The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Grafton

Grafton Lakes State Park Hosts 22nd Annual Barge Chaser Canoe And Kayak Race

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Fall is just around the corner and Grafton Lakes State Park is gearing up for its 22nd Annual Barge Chaser Canoe and Kayak Race.  The event will be held Sunday, September 28, with registration beginning at 10 am at the Beach Nature Center and the race at 11 am.  The race, which is sponsored by the Northern New York Paddlers, is a day of friendly competition for the paddlers and fun for the whole family. 

There are two courses for paddlers to choose from.  The shorter course follows the three miles of shoreline around Long Pond with no portage.  The longer course is seven miles altogether with sections on Long Pond and Second Pond including two short portages.  There are classes separating canoes and kayaks, tandem or solo, age groups, gender and experience.  Awards are given for first through third place.

The registration fee is $10 per person and $5 for participants under 18.  Registration includes a potluck picnic after the races.  Hamburgers, hotdogs and drinks will be provided, but please bring a salad or dessert to share.  

For more information, contact Sue Knapik of Northern New York Paddlers at 843-8133.  To learn more about other park events, visit www.nysparks.com.

George T. Westley

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Grafton – George T. Westley, 57, formerly of Grafton, NY, died on Sunday morning, September 21, 2008, at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, with his loving wife at his bedside after a long illness.

Born on July 28, 1951, in Port Huron, MI, he was the loving husband of Margie Lou Boomhower Westley, whom he married on September 30, 1989. He was raised by his late aunt and uncle, Benjamin and Donna Lucas. A 1969 graduate of Port Huron High School, he entered the United States Army after graduation and proudly served his country in Vietnam. He lived in Whitehall, NY, and moved to Grafton in 1993. He worked in the housekeeping department of St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY, until his illness in 2003.

Survivors include his wife, Margie, his mother-in-law, Isabelle Boomhower of Grafton, a sister-in-law, Julie Boomhower of Berlin, NY, a brother-in-law, Mark Boomhower of Grafton, nieces Judy and Carolyn Williams, and a nephew, Cody Blain.

Services are Thursday afternoon at 2 pm in the Thomas M. Barber Funeral Home, 66 Armsby Road, Petersburgh, with the Rev. Robert Hurd of the Grafton United Methodist Church officiating. There will be no calling hours. Interment will follow in Eagle Mills Cemetery. A gathering celebrating George’s life will follow in the Fellowship Hall of the Grafton United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Church in care of the funeral home, PO Box 361, Petersburgh, NY, 12138.

Grafton Historical Society Learns Cemetery Preservation

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Joe Ferrannini demonstrates gravestone restoration procedures to Grafton Historical Society members last Saturday at the Grafton Cemetery. (Judith Radford photo)
Joe Ferrannini demonstrates gravestone restoration procedures to Grafton Historical Society members last Saturday at the Grafton Cemetery. (Judith Radford photo)

 

 

 by Judith Radford

On Saturday, September 13, at 9 am members of the Grafton Historical Society Cemetery Committee met at the Grafton Cemetery and welcomed Joseph A. Ferrannini of Grave Stone Matters out of Hoosick Falls.  Ferrannini, an expert on preserving old cemeteries and headstones, presented a hands-on seminar to demonstrate the correct way to clean, repair and reset grave markers according to long established restoration procedures.  

Members of the Historical Society have long been interested and involved in preserving local cemeteries and did quite a bit of research to find the right person to help them how to do it properly.  Members attending were Dorothy Surprise, Joe Ferrannini, Dick Wagar, Gordon Gundrum and Bob Goyer.  Also in attendance was Les Radford who has spearheaded an effort on Lake Elizabeth in Grafton to clean up their very old and covered over cemetery.  

The seminar went on all day with Ferranninni outlining the tools and materials needed for gravestone cleaning projects.  He described the different types of stones and actually demonstrated the procedure on some old stones.  Anyone interested in more information on this topic may contact Dorothy Surprise at 279-3298, email dsurprise@aol.com, or Joe Ferrannini at 424-9562, email jaferrannini@aol.com. 

