The New York State Canal Corporation board today adopted a revised Canal Real Property Management Policy, following an eight-month comprehensive internal review of the Canal Corporation’s policy and procedures governing use and disposal of real estate.
“The guidelines outlined in the Policy ensure that all interested parties will have an opportunity to participate in future Canal land transactions, and that the Canal Corporation will receive a fair return on its investment," said Canal Corporation Executive Director Michael Fleischer. The Policy authorizes the Executive Director to promulgate standard operating procedures to implement the Policy’s directives; a copy of these procedures was circulated to the Board today.
By adopting the Policy, the Board sets guidelines for sales, acquisitions, leases, and other transactions with private and governmental entities. The Corporation will follow a competitive process except in limited circumstances, provide for review and approval by the Office of the State Comptroller, and guarantee that leases and/or sales of land to for-profit entities are responsive to market forces.
“The Corporation values its role as caretaker of the System on behalf of State residents and the many out-of-state visitors, and we are now better positioned to fulfill that role,” said Director of Canals Robert Bulman. “The Canals are a unique asset. With a new policy and procedures in place, the Canal System will more effectively serve as an economic engine for Upstate New York, as well as a historical, educational, and recreational resource.”
Below are some of the highlights of the Policy adopted today:
The Corporation will use a competitive process for all real property transactions, except in limited circumstances. These circumstances may include an encroachment, a municipal lease, sale to the adjoining property owner, or where the size and marketability of the parcel do not warrant the use of a competitive process. Even in these limited circumstances, the Corporation is bound to statutory requirements for notice, written comment and, if necessary, public hearing. Competitive processes will ensure the optimal use and maximum financial return for Canal lands, and guard against favoritism, fraud, and collusion. The procedures will require increased advertising in newspapers, trade journals, and the State Contract Reporter. All parties expressing interest will be contacted.
The following land transactions will be submitted to the Comptroller for review and approval: (1) Transfers of real property interests where the property value exceeds $10,000, other than public benefit leases. (2) Acquisitions of real property where the property value exceeds $15,000. (3) Leases where the aggregate projected rental revenue exceeds $10,000.
Appraisals will be required for all proposed uses of Canal lands: all appraisals in excess of $25,000 will be completed by third parties, and where the real property value is estimated to be more than $150,000, two external appraisals will be required. The Comptroller requires two external appraisals for real property whose value is greater than $300,000; the Canal Corporation is exceeding that threshold to ensure best value is obtained.
Permit fees and lease rents will be consistent for similar uses and property sizes within the same geographical area.
Leases and permits sought by a governmental entity, such as a municipality, that result in revenue generation for the entity will require a portion of those revenues be shared with the Corporation. If a government entity subleases to a for-profit entity, a competitive process shall be required.
The Corporation will create a clear and comprehensive record for each real property transaction, demonstrating and documenting compliance with the Policy.
Quoted Text
Welcome to the official Website of the New York State Canal System. The New York State Canal Corporation is a subsidiary of the New York State Thruway Authority (Authority). Since 1992, following State legislation transferring the Canal System from the New York State Department of Transportation to the Authority, Canal operating and maintenance activities have been supported by Thruway toll revenue. The Canal Corporation is the proud steward of this great, historic 524-mile waterway, a legacy that was born more than 175 years ago. The tradition of navigation on New York's Canals continues uninterrupted, and the resurgence of development in the historic communities begins again, as it did in the mid-1800s. Today, we are committed to preserving the legacy of this marvelous waterway and the towpaths that now make up a portion of the Canalway Trail, a multi-use recreational network of trails. This website will provide you with useful information to plan your visit to the New York State Canal System and the communities located within its Corridor. Activities and attractions abound on the Canal System for visitors of all ages - boating at a leisurely pace along our waterways, cycling or hiking along the Canalway Trail, enjoying festivals in charming Canalside communities, or picnicking at lock-side parks. Explore the Canal System's website and experience a great American tradition.
Our Mission We offer a user-fee supported Highway and Canal Systemthat delivers high levels of safety and service.
...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
We also found that Metroplex offi cials could improve its application process for, and oversight of, economic development projects. Acceptable cost-benefi t or return-on-investment ratios have not been established for objectively judging the cost-effectiveness of proposed projects and their funding. Although guidelines have been developed to cap Metroplex participation at 50 percent of total project costs; there is no guidance to help determine the amount, or mix, of fi nancial participation (up to the cap) that is most benefi cial to the public. The limited guidelines that were in place were not adhered to in all cases. For example, one project received assistance that exceeded 75 percent of the total project cost. When the funding limit is exceeded, the public assumes more of the project risk than was intended. Finally, we found that the rationale for project fi nancing decisions was not documented in Board minutes or otherwise made available to the public. Performance measures are included in project applications and reporting requirements are part of the approved project plans. However, the Metroplex is not effectively monitoring project performance against these measures. For example, there was only limited evidence that steps were taken by Metroplex offi cials to ensure that sponsored projects reasonably met their employment projections as indicated in their approved project plans. None of the 16 projects we reviewed had current employment information on fi le as of December 31, 2007. The most current information reported to Metroplex was through June 30, 2006 and that was only for fi ve of the 16 projects. The employment information was out-dated and showed that none of the projects met their job projection goals. Although Metroplex guidelines called for the imposition of penalties for non-compliance with award terms, the approved project plans had no penalty provisions for non-compliance, and the Metroplex did not impose any penalties in cases where projects failed to create or retain jobs as projected. ____________________
Heard Stratton on the news indicating that his vast knowledge of the canal system is that "the water comes in, the boats go down and then the water goes out and the boat leaves".
