Watch for Yourself
Dan Udell was present with his video camera last night at the final DRI Local Planning Committee meeting--a meeting that went on for almost three hours. His recording of the proceedings is now available on YouTube and can be viewed by clicking here.
COPYRIGHT 2018 CAROLE OSTERINK
To: Hudson DRI LPC,
ReplyDeletecc: Steve Kearney - Stantec Project Manager,
Sheen Salvino - HDC Executive Director,
F. Michael Tucker - CEDC Executive Director
Subject: What the Hell Happened Hudson DRI LPC?
Living in the Hudson Waterfront District I was excited and concerned to learn Hudson had made the list for this program. Excited by the benefits it could bring to Hudson, concerned over how this would be overseen.
Concerns over who would be guiding the process and deciding how the funds would be spent, I managed to get to the first couple of public meetings. Anxious knowing I couldn't participate much more in the process due to an already busy schedule, I became comforted by learning who in our community were gravitating towards participating.
What the hell happened? How did Galvan's grab for funds stay on the list? To think that the debate over whether or not AirBnB owners are guilty of the shortage of affordable housing while adding to the Hudson economy, is more egregious than Galvan's long well-known real estate warehousing tactics, is amazing? Why, as members of this community, are we not more upset about this? Have we lost our energy to voice our concerns about this because it seems too big to overcome?
LPC, I'm not blaming you. I can't claim to know how this happened or the works of the DRI process, not being able to participate. But, I put my faith in you to do the right thing for our community. PLEASE don't let me down and reconsider for what you are about to vote. Please tell me what I can do to correct this.
Edwin Csukas
Hudson Resident and Homeowner
Like you EC I'm outside the walls and left to guessing, but as outsiders to the process we may have our own unique insights. Of course that's what you're saying with your letter too.
DeleteLike you, I don't begin by assigning blame to the LPC members. It appears that some of the problems may be structural, and that others can be traced to the DRI program's too-broad self-definition, and quick-paced tempo.
Along with the LPC, this puts an enormous pressure on Stantec and the program's NY State advisors, though many of the divisions in Hudson are totally predictable elsewhere too.
I reckon that Hudson is part of the State's R&D for the entire program, and I'll bet the administrators have learned a few universal pitfalls too.
I wonder how the DRI programs are doing on Long Island. There's at least one DRI concurrent with ours, in Oyster Bay. The Island has tons of developers, though I doubt that Oyster Bay has quite as many slum lords (heh).
We're still discussing these ideas in the March 2nd thread for "What Happens If."
From 12,000 to six, a great place to live is being converted into a nice place to visit.
ReplyDeleteAre we "revitalizing" or just managing the decline?
While I completely agree that the Galvan Foundation should not be the recipient of zero funding why is no one asking why the Basilica and the River House are asking for about twenty percent of the funds available. How is the Basilica going to benefit the city. I can see it only benefitting the wealthy who can afford to hold their events at this place. It will never be a place open to the public. Anyone agree?
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. The Basilica seems to be a strange mixture of non-profit and for profit but pays no property tax.
DeleteWhile I completely agree that the Galvan Foundation should not be the recipient of zero funding why is no one asking why the Basilica and the River House are asking for about twenty percent of the funds available. How is the Basilica going to benefit the city. I can see it only benefitting the wealthy who can afford to hold their events at this place. It will never be a place open to the public. Anyone agree?
ReplyDeleteYou're incorrect! The Basilica owners make their premises available for free events and public fora on a regular basis.
DeleteYou should know what you're talking about before making untrue and unfair statements which may prejudice others.