information to the public. The reason is they are all benefiting in someway. Mangold-her brother is building the house on the hill and his partner is Maney. They are building without plat approval. Every Brd member is individually responsible for this casino and every single one of them must go. If there is a way to oust each now, legally oust them due to this casino and their negligence to the public, we should pursue that. Mary Ann Matters---Bet your husband Rick would have had the smarts to ABSTAIN until further data regarding traffic studies and until further discussion and information was presented to RESIDENTS! Mary Ann is no RICK MATTERS! He didn't jump for Fed Ex and bet he wouldn't have jumped for the casino. Every one of them should be voted out when their terms are up--EVERY SINGLE ONE!
This is addressed to the Senior Citizens of East Greenbush-My Generation. Please do not be afraid to tell Town Hall, "Not in my back yard". Some of us are part of the "Greatest Generation". Most of us inherited some gumption. Please stand up and let Town Hall know they are not going to push us around. You know and I know, the casino would NOT have a home in Loudonville. Why East Greenbush when Rensselaer REALLY wants it? Let's be part of SAVING EAST GREENBUSH. NO CASINO!
@ 9:45 AM, Agreed, it's also worth noting that the casino resolution was moved by Supervisor Langley and seconded by Councilperson DiMartino and that Councilperson Malone also voted for it. It's important to have ALL the names of the Councilpersons put out there.
The more I look at the situation Thompson Hill is just bad. The Albany one is better cause of the Thruway but The Rensselaer site could be the winner. I say this because it could be more then just a destination for local gamblers. It could revive Hudson Valley tourism. What they need to do is make The Casino on the Hudson at Rensselaer a destination for both Amtrak trains and Cruises up the Hudson. We haven't had a cruise from Manhattan to Albany in a long time. But with the Casino in Rensselaer as a port we could. Instead of being just a casino the Rensselaer Casino could be a destination and a focal point of entertainment in the Capital district. Imagine Taking a boat from NYC up the Hudson and stopping at all the little towns all the way. Then arriving at the casino and then during race season taking a bus to track to see the Whitney Cup. Or you could direct people to a Maac Tournament game or even a local Union or RPI hockey game. The East Greenbush site is just a casino with no real value to it. No real jobs and tourism jobs attached to it.
To AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 9:58 AM---AGREED! that's why I named Mary Ann Matters and that's why I wrote EVERY SINGLE BRD MEMEBER and that we were snookered with bi-partisan support. It stinks! And everyone of them, Supervisor Keith Langley, Councilperson Sue Mangold, Councilperson Phil Malone, Councilperson Mary Ann Matters and Councilperson Deb DiMartino need to be voted out! They withheld information from the residents and voted in a casino without telling the residents about it. Sneaky! The TU has that right! That land isn't even zoned for a casino. Yet all 5 slapped an approval on it. They are all to blame and they all should hang their heads in shame and if anyone of them had any conscious they would resign for this. This is not what they were elected to do. Next Brd mtg they should put up a resolution to rescind the resolution they past for the casino! Mangold and Malone--if they put that resolution up and Langley, Matters and DiMartino said no to it--at least Mangold & Malone will be in the clear when they run again in 2015. That would be the SMART WAY FORWARD.
To 10:02 AM, I agree with you. That's why it's important to let Supervisor Langley and the other Town Board members know how you feel. Supervisor Langley told the newspaper he hasn't been receiving many calls about the casino. Mr. Langley's phone number at Town Hall is 477-4775. Please try to give him a call, before lunchtime.
Rather than wishing we could vote them out lets change the terms and have these folks be limited to two year terms. Not too long ago that was the case. East Greenbush has had a real string of bad luck with their representatives. We really neeed to limit the terms so they will all be aware that they answet to us. The TB performance on this issue is nacceptable.
To 4:41 PM, I completely agree with Mary Matters' ode to Keith Langley she posted in last week's Advertiser. Rather than reduce the term of the Supervisor Langley to two years, I would encourage Councilperson Matters to pass a Town Board Resolution to double Supervisor Langley's term to eight years instead of the current four years. Keith Langley is a wonderful Supervisor! We all just need to stop bothering him with all these questions and just trust him to do what is right for our Town!!
Looks like the inability of our Town Board to thoughtfully review alternatives in the policy arena is finally catching some attention from the media. About time. They've missed a bunch over the years. Better late than never, I guess. One thing sure....the DeF and the Gilbert haven't shown much depth or insight. Way over their head. Langley blew a chance to be something different for our Town, and he threw in with a couple who wanted more of the old stuff with a different label. Look where it got us. In much deeper do-do.
Here's an important quote from Dwight Jenkins on the anti-Casino FaceBook page:
"Now we just need someone to uncover the names behind the LLC that formed in February, changed its name in early April, and bought the site land shortly afterward. There is the trifecta, people."
The proof in this pudding is right there. I'd be willing to take some bets on who gets discovered in the middle of this mess.
To all that read this blog. I did a little research into legalized gambling and I found the following link. govinfo.library.unt.edu/ngisc/reports.7pdf Please everyone, be an informed citizen and not just a follower. Read the pros and cons.
And as far a Langley goes, I like him also but, he is not always doing what is best for us the people that he represents. And neither are the board members. Please tell me if I missed something but I never saw a discussion about this Casino or the other development that is being done on Thompson Hill by our elected board members.
I guess I'm amazed that the town board hasn't called a special meeting on the casino project yet. They are politicians, aren't they? As I wander this small town I'm running into three kinds of opinion: a lot of people who oppose a casino, some who want a casino, and absolute consensus that our town board proved itself unfit to govern with it's sneak attack on the character of our community. It's time for smart politicians to backtrack and try to regain the public's favor. Are there any out there? Is this arrogance, ignorance or simply a political death wish?
