| Author | Message | ||
     Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2764 Registered: 5-2004  |
It is pretty apparent that, though the money was buried in an appropriation for Sidewalks and Roads, it was always intended for the sculpture. So it does not appear money was taken from the roads and sidewalks. It was merely hidden under that banner. Draw your own conclusion as to why... | ||
| Stuart0628 Citizen Username: Stuart0628 Post Number: 248 Registered: 2-2003 |
Do we know if the Smith family is aware of the public discussions in the Village now? Would it hurt to ask them to amend the agreement to extend the 30 month construction period or modify the 25 year site requirement? Worst that happens is that they say no. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3854 Registered: 5-2001  |
Charles Wantman, So, which if the other "arguments" above do you take issue with? Do you happen to be the same "Charles Wantman" on the Tony Smith Committee? (http://www.southorangevillage.com/cgi-bin/show.cgi?tpc=3133&post=575793#POST5757 93) | ||
| joel dranove Citizen Username: Jdranove Post Number: 343 Registered: 1-2006 |
Charles Wantman is a common name. jd | ||
| Rastro Citizen Username: Rastro Post Number: 2853 Registered: 5-2004 |
In South Orange? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3865 Registered: 5-2001 |
I think Joel was being sarcastic....as was I. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3900 Registered: 5-2001 |
Well, it looks like the Fundraising for Tau may not be going so well. Invitations are first being sent out now with an RSVP date of April 10 for the event on May 13, that was supposedly already "sold out". I sure hope they do sell out a fundraiser - MANY TIMES - so us taxpayers aren't stuck with more than the bill for $250,000 that is already "promised". | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 303 Registered: 2-2006 |
I still think the trustees need to hear from people to halt Tau. A great opportunity will be at the neighborhood association meeting this week. People can meet individually with trustees beforehand. Anyone who does not want the gazebo and fountain destroyed before they are paid for should tell the trustees this week. You could also mention that Tau should be privately funded entirely and placed in another location. | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3925 Registered: 5-2001 |
Current:  Proposed:  | ||
| ROGER Citizen Username: Roger Post Number: 77 Registered: 2-2005  |
What a piece of crap. Now I am really proud to be a SO resident. Our property values will continue to rise because of this gigantic dumpster. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6082 Registered: 5-2001  |
Does it have....stiches? | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 208 Registered: 5-2005 |
Yes mem, those are of great significance right now... We are all being stitched up. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3253 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mem - I believe that this particular Tau was lifted from a website showing it in the stripped step in the repainting process. Soparents - it's all sewed up? no chance of getting the BOT to say stop? | ||
| Duck Duck Goose Citizen Username: Parkingsux Post Number: 396 Registered: 6-2005  |
If we organize protests in front of Village Hall and get news coverage that will bring this to a head. They are such an irresponsible group of camel heads that they need a kick in the ••• pronto. Let's put this to a stop, now! The cover-up, lies and deceit are not to be tolerated whatsoever. Do we have a laundry list to tell ..... I know we do! Let's do it! | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 209 Registered: 5-2005 |
SoOrLady - I truly don't know. Does anyone? I wish I had some of the answers - I wish deep in my heart that some of the people posting on MOL were on our BOT - they have vision, they have a passion about this town that our elected board apparently had surgically removed. I am so utterly confused. Money is gifted/granted/bonded - we pay interest, we don't pay interest, we only pay interest when the money is drawn on, money allocated is used for other purposes, taxes won't go up, taxes are going up, coming soon coming soon coming soon...... Properties pay taxes, properties are demolished, no money coming in. Developers come developers go, still no building, money that is meant to be coming in now isn't as the developments aren't even there, our town buildings are let to rot due to lack of funds but money which obviously ins't available for the upkeep of our town is "found" for pet projects. taxes won't go up, taxes are going up, coming soon coming soon coming soon..... No supermarket will come to town, Kings wholefoods etc said no, John Choi said yes, hoorah, he is coming to town, now we hear that he isn't. No-one in their right business mind wants to come to this place, and why? why? it's do obvious, look at the state of our town... and now they want to punish the tried and true retailers who are here with another tax? Coming soon coming soon coming soon.. Ranting on MOL doesn't help. A handful of people attend the BOT meetings all fully aware that they are treated like scum. The BOT got elected under false pretenses, either that or they haven't got the backbone to stand up at the BOT meetings are say "Hey, ENOUGH, this isn't how it is meant to be, this isn't what I PROMISED in my campaign that I would do, i'm no-one puppet, I am a man/woman of my word and this is WHERE I KEEP MY WORD TO THOSE WHO ELECTED ME. They say that they can't stop Tau, it is being fabricated now - taxes up taxes up taxes up.... I feel so so sorry for the Ts project and family, they NEVER EVER could have imagined being dragged into the dirt like this - it is shameful... SoOrLady - Do we have a chance to get them to stop at this time? I don't think they would ever do something the town wanted them to.... Is there any chance that help is coming soon?????? | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1174 Registered: 5-2003 |
