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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1943_01_13 Town Board MinutesJOINT CONFERENCE BETWEEN THE VILLAGE BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF MAMARONECK AND THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK NEW YORK HELD JANUARY 13, 1943 At the Town Offices 158 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck N.Y. Supervisor McCulloch and Acting Mayor Meighan called the meeting to order at 8 p.m. (eastern War time ) Present: Acting Mayor Howard S. Meighan Trustees James Jackson, Edward J. Kuhn, B.J. Santoro Village Manager Wm. H. Johnson, Engineer Guy Vroman, Tresurer - Clerk Fred H. Bull, Attoryneys Anthony Sansone and Rubin Sirlin, all from the Village of Mamaroneck and Supervisor Bert C. McCulloch, Councilmen Edward C. Griffin, Owen A. Mandeville, Edwrad A. Keeler, Town Clerk R.D. Payne, Attorney john L. Delius, Assessor James M. Smith and Superintendent of Highways and Town Engineer A.J. Foote all of the Town Of Mamaroneck The Supervisor welcomed the members of the village administration and stated that the members of the town administration were very happy to sit down with them and go over some of the problems which were of mutual interest. He explained that the conference had some come about through the efforts of Trustees Meighan and that a list of the following subjects had been prepared for discussion: 1. Discussion of the bank building 2. Flood control 3. Foreclosed properties 4. Improvement of Fenimore Road 5. Program of projects for the Post-War Period as outlined by the state of New York Temporary Comision The Supervisor opened the discussion on the former First National Bank building by stating that some of the equipment on the building had been removed and that now there is a rumor that the pessanger elevator would be removed. He suggested that some action be taken to protect the interests of both municipalities before future removal of installations impairs the rental rental value of the building Acting recommended that joint foreclosure proceedings be started by the attorneys for the village and the town. He informed those present that he had talked with officials of the office of Public Administration and that they would be interested in using space in the building. He said tat 'we owe the good will of the whole of the people the providing of adequate quarters". He stated that present local officer of the O.P.A. were not suitable and that this king of a tenant would be with the municipalities for sometime after the war. He said that he thought that this arrangement was a two way solution of the problem. He added that four communities are now sharing in the cost of rent for the O.P.A. offices and that he had a feeling that the federal government would finance the new arrangement The Supervisor asked the Town Attorney if the property would be exempt if used for public purpose The Town Attorney replied that if it was fully used for public purposes it might but that a large part of this building was beig rented at the present time Village Manager Johnson suggested that if it is taken for full use for municipal purposes it should be exempt Councilman Mandeville stated that the first thing to do is to get the property in the name of the municipalities and then males decisions on its use. He said that tie property should be employed as soon as possible but that he did not like to think of using it for the purpose mentioned for a great length of time . The Supervisor stated that immediately it should be made known that, 'the property will be for sale . Councilman Mandeville stated that it was likely that not much would be received for the property, but that it night turn out like the Colonial Rubber Cospany deal. He said that it did not look very good at the time that it was effected but that at the present it could. be con- sidered a very good deal. The Supervisor asked what the decision would be. Acting labor Meighan recommended that foreclosure proceedings be started and that the attorneys for the village and the tocrm be authorized to take care of it as far as the title is concerned. The question was put to all and it was agreed to proceed with the foreclosure . It was also agreed that a title policy be obtained following the foreclosure . The Supervisor suggested that the matter of other properties either in the process of foreclosure or foreclosed and owned by the municipalities be discussed. Village Manager Johnson presented a, letter which was read by Clerk-Treasurer Bull . The letter eras prepared for the next meeting of the village board, but Mr. Johnson explained that he thought that it might be well to consider the subject at this conference . The letter gave the cost of acquiring and carrying the so- called "Baxter property and the efforts of the village to sell same . It also reviewed the action taken by each board for the sale of the property to Mr . Frank McNamara and the withdrawal of Mr. McNamara's bid after public objection to the sale. Mr. Johnson explained