Letter to the Editor: Town Board's View
On Tuesday, October 14, 2003, the citizens of Waddington will go to the polls to decide
the fate of Leishman's Point. The Town Board feels that it istime that we speak out to the
public on our position.
Based on discussions held since the early 1990's and the recent survey conducted by the
Town in which the majority of those participating stated that they would like to see the
land put back on the tax rolls, the board is asking its citizens to tell them what you
want. In the past developers have been solicited for these surplus lands. When we did get
interest from a developer, they found that this area was not feasible for the type of
development that they proposed and had to walk away. We feel that residential is the least
costly and most effective use of the point.
In recent days many of you have expressed that you have been receiving phone calls from a
vocal group on the subject. We have heard inaccuracies such as water and sewer being run
from the Village limits, raising tax dollars to fund the project, and taking all public
space from the people. Nothing could be farther from the truth. First, WATER & SEWER
WILL NOT be run from the Village limits to this development. Wells will be drilled at the
owner's expense and a small sewer package will be installed on the point that will be self
sufficient (a separate line item will appear on the owner's tax bill for this service).
Secondly, seed money for infrastructure of this project will come from the New York Power
Authority settlement funds and replenished from the sale of lots. This will then be used
for further development/study of other surplus lands such as Whitehouse Bay. Last but not
least the land that is now in the public sector will remain just that. Public. There are
many things that can be done to enhance this area and the Town Board is committed to
pursuing these initiatives with the Power Authority.
Please understand that the Town Board has no personal agenda in the development of this
land regardless of what some people may accuse. We will not personally gain anything
whether this referendum passes or not. Waddington is currently rated as the fourth highest
town in the State of New York with tax exempt property. 72.5% of our land in Waddington is
tax exempt. We feel that we are following the best course possible to help Waddington's
tax base.
This land was ripped away from the Town 50 years ago. We now have the opportunity to
correct this wrong. We strongly encourage ALL citizens of Waddington to get to the polls
and vote. A vote of yes will allow the Board to pursue residential uses for Leishman's
Point. Let's put this land back on the tax rolls. Don't let this one slip away The polls
will be open Tuesday between 7AM-9PM in the Municipal Building.
Waddington Town Board:
Supervisor: William Dalton
Councilors: Larry Sears
Stephen McKnight
Shirley Robinson
Originally published 10/12/2003
Ogdensburg Journal
Used with permission