Letter to the Editor: Wu Sets Record Straight

Dear Editor,

In light of some online rabble-rouser’s absurd and untruthful comments, it is time for me to set the record straight regarding my involvement in the Maranatha Fitness Center (MFC). My willingness to invest in the MFC was offered with the specific intention of salvaging a recreation facility both needed and wanted by the community. All grant monies had already been spent almost a year before my awareness of MFC, much less my involvement, and my only intent was to move forward.

Every business has its model, including a health club. Records showed that the majority of MFC's revenue occurred from December through part of March, which is well within the industry's standard parameters. However, the drop-off in membership from May through September was so large and is so unique to this locale, that the limited revenue-producing time period specifically requires an abundance of success just to keep the business running without some exceptionally creative programming during the warmer months—which I was confident that I could provide. Additionally, to invest in a business which was running such a large deficit and with no working capital, required that the business model be altered to produce a greater percentage of return on the investment, including, equity ownership. With that said, in September 2013 I asked for two concessions from the Town and the Village of Richmondville in order to have a reasonable amount of time to get the business running again before having to cover all the arrears.

I first asked the Town to allow me to postpone a federally requested grant audit that cost $20,000 dollars, and which carried absolutely no penalty if not done. They agreed to give me a postponement opportunity, but wanted me to put $20,000 dollars in escrow, which is the same as not giving me a postponement. I also asked the Village of Richmondville's board to stretch out the electric bill payment of $31,000 dollars over three months, which they denied. Since neither the town nor the village was willing to make any concessions, under the health club model described above, in which the profits of the winter months must carry the business through the lack of activity in the summer months, the requirement of such a large initial payment after the winter term had already begun, made the investment untenable.

On top of that, the town’s delay in requesting a waiver from the state regarding the recapture of any funds related to the grant—the only way to have allowed me to obtain equity ownership—and which the state offered in late September, as well as numerous times in October and November, made it almost impossible to work within the business model and timetable required to make MFC successful. The need for a substantial infusion of capital then became way more than the business model's standard. By the time the town requested the waiver in mid-December, (which protects the taxpayers from having the state ask for any recapture of funds from the original grant) it was just too late in the season to get MFC’s doors open and viable.

The rabble-rousers who protested and focused on what was, and not what is, over these past couple of years—like they were Soviet citizens protesting the USA hockey team's win over their own team in Sochi, days after the game already ended—and especially, since those actions so severely affected the town officials' courage and their ability to move forward with what was necessary to allow the business model to flourish until after Election Day, has caused the facility to remain closed, and for all of the public debts to become solely the taxpayer's responsibility.

In my opinion, that is exactly why all in the community should ignore those who want to cry about what went wrong back in the day, and who refuse to make any efforts to find a way to currently make the situation better for everyone. They make a lot of noise which benefits no one, while this valuable community resource remains closed, and most likely, affected in a grossly negative manner by this year's intense weather conditions. The bottom line is that the facility could have easily been reopened, and everyone in the community would have had something healthy and enjoyable to occupy their time without having to hibernate in their homes due to all of the cold and snowy weather conditions which we are now experiencing.

Sincerely,

Da-lai Wu

State Police Arrest Richmondville Man for Endangering the Welfare of a Child

On February 19, 2014 State Police in Cobleskill arrested Zachary R. Foland, 21, of Richmondville, NY for assault and endangering the welfare of a child. The incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. at an address on State Route 7 in the Town of Richmondville. The victim and her children left the residence and reported the incident to State Police.  

Zachary Foland

Foland was arrested when he turned himself into the State Police later that same day. Foland was charged with assault in the 3rd degree, criminal obstruction of breathing, and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors. Foland was arraigned in the Town of Richmondville Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $5000 cash bail or $10,000 bond.   

Poll: Rebuild Blenheim Bridge

With the controversy about the Blenheim Bridge mounting and letters to the editor arguing for one position or another, Schoharie News readers are similarly divided. After a week of polling, our readers were asked if they would prefer to rebuild exactly where the bridge was exactly how it was, to build a replica in another location, or if the cost is too great for such a project.

- Yes, exactly where it was 194 (53%) 
- Yes, but as a replica elsewhere 19 (5%) 
- No, the cost and risk is too great 140 (38%) 
- Undecided 12 (3%)

The controversy will not dissapate anytime soon about the issue. With such a result, be sure to vote in our newest poll on our sidebar, whether or not you approve of the Schoharie News.

