Shadow Reduced, But Not By Me
On Friday afternoon, I stopped in Village Hall to review the building file for the new structure next to Twin Harbors. As you can imagine, I am not the most popular person there, but on Friday I was met by a building inspector who was very obviously perturbed at me. I normally am pretty unconcerned about this type of thing, but in this case it was different because on at least one aspect of this issue, he was right. After looking at the approved plans for the building (my time was limited because I came at the end of the day), it was apparent that the contractor had exceeded the scope of the building permit by adding knee walls that were nearly 5 ½ feet high to raise the roof, effectively creating a second story. This second story was constructed on Saturday when Village Hall is closed. The approved plans clearly showed much lower knee walls designed to facilitate attic storage, where the ones built were obviously designed for future living space. Upon learning of this on Monday, he immediately contacted the contractor and instructed him to remove the highest story and connect the rafters directly to the top plate (no knee walls). The Building Inspector felt that he had been hung out to dry without having a chance to correct the problem or explain his position. To add insult to injury, I then took credit for getting the second story torn down in my second post without first getting the facts. For that I apologize. The second story was without question nothing more than a builder going beyond what was approved.
We then discussed some other aspects of the project and the non-conforming code section, and while we certainly don’t agree on some issues, the fact that he could point to the wording of the code and have me understand his reasoning shows that there is a problem with the code. Everyone needs to understand that a building departments power to "allow" or "disallow" a project is derived from the codes as written and the wording of the code is everything.
There are several sections of this code that, in my opinion, are inadequate or ambiguous. The most striking example is this statement in the alterations section: "Any alteration to a nonconforming use or building, other than an alteration which would not change the building's front setback, side yard or rear yard, must be applied for to the Board of Appeals…". This statement doesn’t address anything other than setbacks and our bulk regulations do not address floor area.
As an example, let’s take a 100 x 100 property that has six non-conforming, one-story bungalows on it and is not in a flood zone. With the current code, even though the bungalows far exceed lot coverage limits, the owner could add second stories to each of the six buildings, providing he stays within the height limit. In doing this he would not affect any of the setbacks whatsoever and so would not run astray of the non-conforming structure code. He would also not be increasing lot coverage or causing a conflict with any of the other bulk regulations. The result would be that the floor area would be doubled, resulting in more bedrooms, more people, more cars, more sewage, more garbage, more children in school………
The solution to this is to modify the non-conforming use code and add a Floor Area Ratio to the zoning code of each district. By increasing the floor area in relation to the area of the building lot, the builder would now be increasing the degree of non-conformity and the permit would be denied by the building inspector based on hard numbers and a clear and concise code with a legitimate intent.
Barry E. Lamb
Bayville
Shouldn't someone with in the VOB be reviewing these codes to make sure that they are not expolited by builders or developers.Then an therefore making reccomedations for change which will protect the integrity of the the town. Or are we the unpaid and unappointed watchdogs?
Your certianly doing a great job,Barry. How much do you get paid?
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Barry,
You are 100% correct. The codes need to be changed, modified and worded in such a way that there is no room for artistic and creative interpretation.
They need to meet the current status and issues facing our village today not of years gone by. Bayville is changing, despite what the powers that be want to face.
The small non-conforming structures in this village need to be addressed. The hypothetical example you gave is case and point for that.
The building dept. inspector who does not live in town, is not who I blame. It is clear that the builder did this on a weekend special.
The VOB hired a second part time inspector for the Building Dept. with the intent that this person would oversee and monitor illegal building and check that permits were being adhered to specifically on weekends. Where was he?
However, the Mayor who does lives in this Village full time should have been alerted to this building on the weekend if there was concern about its building permit and/or size etc. Mayor Siegel is after all the 24/7 Mayor. Why didn't someone call her? (rhetorical question needs no response)
As for you taking credit....if you did not put this picture on the blog and people did not respond so vehemently against this project, do you really think it would have been taken down???
The project as it stands, may be "legal" but it is certainly not conducive to the direction this Village should be going in as fas as Zoning and aesthetics.
Good job Barry and all who write, listen and participate.
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Is it me or has worked stopped on the towering bungalow?
Barry is being a diplomat, but I would imagine readers are fairly savvy, this blog had everything to do with the village taking quick-action. The builder knew he could have gotten away with it because it has been done before in Bayville with little consequences.
Unfortunately once variances are granted the work is technically "legal". And the ZBA has the power to allow a builder to "vary" from the code. This still allows way to much leeway to the owner/builders.
The 2nd building inspector works on Saturdays? Then why did this happen? Enforcement of the code also has to do with personal interpretation of the code...but yep it needs to be fixed..so how can that happen?
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Mary Donna,
This application did not go to the ZBA.
