Notes from Feb. 27: Milan's Future Planning

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

”Milan benefits from planning” sent to Milan United by the Gang of Four’s Editorial Board. For the benefit of our readers, Milan United found it necessary to do a little editing.

Milan’s Gang of Four have systematically tackled important issues related to upsetting the community’s tranquil and rural character. In particular, approving a new master plan last year which got blasted out of the waters by the New York State Supreme Court. The town’s top priorities this year is to enact more laws which should only hinder the community’s ability to accomplish any new development.

The Gang hopes to quickly get a wetlands preservation plan in place under the direction of Councilman Williams which should take property rights away from the citizens of Milan. Wetlands naturally filter out pollution and help re-supply water bodies while also providing the right environment for all sorts of animal and plant life. While that Gang under the direction of Williams claims they are protecting animal rights; if so, they are doing it without any consideration for those who are paying the taxes.

The state concerns itself with wetlands of 12.4 acres or more and leaves smaller ones up to the federal government, which the Gang says, hasn’t adequately regulated these water bodies. Williams and Co. with their pompous attitude claim to have greater wisdom that the State or Federal Government. The proposal in Milan would put 100-foot buffers around these smaller wetlands depriving the taxpayer of the right to their ponds.Most in town may oppose these efforts. But the Williams says law is needed to better protect water bodies essential to making Milan attractive to New York City residents.

The town also will work on revising a plan to allow large landowners to cluster building lots to help maintain open space. A draft of the proposal submitted last year would have allowed large landowners one lot for every 10 acres. It also would have required landowners to put 60 percent of the land into a conservation easement without the tax benefit Williams enjoys. But many felt the law was too restrictive.

The Gang are planning to revise the proposal and working to ensure affordable housing in the hamlets, out of sight of Williams and his New York City neighbors.

The controversial issue of gravel mining in the town also remains. A state Supreme Court judge recently overturned a town law approved last year that effectively banned mining in Milan. Red Wing Sand & Gravel sued the town over the action, taken in response to residents’ concerns about the company’s plans to mine 69 acres off Turkey Hill Road.

Larger property base eases taxes.Talmage and other Gang members recognize taxes, especially school property taxes, are a drain on residents. They do not consider it necessary to look into the enormous amount of money they are recklessly spending on legal fees. Expanding Milan’s property tax base through commercial or industrial development can help ease the burden on homeowners, but the Gang refuses to allow any business into the town not even a gas station or a lemonade stand.

Over time, the town expects some commercial development along Route 199 near the hamlets of Rock City and Lafayetteville but not if the Gang can help it. But that remains to be seen.