Cobleskill Police Blotter (February 18, 2014)

The Cobleskill Police Department submitted the following press release concerning recent arrests by their officers in the Village of Cobleskill: 

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

     At 4:00 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Ashlee C. King, 22, of Cohoes, NY, for a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $5,000 Bail / $10,000 Bond. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on February 18^th at 5:00 p.m.       

Friday, February 14, 2014

     At 8:06 p.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Christopher M. Majewski, 32, of Warnerville, NY, for 2 Counts Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle 2^nd. He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $100 Cash / $200 Bail.  He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on March 4^th at 5:00 p.m.

           

Saturday, February 15, 2014

     At 12:45 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Enrique Rivera, 23, of Cobleskill, NY, for Violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released.  He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 11^th at 5:00 p.m.  The property of at 155 MacArthur Avenue was posted for Unruly Gathering per the Village Noise Ordinance.

     At 2:19 a.m. Cobleskill Police arrested Albert M.V. Chapman, 24, of Brooklyn, NY, for violation of the Village Noise Ordinance.  He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on March 3^rd at 5:00 p.m.  The property at 110-1 Mallard Lane was posted for Unruly Gathering per the Village Noise Ordinance.

     At 8:55 p.m. Cobleskill, NY, arrested Robert J. Ambroz, 41, of Cobleskill, NY, on a Bench Warrant for failing to pay a fine.  He was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $125 Bail. 

SALT to Host "Fat Tuesday" Buffet to Benefit Flood Recovery

Schoharie Area Long Term Recovery (SALT) will be hosting a buffet style breakfast on "Fat Tuesday," March 4th from 5:30-7:30 pm to benefit local flood recovery efforts. The buffet will be held at the Fusion Community Church, which is located on 375 North Grand Street in Cobleskill. 

With pancakes, eggs, bacon, and much more on the menu, patrons can both satisfy their hunger and support a worthwhile cause for only $10 per adult, and $5 for children age twelve and under if they reserve their spot beforehand. Prices will rise slightly for walk-ins. 

Richmondville Woman Arrested for Possessing Heroin, Other Substances

On February 16^th, the State Police in Cobleskill arrested Lindsay Serio, 31, of Richmondville, NY for possessing heroin, oxycodone, and marihuana.  At approximately 2:10 pm Troopers stopped the vehicle in which Serio was a passenger, on I88 in the Town of Schoharie for a violation of the move over law.  During the stop Troopers detected the odor of marihuana.  

Lindsay Serio

A search of the vehicle and its occupants revealed that Serio was in possession of heroin, marihuana, and a crushed oxycodone pill.  Serio was charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, a misdemeanor.  Serio was also charged with unlawful possession of marihuana and possessing a controlled substance outside its original container, both violations.  

Serio was released on appearance tickets and is scheduled to return to the Town of Schoharie Court on March 3rd at 5:00 p.m.  Also arrested was the operator of the vehicle, Khondker Hossain, 25, of Levittown, NY for driving with a suspended license.  Hossain was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the 2nd degree, a misdemeanor.  Hossain was arraigned in the Town of Schoharie Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail in lieu of $500 cash bail or $1000 bond.  Hossain is scheduled to return to the Town of Schoharie Court February 24th at 5:00p.m.  

Local Opposition Persists to Pipeline, Despite New Right of Way Leases

With public opposition quietening in recent months over Constitution's proposed natural gas pipeline that would complete its approximatly 124 mile journey in Schoharie County, the company has been busily working under the radar to negotiate right of way leases from local landowners.

The proposed pipeline, which would originate in Pennsylvania and end in the Town of Wright, passes through seven local townships: Jefferson, Summit, Richmondville, Cobleskill, Middleburgh, Schoharie, and Wright. Thus far, roughly 50% of property holders have granted easements, leaving Constitution in an unfavorable position to justify federal approval.

However, since the New Year, the company has obtained eleven new right of way leases according to the Schoharie County Clerk's Office. The new batch of leases are primarily in the Towns of Schoharie and Summit, including one costly $10,500 contract that secures Constitution passage through Shaul Farms property near the Schoharie Days Inn and Suites.