Just a thought: Does anyone stand to benefit financially if the supermarket dosen't get built, if the Beifus empty lot remains empty, if the rug stor space doesn't get filled, if there's no Town Hall Deli, if the Vose Avenue pit isn't filled...? Who will gain from the demise of our downtown? If we follow the money where will it lead? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3933 Registered: 5-2001 |
Soparents, Fantastic post! Are you a professional writer? You are amazing with words. Lizzie - Great question. I'm sure you know what my answer is, but perhaps there are other theories out there. | ||
| mem Citizen Username: Mem Post Number: 6083 Registered: 5-2001 |
That thing has stitches. Like frankenstein. Interesting. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 4760 Registered: 1-2004  |
Anyone happen to read this weeks Snooze Wreckered? The latest bright comment from one of our clueless BOT Members concerning the SID. Well, actually there were TWO clueless comments. At a recent BOT Meeting Elaine Harris tried to explain to the BOT the merchants do NOT want a SID. Did they listen? Of course not. In this week's SW there is a great quote from Elaine QUOTED FROM THE SNOOZE WRECKERED “Virtually all businesses are vehemently opposed to this,” Elaine Harris said in a statement. “Surveys were taken and the overwhelming majority of businesses were angry about this proposal.” She argued the SID would impose an additional tax on businesses located within in it. END QUOTE. Very good statement from Elaine. Well it's then followed by this statement by a BOT member (who I won't name because I don't want to be attacked again in email) QUOTE “We need to bring value to our downtown,” said Village Trustee {insert name}. “How do you do that? You've got to have funding.” END QUOTE Hello!!! If we don't have enough money to clean up the Village we have to put an add burden on the business people, WTH are we spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a sculpture?!!! Huh? The next comment is even better. QUOTE "No property located within the SID will be allowed to opt out, said Edwin R. Matthews, village attorney. “It’s not something we’re forcing,” {fill in name} said. Uh, excuse me! Was this Trustee out to lunch when Mr Matthews made his comment? What do you call it if nobody within the SID area will be allowed to 'opt out?' Sounds to me as if the businesses don't have a choice. To me, that is the same as being forced to do something. Unlike with Tau, there will be two public hearings about the SID. One on Monday, the other May 17. Both meetings start at 6:45 p.m. in Village Hall. If I can get my nerve up, I'll make a statement. Anyone else? | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3934 Registered: 5-2001 |
Which Trustees made those quotes? | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 213 Registered: 5-2005 |
My Town Planning I plan to be somebody, to be really big someday, I plan to own this little town, to have things all my way I plan to buy the buildings, each and every one, But when people see I have them all, by the the deal is done I plan to make this fine town a hole, where no one wants to be I'll make it dirty and unloved, a site (sorry!) to really see I plan it all with my good friends, we work the details out We know the loopholes, we know the rules, of that there is no doubt I plan to raze this little town, to take its last fine breath My plan has no place for history, my future is all that's left My plan is, my ignorant one, really very simple I buy you cheap, I stall your plans, Beifus - for example My plan is then when I own you all, when your very soul is mine "Hoorah" "wow look" the work gets done, this town is once again fine My plan will work, because no-one sees the damage I inflict either that, or no-one cares, as I buy you bit by bit "Buy low sell high" is my lifelong creed, I chant it every day As I decide to crush this town, it's the residents who will pay When I own enough of this sad old town, when I know the time is right, the plans in place will all come to be, they will happen overnight So then i'll be somebody, I'll be rolling in the green I'll have so much money, more than you've ever seen When people come to my creation, they will look my way and say "Here's the one who made this all, he had the vision, he saw the way" So I don't care how bad you feel, you are simply in my way Unless you vote and state your mind, you really have nothing to say.. | ||
| vermontgolfer Supporter Username: Vermontgolfer Post Number: 419 Registered: 12-2002 |
