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Public Hearing Favors Cold War Veterans but Questions Need for Wood- Burning Boiler Regulation
by Edward Paul Greiff
The Putnam Valley Town Board unanimously adopted Local Law #1-2008 "Cold War Veterans' Property Tax Exemption" without any public comment at the Board's monthly meeting January 16, 2008. The purpose of the law is to recognize the contribution made by "Cold War" veterans to the security and freedom of the citizens of the nation and the Town and to provide for limited property tax exemption. The maximum exemption allowable from Town real property taxation is fifteen percent of the assessed value of such property not to exceed twelve thousand dollars. If the veteran received a compensation rating because of a service-connected disability, the property tax exemption is increased to fifty percent of assessed value, not to exceed forty thousand dollars. The law takes effect immediately.
When it came to the public hearing and possible adoption of Local Law #2-2008 "Outdoor Wood Boilers" a great discussion, debate, and educational exchange took place amongst the audience and the PV Town Board. It appears that what started out as a simple law to correct a problem of "offensive odors and potential health effects" is going to be much more complicated than anticipated.
Alex Kaspar enlightened the audience and the Board with the knowledge that outdoor wood boilers are used to boil water which is then used for heating purposes as well as for domestic hot water. The restricted dates in the proposed law - October through April - would deprive users of these devices from having any hot water May through September. In addition, the new Boiler design makes them capable of burning multiple types of fuel from specific types of dry wood to corn husks and pellets. He further commented that areas where they are being banned or having odorous problems with them is because of the type of fuel being burned. Soft pine wood is not a good fuel.
Town Attorney Bill Zutt concurred with Mr. Kaspar's comments and held up a stack of papers over an inch thick that he downloaded from the Internet on the subject of outdoor wood boilers and then handed each Board member an abstract document he prepared covering the subject.
Chris Rosen, as did Bob Tendy, spoke about friends he knew who use the boilers and how these users have had positive experiences with them and believe these boilers to be very efficient.
The opinions of those arguing trended toward allowing the Environmental Protection Agency Certification standards to be the determining factor on whether or not an outdoor wood boiler is acceptable and that another law is not needed.
Prior to the start of the Public Hearing and Department Reports Councilwoman Wendy Whetsel offered an apology to the owners of the Pudding Street Market in Roaring Brook Lake. She wanted to correct some information from her that was published in the PCN&R which implied that the market was closing; on the contrary just the opposite is true. The Pudding Street Market is open and serving its customers and is a key component of the Roaring Brook Lake community.
Another deli in Town that is making an impression is Maria's Deli at Oregon Corners. They are not waiting for anyone else to beautify Oregon Corners, they are doing it on their own. Maria has made her building more attractive on the outside with a new color scheme, patio, wrought iron railing, and new parking. When asked what the inside is like people just say, "You've got to see it!" Maria has opened up the wall to the adjoining retail space where they have created a new pizza restaurant. There are seats for customers to sit and enjoy the wide variety of foods she has to offer.
In his report, Legislator Sam Oliverio said that County Highway Supervisor Harold Gary has now said that sometime in March or April the roadwork to improve Oregon Corners will begin. When questioned as to exactly what is going to be done Legislator Oliverio said the plans are at the County Office and are available for the public to review.
Putnam Valley Library Director Kathleen McLaughlin reported that 53,000 items were circulated during the 2007 year and that 500 new library cards were issued. They will be holding their mid-winter book sale at the library on Saturday and Sunday, January 26 and 27.
New York State Assembly woman Sandra Galef will be hosting another one of her Town Meetings at the Putnam Valley Library on Saturday, February 9 from 10am to noon.
The Putnam valley Residents Coalition has moved their farmers market indoors. It is open to the public every Wednesday, between the hours of 3pm and 7pm at the Grange building at Adams Corners.
Ed Wallach invited the public to attend the next meeting of the Putnam Valley Business Association, which is being held on January 28 starting at 7pm at the Putnam Valley High School. The guest speaker will be Robert Tendy.
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