Skaneateles Press, March 9, 2005

Bullett stock photo

Why does Spafford want to demolish a serviceable building?

To the editor:

Why does Spafford Supervisor Ireland want to demolish a perfectly serviceable building? Why not cooperate to create something good for the community? These are questions asked by citizens and town board repeatedly, with no answer. Ireland only points out that a Community Development grant is worded that funds be used for demolition of 1865 E.Lake Rd. How did that wording get into the grant award letter, Mr. Ireland? Town board members repeatedly remind the Supervisor the grant application they approved at the Feb 10, 2004 public hearing didn’t request demolition, but specifically stated demolition wasn’t being considered. The videotaped hearing shows that, of all the individuals present, only one (Joe Vecchio) advocated for demolition. Others spoke adamantly against it.

The grant application the Town Board approved is available at Town Hall. It requests that 1865 E Lake Rd. be purchased to provide land and funds for septic and handicapped parking for the adjacent Spafford Community Center. No funds are requested for demolition and the only sentence where the word demolition appears indicates that demolition is not planned.

Although Ireland and son voted against, the town board authorized a committee (attorney, architect, engineer, business people) to research how the building can be rehabilitated for public good.

The interpretation demolition is required to accomplish septic and parking occurred between Ireland and Community Development Director, Linda DeFichy. However, the committee met with DeFichy and darifted that if septic and parking goals can be accomplished without demolition (committee says they can) and the building brought up to code without the grant funds, than demolition isn’t required.

In spite of concern from citizens and town board, Ireland works to discredit and destroy the building. Tapes of town meetings confirm Ireland's comment, "I don't care if anyone wants to go on that property and take things out of the building."

They also confirm Ireland has refused to turn on electricity and allowed the basement to flood.

Dismissed by Ireland is a board member's concern that Ireland's contract for asbestos study (his continuing preparation for demolition) includes language that no repairs need be made when they cut the roof.

Why have hundreds signed a petition to research saving this building for a senior center, functional library, museum or some small business (store for staples?)- something to benevit the community? It's because the town bought the property, our town-hired architect declares it in good condition and rehab cost is approximate to demolition. The architect and NYS Historic Preservationa assert the adjacent landmark building will be better served by retaining the building. HUD (grant originates there) is quick to assert they don't promote demolition over rehabilitation.

Ireland adamantly asserts he doesn't want to be bothered with old buildings. Fine, then he should remove his roadblocks and animosity and allow someone else an opportunity to succeed. It's a sad day when an elected official turns his back on his constituency and instead uses the power of his office to subject them to his will.

Sandra Weigel

Spafford