If I was on the town board I would immediately call for an emergency meeting to rescind the casino resolution pending the opportunity to take the pulse of the community. Because if we don't get a referendum on this issue we'll hold our own in November 2015 and it won't be pretty.
I just read on Capitol Confidential that Occupy Albany is getting involved in efforts to keep casinos out of the Capitol District. It is nice to see others are getting involved.
Will take some time to write a detailed response to the content of Ed Gilbert's Advertiser letter later in the day when I get home (there is a lot of information there that is of great concern for anyone in a democracy). For now I will comment on the fact that he wrote such a letter. He is the Chairman of the Ethics Board! It is unacceptable for him to be in a public, partisan pissing match with an elected who should be able to feel comfortable coming to him for advice. If he were qualified for the Ethics Board he would be removed from political battles like this stupid who disrespected who battle. Second, it is very unlikely that any resident of the Town of East Greenbush would like to spend $3,000.00 on supporting this nonsense.
Anony....Gilbert's letter is just a demonstration of the fact that Langley, DeFruscio, Gilbert, Matters and DiMartino just don't "get it" when it comes to the business of governing. We are in a sad state now, but the good news appears to be that they have made themselves unelectable. The Casino resolution, and the fact that they've done nothing about it is the frosting on the cake.
Dear Gadfly, There is a must read and bizarre letter by Deputy Supervisor Ed Gilbert in today's Advertiser. It has a kind of King George III vibe to it. God bless America!!
No offence but looking at the plan good or bad and whether or not you are for or against it that volume of traffic will never be supported by any roads in the area proposed
One of the problems with the town board's failure to do its due diligence and involve the public in any part of the community support process is that it pre-empted what would have begun an essential discussion about the merits and demerits of siting a casino in East Greenbush. People who support the majority are raving about the tax revenues; people who oppose the project are bemoaning the loss of quality of life, traffic problems, social problems etc. I'm going to go out on a limb and say almost no one in East Greenbush knows shit from Shinola about having a casino in their town. Sadly that includes our "leaders," the ones who allowed us to be picked clean before we (or they) knew what hit us.
A public hearing would have allowed us to do our homework and research this in a systematic manner. The public hearing would have facilitated a pooling of issues and provide the town board with ideas on the pros and cons of this project. Does anyone believe any of the five members of the town board could provide a substantive summary of the impact a casino typically has on a community this size? That's why their decision to support this project as a reflex response to developer and county pressure makes them basically unfit to govern. If they weren't going to hold this off to give us a chance to weigh in, they should have at least waited until they had the semblance of a clue on this subject.
Ultimately the failure to immediately set in motion the pooling of resources and ideas means we will be playing catch up during the entire process. If the Gaming Commission selects us - and I'm hoping against hope that it won't - the project will have to be rezoned, preliminary approvals must be gotten and a site plan must be approved. I'm sure the town board will assume lead agency status and they will have to hold public hearings at each of these steps. The sooner we assemble a substantive brief about the pros and cons the better we will do in wresting concessions and mitigation measures from the developer and the county.
We should organize a committee made up of people for and against the project to collate as much information as possible. Failing that we should try to do a Wiki page website where information can be accumulated. At the end of the day either we do it or we'll be led around by a careless town board as they continue to be pushed around by experienced developers and vastly superior county politicians. Because the truth is we really won't know how town residents feel until we think it through together and hear as many voices as possible.
Dear Jack, Thanks for the terrific post. Your points are, as always, well taken. One disturbing aspect that I've come across during my admittedly limited research, is the possibility that the Town Board might not be given "lead agency" status over the project. It looks like the NYS Gaming Commission might be able to to assert its own "lead agency" status on all casino siting.projects, thus usurping local authority. I hope I am mistaken about this. We should know more about this issue after the Gaming Commission posts the answers to the questions raised at the April 30th bidders conference. All the best, Tom
But Tom....Wouldn't our geniuses who want no questions or comments have this eventuality covered? Surely the all-knowing and all-seeing SWF (plus Malone and Mangold), which is in need of no counsel whatsoever, would never make such a miss-step.
My understanding is that the question asked by the sponsors of the EG casino at the bidder's conference was whether the State could override the municipality on zoning issues. If the State does assume that function two things will happen: (1) they will give the casino the re-zoning they want (although the zoning ordinance is a local law which would have to be amended); and (2) the site plan process will remain with the town. I found it interesting that while Rita Cox is running around pretending there is a great amount of local support for the casino they are trying to circumvent the local community because they know the truth. Thanks town board.
Jack.....Given your analysis of the situation, it would seem that the only course available to redeem the situation is for the Board to rescind the resolution which Rita Cox is using to assert community support.
(By the way....the responses coming in related to criticisms of the conduct of the Board are now on the level of "Go F*** Yourself." Way to go, brain trust.)
I live very close to the town of Salamanca here in western NY. Salamanca has a huge casino in town right off of I-86.
I invite anyone to visit the town of Salamanca. The downtown area and, sadly, most of the town, is in a severe state of deterioration. The downtown area in Salamanca looks perhaps even worse than Columbia Turnpike does in East Greenbush.
Property taxes in all of Cattaraugus County (where Salamanca is located) are every bit as staggering a burden as they were in East Greenbush and Rennselaer County. If the casino in Salamanca has had a positive effect on the town and the area it is impossible to detect from simple observation.
We were told very positive things about FedEx. I challenge anyone to identify a single positive result from FedEx on the average citizen in East Greenbush.