that since that time, one year ago, only one person, a person from New Rochelle, showed any interest in the property and that this was by offer of $35 .00 per month for the rental of same . He stated that Mr. McNamara was submitting a new bid on the house with 100 ft. x 125 ft. of the parcel of land mith a staterment that due to present conditions he could not offer more than $2,000. Trustee Santoro stated. that Mr . McNamara owns a house on the same street and the reason for his interest in the Baxter house is that he needs more room and can rent his present home . lie also stated that Mr. McNamara's original offer was $3,000 for a larger part of the land. Councilman Mandeville stated that Mr. McNamara's original bid was for the same amount of land. He pointed out that the bid was offered in two ways, either the house and all of the land, or the house and 100 ft . x 125 ft. He said that both boards decided upon the latter. Mana.ger Johnson agreed that this was so. Councilman Mandeville asked why not propose that $500 be added to the bid. Trustee Santoro said that no harm would be done. He suggested that Mr. McNamara be called in and told that both boards would be in a receptive mood to sell with $500 with in addition to Manager Johnson stated that it is fortunate that Mr. McNamara is a neighborhood man and that his business as painter could afford low costs in putting the place in good condition. He recommended that the officials go over and inspect the property and added that the house is very much in need of repairs and would cost the municipalities a con- siderable amount of money to carry same. I Councilman Keeler suggested that a definite price be set at $2, 500. Councilman Griffin stated that it should be tried even if Mr . McNamara shoula turn it dowwn. Manager Johanson advised that along with his bid Mr . McNamara was accepting the present assessment figures . Acting Mayor Meighan recommended that anything over $2,000 be accepted. Supervisor McCulloch stated that if the village board agreed that this be done and approved a. resolution recommending it to the tovm board, he would recommend that the for m board go along with them. Trustee Jackson stated that the costs to carry with repairs would amount to $1,000 per gear. The Supervisor referred next to the building known. as No . 1 Depot Plaza. Treasurer-Clerk Bull referred to the Property Account state- ment dated December 31, 1942, a copy of which had been filed with the town, showing the standing of this property along with others . Trustee Sansone explained to Councilman Keeler the transaction which took place on this property tailing for full payment of $7, 500 in five years, at which time the deed would be delivered. Councilman Keeler asked if he was right in assuming that the rent applied on to the purchase price. I Trustee Santoro replied that he was right. The Supervisor next asked about the building at 662 Old White Plains Road, known as the "Girond.a building" . Manager Johnson explained that the building was condemned by the village building inspector and was being torn down. The Supervisor asked if it was costing any money to have the building removed. Manager Johnson stated that John Jubb was the successful bid- der out of three bids and that it would cost $300. He also stated that someone was interested in buying the plot after the building is removed. The next parcel considered was 4.35 Mamaroneck Avenue, known as the "Pleasant Hour Grill building" . The Supervisor pointed out that the statement showed a $1,280.47 balance in the account for this building. Trustee Santoro sta ted that this is another building in need of repairs, that the exterior was going and that it needs some interior repairs . Councilman Plaraeville stated that t he balance looked good but no taxes were being paid either to the village or the town. Councilman Keeler recommended that the municipalities get rid of these properties at the longer they go along the more costly they trill prove to be in the end, Manager Johnson stated that one of the tenants wishes to pur- chase the building. The 'Town Attorney asked what about the foreclosure action_ on the property. "Should it be continued or should it be settled?" The Supervisor asked if the attorneys recommended that it be compromised. I The Village Attorney stated that the tenant has been anxious to get an answer because of the renewal of his liquor license. He added that it would take quite some time to go through the courts with the ac- tion and in the meantime conditions might get worse. The Supervisor asked if it was the consensus of opinion that it would be compromised so that it could be sold without delay. It was agreed by all. The Supervisor asked about 951 Winfield Avenue. Manager Johnson reported that this had been sold and a state- ment filed with the town. The Supervisor then referred to 1127 West Boston Post Road. Manager Johnson stated that there is a tenant in the building and that an effort eras being made to sell the property. Then 654 to 660 Old Wlhite Plains Road was