Hoosick Falls Board Action – Neighbors Complain About Pets And Cars

by Bea Peterson
At the Hoosick Falls Village Board meeting on Tuesday, April 13, Patti and Bernie Zilinskas complained about the property at 1 School St. They told the Board they felt owner Bill Ingwersen was not living up to the Urban Development Project agreement he had with the Village. Ingwersen is converting the former VFW building into one single bedroom and four studio apartments, three on the first floor and two on the second floor. Part of the agreement was that there would be no pets in the building. The couple said Ingwersen himself brought a cat into the place. The agreement also stipulated only two cars would be allowed per apartment. Recently a family moved into one of the apartments, which had not received a certificate of occupancy, with a cat and three cars. Zilinskas also pointed out that the dumpster is situated right next to a neighbor’s house and, so far, Ingwersen has not put up the fence or trees he said he would. Patti Zilinskas said she felt he showed a lack of judgement and respect for the neighbors and was just another absentee landlord. “He planned well on paper,” she said.
Mayor Matt Monahan said he was very discouraged by these events. He felt Ingwersen should be fined the maximum for moving tenants in without a certificate of occupancy. He said he had spoken with Ingwersen and was told the landscaper will not install the eight foot hedgerow Ingwersen wants until May 15. The Mayor said the dumpster will be moved and enclosed by Thursday or Friday.
Deputy Mayor Paul Haynes, who originally voted against the proposal, asked if Ingwersen’s permit could be rescinded. “He obviously lied to us,” Haynes said. Trustee Ric DiDonato said, “If we rescind the permit, we might never get another developer to come into the Village.” DiDonato said it was better to force him to comply. The Mayor told the Zilinskases that he was glad they came forward. He also felt Ingwersen should be fined $100 a day until he is in compliance. Development of the VFW property is the first project under the Village’s Urban Development law and, at the time the permit was granted by the Board, DiDonato told Ingwersen, “There’s a lot riding on this. I trust you will do the same for us as you have done for your properties in Bennington.”
Water Problem
Merritt and Ellie Wilson of Easy St. told the Board that after the water line break on Main St. last year their water pressure was reduced to seven pounds. They finally got a contractor to dig up their yard and look at the line. Water Supervisor Jim Hurlburt said there were three breaks, one in Wilson’s yard and two under the road. It turned out the curb box was across the road from the Wilsons’ house. By Village law they are, therefore, responsible for the full $5,000 cost for repairs. Since the curb box is usually located on the owner’s property, the Mayor and the Board felt these were extraneous circumstances, and they will look into compensation for the couple.
Tee-Ball Field
The Board approved a request by the Town of Hoosick Baseball and Softball Program to add a tee-ball field adjoining their other fields, contingent on seeing plans for the proposed field and for parking. Someone from the Board will also attend the Opening Day Baseball and Softball parade and ceremonies on Saturday, April 24, at noon.
Unfortunately the Dog Park planned for the nearby area is on hold because funds could not be raised for the fencing.
Wood Block Request
Civicure, a non-profit organization in charge of the Wood Block, requested a letter of support from the Village regarding their application for State and Federal grants to develop the 25,000 square feet of space on the second and third floor. Private funds will also be used in the project. The deadline for the next round of grants is soon. Members of the Board wished they had been advised sooner as they would have liked to see the entire downtown be part of the grant. They did, however, agree to provide a letter of support for the project.
Greenway
DiDonato expressed his thanks to everyone who attended the Greenway meeting. “The comments made, especially by high school students, were well received and work is progressing on the project,” he said.
Organizational Meeting
The Village will hold a budget hearing and organizational meeting on Tuesday, April 20, at 6 pm.
The Board also approved:
• A request by Robert Farrara to apply for a liquor license for 42 Classic St.
• Mr. Ding-A-Ling’s peddler’s license from April 15 to September 15
• Six Village employees attending a Confined Space seminar on July 28 at a cost of $75 each.
• Extending the County Waste garbage contract for one more year at the same rate.
Hydrant Flushing
Hydrants in the Village of Hoosick Falls will be flushed on May 5 and 6. Hydrants in Wards 2 and 3 will be flushed on May 5 and in Wards 1 and 4 on May 6.