The public hearings on the casino project will have all manner of non fact based claims and similar rosy projections. Be careful folks. Please be very careful. The same people who made those wonderful statements about FedEx will be trying to lead you down the same path with this casino. I urge the people of East Greenbush to look at examples like Salamanca and to listen for facts not vague claims when it comes to all the spin connected to this casino project.
Thanks ray here is a huge point eastgreenbush has always been a very stable town yes in the last two years we have had money problems for what ever reason I don't think that is a reason to under take such a project that could have very long lasting effects lets all take a couple breaths
In my opinion East Greenbush got in a jam as the politicians took care of themselves, their family members and their cronies instead of the best interest of the taxpayers. And from everything I read, see and hear not one single thing that happened to alter that unfortunate reality.
There is no reason for East Greenbush taxpayers to be burdened with the debt and tax situation they face - except of course for terrible decision making by the last several supervisors and town boards.
Whose to blame does not really matter. It is breaking the pattern that matters and the last two elections hold no promise from a shift in the terrible decision making of the past.
I supported Langley in my comments, my writing and financially. I regret that today. He, his cronies and his style of governing is certainly not the positive change I, and everyone else who supported him, was expecting and hoping for.
I think Ray is absolutely right. Langley and the SWF had a chance to make a difference. Instead they turned into an easy mark for Kathy Jimino and the local money manipulators. What a tragedy.
Today someone told me that the town brings in 500,000 yearly from FedEx. If that is true -- why isn't someone crowing about it? And where is the revenue being spent? Is this something one should FOIL?
That would mean we'd have to have an audit. I've been told that an audit is not going to happen "until the Board understands the financial situation" (or something similarly stupid). They won't even give the task to Toski. Why is that, might you think? No legitimate or rational reason has been offered.
In 1977 I was doing research on the White River Apache Indian reservation in Arizona. Tribal finances got so bad the tribal council voted to accept a nuclear waste facility on the reservation to help solve their financial problems. I feel like we're doing something very similar, accepting a noxious, potentially hazardous situation to get us out of our financial difficulties. You think somebody would have tried a more radical solution, something like, say, good government. It might even work. Who knows?
Jack, Michelle and I thank you for raising a voice on this. While I would not necessarily be opposed to something like this, the way it is being done is troubling to say the least. And the more I think about the issue, the more concerned I am. I can't think of any example where a casino had a positive impact on a LOCAL COMMUNITY - State finances, yes - local government budgets - maybe. More troubling still is the complete lack of an effort to make a serious positive argument for the project, while the process rolls ahead. Then there are the infrastructure questions that no one is asking much less answering.
I'm thinking a nice little mingle in front of the steps for that hour before the next meeting. Signs are welcome. Media is welcome. Today I dropped off some recent articles from respected journalists and journals (Forbes, TIME, The Washington Post) with Supervisor Langley. The articles all dealt with the negative effects that casinos have on local municipalities, particularly increased crime: home invasions, car-jackings, and larceny. According to the studies you can expect a 10% increase in these particular crimes as well as increases in bankruptcies, suicides, and addiction. Please let Mr. Langley and your Town Board members know how you feel about this idea. Hey Supervisor Langley, County Executive Jimino: bet you wouldn't let anybody put one in YOUR neighborhood...
ReplyDeleteThis is important but wouldn't it make more sense for the town board to call a special meeting on this issue before the next regular meeting. Talk about time sensitivity! We should be ready to mobilize in the event that they've learned the proper use of a special meeting and do the right thing.
ReplyDeleteThe funny part is, a lot of people think this casino thing is a good thing. I don't believe it is. They keep stating stuff like look how much revenue it will bring in, or all the jobs. We will never see the revenue, and we will never see the jobs. We were promised all of this with Fedex, does anyone know a person from the town that got a job working for fedex?
ReplyDeleteThe only thing a casino will do for sure is put added pressure on an already over burdened roadway which will have to be expanded to accommodate the added traffic. It will also put a bigger burden on are emergency services (police, fire, EMS) here in the town.
If I am free that day I will be there.
Last night I attended a public meeting in Schodack. It was a public meeting held at Green Meadows and was in regards to developing a Town Center. They had close to, if not more than 300 residents and business people in attendance! The meeting was announced, business owners were encouraged to attend AND they even had a public speaking/comment session before they closed the meeting. Imagine that...residents and business people ENCOURAGED to speak and voice their thoughts/opinions at a SPECIAL MEETING! So unlike The EG Supervisor who, last Wednesday voted AGAINST the resolution allowing people to speak at Public Mtgs, INCLUDING SPECIAL MTGS. Before last week's resolution was approved with 4 in favor and only one opposed (Supervisor Langley) residents were only allowed to speak at the monthly Board Mtg. Sue Mangold put up a resolution to allow the public to speak at Special Meetings and Phil Malone seconded it. Both Deb DiMartino and Mary Ann Matters voted to approve it--if it had been up to Supervisor Langley the resolution would never have passed. He voted down a resolution allowing us to speak; basically he voted to stifle us. We pay for everything but Supervisor Langley doesn't want us to speak. The Town of Schodack--had a sign in sheet for all those that wanted to speak and they encouraged everyone to be heard.
ReplyDeleteMy point---the Casino is something we should be encouraged to discuss and hold a few special meetings. Supervisor Langley may work "tirelessly" but is he working to keep secrets or is he working for US. He clearly does not want to hear from us.
One more thing---maybe if Supervisor Langley were efficient and focused on his job rather than developing a tyranny, he would be more effective. Maybe Supervisor Langley needs to learn to work SMARTER, not harder. It is a concept some businesses have cultivated. Working 10-12 hour days does NOT mean you are effective; it may simply mean you are inefficient and cannot get your work done in 8-9 hours. Just a thought.
