The Route 92 corridor
To the editor:
In a previous edition of the Eagle Bulletin, the democrat town board candidates raised the issue of the 2001 Rte 92 Corridor Policy as a campaign issue. As such, a short summary of its origin is in order.
The 2001 Rte 92 Corridor Policy was not some stale document made 20 years ago and forgotten about by the town board as these candidates claim. The original study leading to the Corridor Policy was done primarily because the Rte 92 corridor had the potential to expand to an Erie Boulevard East with over 100 acres of commercially zoned property readily available for development. The town board appointed a Committee to evaluate the situation and recommend a course of action. I was appointed as its chair.
When it began its work, the committee faced several concerns for which it made specific recommendations:
Projected traffic/congestion: It evaluated the situation in the Southeast corner, where a developer owned over 100 acres of Commercial property — enough space for a Walmart and/or other large stores. It reached an agreement to allow the current businesses on the corner while committing the majority of the property to residential development (now Austin Meadows) and the remaining acreage as forever-wild property to Save the County (Edwards Falls)
Zoning: It reviewed the zoning map and the wide variety of zoning used in the corridor. It recommended a re-zone of many of the various residential properties to RM zone – keeping them residential in nature but retaining their potential value by allowing certain limited uses.
Policy: It considered what policy, if any, the town board should use as guidance for future actions. Based on its review, the committee laid out policy guidance discouraging additional high-intensity new development that would multiply traffic issues, while encouraging lower-intensity businesses with more residential character. It specifically states: “Whether non-residential use is proposed on RM or commercially-zoned property, it should be encouraged to be undertaken in such a way so as to not detract from this residential character.”
Over the course of the succeeding 18 years, the town board has discussed and referenced this policy several times as proposals have been brought forward. Each time the board has re-confirmed that it believes the policy remains the right approach, including as recently as this year. Contrary to being “stale”, the policy has been re-affirmed several times over the years, including by several residents in public hearings. Importantly, it has always been considered as a living document, and something that could be changed if conditions warranted it.
In the 18 years since the Corridor Policy went into effect, there has been one significant and unexpected change to the situation – the building of the Manlius Fire Department building. While this is a large complex, it is not high intensity in terms of people or traffic and has not significantly changed the situation.
In summary, I believe that the Corridor Policy – actively considered and utilized by the yown board over the years – has helped to manage the development of the corridor, and has been an effective part of mitigating the budding traffic and congestion issues that were looming in 2001.
John Loeffler
Councilor, Town of Manlius
Elect Mark Matt for county legislature
To the editor:
Mark Matt of Fayetteville is running once again as the Democratic candidate to represent District 10 in the Onondaga County Legislature.
I have known Mark and his wife Cheryl for the past 30 years or more, and can vouch for his character and strong qualifications to represent the residents of this district as a legislator.
Mark has served as a charter member and longtime treasurer of the Central New York Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, a national conservation organization. Mark and Cheryl are active and veteran members of both the Fayetteville and DeWitt Rotary Clubs, where Mark has offered valuable guidance relating to finances and grant programs for the Rotary members. He is a retired businessman and computer software manager.
For the past several years, Mark has attended county budget meetings along with numerous other meetings related to the operations of the Onondaga County Legislature. He is quite familiar with members of both parties who are involved with running our city and county governments.
Mark has been a trusted and outspoken member of our Izaak Walton Chapter on environmental issues affecting our County, and has become a community leader in responding to the issues and realities of the climate crisis.
I recommend your vote for Mark Matt in November as he will be a valuable asset to his district and to our entire Central New York community.
Les Monostory, V.P.
Izaak Walton League CNY Chapter
Thank you for the support
To the editor:
It’s difficult to express in such a small space how appreciative we are for the amazing support the community showed the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association Walk To End Alzheimer’s—Syracuse, NY.
In total, nearly 1,500 people participated in the Walk on Sept. 29, and helped us raise more than $223,000 to support Alzheimer’s care, support and research programs. Though the 2019 event has passed, fundraising continues through the end of the year at alz.org/walk.
This year’s Walk helped bring us another step closer to a cure, while ensuring that families touched by this disease have access to high-quality programs and support. To our corporate sponsors, participants and our fellow planning committee members, we thank you from the bottoms of our hearts.
Matthew Hunt and Cathy Piston
Co-chairs of the 2019 Alzheimer’s Association Walk To End Alzheimer’s—Syracuse, NY
Water for town board
To the editor:
We would like to take this opportunity to endorse Heather Waters for Manlius Town Board.
