HomeMy WebLinkAbout1944_04_05 Town Board Minutes Geo. R. Read & Co.
30 Nassau Street
New York 5, N.Y.
19 Rector Street
New York 6, N.Y.
April 5, 1944.
Att: Mr. William J. Kuder ,
President
Gentlemen:
You are authorized to make the following proposal to
the Village and Town officials of Mamaroneck, for the Hom-
mocks Country Club property with the equipment and furnish-
ings thereon and the adjoining plots marked in red and blue
on the attached map.
In the absence of a topographical map of the property ,
we feel that we should secure such a survey and the advice
of the engineer (at our expense) to determine numerous points
that we have in mind for the ultimate improvement of this
property. To enable us to do this and to justify the expense
on our part , we ask that you give us a thirty days ' option.
We also ask that you reduce the assessed value both
Village and Town to maximum of $150,000.00.
As to price , we agree to pay $25,000.00 cash, if the
survey reveals that we can put the property to such use as
we contemplate . Should you prefer to have the sum spread over
a five (5) Year period, this will be agreeable to us , provided
proper releases can be arranged for on such plots we desire to
improve.
We have been advised that on many occasions , when the
tide is high and after a heavy rain fall, the golf course is
covered with water. For this reason we feel the necessity of
the survey and advise of an engineer.
To compensate for this condition we ask for the additional
land which will make for a better relationship between the tow
land and the high land.
I make this proposal on behalf of myself and several asso-
ciates and await the pleasure of the respective Boards.
Enc.
Certified check enclosed:
Respectfully yours,
(signed) Edward Waterman
New York, March 17, 1944 No. 46987
BANKERS TRUST COMPANY
Pay to the order of Village of Mamaroneck - $1,250.00
Certified
Trust Co.
March 17,
by Bankers
1944
GEO. R. READ & CO.
Em. J. Kuder, Pres.
r
The Supervisor stated that in addition to the written bids
he would wish to offer each the opportunity to explain to those present
the full extent of their proposals. It was agreed that this be done.
Mr. William J. Kuder, representing the Geo. R. Read & Co. ,
was first given the opportunity to speak. He said that he was present-
ing a. cash bid of $25,000 , subject to the reduction by both the Village
and the Town of the assessed valuation to a maximum of ?150,000.00. Ile
cohtinued, "If you prefer to have the money spread over a period of
five ( 5) years , there would be no objection by my people. However,
they would rather pay cash. There is a question of releases on certain
parts of the up land which we propose to improve. "
Mayor Santoro expressed his interest in the proposition, but
at the same time expressed the importance of having the golf course
maintained as such. He pointed out that if the sale was spread over
a five-year period the communities could have a check on it.
He called to the attention of those present that if the pro-
perty should , for some reason, revert back to the communities , there
would be some protection in this arrangement.
Councilman Keeler asked the following question: "Do we have
any right to limit or agree now what any future assessor may do with
respect to the assessed valuation on this property?"
Attorney Delius answered, "No. "
I:3r. Austin K. Griffen, who accompanied Mr. Kuder, stated that
their people feel that this property is of unusual character and the bid
which is being made is subject to a. topographical survey. Ile said that
a fair portion is no place for a golf course and that his people want
it for residential purposes. He added that the plan is to have a
colony of homes with a club house and to maintain part of the golf course
for the use of the residents. That their people would prefer to take
title on a cash deal so that they could control the property. Further
that they realize that with the present building restrictions nothing
can be done until after the war is over. He said that he believed that
their bid was on a par with the other bid offered except for the topo-
graphical survey which should be made.
Mayor Santoro inquired if it is the purpose of Mr. Kuder ' s
clients to maintain the property as a golf course and not to ascertain
essentially as to whether or not it could be developed. Also, that in
any case , would his clients maintain this pr-qperty as a golf course
from now until building materials are availagle. Also, whether they
would agree to a five-year period so that the communities would have
that protection.
Attorney Griffen stated that under the term arrangement , re-
leases for certain properties for building purposes would not be re-
quired until priorities are removed.
The Supervisor stated that he did not want to see the com-
munities put in a position whereby the purchasers could utilize the
best part of this property and then walk away and leave an undesirable
condition. He pointed out that the Village and Town both practically
have X10,000 in the property, aside from the tax arrears.
He asked if there was anything more to be said by Mr. Kuder
and Mr. Griffen. There being nothing more , he then invited Pair. Breger
and his attorney to speak.
