TO: Spafford Town Board
FROM: Peter Pirnie, Ph.d.

In reference to the POST-STANDARD article on November 15, 2001 by Sarah Errington: [See reprint at bottom of this page]

1. Supervisor Ireland reportedly offered Frank Marcheterre an unknown amount of money for his East Lake Road (RT. 41) property:

a. Under what authority was this offer made: By the Spafford Town Board? The Supervisor for the TOWN? The Supervisor for himself?

b. Mr. Marcheterre reportedly rejected the offer. What caused the Supervisor to then apply for a grant to use to pay Marcheterre for the property? Was there some expectation that Mr. Marcheterre would accept State/Federal funds but not local?

2. In the article, Supervisor Ireland seems to direct his comments to potential hazardous materials contamination at the IGA site. Many people reason that any suspected contamination is present on the Marcheterre property.

a. The greenhouse area is probably pesticide contaminated.

b. Mr. Marcheterre now appears to be draining his gasoline tank onto the ground. (The 500-1000 gallon tank is presently upended behind the Blue House)

c. Marcheterre consistently worked on his "Car of Many Colors" directly over a storm drain. Oil and antifreeze probably flowed into that drain.

d. There was an oil spill in the Blue House basement several years ago. Asbestos is probably present throughout the structure.

e. There is an exposed septic tank outside the driveway access door to the Mini-Mart.

3. When Supervisor Ireland determined that $90,000 was needed to demolish the various structures on the two properties, how was that figure developed?

a. Was consideration given to an environmental assessment of both properties? If not, why not?

b. Was any estimate made of how much it would cost to: purchase the properties? Cleanup and remove any hazardous material contamination? consider that not two or three but five or more structures will need to be demolished?

c. How was it determined that a "Community Recreation Center" was needed? The "Grange" and "Gazebo Park" already serve that purpose.

d. Residents, tourists and travelers want a grocery store in Borodino. A recent lengthy artical appeared on the WEB and in the Skaneateles Press in that regard Also, was there any consideration given for a small business application for a community store?

4. All of the structures in question should have been condemned and removed at owner expense ( any costs to the TOWN can be recovered by tax liens). Similarly, the properties could have been ORDERED cleaned up. Either of these actions is still possible.

5. Since there is evidence of contamination on the properties under consideration a court order must be obtained for an environmental investigation.

6. In order to receive the $90,000 grant to improve the blighted area, an environmental survey and any necessary cleanup will probably be required.

7. The TOWN OF SPAFFORD must pass a resolution to employ a qualified HAZMAT investigator (as determined by the DEC) to perform the required SURVEY. 
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REPRINTED FROM THE POST-STANDARD/NEIGHBORS WEST, 11/15/01   [Top] [back]

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