Analysis: Fracking Development Would Mainly Aid Two Local Companies

The fracking debate in Schoharie County has heated up of late. The New York State Legislature has passed a three year moratorium on hydraulic fracturing. In Middleburgh, Town Board members are under fire by local residents for delaying a vote on the Slottje anti-fracking provisions. A state court decision also stated that local home rule laws could strictly allow or ban the practice.

However, one company believes that these local laws are irrelevant and deserve to be ignored.

“The ultimate lever for utilizing home rule is zoning, but the oil and gas laws supersede municipal zoning laws,” said Cobleskill Stone Products Attorney John Holmes when interviewed for an academic publication, “...Should the local have a veto effect over the majority? You have heard of a tyranny of the majority, what about a tyranny over the majority by the minority?” The attorney added that the company has a contract for natural gas development on a property in Chenango County, NY.

Former Cobleskill Mayor Mark Galasso believes similarly. He stated in the same series of interviews that loyalty to Schoharie County is irrelevant and that it could only be placed in the United States. He blamed local politics, “Home rule is mob rule.” In 2011, it was reported that upwards of 35% of profits of Galasso's company, Lancaster Development is due to hydraulic fracturing involvement. His company builds many of the large roads for fracking practices in Pennsylvania. He said that anti-natural gas advocates' thinking "is like that of a Neanderthal."

It was reported in December 2012 in the Cobleskill paper that the Town of Cobleskill was considering allowing fracking in its two industrial zones-- both owned by Cobleskill Stone Products, owned by Emil Galasso. The large amounts of water needed to hydraulic fracture the sites could now be provided by the extension of the Village's water line-- a $9.2 million project paid by taxpayers pushed through by then Mayor Galasso and then Supervisor Murray. As WNYT reported earlier this year, the pipe for the Constitution Pipeline has already been delivered to local sites. One of the primary staging sites for construction is owned by Lancaster Development in Richmondville.

Opinion: Leadership in Cobleskill, At Last

The Village of Cobleskill is the economic engine of the County and a local transportation hub. Its business and political successes or failures affect the entire wider area.

Unfortunately, since 2005 the Village suffered a large leadership drought. Mayor Michael Sellers and his successors allowed many opportunities to pass by. This changed last year with the overwhelming victory of former Trustee Linda Holmes as Mayor.

Since taking office, Holmes has lived up to her promises, and then some. Then-Trustee Holmes promised to coordinate community efforts and to ramp up volunteer efforts. She's delivered, often with her own hands. Whether it was her and the Village Trustees shoveling snow in the winter to help residents, or working on a compromise on CRCSD issues, or recently coordinating efforts around the Village-- she and Cobleskill's active citizens been on a roll.

Mayor Holmes' strength is not so much herself, but what she has engineered to happen. Similar to efforts in Middleburgh, she has crafted a local government and various groups to work with the same goals in mind, allowing for a multiplier effect of time, money, and effort. She has actively sought out public opinion, fostered business development, and has done nothing for personal gain.

Mayor Holmes might be modest about her leadership, but the Village's actions leave nothing to be modest about.

Letter to the Editor: Faso's Role in Pipeline Questioned

John Faso was a failed candidate for NY State Comptroller. He later lost the election for governor by the largest margin of any Republican candidate in the state’s history. As a member of the State Assembly his voting record was criticized from both sides of the aisle. He was called “out of touch” by members of his own party. Mr. Faso now works for a law firm and serves as pitch man for Constitution Pipeline, a company that is threatening to seize the private property of landowners across Schoharie County.

Despite Mr. Faso’s rather dubious credentials he feels compelled to tell Schoharie County what it should do. In a recent letter to editor of the Times-Journal Mr. Faso spoke against a draft resolution before the Schoharie County Board of Supervisors that would oppose any further natural gas pipelines through the County. He also engaged in some rather transparent double talk, first reminding the readers that interstate pipelines like the proposed Constitution do not provide natural gas to local resident and then inferring that Constitution would increase the likelihood that local residents could reduce their energy costs by using natural gas.

Mr. Faso knows that the proposed pipeline is intended only to exploit Schoharie County residents not help them. He also knows that his client has repeatedly stated that they are not in the business of providing gas to Schoharie County and he also knows that the likelihood that a developer will invest millions in a distribution network for rural Schoharie County residents is so remote as to be a non-issue.