MHD, Both of the quotes referenced above were made by Stacey Jennings. | ||
| peteglider Citizen Username: Peteglider Post Number: 1905 Registered: 8-2002 |
I think the SID is fine IF it takes current $$ (yes, along with some new $$, to be determined by the businesses) and puts that under the businesses control. AND if there is a corresponding tax reduction (e.g., for whatever the village does now that's transferred to this new group). However, I don't think any of that's in the plan. Get the downtown craters built with thriving businesses, then revisit a SID in a few years. Don't add any barriers to having or opening a business in SO! Pete | ||
| SOrising Citizen Username: Sorising Post Number: 318 Registered: 2-2006 |
MHD, Trustee Stacey Jennings said, "You've got to have funding" to "add value" downtown to justify forcing a SID onto people who don't want it. You would think she would have some sense of justice given other statements she's made. This callous remark indicates she lacks it. The very people she claims it will benefit don't want it. Hasn't she had enough paternalism historically that she would think twice about a gender-reversal of the same offense (maternalism)? Many people in town conducted an in-depth analysis of the pros and cons of a SID and rejected it. If Jennings is unaware that she is providing cover for the bunch of cowards who created all the development pits downtown, who insist on doing business with deceitful, perjuring construction crews and their bosses (i.e., Beifus), she needs to stop idylling and pay attention. It is outrageous that the people who damage the downtown are getting off scott free while the people who have had to bear the damage of those habitual mistakes, the downtown business owners, would be forced to pay even more to support the criminals the town insists on doing business with. Anyone who knows anything about SIDs and BIDs knows that they should be the culmination of grass roots efforts by those in the districts. It has never, ever been conceived of as anything other than a way for local businesses to organize and promote their businesses and area to attract more customers. The fact that anyone in village hall has gotten the bright idea of trying to force one onto people indicates they have no idea what they are doing. Listen to the Rutgers professor quoted in the article, Trustee Jennings. If you want to help the town, get rid of Beifus who has repeatedly failed to follow through and hires lying construction managers to go before the planning board and fabricate stories, under oath, about what they have done at Beifus' construction site. The fact that Bill Calabrese left town just before the second of two town-hall meetings of the entire town is an indication of what will follow. For the trustees who haven't disappeared yet, do something to clean up his mess. Don't make it worse with a SID. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 4765 Registered: 1-2004 |
MHD- Do you really have to ask which one said this?  Vermont got it right. Peer- My point about the SID is not only don't the merchants want it, as Elaine has already present to the BOT a couple meetings ago, and is quoted in our wonderful town paper, the merchants already pay for private garbage removal and some other services. To have a Trustee say in order to bring value to the downtown we have to fund it and you the merchants are going to be the ones to pay; is sort of like a slap in the face to those merchants already paying through the nose. Instead of spending tons of money to tear up the gazebo that sits in a bright airy place to replace it with a dark way too big out of place sculpture, use the money to help provide the services a SID would. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 153 Registered: 12-2004 |
As you all know, I appeared before the BoT about 6 weeks ago and spoke out against SIDS. At that time, Trustee Terri Anne Moore-Abrams stated that there would be a public meeting on May 22 so that we could all voice our concerns at that time. Obviously, I diaried that date, and made plans to prepare the business public with information about the issue in sufficient time so they could appear. So....can you guess what happened? Yesterday, a messenger from Village Hall went door to door handing out a flyer announcing "two special planning and zoning meetings in order to receive public input regarding the formation of a Special Improvement District (SID) on Monday, April 24, and Wednesday, May 17." Thanks for the advanced notice. Is this reasonable notice? Is this fair? Is this honest? We were totally blindsided. I had to spend several hours rushing last evening to prepare hand outs, and then today walking in the village to distribute our info to the merchants. Many are planning to attend the meeting, but others were upset because they made other plans that could not be changed. I did not have nearly enough time to visit everyone. This was just another dirty trick showing no respect for the business community. I mean, when did they decide they were going to have "two SPECIAL meetings"? Anyway, during each visit I asked "How's business?" It was like asking, "Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?" If you think business is booming, try taking a walk in village around high noon on a nice day like today and see for yourself. "We need to bring value to our downtown" said Trustee Jennings. What does that mean? I never heard such an ignorant expression in my life related to real estate, business, etc. Then she said to do that "You've got to have funding?" OK, now finish the thought. What will "funding" do to bring "value"? As far as I know, the higher the taxes, the lower the value. Do you know what I think? If this is what America has come down to, it is a very scary place. I beg of you to get rid of these people and get normal, intelligent, fair minded people in control of our government. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 154 Registered: 12-2004 |