 

 

  

Grafton Town Board Action – September 2008

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by Judith Radford

On Thursday, September 11, the Grafton Town Board held its regular monthly meeting starting promptly at 7 pm. Two members, Ed Fredricks, III and Mike Crandall were not present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and the usual procedural matters Supervisor Allison Kirchner asked for department reports. 

Reports

Superintendent of Highways Herbert Hasbrouck reported that the Highway Department is working hauling sand in preparation for the winter. He also said they are working on the ditches on Dunham Reservoir Road and are planning on repairing the road in coordination with the County Highway Department using a new cold coal mix. He said the County will be doing the paving and, in return, they will be able to use some of the Town’s equipment. This is experimental and how it works out will determine whether we use this material in the future. 

Tom Withcuskey, Code Enforcement Officer, reported 42 building permits have been issued so far in 2008 with 35 of them being outstanding from 2007. He went on to inform everyone that this is the time of the year when residents could be installing new boilers, stoves or chimneys. A building permit is required for these installations. 

Junior Rescue Squad Started

Donna Baldwin of the Grafton Rescue Squad reported that there were 11 calls during the month of August, 64.6 volunteer hours were expended and they traveled 288 miles. The squad also supported several local endeavors such as the Triathlon, Run for the Roses and the ROUSE picnic. 

Baldwin told everyone about the new Junior Squad they have started in order to attract younger people into this valuable town service. The program is open to 15 and 16 year olds. Recruits will come to drills and meetings. They will not be able to ride along on a call until they are 16. Participants will spend 120 days in the program and will receive CPR training. The program will bring ROTC credit and one individual has already joined, Baldwin’s son. If anyone is interested, she asks that you either call the Squad or reach her at home. Her number is listed in the phone book. 

The Supervisor’s Report for August and the Town Clerk’s Report for the month of August were both approved and copies can be obtained at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Supervisor Kirchner said the Summer Program was over and was extremely successful this year with Kathy Mason Wagar as Director. A quilt made by the children was presented to the Town by Kirchner. Councilwoman Messenger said she had visited the program during the summer and she wanted everyone to know the counselors were doing an excellent job and were genuinely interested in what they were accomplishing with the children. 

Eagle Renewed

Supervisor Kirchner wanted to thank Pete Clemente for the beautiful job he did renewing the paint on the eagle in front of the Town Hall. Clemente is the individual who carved the eagle and donated it to the Town. He owns a wood carving business on Route 7 which is quite impressive.

A Wandering Goat

A report was received from Dan Wagar, the Grafton Dog Control Officer. There were 14 animal control issues during July and August. Anyone wishing to see the complete report may do so at the Town Hall. Issues listed varied from stray dog to a wandering pigmy goat on South Road. 

Supervisor Kirchner reported on the following communications received since the last meeting:

ź a letter was received from the Grafton Trail Riders asking for a variance of the Town Code, Chapter 161, Mobile Home Park; a resolution will follow;

ź an email was received from Sherri Willis regarding a leak at the Senior Center.

Pick-Up Truck Purchase 

The discussion regarding the purchase of a new pick up truck for the Highway Department continued. According to Hasbrouck, the base price for the new pick-up ranges between $18,346 and $27,164. He has received estimates from several dealerships and so far no one has been able to beat the original $18,346 price. He is still waiting for an estimate from Ford and Action.

Meteorological Tower

Supervisor Kirchner asked for Town Board approval of Resolution #90 asking for the waiver of the new tower application fee requirement under Town Code Section 213-20 regarding RP Wind NY (formerly Reunion Power) placing a temporary Meteorological Tower (MET) on property located off North Long Pond Way. The relief was requested to pay a co-location application fee of $1,500 rather than the fee for a new tower as listed in the Town fee schedule since the MET is temporary and will not be in place for more than two years. The resolution is based upon the recommendation of the Town’s wireless consultant, Richard Comi, who said the request is reasonable and has been granted for other wireless providers throughout the country. The resolution was approved in a 3/0 roll call vote. 