But despite recent successes local opposition is still present, as demonstrated by the Blenheim Town Board's unanimous decision to ban any form of natural gas production within their boundaries, and the release of an anti-fracking documentary by filmmaker and Village of Middleburgh Trustee Bill Morton. 

Still, to the distress of advocates and supporters alike on both sides of the controversy, little can be done locally to resolve the situation; as that power rests solely with the federal government.

Letter to the Editor: CARRT Encourages Family Activities in February

Dear Editor,

I am writing to you as a member of the Child At Risk Response Team (CARRT) of Schoharie County.  Over the past 10+ years, I have had the privilege and honor of working with this professional group of men and women who are passionately dedicated to the health and well-being of every Schoharie County child and adolescent.  We work together to prevent, investigate, and prosecute child maltreatment when it occurs here in our own community.

As a team we are celebrating February as the month to encourage Family Activities.  Given this long winter season, February is an opportune time to connect and bond with our close family members.  Consider cooking or baking together, going outside for some sledding or ice skating, rent a family friendly movie, pop the popcorn and snuggle together in the warmth of your TV room.  Spending time together making positive memories is a sure way to increase your family well-being and communication. 

I would like to extend personal appreciation to the numerous folks in our community who have invested in the creation of family friendly activities in our communities such as the Fox Creek Park Ice Skating, Middleburgh Ice Skating, SUNY Cobleskill’s Family Swim Hours, and many other opportunities!  Please consider posting your activities on CARRT’s Facebook Page and we would be happy to help you promote your family friendly activities.  We believe that supporting healthy family activities in our community is an important step in the prevention child abuse and neglect.

The CARRT’s Child Advocacy Center provides: (1) Centrally located services to prevent, intervene, investigate and prosecute as appropriate cases of child abuse and neglect; (2) A non-threatening, child-friendly setting where services can be coordinated; (3) Support for the child and non-offending family members and caregivers during a difficult time, Advocacy throughout investigation, court proceeding and aftercare; and (4) Community education.

Sincerely,

Jennifer M. Schultz, LMSW

CRCS School Social Worker

Middleburgh, NY

Schoharie County Emergency Services Scanner Now Featured on the Schoharie News

In case of emergency or just to stay connected, a scanner is a great tool to see what is going on in the area. If you do not have a scanner, feel free to use the one linked on the Schoharie News site. We have installed the live feed of the Schoharie County Emergency Services scanner live at the top of our always-updated weather page. Check it out and take a look. Bookmark the page so it is handy in emergencies.

Women's Health Clinic in Cobleskill March 18th

From the Schoharie County Health Department's Facebook page:

Free Health Screenings with Bassett's Mobile Mammography Coach!

What: The Cancer Services Program of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie counties will offer free health screenings to women 40 and older who are uninsured. There are no income guidelines. 

When: Wednesday, February 26, 9 am - 3 pm 

Where: Shoppers Mart Plaza (SCCAP parking lot) 795 E. Main Street, Cobleskill NY

Details: Screenings include pap tests with pelvic exams, clinical breast exams, mammograms and take home colorectal test kits (for men and women 50 or older)

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Contact: Please call this toll free number 1-888-345-0225 to set up your appointment.

Please share this important information!

Schoharie Fire Dept Searching for Disaster Consultant

With the stress of the last several years still present in operations, the Schoharie Fire Department has placed a request for proposals for a consultant to review disaster management. The Department, which was among the most active in 2011's flooding despite losing their original fire house is undergoing major changes as it is moving its operations to a potential new fire house and is pushing hard for an independent fire district separate from control of the Village of Schoharie.

On the Department's website, there are more details about what SFD is looking for. The Department is hoping to select a consultant by March 31st after a series of interviews.

Some of the tasks for the consultant, according to the RFP, would include:

 Represent the Owner and attend meetings with FEMA/NYSOEM on behalf of the Owner.

 Damage Site Assessment & Project Worksheet Formulation.

 Identify Potential Improvements & Maximize Public Assistance 406-Mitigation Funding.

 Meet with Village Trustees, Town Councilpersons, Officers, and Department Heads and

 Collect/Compile Cost Documentation for Project Worksheets (PW’s). 

Proposals are due March 7th at 2pm.

Central Bridge Fire Department Joins Facebook

The Central Bridge Fire Department has joined many of the other Fire Departments of the County by joining Facebook. In just several days, their page has attracted hundreds of likes. The site is right here for you to like.

