Re Dec. 18 article by Gazette reporter Kathleen Moore, “City eyes request for Center City parcel”: The article describes a plan for the Galesi Group to buy Center City and to take ownership of the outside area popularly known as “The Circle.” Moore states that the Galesi Group, if it owned this area, could “control who sits on the benches ... Mentally-ill and homeless loiterers often sit there now ... It’s a problem Galesi Group could handle more easily if it owned the area.” I’m wondering if I were to spend a part of my day at The Circle, enjoying the streetscape, if I would be called a loiterer or if anyone would feel the need to control whether or not I sat on the benches. Has it occurred to Ms. Moore that perhaps what we, as a community, “need to handle” are the problems that create homelessness and the defi - ciencies in our mental health system? Should we also be discussing fear, prejudice, ignorance, intolerance and how to overcome these barriers that prevent true community? It is particularly disturbing to read an article like Ms. Moore’s during this season that symbolizes light and hope for so many people. All the world’s great religions teach us to welcome the stranger, to extend hospitality, to share with those who have less and to care for those unable to care for themselves. This theme is noticeably absent from Ms. Moore’s article and, indeed, from the many articles about Schenectady’s rebirth and revitalization. What would have happened if no one had welcomed the homeless infant and his mother, whom some would characterize as “mentally unstable,” believing her son to be the son of God; believing in a virgin birth; seeing and hearing angel voices, in Bethlehem all those years ago? Would Schenectady welcome them today? MARGARET M. ANDERTON Schenectady The writer is executive director of Bethesda House.
Bethesda House set to leave downtown Dispute flares over payment for relocation spot BY KATHLEEN MOORE Gazette Reporter
Bethesda House is moving out of downtown, away from business owners who say the center for homeless and mentally ill residents is drawing undesirables to the city’s commercial center. But the move comes with a new controversy — the proposed relocation site includes the 22-year office of Anderson Black-SCHENECTADY top at 838 State St. Freddie Anderson has refused to sell for the city’s appraisal price of $75,000 and rejected an offer of $125,000, saying he deserves at least $150,000 for the trouble of relocating as well as losing his income-generating apartments. Now the Schenectady City Council is preparing to take the property through eminent domain. Corporation Counsel L. John Van Norden spent the last six months crafting a deal in which Bethesda House would move to 834-838 State St., in the Vale neighborhood. Executive Director Margaret Anderton had been adamantly opposed to leaving the downtown, but agreed to compromise after the Zoning Board of Appeals rejected her plan to build a new, larger facility downtown. “That just wasn’t going to happen downtown,” she said. City officials proposed the State Street site because the city owns three of the four parcels, which were abandoned by their owners. Anderson said he’s willing to sell them the last piece they need — but not for less than $150,000. “They’re trying to take it with nickels and dimes,” he said. “I don’t mind selling it, I don’t mind leaving — but they’re going to displace me from all this apartment money I’m getting. I have to find another office. I should get paid.” He hired his own appraiser — the report is due Friday — to fi ght the city’s claim. He said he thinks $150,000 is fair, arguing that he bought the building for $60,000 and recently spent $20,000 fixing up the apartments, including new windows. Van Norden said Anderson raised his price when he learned that the city wanted the property. Negotiations are continuing, but Van Norden got the City Council’s approval Monday for an eminent domain hearing anyway. “We want to keep the fire under the owner, make him sure we’re serious about this,” Van Norden said. “One way or the other, we will get it.” A public hearing on the eminent domain issue will be held at 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 at City Hall. A presentation on the Bethesda House project will be given on Tuesday, Jan. 22, during the council’s 5:30 p.m. committees meeting. The $4 million project includes a daytime drop-in center for the homeless and mentally ill and 15 bedrooms for the chronically homeless. The project may get some opposition next week from neighbors who regularly oppose new social services in the Hamilton Hill and Vale neighborhoods. They say the neighborhood has too many such services, destablizing an alreadyvulnerable community. But Van Norden said the facility is perfectly suited for Hamilton