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #91 of 2008 regarding the purchase of Turn-out Gear from B-Lann Equipment Company in the amount of $1,156 with the provision that the Rescue Squad provide documentation to the Town Board that this equipment is New York State Health Department mandated. Three bids were obtained, and B-Lann was the lowest responsible bidder for the mandated equipment. The resolution was approved by a 3/0 roll call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #92 of 2008 authorizing a variance of Section 161-14 of the Grafton Town Code for the Grafton Trail Riders. A copy of this resolution may be obtained at the Town Hall. The resolution passed 3/0 in roll call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #93 of 2008 for several budget revisions/transfer of funds. This list can be seen at the Town Hall. The budget revisions were approved by a 3/0 role call vote.

Supervisor Kirchner asked for approval of Resolution #94 of 2008 authorizing the transfer of $3,027.27 from the Trust and Agency account TA30 (escrow) to the General Fund account A2801 (Inter-fund Revenue) to cover Planning Board consultant expenses in connection with the following applications: Verizon Wireless – $700 and RP Wind NY (Reunion Power) – $2,347.27. The resolution was approved unanimously.

Councilwoman Marie Claus made a motion to approve all bills as audited. It was seconded by Councilwoman Barb Messenger and approved unanimously. 

Pig Farm

At the beginning of the public comment period Supervisor Kirchner reminded everyone that there is a five minute time limit per person. 

 A resident of Babcock Lake, Virginia Scrugski, appeared again at this month’s meeting to ask if a Board member had been appointed to work along with the Babcock Lake residents to determine what action should be taken to ward off the proposed “Pig Farm” proposed by former Town Supervisor Tyler Sawyer. Last month’s meeting was particularly stormy with many residents from Babcock Lake expressing their dismay at Sawyer’s seemingly inconsiderate move to start a pig farm on property located within feet of the lake. 

Supervisor Kirchner said no one has been appointed yet and that the Board will have to take the issue up with the Town Attorney in order to see if the Board has any jurisdiction whatsoever over the matter. The issue was tabled until contact and determination can be made with Sal Ferlazzo, Town Attorney.

Supervisor Kirchner reminded all Town Board members of a Budget Workshop to be held on September 17, at 6 pm at the Town Hall.

Supervisor Kirchner made a motion to adjourn the meeting in memory of Edward Fredricks, Jr., Sadie Gardy and All of Those Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 pm.

Plans For A New Cell Tower In Grafton

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by Judith Radford

On September 15 the Grafton Planning Board held its regular monthly meeting with all members present. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call and approval of minutes of last month’s meetings, Dave Brennan appeared as lawyer for Verizon Communications regarding their proposal to build a new cell tower. He told everyone that the proposed 110 foot tower would fill a gap that exists in cell phone coverage between certain locations in Grafton and Petersburgh. He said it would be a lattice tower designed to Grafton Town Codes that would be capable of taking on two additional carriers. The base would be a 12’ x 30’ shelter, and there would be an 8 foot chain link fence. The tower would sit 105 feet back from 1928 NY State Route 2. He went on to discuss the site and added that a visual impact analysis would be done prior to any decisions by the Board. 

Richard Comi, Communications Consultant for the Town told the Board that the law requires a balloon test and for it to be successful, it should be done on a Saturday when most of the nearby residents are home. He said the balloon should be representative of the size and height of the tower. He asked if Verizon had done any analysis of the Grafton Elementary School as a site for the tower and Brennan responded they had not but would be glad to do so. Comi went on to add that the actual installation of any cell tower still had a long way to go in the approval process and that he would submit a written report on his analysis shortly. The balloon test was scheduled for Saturday, November 1, with Saturday, November 8, as the rain date. Brennan said the test takes approximately four hours and would start at 8 am and continue to 12 noon. The issue was tabled until results from the balloon test and Comi’s report could be examined by members of the Board. A public hearing on the matter will not be scheduled until all the information can be made available.