Letter to the Editor: Milone Makes Case for Abatements

Dear Editor, Neighbors and Friends,

Several months ago the Schoharie Town Board adopted four local laws pertaining to tax abatements. The first abatement deals with first time homebuyers or new construction. The second abatement pertains to home improvements for one or two family dwellings. The third abatement provides assistance with respect to living quarters for parents or grandparents 62 years of age or older and the fourth abatement speaks to conversion of non residential property to residential and commercial use. These tax abatements were adopted to encourage not only rehabilitation of homes affected by flooding, but any home that is in need of improvement. Also, taken into consideration was our desire to help our younger generation afford the American dream-a newly constructed home for first time homebuyers with a  5-year tax abatement. We did not forget parents and grandparents who are in need of living with family-giving an 8 year tax abatement on any additions built to existing homes for this purpose. These tax abatements represent opportunity as well as incentive to not only rebuild but to attract new families and businesses into our communities.

Just recently the Village Board of Schoharie also adopted these very tax abatements, the Town of Blenheim as well and the Towns of Middleburgh and Esperance are also considering their adoption. I and the members of the Schoharie Town Board have gone before the school board as well, calling for their participation in this program. I have also requested the Board of Supervisors adopt these tax abatements for Schoharie County simply because school and county taxes are among the largest that we pay.

Some individuals have said that these abatements will cause increased taxation to those of us who currently own homes and vacant land. That is a total misconception.  These abatements stand on their own with no additional cost to anyone. They hopefully will act as a catalyst to encourage new construction and upgrading, adding additional tax dollars to our tax base. 

Please be advised that there will be a Public Hearing on these tax abatements on Feb. 21, 2014 at 2:00PM in the Board of Supervisors Room, 3rd Floor of the Schoharie County Office Building.  It is my hope that all residents come and voice their opinions on this issue as well as have questions answered before the Board takes a vote on adopting or declining these tax abatements for Schoharie County. Clearly if understood, this is an opportunity for our county to open its doors and welcome new residents, lend some help to our children, safeguard our elderly and give our realtors a device to encourage development.  Every empty home, every vacant piece of land where a home was taken down and is now for sale, every vacant storefront has caused an increased tax burden to others. Give these abatements a chance to work.  We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

Gene Milone,

Schoharie Town Supervisor

Middleburgh Boys Top Germantown Despite Foul Troubles

Coming off of back-to-back victories on the road, the Middleburgh Knights varsity boys squad cruised to an easy 80-66 victory on home court over the Germantown Clippers on Wednesday evening. Led by Troy Hinkley's twenty-one point performance, the Knights offensive play picked up the slack for their defensive struggles.  

Alan Phillipo reacts to his teammate's free
throw attempt - Photo by Bob Roney

Germantown relied heavily upon Tyler Fuchs's twenty-five points to keep the visiting squad competitive, but it was simply impossible to keep up with Middleburgh's double-digit scorers Adam McMullen (20), Ryan Bechtold (17), and Keith Campbell (10).

Because of the Knights sloppy defensive performance, the Clippers took an unprecedented 31 shots from the free throw line, but fortunately for Middleburgh - they converted only eleven of those attempts, squandering valuable points in the process, and sealing the home team's third straight win. 

Middleburgh 80
Germantown  66

                       1st  2nd  3rd  Final
Middleburgh       20  41  63  80
Germantown      17  29  45  66

Letter to the Editor: Resident Invites Da-Lai Wu to Hold Maranatha Discussion

Dear Editor:

Da-Lai Wu is a businessman who asked for concessions from the Town of Richmondville and the State of New York in exchange for investing in the failed Maranatha Family Center.  Despite receiving concessions he has not come forward to invest in the facility or to pay any of its substantial debt.  Mr. Wu recently posted comments on the Schoharie News Facebook page in which he blamed critics of the facility for its failure and claimed that Maranatha was a positive thing for the community, despite millions in taxpayer monies that are now gone.