discussed and Manager Johnson advised that there may be a buyer for the lot after the building on this property is removed. Then vacant property off Rushmore Avenue, formerly known as the Williams property" was discussed and it was reported that no pur- chaser was in view, the same for vacant property at 610 Fenimore Road and the corner of Fenimore Road and Fayette Street. i The building at 131 Halstead Avenue, formerly known as the "Shaw building " was discussed. Hanager Johnson stated that there is one good tenant in the apartment on the top floor and that the store on the street level was being occupied as a liquor store. He said that an effort had been made to sell this property but that it did not materialize and nothing is in sight at the present. Manager Johnson then referred to the old "National Hotel pro- perty" and stated that it was the only improved property which, would not rent . He added that this is a good. time to take over properties which may be useful at a later date as public properties. He pointed out that this property is near the railroad station and could be used for parking grounds. Trustee Kuhn stated that the building has been vacant for more than six years and should be town down.. Councilman Mandeville suggested that the municipalities play along with this property for a while. He said that he did not think that the building should be torn down. Manager Johnson stated that it is a "dead spot" and pointed to the buildings adjoining, stating that the stores have never been rented since they were built. Acting Mayor Meighan stated that they were going over the village assessments for property along this strip facing Halstead Avenue and that next year the assessments would be cut down. He said that he was throwing that out just to let those present know how the village felt about the sectioh. The Supervisor- asked if the village board acted upon assess- ments . Acting Mayor dieighan stated that the village board of review had recomrended it. Manager Johnson stated that the village refrained from going into wholesale foreclosures . Councilman Mandeville suggested that if the municipalities were going to go into it why not take over all of the delinquent pro- perties . He added that some people are of the opinion that vacant pro- perty in Westchester will be worth a lot of money in the not too distant He said that the town had furnished the village of Mamaroneck with copies of all of` the data on 'nand in connection with flood control. He said that the only thing thF t the town did not have was a copy of Village Engineer Vroman' s report. He suggested that if the village officials r ; 1 f the data together they could then go 1s nad al o n rn olFic_a s an_. tae o into full discussion at the meeting on the 20th of January. He said that the county is asking for legislation to permit the spending of money= for engineering expenses for a survey and to charge the cost back against the municipalities benefitted. He said that part of 11yew Rochelle, Scarsdale, White Plains, Village of damaroneck and the Tov,n of Ililamaroneck would be affected. He added that he was not sure about garrison. Attorne,> Sansone said that Harrison could have to be included a because of the l I maroneck River. I The Supervisor stated that the first report to consider would be the Federal government report . He said. that the deel, eningg arid_ widen- ing of the Sheldrake River would run into a very high cost. He explained that the town had some plans for tem-oorary relief. He advised of other drainage problems confronting the unincorporated section and explained that under the law the town would have to set up a drainage district in order to go ahead with improvements. He said that it was not like the village lags and that more than 50 per cent of the taxpayers would have to sign the petition to create such a district. He pointed out that it would be a hard job to get people to sign who are not affected by floods . He said tl: t on top of everything else the town had that problem to con- tend with. Manager Johnson advised that government engineers had visited Mamaroneck and were preparing to get some idea of the volume of water flov;ing through the 'Local rivers . Engineer Vroman advised that they visited his office to select sites along the Sheldrake and idamaroneck Rivers for the erection of weirs . He added that he thought that this had something to do with the post-war program. Mr . Vroman gave some of his views on flood control. The Supervisor asked Mr. Vroman if he would read his report giving briefly some of the more important points . Engineer Vroman read the report and discussed the different problems with those present. When the meeting closed, it was decided to go into the matter more thoroughly at the meeting to be held on January 20 . The Supervisor stated that he thought that it was a good idea for the village and town officials to hold such conferences and sug- gested that there should be another one sometime in the near future . The meeting adjourned at 11:10 P. M. Town Clerk I