PS: Most businesses are closed on Monday, so today was really the only day we had. Not all offices are open on Saturday, and we should not have to do this on Saturday. | ||
| Elaine Harris Citizen Username: Elaineharris Post Number: 155 Registered: 12-2004 |
PPS: SoOrangeparents: Your poem is amazing. I love it. | ||
| Swearengen Citizen Username: Swearengen Post Number: 28 Registered: 7-2005  |
The SID is a means of creating more jobs for cronies at the expense of hardworking people who have a lot invested in the village. The Calabrese Crew has no honor and less talent. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 4776 Registered: 1-2004 |
Elaine- It's not what America has come to. It's what SOUTH ORANGE has come to. BUT there is hope. It can change, in the next election we have the chance to do SOMETHING!!! | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 3987 Registered: 5-2001 |
JTA, The pictures your requested in the other thread are located further up in THIS thread. | ||
| Just The Aunt Supporter Username: Auntof13 Post Number: 4827 Registered: 1-2004 |
Oh. I think I already put them to good use!  | ||
| MHD Citizen Username: Mayhewdrive Post Number: 4023 Registered: 5-2001 |
The sculpture people reached a new low today, by placing packets of "information" on the windshields of cars parked in Village Parking Lots. Apparently, they do not know that according to Village Code (§ 95-10. Distribution of handbills) this is illegal. Once again, the materials they have distributed are misleading, with statements such as "Taxpayers are paying no more than $250,000 for this project". See the following clip for PROOF they are WRONG: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg7fok8sAwo | ||
| Mary32 Citizen Username: Mary32 Post Number: 17 Registered: 3-2006 |
MHD, You like yourself on TV, don't you? You grab any chance you can get to post clips of yourself questioning the BOT on Tau. If you go more often at their meetings you'll be more on TV, and who knows some day you may be a TV star. And we will commission a life-size sculpture of you to put it in the place of Tau, and we'll move Tau somewhere else. Carry on. Mary | ||
| susan1014 Supporter Username: Susan1014 Post Number: 1554 Registered: 3-2002 |
Very grown up Mary. What do you have to say to the illegal distribution of handbills? We got one on our car too. Nice to see a committee for the arts creating potential litter in our town. Will someone from the committee be out checking the lots for stray flyers tomorrow? | ||
| vermontgolfer Supporter Username: Vermontgolfer Post Number: 427 Registered: 12-2002 |
Mary32, I really think it's time you grow up. I don't often agree with MHD, but in this case I'm behind him 100%. Not only do I think the sculpture is going to be placed in the wrong place, they way this has been handled is enough to make your hair hurt, thank God, I don't have much of that. Seriously, this is a travesty and I'm afraid one that the residents of South Orange are going to pay for a long time. If, like the sculpture committee folks, you think this is going to attract folks to our lovely town, I believe you are sadly mistaken. This is a wonderful town we live in, one that I've lived in for 23 years and with a little luck, may make another 23 years, but not if we continue to allow our VP and his associates to continue to run this like it's their own candy store. Enough said for a Friday night, enjoy your weekend. | ||
| SoOrLady Citizen Username: Soorlady Post Number: 3290 Registered: 9-2003 |
Mary32 - I would say that MHD has taken advantage of the tools at hand to bring truth to the issue. It also seems that you have a problem with that. Odd. | ||
| Lizziecat Citizen Username: Lizziecat Post Number: 1203 Registered: 5-2003 |
Mary 32. Where have I heard that name, or something similar, before? She never seems to have anything to actually say. She justs spews vitriol and insults at people who are genuinely concerned for the future of this town. Such a huge amount of venom! Careful, Mary 32. You'll make yourself sick. | ||
| Soparents Citizen Username: Soparents Post Number: 285 Registered: 5-2005 |
I have watched MHD at the BOT meetings. He is not an actor, nor a "wanna be" actor. He is a resident who feel passionately enough about the issues at hand to stand up and ask questions of our elected trustees. Simply said, a RESIDENT ASKING QUESTIONS... There is nothing wrong with that. So, as posted earlier, but meant another way, carry on MHD | ||
| Lucy Supporter Username: Lucy Post Number: 3629 Registered: 5-2005  |
AMEN |