Hill and Vale, the poorest neighborhoods in the city, because Bethesda House helps the working poor. Anderton added that Bethesda House draws an equal number of people from the Hamilton Hill area as it does the downtown. The discussion may be the fi - nal step in a contentious, yearlong debate over whether Anderton’s facility is an appropriate part of the redeveloped downtown. The drop-in center that Anderton runs on Liberty Street, near the heart of downtown gives the homeless and mentally ill residents a place to go so that they do not bother customers or congregate in public spaces, she said. “There’s a part of me that thinks we serve the downtown businesses, and some of them will miss us. So there’s a part of me that believes we should be downtown,” she said. Some business owners have supported Bethesda House on those grounds. But a group of owners, led by restaurateur Jack McDonald, went to the Board of Zoning Appeals in an effort to stop her from expanding her services. They said they were afraid residential services would draw the indigent downtown even late at night, possibly discouraging customers from walking through the area. When Anderton did not back down, Mayor Brian U. Stratton cut her annual funding from the Community Development Block Grant budget. It went to the Salvation Army instead. Stratton said he didn’t cut the funding because Anderton was insisting on building a facility downtown. But he said she should move out of the heart of downtown, calling her project “counterproductive to what we’re trying to do; to be an attractive place [where] people want to visit, work and play.” Anderton hopes to still have a presence downtown. She wants to raise money for a driver who will shuttle residents between downtown sites — such as City Mission — and the new Bethesda House. The agency already owns a bus. The proposed new site is also on the CDTA bus line and is threequarters of a mile from City Mission. Bethesda House would be responsible for demolishing three buildings on the proposed site, as well as paying the city however much it spends on Anderson’s building, Van Norden said. The complicated agreement also deals with the Sons of Italy site on Liberty Street, which Anderton bought for $400,000 before learning that under zoning regulations, it was too small for a group home. She said Monday that a deal is in the works with Metroplex Development Authority and an unannounced buyer. MEREDITH L. KAISER/GAZETTE PHOTOGRAPHER Freddie Anderson stands in front of his business at 838 State St. in Schenectady on Monday. The city offered Anderson about half the amount he wants for his property.
There's that ugly phrase again eminent domain, every time the city officials don't get what they want they threaten to seize the property by what ever means necessary to accomplish their goals no matter who it hurts. The city doesn't want the adult book store on Erie Blvd so in order to get rid of it they're going to put in the rotary to force it to move most likely into Rotterdam. I personally don't like the city's strong armed tactics when dealing with how to create change in the city.
“We want to keep the fire under the owner, make him sure we’re serious about this,” Van Norden said. “One way or the other, we will get it.”
Strong arm tactics accompanied by a pompous attitude. Property owners' rights are under assault by the City of Schenectady, the Schenectady County government and the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority. Present property owners and those considering purchasing property in the City of Schenectady or Schenectady County should consider the potential that they may be forced to surrender ownership of property in exchange for what the government deems "fair market value".
The application of eminent domain is described in the web article below. Take particular note of the sections entitled "Public Use" and "Abuses of Eminent Domain".
... She said Monday that a deal is in the works with Metroplex Development Authority and an unannounced.
As the article states, the most common eminent domain actions relate to the taking of private property to permit projects that are in the public interest (e.g., installation of infrastructure (utilities, roads, etc.), building of municipal building or school). Must Mr. Anderson's property be taken against his will to permit the construction of the Bethesda House on the property? Are there no other potential sites for the facility?
What involvement does the Metroplex Authority have in this? If Mr. Anderson's property is being taken by eminent domain, it must be in the PUBLIC interests. Is the Bethesda House a publicly run establishment? If so, can Metroplex funding by provided? Doesn't the Metroplex law state that the purpose is to promote private investment in business development?
