Letter to the Town of Webster Planning Board 12/20/05

To read more about this issue, go to Bennett J. Loudon's excellent article in the Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper "Planning Board to Review Project:  Webster panel to consider plan on a divisive commercial venture."

December 20, 2005 

Mr. Anthony Casciani
Planning Board Chairperson
Town of Webster
1000 Ridge Road
Webster, New York 14580

RE:  Pepper Ridge Subdivision 

Dear Mr. Casciani, 

I would appreciate this brief letter be read at the December 20 Planning Board Meeting. 

When considering the conflict between the Pepper Ridge homeowners and Crosstown Construction, I would like to suggest that Planning Board use the following guidelines: 

1. Whenever a conflict exists between Webster residents and developers, it is the needs of residents that should come first.  There are far more residents and developers in Webster and the Planning Board represents the residents.
2. The Planning Board should never approve any development proposal that would decrease the value of existing residential homes.
3. Development in Webster is a privilege granted by its residents to developers.  Development is not a guaranteed right.  If residents oppose development, it is the role of the Planning Board to respect the wishes of the residents.

Thank you for reading this letter into the record. 

Sincerely,

Max Lent

NOTE This letter was not read by the Planning Board.  Anthony Casciani called me the day following the meeting to let me know:

1. The letter was not read.
2. There was not enough time.
3. The letter did not address the specific issue.
4. The letter was not factual.

Mr. Casciani was dismissive of the letter and would not answer questions about the policy of having letters read before the board.  Apparently, Mr. Casciani believes that he is the sole arbiter of what letters are permitted to be read before the board.  When asked how a citizen could complain about not being heard, he suggested obtaining legal representation.