To Jim Buell Jr.---I will be in touch within the next few days. I don't have your email address but I will visit. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDear Gadfly,
ReplyDeleteI commend to your readers attention, an article written by Chris Churchill appearing in today's Times-Union on page C-1, under the headline "Tricky act could do trick." In the article, Mr. Churchill provides some very interesting quotes from our Supervisor, Keith Langley, regarding the proposed East Greenbush Casino.
Thanks, Tom
ReplyDelete"very interesting quotes" is quite an understatement
http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Churchill-East-Greenbush-board-sneaked-a-casino-5425696.php
It took Supervisor Langley 20 minutes to formulate that answer? After he provides an ambiguous answer,
ReplyDelete"The resolution speaks for itself," he said. "It says what it says."
But what does it say? It isn't really clear, I said.
"The resolution is the resolution," Langley said. "It points out the position of the town at this point."
Our conversation ended shortly after. But the supervisor called back 20 minutes later with a clarification,
""The intention of the resolution was to give the developer an opportunity to file an application by the deadline on June 30th," Langley said.
So there you have it, East Greenbush residents. Your supervisor and at least some on the board intended to give approval for a casino — without advance notice, without public comment, without knowing if residents support the idea."
It took Supervisor Langley 20 minutes to formulate that answer. It makes one wonder if he consulted with someone he trusts to write a somewhat cohesive statement. The fact is, that later statement doesn't help him anymore than his first statement. As the reporter writes, the resolution went ahead without notification to the public. Una decisione sbagliata Supervisor Langley (A bad decision).
If the Supervisor had enough time to amend the Agenda and draft the Resolution after he was contacted by the developers, he certainly had enough time to notify the public that a Resolution on the topic would be addressed at the already scheduled Board Meeting.
ReplyDeleteIt's quite possible that, as a result of his sneaky and misleading roll out of the East Greenbush Casino Resolution, Supervisor Langley may have inadvertently red flagged the project with the State Gaming Commission.
ReplyDeleteThink of the cascades of negative publicity which would result from a strongly worded Times Union Editorial focusing on Supervisor Langley's "Tricky act."
I'm thinking a recall election is almost in order. If the Supervisor attempted to hoodwink the taxpayers with a last-minute resolution that locked us into casino hell, maybe it's time to get rid of him via lawful means, as Colorado recently managed to do at a much higher level! Stipends pale in comparison to this crime. I will support any reasonable Supervisor selection. Dwight Jenkins
ReplyDeleteSeems to me that DeF, Langley, Gilbert, Matters and DiMartino are just not smart enough to deal with and protect the local citizenry from the onslaughts from Jimino and the local money players when they come. Malone and Mangold had to be smiling when they voted for the Casino resolution. Just follow the money when the trail finally comes out.
ReplyDeleteLangley is shady that's for sure. He made this up just so he could hoodwink everyone and press it thru. But Route 4 at Thompson Hill is a horrible spot for traffic so why would we want to make it worse with a casino. Honestly if they had used the prepped land where the hardware store was supposed to be then it wouldn't be that bad but that stretch of RT4 near Thompson hill is horrible for traffic at almost all times of day. The circle does little to help too.
ReplyDeleteone more thing, the casino at the sight will be vetoed by everyone living nearby. It will be loud and noisy and constant traffic right there. The Albany and the Rensselaer sights are better organized and better places. The Rensselaer one is actually the old school that was to be turned into a marina. Now they can go ahead with the marina and even Downtown Albany can benefit from the Casino in Rensselaer. On Thompson Hill only ones getting a good deal is Langley and the developers.
ReplyDeleteHas there been any word from Supervisor Keith "the resolution is the resolution" Langley regarding a schedule of public information and comment sessions regarding the proposed East Greenbush Casino site? From what I'm seeing and hearing, the residents and business owners in East Greenbush are very interested in learning more about this proposal.
ReplyDeleteIn fact, the public interest is so great on this issue, I suggest the Columbia High School Auditorium be considered as the first public hearing location.
To Pete Stenson;
ReplyDeleteThank you! Great information you shared. Thank you for taking the time to travel to the Town of Newburgh and attend their meeting regarding a casino and reporting to everyone what you learned. It is truly appreciated!
Everyone should visit www.eastgreenbushtalks.blogspot.com to read Pete's information.
Take a look at this by Ken Crowe in the TU:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Residents-plan-anti-casino-stance-in-East-5428861.php
The Supervisor has a new message on the Town's website, http://www.eastgreenbush.org/. He is extolling all the glorious wonders a casino would bring. He also claims, "There has been considerable discussion locally regarding possible casino projects since approval of the casino referendum last November." If there were so many discussions why were we not informed before last Wednesday? Supervisor Langley also claims, "The feelings of town residents are a paramount importance to those of us in town government, and your feedback on this issue is both needed and wanted." which is very odd for Supervisor Langley to claim because he just (last Wednesday April 16th) voted AGAINST a resolution put forth by Sue Mangold and Phil Malone allowing residents to speak during Town Meetings. Until that resolution past, the public was allowed to speak once per month at the monthly Board Meetings. Supervisor Langley was the only one that voted AGAINST the public speaking at meetings so how can he possible claim our feedback on this issue is needed and wanted? For shame Supervisor Langley.
ReplyDeleteHypocrisy and secrets are always frowned upon.
Langley says "much discussion." Where was it?? Riding around in the truck? In the backroom? Certainly not in public. Cut the BS Keith!!