Mr. Wu’s statements point to what could be the saddest legacy of this failed facility – a failure to learn anything from its demise. Most of the community understands the Center closed after a year despite millions in grants, low interest loans and tax exemptions, but little more. Most people do not know that for more than four years red flags were raised about the projects planning, approval, funding and oversight. They also may not know that internal emails sent by those directly involved in the project called out financial irregularities, cast doubt on the honesty and accuracy of claims made by the developer and even warned about potential jail time for misusing public funds. Most area residents do not understand how many mistakes were made by local, County and State government agencies that repeatedly ignored poorly defined business plans, ever changing and unrealistic blueprints, unauthenticated claims of job creation and absurdly incomplete zoning and environmental reviews while the powers that be responded to intense pressure from influential politicians and fast tracked the ill-conceived project in hopes of a quick gold-shovel photo op.

Mr. Wu is inadvertently correct that the developer was not fully to blame. She, after all, just wanted to build a multi-million dollar facility with no real capital, no expertise to run it and little sense of responsibility to the community she thought should pay for it. The real culprits were those who helped her do it. With smoke screens like those thrown up by Mr. Wu we will never address the egregious failures that occurred at the Town, County and State Level.  Instead the millions lost will be swept under the carpet and written off at taxpayer expense and the real reasons why it all happened will never be addressed.

In response to Mr. Wu’s comments,  I have invited him to participate in a public discussion of the details of the Maranatha failure, including the project’s review and approval, allocation and accounting of funds and the various claims made to justify continued public funding as the project careened towards failure. I believe such a discussion is important to the community and would be eye opening, even to Mr. Wu, who is either joking or really believes that those who exposed the problems with Maranatha somehow caused them to not pay their bills and go bust.

If the taxpayers deserve anything for the money they invested in, and lost to, Maranatha it is the knowledge that such a blatant violation of the public trust and welfare will not happen again. To date Mr. Wu has not responded to my invitation.

Bob Nied

SUNY Cobleskill Cancels Thursday Afternoon, Friday Classes

With worsening snowfall creating traffic headaches across Schoharie County and the surrounding area, SUNY Cobleskill announced the cancellation of all afternoon classes from 3:30 on today, and all scheduled classes tomorrow. In addition, college offices and campus services will resume operations in the morning. 

Snowfall Predictions Increase for Today's Storm UPDATE: Even Higher

The storm that has already brought an inch of snow to the area is expected to be significantly stronger than previously believed. A winter storm warning has been issued from 10am today until 10am Thursday. Initial snowfall estimates have been revised upward to 8-14 inches total, with more snow falling in the eastern Catskills. Schoharie County falls within the 10-14 inch zone.

Credit: NWS

Snowfall is expected to consistently fall at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour with a maximum of 3 per hour by late Thursday. This will then slow down by Friday morning. Temperatures will reach a high of 26 today and fall to 20 tonight. Tomorrow, the thermometer will peak over freezing, at 35 and fall to 20 overnight.

EDIT: 9:24am: Channel 6 has updated this prediction to be more dire:

WNYT has it even higher:

Remember to keep it tuned to the Schoharie News weather page for constant updates.

Lady Knights Claim WAC Championship

The Middleburgh Lady Knights varsity squad capped a phenomenal 2013-14 season by claiming the WAC Championship in a nail-biter Tuesday night. Led by seniors Amanda Roney and Taylor Cater, the Knights held off the Fort Plain Hilltoppers 51-45 at Fulton-Montgomery Community College.

Photo credit: Bob Roney

Fifteen Foot Elevated Blenheim Bridge Visual Conception

With two hundred votes already cast in our Blenheim Bridge poll (located on the right-hand sidebar of the website), members of the Blenheim Long Term Recovery Committee wanted the following visual conception of a rebuilt, 15 foot elevated bridge for our readers to consider before passing final judgment. 

Seward Welcomes Schoharie County Youth Bureau to Capitol

ALBANY, 02/11/14 – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I-Oneonta) yesterday met at his Capitol office with members of the Schoharie County Youth Bureau. 

“The community value of the services provided by the Schoharie County Youth Bureau is impossible to quantify,”said Senator Seward.  “The group offers quality programming that provides our youth with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have, leading to productive futures for those involved.  I appreciate hearing their personal success stories and will be advocating for programs like this as we negotiate a final state budget that meets the real needs of New Yorkers.”   

High school students from Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School and Middleburgh Central School joined advisers with the Schoharie County Youth Bureau for a discussion with Senator Seward on current activities as well as future funding needs.  The meeting was part of the Association of New York State Youth Bureau lobby day.