Wind Testing

Richard Comi made suggestions regarding the wind testing monitor proposed by Reunion Power. He told the Board that the Grafton Town Board had just passed a Resolution waiving the usual fee required in communications matters. He reminded everyone that this is a MET which is approximately 8 inches on a 160 foot tower and not a visual intrusion. He recommended that the Board make a motion to declare a negative environmental impact of the installation of the monitor and the Board did so. He also recommended that the requirement for a $2,000 bond be put in place by Reunion to cover the cost of removal of the tower and MET after 2 years. He said the company should provide liability insurance and asked that the application contain the contingency that Reunion would remove the tower after 2 years and return the site to its original rustic nature. He said Reunion would also be required to pay the remainder of the application fee and pay for any cost of reviewing the process by consultants. Any extension of the two year time period would have to go before the Board. 

Member Goyer asked about the cost to remove the tower, and Comi responded that the $2,000 bond amount would sufficiently cover the cost to remove it if Reunion failed to do so. Member Newell asked if a road to the site was required, and member Withcuskey said the site was located on an old logging road and installation would be minimally invasive. Comi said no road was needed nor was any visit required as the equipment would respond to Reunion without any visits. 

J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin appeared to inform the Board that they had received approval from the Army Corps of Engineer on their proposed 2-lot minor subdivision on Cranberry Pond Road, but they have not yet heard from DEC. No action could be taken on the matter until all reports have been received.

Regarding Stonybrook Land LLC, no one appeared at this meeting; however, Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck said that Rensselaer County was doing the perk tests on the property this coming Thursday. He reported that the developer would like to put a road in sooner rather than later. According to Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, also in attendance, Town Code does not prohibit the developer from putting in a road, but it would be at the developer’s risk since the Board has not and will not grant approval for the project at this time. Much discussion followed about the difference between private and Town roads. Hasbrouck said any private roads that later are requested to become Town roads must be brought up to the standards required in the recently written Town road specifications. There were no further discussions and no public comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 pm.

A Summary Of The August Meeting

When the Grafton Planning Board met in August of 2008, it had three issues considered under old business and two considered as new business. Members of the Planning Board included Tom Withcuskey, Scott Newell, Arthur Surprise, Jim Goyer and Owen Grandjean, Chairman. Attending the meeting as guests were Jim Mirenda of Reunion Power, David Lipinski of Stonybrook Land LLC, Grafton Communications Consultant Richard Comi, Town Attorney Sal Ferlazzo, Grafton Highway Superintendent Herb Hasbrouck and residents J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin. 

In the latter part 2007, Reunion Power had approached the Planning Board about installing a wind monitor to see if Grafton would be a suitable location for a wind turbine. At this meeting Grafton was established as lead agency in the matter, and a date of September 15 at 6:30 pm set as the time and date for the public hearing.

In early 2008, Stonybrook Land LLC applied for a 27-lot major subdivision which they planned to call “The Lake at Sylvan Way.” David Lipinski, owner, informed the Board of improvements and progress at the site. He also presented a revised map of the re-location of Sylvan Way and added acreage of lake frontage. The Board members agreed to a special on site visit which was held on Wednesday, September 3, 2008.

Chairman Grandjean informed the members of the Board that Verizon Communications was going forward with their plan to add a cell tower but the Board would take no action until a report could be received from Richard Comi.

Also at this meeting, J. Craig Alexander and Betsy Colvin appeared with a request for a proposed 2-lot minor subdivision at Cranberry Pond Road. The Board decided it could not establish lead agency in the matter until the applicants received confirmation from the Department of Environmental Conservation for wetland construction. The application was approved providing they received a supplemental letter from DEC on the matter. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 pm.

Story Time At The Grafton Community Library

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Pre-school story time for children 2-4 years of age will be held on Wednesday, September  24, at 10 am at the Grafton Community Library. The 45-minute program consists of read-aloud stories and a small craft project to take home.