ReplyDeleteHE'll let us know as opportunities for public imput arise. It is his job to create such opportunity. HE represents US!
DeleteHe finally speaks and it is all this passive mealy mouthed nonsense.
What did he know and when did he know it.
Hookers, hookers, hookers!!!!! The Langley Legacy? No? How about traffic & drunk drivers to boot?
ReplyDeleteHad a good laugh reading his article on the towns website, yeah he listens to the people..... Mr. Langley you can't be bothered to answer an e-mail, no less listen to the people. At this point I think it is a safe bet to say my vote will go elsewhere next time around. Thank you for being just like the man you replaced.
ReplyDeleteThe whole thing has become a big joke
ReplyDelete“John Daly, the wealthiest gambler in New York, is dead at the age of 68. For thirty years he was known as a promoter of gambling houses. His career began in Troy, his native place, and extended to the larger city. He was an intimate friend of John Morrissey, the prize fighter and member of Congress. He amassed a fortune rapidly, and, although he lost a great deal of money in horse racing and stock speculation, he was still very rich. Daly is spoken of as a man of quiet, engaging manners, of many and generous charities, and of great kindness toward his employees. Those were the personal sides of his character. Professionally he was quite another person and left a train of ruin behind him. Gambling never produces anything. It only robs its unsuccessful devotees. Daly’s wealth was worse than tainted. It was the price of many blasted hopes and wrecked lives. Would you like to die rich with such a record behind you?”
ReplyDelete“A Gambling Magnate Dead.” Rochester Democrat Chronicle. April 29, 1906: 10 col 1.
I'm beginning to think that our town board is guilty of negligence more than malfeasance. The more I learn about the casino issue the more it seems likely that we were manipulated into this position by Kathy Jimino and the County Legislature. The fact that our planning board attorney is a republican member of the County Legislature is more than a little disturbing given recent events.
ReplyDeleteDuring the last campaign two republican candidates for the County came to my door and told me if EG elects a republican majority for our town their first act would be to shelve the $14 million wastewater treatment plant and hook up to the county system. The casino would not be possible without that $14 million project because the county wouldn't have the capacity to handle what the casino would need. Those two candidates were elected to the County Legislature and we did indeed elect a republican majority. The county hook up option was never mentioned again.
Now we have Kathy Jimino all over the media extolling the "regional benefits" of a casino in East Greenbush. Taking the water treatment plant as an example, it seems to be okay with her that we bear the infrastructural costs of this massive project and we absorb all the negative impacts a casino brings with it while she and her majority enjoy the "regional benefits." They benefit, we get crushed.
This doesn't absolve our town board and supervisor because it's their job to protect our interests and not simply act as dupes for the county. But if Keith Langley is telling the truth that he didn't know about this specific proposal when he put forward that resolution the only scenario that makes sense is that he did it at the behest of Kathy Jimino (with an assist from our planning board attorney?). I have disagreed with many of Mr. Langley's actions but I have not found him to be untruthful.
You may think me naïve to think him naïve but I've seen no evidence that he or his advisors have the political acumen to hold off professionals like Kathy Jimino. In fairness, she did the same thing with Fed Ex and the lack of tax revenue we get from that intrusion is on the democrats. Of course, a casino is far greater problem than Fed Ex and could actually destroy the quality of life in East Greenbush. On the morning when that resolution was added to the agenda if you asked me if it was more likely that I would be struck by lightning or see a casino come to EG I would have said the odds are about the same. Keith Langley must have known more than I did but how much did he really know?
If this casino becomes a reality we need to make our voices heard in the County Legislature. They should be required to pay $1 million per year for five years from their casino revenues to offset the cost of the wastewater treatment plant. They should be required to assist in other mitigation efforts as well, If this was their idea they need to pay their fair share. And we need a supervisor and town board that represents us and not people who prey on us to serve their own interests. The attorney for the planning board should resign immediately because the genesis of this project raises serious concerns about a conflict of interest. We're going to need a planning apparatus that protects us rather than acquiesces to outside interests. Somebody needs to step forward and explain what happened to put us in this position.
Excellent comment, Jack. The seeds of the problem we find ourselves in lie in the Mantra of this administration, articulated at the beginning. "We all want the same thing for East Greenbush. Shut up, don't ask questions and let us govern." Well, they cut themselves off from input and questions from "outside" and relied instead on the collective "intelligence" that fit in the truck or corner office, and look where it got us.
DeleteThere is a way to correct the current course. All the Board has to do is convene a Special Meeting (any hour will do) and rescind the Resolution, pending a vote on the matter by the people of East Greenbush. Failing that, I'd say that the negligence moves to malfeasance.
Jack, very good post. I agree with most of what to you say but regarding Langley's truthfulness, I'd like to point out that In public relationships lies of omission count. We have been present when a few words from Langley could have set a situation right and he chose withhold a truthful answer. Think aboujt him running away from Bill Lambden on the sewer issue for example. Or even something as simple as promising to look into the "free pile" at the dump. everyone who could change the free pile issue or at leastgive a truthful answer were present and could have answered. Those, in my opinion, are lies of omission.
DeleteAs far actual lookyou in the eye and tell an untruth, good for you if he hasn't lied to you. I have not been as lucky.
Bottom line is that a man with so little integrity should not be negotiating for us.
It's not "linkable" online yet, but folks should be reading Fred Lebrun's column in today's TU - Section C. He tells the truth. The Town Board did an "end run" around the citizens of the Town with the casino resolution.