Mr. Faso suggests that Schoharie County residents should happily surrender their property rights in order to help A Delaware county company reduce its heating costs. Mr. Faso doesn’t mention that the Delaware county firm, for which Governor Cuomo proposed $20 million in taxpayer funded grants and reduced electricity costs, threatened to pull 1,000 jobs out of the area if those opposed to the pipeline are successful in stopping it. If Mr. Faso is troubled by this distasteful brand of economic blackmail he doesn’t show it.

Mr. Faso knows that the proposed pipeline will reduce property values, create a threat to the safety and security of area residents, and reduce their quality of life and their ability to use their land as they intended. He also knows the pipeline will encourage the build out of related infrastructure such as the compressed natural gas (CNG) facility now being fought by the residents of the residential/agricultural area in the Town of Duanesburg, just over the Schoharie County line. Mr. Faso doesn’t care about any of that. He cares about the profits of the company he represents and you can be sure he will be compensated very handsomely by Constitution if he convinces Schoharie County to buy what he is selling.

Bob Nied

Center for Sustainable Rural Communities

Hanson Lawsuit Dismissed

A lawsuit launched by former Schoharie County Department of Public Works employee William Hanson was dismissed late last month. The judgement by Acting New York State Supreme Court Justice Gerald Connolly on August 21st backed the narrative of the County.

Hanson was suing over what he described as an intentional purge to remove him from his position and demanded restitution.

According to Judge Connolly, since Mr. Hanson was hired on a probation basis, he had less leverage in his case than a full civil service employee. The Judge declared that in this limited review of the termination as allowed by law, there was no legal standing to the suit. Connolly said that Hanson's own suit did "not allege that his dismissal was made for an improper or impermissible reason."

The Judge continued that probationary employees could be fired for "no reason at all" in court precedent. The dismissal also notes that Hanson's original brief admitted that he was a probationary employee, and in a second document contradicted his first story, stating that he was not probationary during his time with the County.

The judgement ended with acceding to the request of Schoharie County to dismiss the case and that Hanson's claims would be "dismissed and the relief in this proceeding is in all respects denied."

Former Alley Cat Diner Changes Hands

The site of the former Alley Cat diner has new owners. Devastated by the flooding of 2011, the popular Alley Cat never returned and was rebuilt and reopened as the Blue Star Cafe.

Recently, the store was bought and reopened as Schoharie County's Diner. The diner is open Tuesday through Sunday and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Photo and information credit the Schoharie Promotional Association's Facebook page.

Otsego County Sheriff's Department Requests Police Robot

The Otsego County Sheriff's Department is looking to make a technological feat and introduce a police robot to its force. The tracked robot costs about $27,000 and can traverse many terrains. It has a camera and sound recorder on the device to capture what is going on around it. The robots are powered by batteries and come with little to no recurring costs.

Photo credit: Daily Star

The Oneonta Daily Star has reported on the robot, stating that:

 Manufactured by a firm based in Sunnyvale, Ca., the Avatar III robot is about the size of a desk telephone, looks like a small tank, and is capable of negotiating staircases, grassy areas, sand and other terrain.  

It is operated via remote control, allowing the operators to keep a safe distance from suspected explosive devices or other hazardous situations.

It is unclear if the Sheriff's Department will receive the device or if there's similar interest in Schoharie County. A decision is expected later today.

Cobleskill Police Blotter

Tuesday August 26

At 1:45pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Michael J. McDonnell, 26, of Cobleskill for Unlawful Possession of Marihuana. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 9th at 5:00pm.

At 9:35pm , Cobleskill Police arrested Stephen J. Rock, Jr., 21, of Warnerville for Public Lewdness. He was arrainged in Cobleskill Town Court and remanded to the Schoharie County Jail on $1,000 bail/$2,000 bond. He is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on Sept. 9th at 5pm.

Wednesday August 27th

At 4:01pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Katherine M. Hill, 32, of Richmondville for aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd, petit larcent, and endangering the welfare of a child. She was arraigned in Cobleskill Town Court and released on $500 bail. She is to return to Cobleskill Town Court on September 2nd at 5pm.

Thursday August 28th

At 11:58pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Spencer L. McKaig, 21, of Troy for violation of the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

At 11:58pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Jonathan A. Mascia, 21, of White Plains for violation of the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

11:58pm, Cobleskill Police arrested Andrew C. Carabello, 22, of Brewster for violation of the Village Noise Ordinance. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

At 11:58pm, Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Maximilian R. Sprauer, 19, of Nyack for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 16th at 5pm.