Pair. Burton C. Meighan stated that Mr. Breger ' s bid was offered
in accordance with the custom of such proposals , with a check enclosed,
and that if the bid was accepted his client was going to operate a golf
course. He said that Mr,. Breger desires no delay as he is confronted
with many problems , such as getting the help, getting the seeds , pre-
paring the grounds , etc. That there was also the task of contacting
the prospective members and that already it was late for this year be-
cause of the increase of taxes and dues which had been put into effect
recently. He said that the purchaser was facing a losing proposition
on the coming season because of this. He referred to the terms of the
. so-called Colonial Rubber Co. plan and stated that P,Zr. Breger ' s offer
was somewhat patrbned along the same lines. That the title to the real
estate remains with the municipalities until the contract is fully com-
plied with at the conclusion of either ten or fifteen years.
Village Trustee Dooley inquired if the purchaser represented
an established golf course .
Mr. Lieighan' s reply was that it is the intention to have a
club in the usual fashion, not to be just a venture.
Following further discussion, Councilman Keeler stated that
he did not believe that the matter could be decided at this meeting and
that it seemed important enough to appoint a small committee as soon as
possible to analyze the two bids. That without this arrangement it would
be pretty difficult to consider the matter.
The Supervisor asked if there was any one in the room who
wished to make any comments or ask any questions.
Mr. Benjamin M. Kaufmann informed those present that he owns
property opposite the golf course and that he was manifestly interested.
He said that a great many people have looked at the golf course over a
period of time and that at least six different people who were interested
asked his opinion. He said that he was sufficiently interested as a
property owner to converse with them and that from most of them he learned
that they wanted something for nothing. He said that he wanted to make
it known that if it was considered from a speculative view point he would
personally raise the roof in oppdsing such a move. He said that he be-
lieved that a bit of consideration should be given to the residents and
that the property should only be run as a golf course. He added that
this would be a direct benefit to adjoining property owners as well as
to the people of the village.
The Supervisor asked if there was any one else to be heard.
There being no one , he asked that the two Boards meet in executive session
to discuss this matter and. other matters which were pending.
There was considerable discussion on the proposals for the
sale of the Hommocks Country Club property during which it was pointed
out that certain information and data was available concerning the tract
of land , and it was decided to give to HTr. Kuder until Friday, April 7,
to obtain such information. That following this , on the same date , the
final decision would be made as to which party should be considered the
successful bidder. The attorneys for both the Village and Town were re-
quested to get together and prepare and have ready a form of contract of
sale.
Village Manager Johnson stated to the Town Board, that the
Village had received an offer from ,gvdney Schwartzreich to purchase pro-
perty consisting of stores ,, known as 131 Halstead Avenue , for ;4,000.00
which property the Village owns as a result of a tax lien foreclosure
or deed in lieu of foreclosure , and that Er. Schwartzreich wished to
include the driveway adjacent to the property which runs from Halstead
Avenue to the rear property line.
After some discussion as to the advisability of reserving an
easement for the benefit of adjoining property which the Village also
owns , the Board indicated that they would approve the sale after ap-
proval by the Village , provided proper reservation was made for a right
of way of' easement across the driveway.
Village Tvianager Johnson stated to the Town Board that the
Village of 11ameroneck desired to demolish the old Pdational Hotel on
Tard Avenue, which is on property owned by the Village.
It was on motion by Councilman Keeler, seconded by Councilman
Stiner , upon roll call , unanimously
RESOLVED, that permission is hereby granted as
requested by the Village of Mamaroneck, to de-
molish the building known as National Hotel, upon
premises known as Section $, Block 12 , Lot 4.
--, Village Manager Johnson called to the attention of those present
that there was a question pending concerning the completion of the re-
surfacing of Fenimore Road within the Village of Mamaroneck, which was
- originally part of a W.P.A. Project for the complete resurfacing of
Fenimore Road both in the Village and the unincorporated area.
He pointed out that that part which was in the unincorporated
section had been completed while only a short distance was finished with
in the Village of Mamaroneck, and that just before the 7.P.A. Projects
were discontinued all available labor had been put on that part of the
project in the Town leaving the project unfinished in the Village when
the order came through for the discontinuance of 1`I.P.A. projects.
He said that he thought that inasmuch as the Town officials
at that time had agreed for the completion of the full job that the
present Town officials are obligated to cooperate with the Village in
getting this work done.
There was some discussion, following which the Town officials
asked Town Attorney Delius for his opinion.