ReplyDeleteWe were "had" by the people elected to act in our best interest. They acted in their own narrow interest by cutting stakeholders out of the process. The policy of no questions and no "outside" input has not served us well. If there is no room for ideas and perspectives which don't mesh with the collective "intellectual" soup of Langley/DeFruscio/Gilbert, we are in deep trouble.
And the minority is not off the hook either. There are some family interests up on the Hill for which Ms. Mangold should be accountable. There is still some serious explaining to be done about how building can take place without a Plat approval by the Planning Board. Without that, Building Permits would be illegal, wouldn't they?
Here's the link to the Fred LeBrun article from yesterday's TU:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.timesunion.com/default/article/LeBrun-In-casino-jobs-forecast-factor-in-the-5432429.php
Very important Editorial in today's Times Union:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.timesunion.com/opinion/first-cards-on-the-table/28812/
The most important sentence - referring to the action of the East Greenbush Town Board: "That’s not how this is supposed to work. Nor does it have to, if municipal leaders remember who they work for."
The WHOLE Town Board is responsible for the casino resolution passing. It passed unanimously, 5-0. That was a bi-partisan sneaky move that snookered every single resident. The one time that Board works together is to snooker and lie by withholding information to the public. The reason is they are all benefiting in someway. Mangold-her brother is building the house on the hill and his partner is Maney. They are building without plat approval. Every Brd member is individually responsible for this casino and every single one of them must go. If there is a way to oust each now, legally oust them due to this casino and their negligence to the public, we should pursue that.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann Matters---Bet your husband Rick would have had the smarts to ABSTAIN until further data regarding traffic studies and until further discussion and information was presented to RESIDENTS! Mary Ann is no RICK MATTERS! He didn't jump for Fed Ex and bet he wouldn't have jumped for the casino.
Every one of them should be voted out when their terms are up--EVERY SINGLE ONE!
This is addressed to the Senior Citizens of East Greenbush-My Generation.
ReplyDeletePlease do not be afraid to tell Town Hall, "Not in my back yard". Some of us are part of the "Greatest Generation". Most of us inherited some gumption. Please stand up and let Town Hall know they are not going to push us around. You know and I know, the casino would NOT have a home in Loudonville. Why East Greenbush when Rensselaer REALLY wants it?
Let's be part of SAVING EAST GREENBUSH. NO CASINO!
@ 9:45 AM,
ReplyDeleteAgreed, it's also worth noting that the casino resolution was moved by Supervisor Langley and seconded by Councilperson DiMartino and that Councilperson Malone also voted for it. It's important to have ALL the names of the Councilpersons put out there.
The more I look at the situation Thompson Hill is just bad. The Albany one is better cause of the Thruway but The Rensselaer site could be the winner. I say this because it could be more then just a destination for local gamblers. It could revive Hudson Valley tourism. What they need to do is make The Casino on the Hudson at Rensselaer a destination for both Amtrak trains and Cruises up the Hudson. We haven't had a cruise from Manhattan to Albany in a long time. But with the Casino in Rensselaer as a port we could. Instead of being just a casino the Rensselaer Casino could be a destination and a focal point of entertainment in the Capital district. Imagine Taking a boat from NYC up the Hudson and stopping at all the little towns all the way. Then arriving at the casino and then during race season taking a bus to track to see the Whitney Cup. Or you could direct people to a Maac Tournament game or even a local Union or RPI hockey game. The East Greenbush site is just a casino with no real value to it. No real jobs and tourism jobs attached to it.
ReplyDeleteTo AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 9:58 AM---AGREED! that's why I named Mary Ann Matters and that's why I wrote EVERY SINGLE BRD MEMEBER and that we were snookered with bi-partisan support. It stinks! And everyone of them, Supervisor Keith Langley, Councilperson Sue Mangold, Councilperson Phil Malone, Councilperson Mary Ann Matters and Councilperson Deb DiMartino need to be voted out! They withheld information from the residents and voted in a casino without telling the residents about it. Sneaky! The TU has that right!
ReplyDeleteThat land isn't even zoned for a casino. Yet all 5 slapped an approval on it. They are all to blame and they all should hang their heads in shame and if anyone of them had any conscious they would resign for this. This is not what they were elected to do. Next Brd mtg they should put up a resolution to rescind the resolution they past for the casino! Mangold and Malone--if they put that resolution up and Langley, Matters and DiMartino said no to it--at least Mangold & Malone will be in the clear when they run again in 2015. That would be the SMART WAY FORWARD.
To 10:02 AM,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. That's why it's important to let Supervisor Langley and the other Town Board members know how you feel. Supervisor Langley told the newspaper he hasn't been receiving many calls about the casino. Mr. Langley's phone number at Town Hall is 477-4775. Please try to give him a call, before lunchtime.
Rather than wishing we could vote them out lets change the terms and have these folks be limited to two year terms. Not too long ago that was the case. East Greenbush has had a real string of bad luck with their representatives. We really neeed to limit the terms so they will all be aware that they answet to us. The TB performance on this issue is nacceptable.
ReplyDeleteTo 4:41 PM,
DeleteI completely agree with Mary Matters' ode to Keith Langley she posted in last week's Advertiser. Rather than reduce the term of the Supervisor Langley to two years, I would encourage Councilperson Matters to pass a Town Board Resolution to double Supervisor Langley's term to eight years instead of the current four years.
Keith Langley is a wonderful Supervisor! We all just need to stop bothering him with all these questions and just trust him to do what is right for our Town!!
Looks like the inability of our Town Board to thoughtfully review alternatives in the policy arena is finally catching some attention from the media. About time. They've missed a bunch over the years. Better late than never, I guess. One thing sure....the DeF and the Gilbert haven't shown much depth or insight. Way over their head. Langley blew a chance to be something different for our Town, and he threw in with a couple who wanted more of the old stuff with a different label. Look where it got us. In much deeper do-do.
