Village can allow taxes to be raised above state cap

WATKINS GLEN--The Watkins Glen village board approved a law Monday, March 20 that allows taxes to be raised above the mandated tax cap imposed by the state. Village Clerk Donna Beardsley explained, "The law allows a governing body to over-ride the property tax cap by adoption of a local law with 60 percent board approval." All members voted in favor of the law, which doesn't necessarily mean the tax cap won't be met.
The board heard from Louis Perazzini, a member of the Italian American Festival board about plans to replace bricks at Lafayette Park with ones that would be customized with individual or family names to raise funds for the festival, held this year Aug. 11, 12 and 13. He said the bricks along the walkway to the bandstand are looking worn and this would be a nice way to replace them with something unique and personal. There will be advertisements soon on the festival website to learn how to purchase a brick. Perazzini also discussed how the festival board would like to incorporate the beer and wine garden into the music stage area of the festival. Discussion followed with Sgt. Steve Decker commenting that he thought it wasn't a good idea as there have been fewer alcohol-related incidents at the festival since they started containing alcohol in its current location. Perazzini said he would look over the plans and try and come up with something that will work for everybody.
County planner Kristin VanHorn spoke about how many unoccupied homes and businesses don't pay attention to snow removal and it makes it difficult to maneuver the village on foot. Code Enforcement Officer Greg Larnard said he had recently sent letters to the owners of properties that are not properly shoveled, but to get faster results to call him directly and he would take care of it at an expense to the owner.
VanHorn also mentioned the community development committee she heads would be having a Franklin Street clean up April 22. She hopes to get local clubs to help in the effort. She encouraged anybody who wants to help to please join them.
Marilyn Campbell, president of the Jefferson Village Tenants Association, presented a petition and spoke about the need for a pedestrian crosswalk from the east side of Decatur Street at the Jefferson Village parking lot to the west side by the Harbor Hotel. She discussed how the area is dangerous and that residents would feel safer if this could be remedied. Mayor Sam Schimizzi said he would talk to the street and zoning departments and come up with a solution soon.
Eric Hollenbeck, who recently returned to the area after working in the movie and television business, discussed an application he submitted to the village to hold monthly events. He explained this would be a "farmers market meets flea market meets food festival meets concert." His idea would to be to close Third Street to traffic on six Saturday nights and have vendors, artists, street performers and bands.
The board told Hollenback that while they liked his ideas, closing the street during the busy summer months would be difficult. They suggested he find a better-suited location closer to the lake near the marina. He said he would discuss his ideas with the county. Hollenbeck plans to present a film festival this fall in Watkins Glen.
The next board meeting is Monday, April 3.
(Report edited by the REVIEW&EXPRESS and information submitted by village trustee Kevin Thornton).