Seems to me he's HIGHLY qualified for this position......
BTW Senders, thank you for the Metroplex quote. I was not aware that penalties can be brought to those Plex projects which are non-compliant. Seems to me that if the Plex followed up, there could have been more money back for the $50 million shelled out. Again, another loss of revenue due to incompetence.
OK, I understand what you're saying, but in a way, the fact that the money from the Thruway has to be spent at this time to continue operations of the Canal Corp is a control that the Corp has over the Authority. That's what I was saying. If they could fund themselves, then I would agree with you, but once one reaches into the pocket of the other, they are controlling the money of the other, just like the excessive taxes we pay.
I understand that the Canal Corporation has some issues -- that was why the Thruway Authority took it over. It could address some of those issues by raising its tolls -- and there has been pressure on the Canal Corporation to find ways to use the many acres of lands along its over 500 mile course ... use it to bring in revenue to the authority.
I can't see abandoning the canal system as it is an important asset to the state .. but there must be ways to make it become more self-sustaining.
George Amedore & Christian Klueg for NYS Senate 2016 Pete Vroman for State Assembly 2016[/size][/color]
"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest that is sleeping in the unplowed ground." Lyndon Baines Johnson
When asked about his qualifications for the new lob job; "I know water rises and falls and I know the boats go up and down," answered Mayor Stratton.
He's proud of his total ignorance. This was in front of 2 State handlers. No one can believe he actually got a State job. No one can believe the fiscal mess he has left behind. Absolute disgrace and embarrassment. It will take a decade to clean out every City commission and City Hall.
Only in New York is someone rewarded for total fiscal incompetence. Finally, after 8 years of shilling for him as "Mayor for life" the Gazetto quotes DEMS calling him totally detached and out of the budget loop. Today his follow DEMS are finally telling it let it is. Where were they 8 years ago? Looking the other way.
The good news is that Ms. Savage's humiliating defeat was a DEM Stalingrad. Now every DEM is jumping ship. No one else will get a lifeline from the Governor. Some will face the wrath of the oppressed taxpayers. Allen, Della Salla, Stratton-who's next?
How cuomo can appoint someone with a 'back room deal/pension padding' resume is beyond me! Not to mention the high taxation and increased crime in the city of this mayor.
Cuomo must not have done his homework on this one!! Apparently, cuomo approves of this type of governorship. Guess there is no hope for NYS under cuomo!!
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
Here's one person that supports it-Taxin Tonko! "I applaud the Gov's decision to recommend Mayor Stratton as ED of the NYS Canal Corp. As a resident and Mayor of a City that was shaped by the Erie Canal, Brain understands the history and tradition of the canal system and its IMMENSE IMPACT ON THE STATE'S ECONOMY and quality of life."
This fossil Tonko sounds like he's living in the stone ages. The canal has no impact on the economy-let alone a immense impact. He has deluded himself into thinking the Canal Corporation is some engine for "revitalization". It is a taxpayer sinkhole ala Metrograft. It's a way to put a fiscal incompetent on the State payroll avoiding a sure lose in November.
The Erie Canal hasn't been a money making entity since the 60's when the commercial barge traffic stopped using the canal to deliver their goods. The only traffic on the canal now is the pleasure boat traffic which generates very little revenue. It used to be great to go down to lock 8 and watch the barges go thru the locks when I was a kid.
A CBS-6 poll {now pulled} had over 70% thinking this benefited only Stratton not the City nor State. Almost universal disgust at this partisan hire. McCarthy thinks he could have won re-election again? lol.
The entire DEM house of cards has now fallen. He will be remembered for his pension padding fiasco and wasting years trying to increase his own salary. He was never up to being a full time Mayor. Never returned calls-never gave a damn. Couldn't be bothered to show up a fire scene 2 blocks from his home. Another Eric Ely who will flee as soon as he can sell his property. That may take a while with his tax "plan".
You really all need to shut the hell up now. You wanted him out and now he is going. He's not Mubarak you know. Now you'll get McCArhty.
Oh relax yoss.....it is just amusing to see that the only profession that seems to keep collecting a taxpaid paycheck, even though they fail miserably are politicians!! A profession that just keep on taking!! Where did cuomo get this 'brilliant' idea from?????
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
Logged
When asked about his qualifications for the new lob job; "I know water rises and falls and I know the boats go up and down," answered Mayor Stratton.