It is free for children and their caregivers. Pre-registration is not required. For further information please contact the Library at 279-0580.

Orienteering AT GLSP

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The Empire Orienteering Club will hold its National Orienteering Day event at Grafton Lakes State Park with registration at the Amphitheater at the Park (by Main parking lot) starting at 11 am on Sunday, September 21. Courses range from 1.6 km to 7.5 km. Come test your orienteering skills with map and compass. For more information on fees, see Empire Orienteering Club’s website http://empo.us.orienteering.org/schedule/.

Letter To The Editor – Ham Hill Farms – Pigs Or Property Taxes?

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To The Editor:

This letter is in reply and an update to the issues and comments of Tyler Sawyer and his Ham Hill Farms. His comments were made at the [August] Grafton Town Board Meeting and published in this newspaper.

Tyler Sawyer is a former Grafton Town Supervisor – 2007, former Planning Board member – 2008 and presently the Town of Grafton’s Bookkeeper.

Mr. Sawyer talked about the “lots of communications” he received and “none of the complaints are consistent with the current Town Code.” He is probably correct. But, the complaints he received were from his concerned neighbors. Apparently Mr. Sawyer feels he can snub and disregard his neighbors and cause potential pollution of the watershed at Babcock Lake all because he has the Town Code on his side. Maybe the Town Code should be looked into to determine if it is written in such a way that the Grafton Town tax base and tax payer property values can be impacted in negative ways by one person. 

Mr. Sawyer talked about the issued permit and took “offence at the insinuation that there was impropriety in the issuance of the permit.”  Mr. Sawyer, although offended did not mentioned his threats to the Lake Community to build Ham Hill Farms to raise hogs and pigs on a plot of land approximately 110 ft. x 115 ft. with residences right next door to this enterprise.  I am sure the Town Code Official who issued the permit for Sheds was following the Town Code.

Mr. Sawyer started “this issue,” when he apparently felt slighted that he was denied the opportunity to swap his newly purchased lots for land next to his house. With this denial, he had let it be known that he did not care about his neighbors and community.  He refused to accept the same restrictions that dues paying members of Lake Estates (he is not a member) had to obey for a deed swap. In his lack of concern, he let it be known that because members did not respond fast enough to his demands that he would now build a pig and hog farm a half mile from his private residence but next to other residences.

The article also went on to say that “he (Mr. Sawyer) had received many emails and no one approached him in person.” From my understanding he had spoken to members of the property owners association in person and other residents.  In fact the Board of Directors went way overboard in their communications and conversations with Mr. Sawyer. The article went on to say, he thought that “this issue was overblown.”  If he felt it was overblown at the Town Meeting, how would you feel if a person who lives in your community, your neighbor, was given the appearance that he was attempting to affect your property values and a way of life. 

Yes, Mr. Sawyer did withdraw his building permit. This withdrawal, coincided with the report that an Article 78 would be filed in this matter. Although the Code Enforcement Officer is somewhat correct in his statement, “The matter is now considered a personal matter between Sawyer and the residents of Lake,” I believe it has far more importance to the Town’s tax base, which has numerous residential areas on the numerous lakes. Just look at the pig and hog farm that shut down in West Hoosick. Could that same company come to Grafton and start another pig farm because as Mr. Sawyer said, “There is nothing in the Grafton Town Code to stop it.”

Mr. Sawyer brought up “failing septic systems at the lake right now.” Mr. Sawyer was Town Supervisor for many years. He apparently was aware that some residences might have septic issues. Yet as an elected Town Supervisor he failed to provide assistance to those taxpayers or to protect the watershed. In fact he might have stopped the Lake Community’s request for Town action a few years ago to insure the continuous protection of the lake from the use of gasoline/oil powered engines.

Town Board Member Fredricks asked Mr. Sawyer, “If there was going to be a specific number of pigs, 4 or 5?” No answer was recorded from Mr. Sawyer.