Heather grew up right here and attended Fay El, Wellwood, and Fayetteville-Manlius High School.
She developed a very successful career and then returned here with her husband to continue her career and raise her family in a familiar yet changing place.
Her professional experiences in fundraising, grant writing, and interpersonal communications are a reflection of her abilities and her friendly and enthusiastic personality.
Heather Waters has the experience and competence to handle complex projects and the vision to help guide the Town of Manlius into the future. She has expressed her concern about promoting engagement in local government, creating a land-use plan, and looking toward the future with renewable energy and infrastructure improvements that will benefit town residents.
As residents of Manlius for the past 36 years, we feel that we are fortunate to have an accomplished young woman who is truly concerned about the well-being of our town and its citizens and who is willing to devote her time and effort on behalf of us all.
Please remember to vote for Heather Waters for Manlius Town Board. Early voting is Oct. 26 to Nov. 3. Election Day is Nov. 5.
Lew and Elaine Dubroff
Manlius
Thanks for supporting the Fresh Air Fund
To the editor:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Fresh Air host families and volunteer leaders the New York Lakes Region. Because of their dedication and commitment, thousands of children from New York City’s low-income communities participated in our Friendly Towns volunteer host family program this summer.
I am inspired by the heartfelt stories shared by hosts who welcome our children into their homes and community, and the joy and growth it brings to everyone. For over 140 years, The Fresh Air Fund has brought people together. Children make new friends and forge relationships that can last a lifetime. We’ve learned that after staying with a host family children are more confident and more comfortable meeting new and different people. Children tell me about their excitement to return to visit with a host family and all the activities ahead.
Our programs would not be possible without the generosity of our Fresh Air host families, supporters, and volunteers in the New York Lakes Region. Our local volunteers, many of whom are also hosts, interview prospective host families, help recruit new families and plan special activities. I would also like to thank the individuals and local businesses who give their time and resources to ensure The Fresh Air Fund’s Friendly Towns Program in the New York Lakes Region is such a success each year.
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. Each summer, thousands of children visit volunteer host families along the East Coast and Southern Canada.
Please contact Vicki Bracco at 315-391-7852 or visit FreshAir.org to learn more about hosting a child through The Fresh Air Fund.
Fatima Shama
Executive Director The Fresh Air Fund
A night to remember
To the editor:
The morning sunrise, a rosy sky, said it all, “What a great night at the Towne Center.”
Your roving reporter has glowing accolades for this big production. The ship had smooth sailing tonight, with talent galore. Even the stuffed pillows in the auditorium took notice.
Imagination is a wonderful thing. The Dish Pan Alley Kats gave us “Old Fashioned Music.” We loved it! The poetry was dramatic, laughable and even very poignant. The pianists and singers touched our hearts with their talented voices. Our high school girls, who do so much for us, gave us scary jumping jacks and cartwheels, a tour all around Towne Center with gals from the dining room – way to go gals! The live dancers with their beat said, “Come on, and all get up, you can do it!”
In the grand finale a gorgeous gal sang “Hey, Bing Spender,” with her dapper escorts. And last, but not least, was our activity director, looking so great, like a drum majorette with her beautiful helpers.
What a joy, to see the ship come alive – a night to remember!
Loretta Henderson
Fayetteville
Support for Pavone
To the editor:
As a physician, mother and active member of the Central New York community – as well as a long-time Democrat, I would like to voice my support for Sherene Pavone, a Republican candidate for Manlius Town Board. When it comes to good government, party lines are not the priority – caring, committed, informed representation is.
Over the years, I have known Sherene from both the professional and personal sides. Not only have I witnessed her legal expertise, communication strategies and ability to effectively resolve conflicts, I have seen what a wonderful mother she is and how dedicated she is to her community.
Sherene, along with her husband, has raised three boys in Manlius and is engaged in a number of volunteer activities. What I find most impressive about her is her natural ability to connect with people across different cultural, philosophical and personal backgrounds. Her measured, eloquent and sensitive communication style instills trust in those around her and she backs that up with her knowledgeable and wise insights and recommendations.
Sherene’s law practice is located in Manlius, reasserting her dedication to the people and businesses in the town she wants to represent. As a town board member, I have no doubt she will help bridge differences in opinions and connect people to achieve goals that matter to local taxpayers. In today’s deeply divided political climate, we need people like Sherene more than ever. She is a team player who will deliver on promises to her constituents much as she does with her clients, family and friends.