ReplyDeleteComing to your East Greenbush neighborhood soon...
ReplyDeleteOriental massage with a happier ending than anything yet done by this utterly, totally, amazingly incompetent and completely corrupt town board.
Here's an important quote from Dwight Jenkins on the anti-Casino FaceBook page:
ReplyDelete"Now we just need someone to uncover the names behind the LLC that formed in February, changed its name in early April, and bought the site land shortly afterward. There is the trifecta, people."
The proof in this pudding is right there. I'd be willing to take some bets on who gets discovered in the middle of this mess.
To all that read this blog. I did a little research into legalized gambling and I found the following link. govinfo.library.unt.edu/ngisc/reports.7pdf
ReplyDeletePlease everyone, be an informed citizen and not just a follower. Read the pros and cons.
And as far a Langley goes, I like him also but, he is not always doing what is best for us the people that he represents. And neither are the board members.
Please tell me if I missed something but I never saw a discussion about this Casino or the other development that is being done on Thompson Hill by our elected board members.
To AnonymousApril 28, 2014 at 4:41 PM:
ReplyDeleteYou suggest we shorten their terms. How can we do that? What does that involve?
overturning state law so don't waste brain matter on this one
DeleteI guess I'm amazed that the town board hasn't called a special meeting on the casino project yet. They are politicians, aren't they? As I wander this small town I'm running into three kinds of opinion: a lot of people who oppose a casino, some who want a casino, and absolute consensus that our town board proved itself unfit to govern with it's sneak attack on the character of our community. It's time for smart politicians to backtrack and try to regain the public's favor. Are there any out there? Is this arrogance, ignorance or simply a political death wish?
ReplyDeleteIf I was on the town board I would immediately call for an emergency meeting to rescind the casino resolution pending the opportunity to take the pulse of the community. Because if we don't get a referendum on this issue we'll hold our own in November 2015 and it won't be pretty.
From the TU:
ReplyDeletehttp://blog.timesunion.com/capitol/archives/211629/few-questions-some-anxieties-from-casino-hopefuls/
Looks like the potential EG developers are concerned about whether the State or the Locals get to call the shots regarding Zoning issues.......
I just read on Capitol Confidential that Occupy Albany is getting involved in efforts to keep casinos out of the Capitol District. It is nice to see others are getting involved.
ReplyDeletehttp://wamc.org/post/communities-casinos
ReplyDeleteThis one has the Supervisor in "marathon meetings" and not available for comment....
dear Gadfly,
ReplyDeleteCheck out Wrangler's Restaurant on 9 and 20. The Supervisor has been in a "marathon meeting" there since about 11:45 this morning.
TIME OUT FOR A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
ReplyDeleteLOCUST WOOD FOR YOUR FIREPLACE/FIREPIT. FREE FOR THE TAKING.
41 BERKSHIRE DRIVE
Will take some time to write a detailed response to the content of Ed Gilbert's Advertiser letter later in the day when I get home (there is a lot of information there that is of great concern for anyone in a democracy). For now I will comment on the fact that he wrote such a letter. He is the Chairman of the Ethics Board! It is unacceptable for him to be in a public, partisan pissing match with an elected who should be able to feel comfortable coming to him for advice. If he were qualified for the Ethics Board he would be removed from political battles like this stupid who disrespected who battle. Second, it is very unlikely that any resident of the Town of East Greenbush would like to spend $3,000.00 on supporting this nonsense.
ReplyDeleteAnony....Gilbert's letter is just a demonstration of the fact that Langley, DeFruscio, Gilbert, Matters and DiMartino just don't "get it" when it comes to the business of governing. We are in a sad state now, but the good news appears to be that they have made themselves unelectable. The Casino resolution, and the fact that they've done nothing about it is the frosting on the cake.
DeleteDear Gadfly,
ReplyDeleteThere is a must read and bizarre letter by Deputy Supervisor Ed Gilbert in today's Advertiser. It has a kind of King George III vibe to it.
God bless America!!
No offence but looking at the plan good or bad and whether or not you are for or against it that volume of traffic will never be supported by any roads in the area proposed
ReplyDeleteOne of the problems with the town board's failure to do its due diligence and involve the public in any part of the community support process is that it pre-empted what would have begun an essential discussion about the merits and demerits of siting a casino in East Greenbush. People who support the majority are raving about the tax revenues; people who oppose the project are bemoaning the loss of quality of life, traffic problems, social problems etc. I'm going to go out on a limb and say almost no one in East Greenbush knows shit from Shinola about having a casino in their town. Sadly that includes our "leaders," the ones who allowed us to be picked clean before we (or they) knew what hit us.
ReplyDeleteA public hearing would have allowed us to do our homework and research this in a systematic manner. The public hearing would have facilitated a pooling of issues and provide the town board with ideas on the pros and cons of this project. Does anyone believe any of the five members of the town board could provide a substantive summary of the impact a casino typically has on a community this size? That's why their decision to support this project as a reflex response to developer and county pressure makes them basically unfit to govern. If they weren't going to hold this off to give us a chance to weigh in, they should have at least waited until they had the semblance of a clue on this subject.
Ultimately the failure to immediately set in motion the pooling of resources and ideas means we will be playing catch up during the entire process. If the Gaming Commission selects us - and I'm hoping against hope that it won't - the project will have to be rezoned, preliminary approvals must be gotten and a site plan must be approved. I'm sure the town board will assume lead agency status and they will have to hold public hearings at each of these steps. The sooner we assemble a substantive brief about the pros and cons the better we will do in wresting concessions and mitigation measures from the developer and the county.
