New Town Newsletter Missing Some Important "News"

New Town Newsletter Missing Some Important Information

The newly minted Ballston Bulletin is a step in the right direction but it is only a political piece until it is used to fully "Inform" town residents. The second sentence of the letter gives us hope! - "The purpose of this newsletter is to keep residents informed about the actions your Town representatives and committees are doing, planning to do and discussing." ...but the content disappoints by only sharing bright spots. https://mailchi.mp/066f1a883dbd/the-ballston-bulletin-june-2018 

So what information is missing? 

The town is rewriting zoning law: That's pretty important information. Highlights and discussions of this rewrite should be included in the bulletin every month. Notes on the progress and issues of this rewrite should be shared. The rewrite has been going on for months and there's a big push to wrap it up. Issues like maximum size of buildings, signage, green space, buffers, set backs and use of PUDDs and TDR's are all being discussed now. Why not mention these things in the bulletin? Encourage residents to play a part.

The June 13th Dolomite $4 Million Lawsuit Settlement: Where are the details? What concessions did the town offer to persuade Dolomite to drop the law suit? The Town's PR firm wrote a press release as if Dolomite was offering concessions. What did we give up?

Counselman Goslin Lawsuit: It was also reported the Dolomite's lawsuit against Mr. Goslin was dropped. What did the town give up? Why was it dropped?

Town's PR firm?: Yes, the town has a PR firm. Are they writing the Bulletin? The PR firm is understood to be a $18,000 per year expense. At this point it's hard to argue the town representatives don't need some good PR but the same money might be better spent on a part time employee or intern doing the same work. 

Town truck's available to use: From the Town Website - "Truck Reservations: Town trucks will be available for yard clean up May 1st - May 31st (Reservations start April 24th). There will be four trucks available per day.  Reservations will be taken and given in the order in which they are received. Truck reservations will also take place in October. Dates to be determined." This is the kind of information that belongs in the bulletin so we all can enjoy the benefits!

New Service Provided to Residents?

A few more tidbits: 

The town is planning legal action (eminent domain) against the many property owners in the lake sewer district that are refusing to sign easements for the pipe. Unplanned legal costs associated with this expected to mount.

History repeating itself again in less than a year? The town is pursuing another sewer district on the north end of town in the area known as Carpenters Acres. This looks like another case of leveraging unsuspecting homeowners in order to benefit new construction. Another wasteful political battle appears to be brewing. (When will our town representatives start putting us before developers?)

The town is looking at unplanned costs associated with the demolition and re-construction of the pavilion in Fireman's Grove (about $50,000)

Let's encourage town hall to be more transparent and inform residents with more than just the fluffy fun stuff. Residents have a right to know.

Addendum 7/27/2018 - July Bulletin has a list of meeting dates. That's a nice improvement. Even better if the meetings had an easy link to the current agendas and past minutes. Positive direction using today's technology.