At 11:58pm, Cobleskill Police issued a summons to Reilly W. O'Gorman, 18, of Buffalo for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was issued an appearance ticket and released. He is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 16th at 5pm.

At 11:58pm the residence at 410-1 West Main Street was posted for Unruly Gathering.

Friday August 29th

At 12:30am Cobleskill Police arrested Caitlin J. McCord, 22, of North Port FL for DWI, a motor vehicle with a BAC greater than 0.08% and other vehicle and traffic tickets. She was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 16th at 5pm.

At 9:02pm Cobleskill Police arrested Garrett Strobeck, 19, of Cobleskill NY for Trespass. He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

At 9:02pm Cobleskill Police arrested Jonathan Fahrenkopf, 16, of Middleburgh NY for Trespass. He was released and is to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

Saturday August 30th

At 12:11am Cobleskill Police arrested Anthony J. Yevoli, 17, of Amsterdamm for disorderly conduct. He was also issued a summons for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21. He was released and to appear in Cobleskill Town Court on September 23rd at 5pm.

Cobleskill Volunteer Project to Produce Hydroelectricity at Veteran's Park

The Village of Cobleskill and intrepid volunteers are doing something unprecedented in Schoharie County. While there's been a lot of talk about installing solar panels for local municipalities, Cobleskill is installing a hydro project.

Led by volunteer Jonathan di Cesare, the project is transforming the small waterfall in Veteran's Park to produce 5kw of electricity-- which will be returned to the grid.

Photo credit: Village of Cobleskill FB Page

For more information, see the Village of Cobleskill's Facebook page or donate to the project here.

Vote in Our New Poll: SALT's New Role

During last week's flood remembrance ceremony, SALT Director Sarah Goodrich spoke of the flood recovery group's transformation away from immediate recovery after Irene into a revitalization and flood mitigation action organization.

With SALT's current operations winding down and a new role expected to follow, what do you think should come next? Vote in our poll and comment on what you think should occur.

Gibson Leads Eldrige in County

According to the latest Schoharie News poll, incumbent Congressman Chris Gibson has developed a wide lead over his challenger Sean Eldridge.

Gibson (R): 75% - 80
Eldridge (D): 17% - 18
Someone Else: 3 - 3
Don't know: 6 - 6

Gibson spoke at last week's flood remembrance ceremony and was personally thanked by several of the local officials for his assistance in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone thanked him for closing out flood funding issues that plagued the community for several years.

Irene Marked by Leaders in Blenheim Ceremony

It has been three years to the day since Hurricane Irene changed the Schoharie Valley forever. The Town of Blenheim hosted a remembrance ceremony at its future community center, as mentioned by Deputy Supervisor Renee Grabowski.

The event drew around thirty people, including volunteers, SALT members, and local officials. It began at 11am.

"I want us to be renewed.... every person has a role in this," said SALT Director Sarah Goodrich. "We continue to see SALT as an important piece of this puzzle."

The event was well attended

Congressman Chris Gibson said that he would not relent in helping the residents of the area until recovery was achieved. "I want to start with how proud I am of this community... Lesser people would have folded," he said. Gibson praised both SALT Director Goodrich and Schoharie Recovery founder Josh DeBartolo, who is currently helping flood victims in Colorado.

Assemblyman Peter Lopez became choked up when describing the devastation after the flood and thanking volunteers. "We have gone from flood victims to flood survivors to architects," he stated. He also noted that a full quarter of the calls his office receives is related to flood recovery.

Other local officials each said a few words. Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone thanked volunteers and Congressman Gibson personally for assisting in resolving a two year old account that was hamstrung by state bureaucracy. "We cannot ask for better representatives," he said of the Assemblyman, Congressman, and State Senator Seward. Esperance Supervisor Earl VanWormer marked the incredible progress in Esperance and beyond. Middleburgh Mayor Matthew Avitabile said that efforts from every part of local society have been extraordinary.

The event also marked a shift in tone, as Goodrich noted between recovery and revitalization. She said that 85% of all houses were either fixed or would be torn down. 15% remain unoccupied and need to be fixed.

