Kingston dog park doesn’t measure up
Marbletown officials not representing community
Dear Editor, Many people have begun to complain that recent zoning controversies are dividing Marbletown, but the real division seems to be between the interests of the town officials and the residents. Our public officials appear to be serving their own interests and select private interests and not those of the broader community.
Basically, all officials with large parcels or any commercial interest in the promotion of wedding venues should recuse themselves. Even if large landowners do not intend to have wedding venues, the existence of special commercial privileges enhances their land’s value at the expense of their neighbors.
The composition of the special events subcommittee excluded many interested volunteers yet appointed five people who would potentially benefit from the proposed zoning changes due to either their own commercial interests or land holdings.
In addition, the town supervisor and other officials repeat inaccurate and misleading statements about commercial events, specifically:
They falsely claim that many neighboring townships have changed their laws to allow commercial events in residential areas when in fact an analysis of zoning laws in 12 nearby townships indicates that only two Rochester and Coxsackie allow the events. New Paltz and Rhinebeck, for example, do not.
They assert that commercial events in residential areas benefit towns, yet academic research and a recent preliminary economic impact study indicate that only the owners and vendors for commercial weddings derive any measurable profit while incurring substantial direct costs to the town and its tax payers in related support services, infrastructure and legal battles. It can also lead to a lowering of property values.
They assert wedding venues represent progress but in what way is noise pollution, sleepless nights and traffic progressive?
They confuse laws promoting commercial agricultural events with commercial residential events.
They claim that commercial events in residential areas would prevent land subdivisions, which is a separate issue.
Despite vehement community opposition, our town officials continue to pursue zoning changes that would allow commercial weddings, concerts and festivals in residential areas. Readers should let their representatives know how they feel and insist that all officials with conflicts of interest recuse themselves. Tracey Dewart Marbletown, N.Y.
Special events zoning would end peace, quiet
Dear Editor, I am very concerned about a proposal to allow commercial events such as concerts and weddings in residential neighborhoods of Marbletown.
The reason I purchased property in Marbletown was because of the peace and quiet. I live in Manhattan during the week and get more than enough noise and traffic congestion then. The attractive aspect of Marbletown is that it does not suffer from the problems of a city, why would you invite that negativity into our town? The zoning rules are what they are for a reason and have worked well so far to maintain the tranquil, bucolic area that we all love. Why change that?
People purchase property in a residential area expecting, and relying on zoning laws to ensure, that their property will remain in a residential area — and I don’t mean a residential area in name only, but in fact.
In addition, I have no pension through my job, I have to rely on what I have been able to save to afford retirement. Part of my retirement savings includes investment in Marbletown real estate. Allowing commercial events will lower the value of my real estate.
So, not only will approval of commercial events detract from my quality of life in Marbletown, it will adversely affect my investment (and that of many others) and, consequently, my ability to retire. The proposed change to the zoning rules begs the question, who will benefit and why? It appears that only people directly involved in the commercial events would benefit.
Commercial events have no place in residential neighborhoods. Town leaders should vote against changes to the zoning laws to allow commercial events in residential areas.
Linda Sciuto High Falls and New York, N.Y. Dear Editor, Kingston Mayor Steve Noble and Kevin Gilfeather, head of parks and recreation, have ignored and abdicated their responsibilities to provide safe and user-friendly conditions at the Kingston dog park. It’s been without adequate shade for almost three years since three large shade trees which got sick were cut down. Planting mature trees/installing a shade structure is an obvious remedy.
The lack of shade is exacerbated by the unavailability of running water for most of the year when the bathrooms are locked. Attaching an exterior water fountain with a frost free faucet to the outside of the bathroom building is a simple solution.
Further, while the dog park is used year-round, there aren’t lights, so from October to March, when it is dark at 5 p.m., the park can’t be safely used by residents with 9-5 jobs. Installing solar lighting with a timer that shuts off at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. is an easy fix.
Shade and running water are inherent requirements of dog parks (part of best and common practices). It is the responsibility of the city to ensure that the park is safe for its users and their pets. Even after receiving a petition with over 1,000 signatures no action was taken.
Sadly, this is definitely not a dog friendly city! Neil Millens Kingston, N.Y.