Sherene Pavone is a person with integrity, work ethic and commitment that would make her an ideal Manlius Town Board member. I hope Town of Manlius residents will consider her on election day.
Jana Shaw, MD
Manlius
Consider Loeffler for town board
To the editor:
On election day, Nov. 5, Town of Manlius Voters will cast their votes on many races, including several open seats on the town board. I would ask that you please consider John Loeffler as one of your choices. I believe he is a most qualified, experienced, and dedicated candidate in the race for this office. His record of past service on the board amply proves it.
Currently John serves as deputy supervisor on the board where he has served with distinction.
He is focused on continuously improving town operations and delivering exemplary service to town residents. He has a background in business and engineering, applying his knowledge and experience on behalf of town concerns. In particular, he is a major contributor to budgeting and planning processes.
As chair of the Police Committee he has contributed mightily to helping the police department achieve its current status as one of the most professional and effective police departments in NY State.
He has shown his readiness to work together with his fellow legislators to provide effective solutions to the issues and to achieve legislative goals.
A strong and respected leader he has been an independent voice on the town board, willing to challenge the status quo when necessary.
I respectfully ask you to join me and vote for John Loeffler on Nov. 5. He is the right choice for the Town of Manlius.
Ken Green
Manlius
Support for Manlius candidates
To the editor:
For the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege to serve the people of the Town of Manlius as a member of the ZBA, Planning Board and for the past five years as a town councilor. It has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve done in my life. I made the difficult decision earlier this year not to run for re-election due to personal reasons.
I am writing to urge town residents to give their support to the following four candidates, who are running together on the same ticket for this election: John Loeffler, Nick Marzola, Lourdes Rosario and Sherene Pavone.
I know each of these candidates personally and have seen each of them in action. As a ticket, it is the perfect balance of experience, leadership and new perspective.
John and Nick are running for re-election, having served Manlius residents on the town board for several years. I know from personal experience working with them over the years that John and Nick are at the center of most of the major initiatives that move the town forward as they work tirelessly for their constituents.
Between them, they bring strong backgrounds in business, finance, budgeting and engineering and are critical to the board’s constructive deliberation in many areas.
Lourdes and Sherene are first time candidates who come to you with extremely strong resumes and life experiences. Both are attorneys and in private practice. Both have worked hard their entire professional career to help people and families who need assistance in our legal system. And both will bring fresh perspectives to the town board and help it move forward boldly into the next decade.
I strongly support John, Nick, Lourdes and Sherene and would ask, that on Election Day, you give them your support as well to keep Manlius moving forward.
Richard A. Rossetti
Town of Manlius Councilor
Giordano endorses Marzola for Town Councilor
To the editor:
It has been my personal privilege to serve as your town councilor.
I have witnessed first-hand the talent, leadership and unwavering commitment to fiscal integrity and community-based service that Nick Marzola provides as a member of your town board.
It is with honor and love for our community that l endorse and ask that you please vote for Nick Marzola to continue as your town councilor.
Nick possesses a diverse and unique set of experiences and capabilities, which brings unmatched value to our community.
He is a certified public accountant. He has significant finance, operations and executive management experience. He is the vice president, CFO & treasurer of Hollowick, Inc., right here in the Village of Manlius. He knows healthcare and benefits administration, and was instrumental in developing a town health plan whose costs are significantly below the market.
He chairs our Finance & Budget Committee. Under his stewardship our town has consistently received the strongest fiscal stress score from the NYS comptroller’s office that a municipality can receive. Your town has one of the best percentile rankings of all municipalities in NYS. This indicates our town, has 1) no fiscal stress, 2) is fiscally strong and solvent, and 3) prudently manages its fiscal, operational, budgetary and management processes. A significant milestone.
Additionally, our town is consistently below the NYS tax cap and your 2019 tax rate is below our 2014 tax rate. Outstanding financial leadership.
He chairs our Fire & EMS Committee, where he works collaboratively with our three community focused mayors to enhance how we operate, budget, plan and cooperate inter-municipally.
He has unparalleled governmental experience. Not only has he served with distinction as our town councilor, he has also served as a Village of Manlius trustee plus service on its planning and zoning boards. Focused community service.
He is a leader in the boards accomplishments and successful efforts to drive operational and managerial excellence, implement process and technological innovation, with quality response and service for you.
With gratitude and heartfelt thanks for your past support, I respectfully ask that you vote for Nick Marzola on Nov. 5 – he is the right choice to ensure the continued prosperity and excellence of our town.
Vincent Giordano
Manlius Town Councilor, retired
