Letter from Bill Miller

Don’t Fall for the Snow Job

It’s lazy to critique the Manocherian development from afar.

By actually being present in the community and attending the various town meeting presentations by the developer’s engineers and attorney, one would be aware that the developer does NOT intend to require the two towns to take ownership of the roads.

One would have learned the developer proposes to OFFER the new roads to the towns, and if not accepted, a homeowners association will be created to maintain the roads. The HOA would then be responsible for the maintenance/snowplowing costs (and, until each of the lots is sold, the developer would pay for its HOA fees).

One would have learned that the Town of Springfield has indicated it would WANT to take over the roads in its town.

Taxes were also discussed at these meetings and again, anyone who took time to attend would be aware the Manocherian company has been paying taxes on 1,575 acres, EVERY, SINGLE, YEAR for the past 60+ years. All while requiring NO services from either of the towns, nor from the county.

Such a deal!

It should also be correctly stated that once the new lots have been created, regardless if sold to a new owner or retained by the developer, each and every one of the lots will be taxed on a far HIGHER valuation, generating even more revenue for the towns, to be paid for by the owners of the lots, even during the years (or possibly forever) while no homes are constructed and NO services are required.

Again, such a deal.

Educate yourselves with FACTS and always be prepared to shovel through the piles of hyperbole often dumped by individuals with their own agendas.

Bill Miller
Cooperstown