A Mr. Jason Sawyer is reported to have told The Grafton Town Board, that he plans in “bringing in some animals to my own property, too” at the Stonybrook subdivision (the Hemlock Valley Way Inc., Homeowner’s Association). That might be fine for his area where the average residential property is in acres, while the average Lake residence lots are in feet. I understand his house is on Dyken Pond. 

There is a chance that this issue will be before the citizens of Grafton and the elected officials again. Maybe the Board should consider the term “residential areas.” As we all know the “residential areas” are made up of taxpayers and voters.  Not pigs and hogs. 

Would it not be easier and advantageous to Mr. Sawyer to have one pig and hog farm with his son on his mutable acres, than on a plot of land less than a quarter acre and less than 30 feet from a residence – a residence of one who has lived there for 70 plus years.

Town resident O’Dell commented, “We had a right to farm law and many would not have eaten without one.” Our Lake Community is 90 years old, and I have been here for forty plus years and thankfully, I have not seen or heard of any person not having food, substance, denied a vegetable patch or living happily at the Lake, until now. If that issue arose, I am sure the Community would not allow it to happen. 

Mr. Sawyer did not even attend the landowners meeting when the vote was taken. He did not appear to express his desires, request a swap or answer questions. In fact Mr. Sawyer when given the opportunity by a vote to approve a swap, refused the terms that all dues paying members have to obey. Mr. Sawyer is now cutting trees on the plot of land he owns for some enterprise. Who knew!

Thank you.

Pat Ivory

Babcock Lake, Grafton

PS: Hoosick apparently is in the process of having some form of Land Use Regulations. Will Grafton be last or Petersburgh in Rensselaer County to protect the Tax paying Homeowner? 

Remember to register to vote.

Remember your absentee ballot application.

Grafton VFD Breakfast

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The Grafton Volunteer Fire Department along with the Ladies Auxiliary will be holding an all you can eat buffet style breakfast on Saturday, September 27, from 8 am to 11 am a the VFW/Fire Hall on South Road in Grafton.  Come enjoy Belgian waffles, French toast, pancakes, eggs (made to order), toast, sausage, bacon, homefries, coffee, orange juice and milk. We look forward to serving you!  The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for kids 5 to 12 and free for kids 5 and under.

Grafton Historical Society News

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Dutch Barns

Dutch barns will be the topic of the next Grafton Historical Society meeting on September 17, at 7 pm at the Grafton Town Hall on Route 2. Presented by Everett Rau, who describes these barns as monuments to the pioneer days of our ancestors, this program will include some of the tools used to build the barns and some of the tools early settlers used in their everyday lives. The meeting is open to the public.

Everett Rau was born on a farm that has been in his family since 1799 and is an agricultural historian, barn builder and barn restorer.  Now in his retirement, he grows hand sown wheat, harvests it with an 1885 binder and threshes it with an 1885 wooden thresher. 

Historical Coloring Books

The Grafton Historical Society donated a coloring book to each child in the Grafton Summer Arts and Crafts Program.   The coloring book shows historic and prominent buildings in Grafton.  The pictures were drawn by Joan Gundrum of Petersburgh.  The coloring book was created to answer a request from Kathy Mason-Wagar for community input to the summer program and to meet the mission statement of the Grafton Historical Society, which is to collect, preserve, interpret and share information and artifacts of Grafton and its environs with the people of the community.

Wedding Display At Town Hall

Wedding pictures and wedding announcements of Grafton residents are now on display at the Grafton Town Hall.  The display, entitled “Fashions and Weddings of Yesteryear” shows many Town residents through the years in their wedding finery.  This display was created by Grafton Historical Society members Hilda Goyer and Pat Niebuhr.

Wine And Cheese 

The Grafton Historical Society’s annual Wine and Cheese Festival will be held on Saturday, October 18, from 4 to 6 pm at the historic Grafton Inn on Route 2 in Grafton.  A wide variety of state and international wines and many cheeses and other appetizers will be available for sampling.  There will be a raffle and door prizes will be awarded.  A limited number of tickets are available for this popular event.  Contact 658-3737 for information.