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Feels Misrepresented re Agricultural Districts' Usage
To the Editor,
Just a quick reply to both Mr. Sam Davis and Mr. Jon Cohen's PCNR letters to the editor of February 21st.
In 1994 I was the sole outspoken Town Board member who opposed the installation of a sewage waste disposal plant that was going to be built on the Putnam Valley side of Rt. 301 near the Buddhist Monastery. Through hard work and a strong public outcry, that plant was not built.
I also was part of the fight against the establishment of a County dump on the farmlands of Patterson in 1988. Again through a strong public outcry, that dump was also thwarted. I have never been in support of any form of dumping and have always done all in my power to oppose any form of sewage, garbage or industrial waste disposal anywhere within our County.
The letter that I wrote which both Mr. Davis and Mr. Cohen reference was simply a letter stating that when asked to walk the property in question, I saw only agricultural usage. That is, I saw only horses being boarded, manure being harvested and compost being prepared for summer garden usage. Again, my letter stated, as I would if I were under oath, that I saw no use but agricultural use during my visit. That was the full extent and content of my letter. Nowhere did I defend dumping nor did I ask any authority to halt their proceedings against this property.
If there is dumping occurring on that property, then the Town is right and correct in seeking prosecution and recompense. No part of the Agricultural District Law would allow dumping to go on in any farming jurisdiction or establishment. If the Town can prove that dumping is occurring, then the Town should take all necessary actions to bring about the full cessation of the dumping and impose the full sanctions of the law.
You know, I really hate being misrepresented. The Agricultural Districts preserve our lands. Those districts promote agricultural usage of the land as opposed to residential development. I don't know why Mr. Davis and Mr. Cohen are so against this strongly environmental policy. I wonder if their dislike stems from the fact that they both hate having a higher authority to answer to other then their own dictates.
Sam Oliverio Jr. Putnam County Legislator -
District #2
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