Schoharie News Under New Ownership

Tim Knight has transferred ownership of the Schoharie News to interim owner Robert Panico. Mr. Panico will keep the Schoharie News in Middleburgh and hopes to continue and expand the fine journalistic standards of this newspaper.

Mr. Knight would like to thank the loyal readers who have grown this paper over the last year. He will contribute occasional columns on the site.

Opinion: Three Years After Irene

2011 marked a red letter date in Schoharie County's history.

Not only was it the year of great devastation, but that of great courage and resolve.

That August 28th and the weeks and months that followed showed tremendous emotion-- the shock and sadness of losing property and a way of life-- the joy of finding loved ones okay-- and the determination of working to assist neighbors or your own house or business.

According to SALT, 15% of those that were flooded will not be returning to their property. This has caused a large loss of population, tax value, and business up and down the Valley. However, it also shows that the vast majority of those flooded out have stayed and have been helped by volunteers and friends.

Schoharie County has partially recovered from the storm and its wrath. SALT is transitioning into a revitalization organization. Communities are getting back on their feet. None of this would have been possible without so many people and their good deeds. Out of the floodwaters came the blessing of each other's love.

Liquor Store Opening in Sharon Wednesday

A new liquor store will open in Sharon Springs Wednesday, continuing the community's strong business development streak. McDermott's Wine & Liquor will be opening 1pm tomorrow. The store has a Facebook page here, the source of our photos.

SALT Receives Large Donation from FAM

Fenimore Asset Management has been a great friend to flood recovery. The Cobleskill business gave $250,000 to SALT in 2012. This month the company pitched in $40,000 more for flood recovery.

Photo credit: SALT

According to SALT's press release, Director Sarah Goodrich stated, “As we at SALT turn our focus to community and economic renewal, support from successful local businesses such as FAM is vital.”

Vote in Our Poll: Who Will You Vote for Congress?

There is a new poll on our sidebar asking our readers to choose between two term incumbent Chris Gibson (R) or challenger Sean Eldridge (D).

McAllister, Milone, and Smith Seen As Most Effective

The results were not overwhelming, but three supervisors are the most effective members of the County Board, according to Schoharie News readers. The poll included must dissatisfaction, with a full 26% stating that no member was the most effective-- more than any supervisor.

Newcomers Sean Smith of Blenheim and Leo McAllister were among the top three, with McAllister seen as a pragmatist and Smith successfully winning funding for the rebuilding of the Blenheim Bridge. Second term Schoharie Supervisor Gene Milone has won tax abatements at a county level and has led on many issues.

Make sure to vote in our new poll on the sidebar: who will you vote for Congress?

Barbic, Seward 1% 2  
Buzon, Middleburgh 5% 9  
Milone, Schoharie 15% 27  
Bleau, Wright 1% 1  
VanWormer, Esperance 3% 6  
Jordan, Jefferson 1% 1
 Smith, Blenheim 13% 22  
Smith, Broome 0% 0  
Skowfoe, Fulton 3% 5 
Lape, Richmondville 1% 1  
Manko, Sharon 2% 3  
Vroman, Summit 2%4 
Bradt, Carlisle 2% 4  
VanGlad, Gilboa 3% 5  
Federice, Conesville 6% 11  
McAllister, Cobleskill 16% 29  
Too early to say/None 26% 46   176 total - 

Schoharie Packed for Rock the Valley

Schoharie was mobbed with visitors on Saturday visiting the annual Rock the Valley concert and festivities. It was the fourth Rock the Valley since Hurricane Irene in 2014. The event was very well attended and money raised went to the Schoharie Fire Department.

The Valley Beverage Guy team won the bed races:

Photo credit the Schoharie Promotional Association and the Schoharie Fire Department.

Schoharie Introduces New Logo

The Village of Schoharie is looking to continue its flood recovery with a new publicity push. The community has unveiled a stylish new logo to promote its strengths. This also coincides with the Rock the Valley event tomorrow and a series of business openings in town. The logo's inclusion of water is a nod to the community's original name, Fountaintown.

Photo credit the Schoharie Promotional Association.

Sharon Hit by Mudslide, School Damage

The Town of Sharon suffered a flash flood last night, facing flooded basements and 4-6 inches of water in the school. There was a temporary road closure on Route 10 northbound after a mudslide. The flooding occurred near the intersection of Route 10 and Alder Avenue. 

Photos credit the Schoharie County Fire Wire Facebook page.