One of the problems with Metroplex as I see it is that they are very selective who they help with their funds. The business who needs help must be in a particular area, two million dollar block of State St, and the owner of said business must be in good standing with Metroplex/City/County Council and the Dem Party in order to qualify for any help.
“We want to keep the fire under the owner, make him sure we’re serious about this,” Van Norden said. “One way or the other, we will get it.”
What an arrogant strong armed statement to make! And what does the Metroplex have to do with this?
And let us take this one step further. Where is the St. Peter's Rehab facility in Rotterdam located? On Hamburg Street, right next to Ferarra's dance studio. Ya know, the dance studio that has the cute little girls and the teenage girls and the adults as well coming in and out all day and night. They practically share the same parking lot. Go sit in that parking lot some night and see the rehabers that come in and out of that rehab facility. Scary. But I guess one could say that the rehab place was their before Ferrara's.
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
They should pay him what he wants.....it may be tax payers money but, they are the ones complaining.....you get what you pay for....if they want Bethesda house to move then pay your cost or house the indigent yourself.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
There will inevitably be people in the Hamilton Hill and Vale neighborhoods who will disagree, but putting Bethesda House in their midst, at 834-838 State St., probably makes more sense than leaving it in downtown Schenectady. The fact of the matter is, a drop-in center and residence for the homeless, working poor and mentally ill is going to make some people who live or run businesses near it uncomfortable — regardless of where it’s located. But this proposal is more attractive than the one to occupy the old Sons of Italy Building on Liberty Street for two big reasons: 1) the proximity to its client base in Hamilton Hill and Vale, and 2) the fact that it will keep many of those clients from congregating downtown, where some merchants and restaurateurs claim they’re bad for business. This plan should also turn out to be a better deal for Bethesda House financially. The city owns, and will donate, three of the four parcels at 834-838 State St., so Bethesda House will have to buy only one, which has been appraised for just $75,000. Unfortunately, its owner wants double that amount, but the building is assessed at roughly $110,000 and he owes at least a year’s back taxes on it, so some meeting of the minds below his $150,000 asking price seems likely. Another bit of good news for Bethesda House: Metroplex reportedly has a buyer for the Sons of Italy building, which Bethesda bought for $400,000 two years ago. It doesn’t seem that the city/ Bethesda House and Freddie Anderson, owner of 838 State St., are that far apart in their negotiations. One can only hope that an agreement can be reached quickly so eminent domain doesn’t have to be pursued. That should only be a last resort.
Unfortunately, its owner wants double that amount, but the building is assessed at roughly $110,000 and he owes at least a year’s back taxes on it, so some meeting of the minds below his $150,000 asking price seems likely. Another bit of good news for Bethesda House: Metroplex reportedly has a buyer for the Sons of Italy building, which Bethesda bought for $400,000 two years ago.
And the VanDyke existed how????? PLLLLLEEASE!!!!!
Give the guy his money and cut him loose.......
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Re Jan. 15 article, “Bethesda House set to leave downtown”: Moving Bethesda House to midtown State Street sounds to me like a great compromise. But my concern is that longtime business people in our community will be compromised. It’s my understanding that Bethesda House purchased the Sons of Italy lodge at its asking price. Why not, then, give Freddie Anderson his asking price? While I’ve never been a Bethesda House supporter before, I am pleased that the city is working with Bethesda House to move the facility to a location away from downtown businesses, but that effort should not become a detriment to any other current business owner — Mr. Anderson being another longtime community member. Eminent domain shouldn’t be part of this equation. Mr. Anderson should be treated with utmost respect and given great consideration for moving his business. PAT ZOLLINGER Schenectady
City, landowner don't have deal Sale price is sticking point in negotiations over site off State Street
By LAUREN STANFORTH, Staff writer First published: Wednesday, January 23, 2008
SCHENECTADY -- It's unclear whether the city will be able to negotiate a sale of land off State Street where a nonprofit agency wants to move its homeless services operation.