Attorney Delius said he could see no way in
could be provided for improvements within the Village
highway funds could not be used for this purpose. He
the Federal Government had discontinued all W.P.A. pr
notice and that unfortunately the part of the project
could not be finished.
which Town funds
and that certainly
pointed out that
Djects on short
within the Village
After the Supervisor had inquired if there was any further
business to be discussed by both Boards , of ?^ahich there was none , he
thanked Mayor Santoro, the members of the Village Board and the other
Village officials for joining in *,r✓ith the Town Board in the discussions
held. He added that it was a pleasure to see both bodies doing their
utmost to give the citizens of the communities their very best.
The officials of the Village of Mamaroneck expressed their
pleasure in joining in with the Town Board and departed.
The Supervisor announced that it would be in order to receive
the reports of committees.
Councilman Griffin presented and read the regular monthly re-
port of the Department of Public Telfare for the month of March, 1944,
which showed as follows :
Year Case Load Individuals Total Expenditures
1943 82 208 $3,081.05
1944 32 62 1,384.30
He presented a petition received from the Assessor for the
correction of the assessment roll so as to permit the apportionment of
taxes.
On motion by Councilman Griffin, seconded by Councilman Stiner,
the following resolution was unanimously adopted:
WHEREAS, the Assessor has presented a petition for
the correction of the assessment roll for certain
years, pursuant to the provisions of Section 33 of
Chapter 105 of the Laws of 1916 , as amended, known
as the 'Westchester County Tax Act; and
WHEREAS , after due consideration this Board finds it
desirable to grant said petitions for the correction
of said assessment roll;
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT
RESOLVED, that the assessment roll for the year 1943 ,
taxes of 1944, which shows property now appearing on
the roll as follows :
Section Block Lot Name Land ImE. Total
9 11 lA Sarah Yapu & Ors. $14, 500 $1,000 X15,500
(901-1)
be corrected as follows , in accordance with the
provisions of subdivision 5 of Section 33:
Section Block Lot Name Land Imn. Total
9 11 lA Radley Metzger $14,490 $1 ,000 $159490
(901-1)
9 11 1B Sarah Mapu & Ors. 10 10
(901-422)
Councilman Griffin presented a statement of the claims audited
and paid by the Comptroller from March 15 to April 5, 1944, which was
ordered filed.
He presented and read a statement of the bank balances as of
9 A.M. , April 5, 1944, showing a total on deposit in all funds of
8152 ,038. 59.
Councilman Embury inquired as to the amount of funds available
for tree work along the highways. After being advised that there was
8200.00 in the budget for 1944, he informed the Board that the force of
the Park Department was about to proceed with the work.
Councilman Stiner stated that there was nothing to report for
his Departments.
Councilman Keeler reported that he had received the annual
report of the Fire Department for the year 1943 , and that before pre-
senting it to the Board he wished to review same.
The Town Clerk called to the attention of the Board that the
rate of pay for the election inspectors should be approved, and the.
Town Attorney recommended the following, which was on motion by Council-
man Embury, seconded by Councilman Stiner , upon roll call, unanimously
RESOLVED , that the fees of Inspectors of Election
in the various election districts of the Town of
Mamaroneck., for services rendered at the Spring
Primarv , held March 28, 1944, be fixed at the
sum of ?8.00 for one day' s services as provided
in Section 49 of the Election Law.
The Supervisor informed the members of the Board that there
would be a deficit of 860C.00 in the 1944 Budget for street lighting,
and that he had had a conference with Mr. MacLochlan, Manager , of the
!"estchester Lighting Co. which resulted in removing twenty-six (26)
lights - some on old Mamaroneck Road and some at the upper end of
Weaver Street.
`t
The Town Attorney reported that in connection with the
Alden House Apts. on a motion to confirm the referee ' s report in cer-
tiorari proceedings which was opposed by the relators who moved to
modify the report so as to fix the value at `$200,000 , Judge Nolan of
the Supreme Court rendered a decision fixing a value at $240,000 for
the assessment made in 1941, tax of 1942 , and assessment made in 1942
for tax of 1943 , which was divided as follows : land $200,000, build-
ing $40 ,000.
The Town Attorney also read a letter from the attorneys for
Spartan Associates, Inc . who are now the owners of the property, and
who instituted certiorari proceedings to review the assessment of 1943 ,
tax of 1944, requesting that settlement be made on the basis of $240,000.
After some discussion, the Town Attorney was authorized to
offer a compromise or settlement on the basis of an assessment of
$300,000 for the year 1943 , tax of 1944.
At 11: 15 p.m. the Board resolved to adjourn.
Town Clerk