We should organize a committee made up of people for and against the project to collate as much information as possible. Failing that we should try to do a Wiki page website where information can be accumulated. At the end of the day either we do it or we'll be led around by a careless town board as they continue to be pushed around by experienced developers and vastly superior county politicians. Because the truth is we really won't know how town residents feel until we think it through together and hear as many voices as possible.
Dear Jack,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the terrific post. Your points are, as always, well taken. One disturbing aspect that I've come across during my admittedly limited research, is the possibility that the Town Board might not be given "lead agency" status over the project. It looks like the NYS Gaming Commission might be able to to assert its own "lead agency" status on all casino siting.projects, thus usurping local authority. I hope I am mistaken about this. We should know more about this issue after the Gaming Commission posts the answers to the questions raised at the April 30th bidders conference.
All the best,
Tom
But Tom....Wouldn't our geniuses who want no questions or comments have this eventuality covered? Surely the all-knowing and all-seeing SWF (plus Malone and Mangold), which is in need of no counsel whatsoever, would never make such a miss-step.
DeleteTom -
DeleteMy understanding is that the question asked by the sponsors of the EG casino at the bidder's conference was whether the State could override the municipality on zoning issues. If the State does assume that function two things will happen: (1) they will give the casino the re-zoning they want (although the zoning ordinance is a local law which would have to be amended); and (2) the site plan process will remain with the town. I found it interesting that while Rita Cox is running around pretending there is a great amount of local support for the casino they are trying to circumvent the local community because they know the truth. Thanks town board.
Jack.....Given your analysis of the situation, it would seem that the only course available to redeem the situation is for the Board to rescind the resolution which Rita Cox is using to assert community support.
Delete(By the way....the responses coming in related to criticisms of the conduct of the Board are now on the level of "Go F*** Yourself." Way to go, brain trust.)
Dear Gadfly and Readers:
ReplyDeleteI live very close to the town of Salamanca here in western NY. Salamanca has a huge casino in town right off of I-86.
I invite anyone to visit the town of Salamanca. The downtown area and, sadly, most of the town, is in a severe state of deterioration. The downtown area in Salamanca looks perhaps even worse than Columbia Turnpike does in East Greenbush.
Property taxes in all of Cattaraugus County (where Salamanca is located) are every bit as staggering a burden as they were in East Greenbush and Rennselaer County. If the casino in Salamanca has had a positive effect on the town and the area it is impossible to detect from simple observation.
We were told very positive things about FedEx. I challenge anyone to identify a single positive result from FedEx on the average citizen in East Greenbush.
The public hearings on the casino project will have all manner of non fact based claims and similar rosy projections. Be careful folks. Please be very careful. The same people who made those wonderful statements about FedEx will be trying to lead you down the same path with this casino. I urge the people of East Greenbush to look at examples like Salamanca and to listen for facts not vague claims when it comes to all the spin connected to this casino project.
Thanks ray here is a huge point eastgreenbush has always been a very stable town yes in the last two years we have had money problems for what ever reason I don't think that is a reason to under take such a project that could have very long lasting effects lets all take a couple breaths
DeleteIn my opinion East Greenbush got in a jam as the politicians took care of themselves, their family members and their cronies instead of the best interest of the taxpayers. And from everything I read, see and hear not one single thing that happened to alter that unfortunate reality.
DeleteThere is no reason for East Greenbush taxpayers to be burdened with the debt and tax situation they face - except of course for terrible decision making by the last several supervisors and town boards.
Whose to blame does not really matter. It is breaking the pattern that matters and the last two elections hold no promise from a shift in the terrible decision making of the past.
I supported Langley in my comments, my writing and financially. I regret that today. He, his cronies and his style of governing is certainly not the positive change I, and everyone else who supported him, was expecting and hoping for.
I think Ray is absolutely right. Langley and the SWF had a chance to make a difference. Instead they turned into an easy mark for Kathy Jimino and the local money manipulators. What a tragedy.
DeleteResidents of Salamanca say they haven't seen much change after casino's opening
ReplyDeletefyi it is Indian owned and operated
http://www.niagara-gazette.com/local/x252037968/Residents-of-Salamanca-say-they-havent-seen-much-change-after-casinos-opening?zc_p=0
Today someone told me that the town brings in 500,000 yearly from FedEx. If that is true -- why isn't someone crowing about it? And where is the revenue being spent?
ReplyDeleteIs this something one should FOIL?
That would mean we'd have to have an audit. I've been told that an audit is not going to happen "until the Board understands the financial situation" (or something similarly stupid). They won't even give the task to Toski. Why is that, might you think? No legitimate or rational reason has been offered.
DeleteIn 1977 I was doing research on the White River Apache Indian reservation in Arizona. Tribal finances got so bad the tribal council voted to accept a nuclear waste facility on the reservation to help solve their financial problems. I feel like we're doing something very similar, accepting a noxious, potentially hazardous situation to get us out of our financial difficulties. You think somebody would have tried a more radical solution, something like, say, good government. It might even work. Who knows?
ReplyDeleteJack, Michelle and I thank you for raising a voice on this. While I would not necessarily be opposed to something like this, the way it is being done is troubling to say the least. And the more I think about the issue, the more concerned I am. I can't think of any example where a casino had a positive impact on a LOCAL COMMUNITY - State finances, yes - local government budgets - maybe. More troubling still is the complete lack of an effort to make a serious positive argument for the project, while the process rolls ahead. Then there are the infrastructure questions that no one is asking much less answering.
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