The city could seek to take the land by eminent domain because of apparently stalled talks with the site's owner, Freddie Anderson. But Bethesda House, which wants to build its $4.2 million to $4.4 million facility for the homeless and working poor between 834 and 838 State St., said the organization is also concerned about whether the state will allow Bethesda to keep a $2.8 million grant that was meant for a different site. Margaret Anderton, Bethesda House's executive director, said she doesn't have a sense yet of how the state feels about the project. The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has OK'd use of a federal $1 million award. Bethesda applied for state and federal funding to build 16 residential units for the homeless across the street from its current location at 418 Liberty St. But the city's Zoning Board rejected the project in August, saying it was unclear whether such a use would be allowed in that area. Worried about a possible lawsuit, city officials said they worked to find an alternate location for the project. The project will include Bethesda's day services, such as providing free meals and legal services, in addition to the new housing that will largely serve the disabled. The city already owns parcels at 834 and 836 State St. and is seeking to buy 838 State St. from Anderson. The city would then transfer the land to Bethesda House. The city scheduled a public hearing to discuss taking the land by eminent domain after it appeared that Anderson would sell only if the city greatly increased its offer. Anderson said this week that he has obtained an appraisal for $130,000 for the property and hopes the city will pay him that price before seeking it through eminent domain. Schenectady Corporation Counsel L. John Van Norden wouldn't discuss prices in the negotiation. Anderson said he was offered $75,000 from the city. If Bethesda House moves there, existing structures on the property would be knocked down and a new facility built. Anderson owns apartments on the property; his blacktop company is also based there. Anderton said Bethesda is waiting to hear back about the state grant money while it starts to kick off fundraising for the rest of the money it will need. Lauren Stanforth can be reached at 454-5697 or by e-mail at lstanforth@timesunion.com.
Anderson said this week that he has obtained an appraisal for $130,000 for the property and hopes the city will pay him that price before seeking it through eminent domain. Schenectady Corporation Counsel L. John Van Norden wouldn't discuss prices in the negotiation. Anderson said he was offered $75,000 from the city. If Bethesda House moves there, existing structures on the property would be knocked down and a new facility built. Anderson owns apartments on the property; his blacktop company is also based there.
The city will have egg on it's face if they dont meet the owners price....especially looking at the "Big House"(where is it?),,,and the VanDyke????
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
The city could care less if it ends up with egg on their face. They really don't care. They have been doing things unethically for quite some time now. The cities democratic machine is huge and very powerful. They talk about Spitzer being a steamroller. Well Spitzer ain't got nothing on the dems of Schenectady! They will clearly do what it takes to whoever or whatever as long as they get what they want for their self serving personal political gain.
Don't even think for a minute that they have the least bit concern for Mr. Black or even for the Bethesda house for that matter. It is all just clearing the way for their future political gain. Certainly not for the over taxed residents. And you mean to tell me that there is absolutely no place else for the Bethesda house to set up business in that city? Whenever I ride through the city, there are vacant building everywhere!! What a shame to think that politics has reached such a low!
When the INSANE are running the ASYLUM In individuals, insanity is rare; but in groups, parties, nations and epochs, it is the rule. -- Friedrich Nietzsche
“How fortunate for those in power that people never think.” Adolph Hitler
It's not about the vacant buildings everywhere....it's about esthetics and the shopping, eating drinking spenders having to look at it.....and...the population (alot of physically disabled) who use these sevices and their ability to get there.....working in health care you can wait for hours for a ride to somewhere and a cab ain't cheap.....
...you are a product of your environment, your environment is a product of your priorities, your priorities are a product of you......
The replacement of morality and conscience with law produces a deadly paradox.
STOP BEING GOOD DEMOCRATS---STOP BEING GOOD REPUBLICANS--START BEING GOOD AMERICANS
Logged
