Letter from Luisa Montanti

Enough Is Enough

The Oneonta community is speaking loud and clear. We, the concerned citizens of greater Oneonta, are frustrated by the apparent lack of transparency in the administration of our City Hall government. Dear Mayor Drnek and city staff, your behaviors of ignoring us are clear and your unwillingness to listen and act accordingly is causing this divide in our city.

Enough is enough. We, the Citizens That Care, ask for our Common Council to represent your ward constituents, and for you to uphold the duty under oath which you have taken.

On March 3 at 7 p.m. at the Anderson Theater, Hartwick College, Fourth Ward resident Luisa Montanti and Eighth Ward resident and event moderator Dan Buttermann collaborated and hosted a true town hall gathering. Those in attendance were offered time to speak. Although there were moments of heightened emotion, overall concerns were voiced in a civil manner.

The most pressing issue discussed was the proposed sale of 27 Market Street, a city-owned parcel. The fact that the community was not made aware that this parcel is for sale, and seemingly has been only offered to Rehabilitation Support Services, is not in the best interest of city residents. Mayor Mark Drnek acknowledged at the February 6 Common Council meeting that he was the one who reached out to RSS when he was asked how this happened.

On Sunday, we heard from former Mayor Gary Herzig, who emphasized that during his six years’ tenure as Oneonta mayor, overseeing three large projects—Hillside Commons, Housing Visions, and Dietz Street Lofts—the process consistently included a thorough review of site plans, financing details, and all operational considerations.

He stated, “I never asked Common Council to weigh in or approve a large project or take any steps toward one until they had all the information: cost, financing, etc.” Herzig said, “We have been very clear that the plan for downtown was to build all levels of income housing. I am very proud of the fact that we have stayed clear of having wealthy neighborhoods and low-income neighborhoods. Our neighborhoods are very well integrated. Of all different levels.”

Herzig went on to say, “I have concerns of bringing a third low-income project into downtown. This will…create low-income neighborhoods. It’s not good planning for any neighborhoods, it not good for Oneonta, and it’s not good for downtown…Whoever is driving this train above the speed limit [should] slow it down. Let’s do it the right way.”

The support for RSS and the low-income housing project is understandable. We do need housing, we need services for those in recovery, and we have an obligation to help our neighbors who are in need. However, every government support agency and the healthcare sector are burdened. The increased numbers and lack of resources are overwhelming our churches, food pantries and support agencies, including the city Police Department, which faces increasing challenges. Taking care of others is a social responsibility and an act of kindness. It is unconscionable and irresponsible to invite more vulnerable individuals into harm’s way.

As every airplane passenger is directed, “in case of an emergency, and the oxygen mask drops, activate your own mask first.” Not because you are selfish, but because you are able to help others if you prioritize your own needs first.

We all must work together to clean up Oneonta and address the major issues that are being ignored by our city officials. Our streets are dirty; garbage cans are overflowing, neighborhoods are falling apart.

To those who enjoy rhetoric and feel compelled to name-bash city residents with words such as “elitist” and labels like NIMBY—we ask all of you to stop. Using the “us” against “them” tactic is speaking volumes, saying that you simply don’t care for anyone that doesn’t fit “your” agenda.
Mayor Drnek, many are saying you are a “true salesman,” gifted with the power of persuasion. Some Oneonta residents question the value of your newest renaissance program and ask you to stop spending money. You are not the leader who will bring Oneonta back from this fast-paced downward spiral.

The four unelected city employees need to stop spending money that we don’t have. The Citizens That Care will continue to challenge Greg Mattice, city administrator, Steve Yerly, code enforcement officer and deputy community development director, Judy Pangman, community development director, and Virginia Lee, director of finance. We ask you stop and slow down. There should be no plans moving forward until we fix the current disaster that we are in. Period.

Your agenda is not realistic. The presentation of a 15-minute walking city and the renaissance program are unrealistic and do not fit the current living conditions. We ask you to pause any and all new development until the city is fiscally stable.

Mayor Drnek, please stop and listen. Common Council, please engage with us, your constituents. There is no “I” in team. Together we will help you drive this city into a business district and provide housing for all levels of society. But development takes time—you need to be given the time to do the research and then make a decision.

Luisa Montanti
Oneonta