Barry
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Why is that? Doesn't all new and "grossly changed from the previous" need to go before the Board?
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This didn't go to the ZBA? That makes no sense at all, why would the mayor answer my question at the last board meeting by saying it was at the ZBA then? I'll check w/the Village and let you know. Wouldn't the bump out decrease the required space between the buildings? Isn't that a change to what was already there? But has work stopped on the project? anyone know? Doesn't anything that doesn't comply to todays code automatically have to go to the ZBA?
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sorry 1 more ? - When this foundation was re-built larger than the original was the size added to the front or rear? Did you see any approvals or mentions in the paperwork for that?
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In the Know wrote:
"Why didn't someone call her? (rhetorical question needs no response)"
Actually, it's not a rhetorical question. Since all of you are so outraged and feel compelled to dis her all over the Internet, why DIDN'T any of you pick up the phone and call her?
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Bottom line is calls were made to the VIllage and the BDept got the height corrected. Any little birdies know if In the Know was correct with this statement?
In the Know
" VOB hired a second part time inspector for the Building Dept. with the intent that this person would oversee and monitor illegal building and check that permits were being adhered to specifically on weekends. Where was he?"
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Lisa,
A complaint was made directly to the Mayor about this project during the November Village Board meeting.
The neighbor (to the projest) who complained was told it would be looked into. The gentleman was then asked by the Mayor if he would sign an affadavit stating the violation he witnessed.
The initial violation which he was complaining about was never rectified and he was never contacted.
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Margaret,
With all due respect, what does something that occurred 4 months prior have to do with my question?
-Lisa
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Lisa-
Uh...haven't you been to meetings when the Mayor says "we'll look into it" in response to a question?
Now that you mention it, I never hear her say, "Mr Smith had a concern he brought to our attention 4 months ago, about the property on Bayville Ave, I said "we'd look into it, here's the answer..."
and it's not the first time.
This thread include legitimate concerns that have not been addressed comprehensively by the Village.
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Yet Another Resident,
And I ask AGAIN, what does that have to do with someone physically picking up the phone and calling Vicki at home that weekend? She's in the book, if she's not home she has an answering machine. If you witness a child getting hit by a car by someone who was reported as a bad driver 4 months ago, do you call 911 or post a picture on the Internet and say tsk, tsk?
-Lisa
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never knew a public official to need such an avid cheerleader...and comparing a building error to a car accident, no comparison m'dear.
If the Mayor sent some sort of info to the residents with HER permission to do this (along with her number mind you) then you make sense.
I guess people should have called you at home (well ok past tense) when they didn't like how something was reported in a local paper hunh?
You might have to admit the Village screwed up a bit on this one. Hey maybe somebody should start a comedy skit about it...could be a hit.
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sorry, meant to ask, LM-how do you know no one called on the weekend? VS tell you?
Also you sidestep the issues, how come you don't address the issues that the Village is NOT dealing with as vehemently as you defend pure VS and attack bloggers for simply participating?
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Lisa,
Just pointing out that the Mayor was made aware of the problems with this project at its inception four months ago.
NOTHING was done. If problems with the footprint and size of the project were addressed early on maybe the skyscaper would not have been built.
The problem you have this time with this project is you cannot defend the Village. This building is an atrocity, its neighbors are not happy and it is impairing the appreance of this Village. We as residents only have one direction to point blame at.
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Yet Another Resident,
Ah yup, that would be an affirmative. And I would have had absolutely no problem at all with someone calling me at home over the weekend if there was something I wrote in the paper that was incorrect. It would have given me time to issue a correction by deadline on Monday.
I still have not seen any proof that the footprint of the foundation was increased in size. Furthermore, work was stopped and revised. If building was permitted to continue out-of-compliance, I could understand all the griping. The Mayor has always made herself available to the residents. If she sent a flyer out with her number on it telling you to call her if you had a problem, you'd probably accuse her of misappropriating taxpayer money for doing so.
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Wow, since it seems like a tele call is such a polarizing issue, I personally wouldn't take anyone's word except Mayor Siegels that it's ok to call her at home. Not really a strong arguement in this case, what is she wasn't home?..so what's the deal with the other building inspector? Does he work on weekends?
So anyway....any answers for these previously asked questions out there?
Wouldn't the bump out decrease the required space between the buildings? Isn't that a change to what was already there? But has work stopped on the project? anyone know? Doesn't anything that doesn't comply to todays code automatically have to go to the ZBA?
When this foundation was re-built larger than the original was the size added to the front or rear? Did you (Barry) see any approvals or mentions in the paperwork for that?
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So much drama...it wouldn't cost anything extra at all if a weekend contact number was added to one of the newsletters that are already sent out. It doesn't neccesarily have to be somebodys home number. Could be a number that one staff person per weekend just has to call in and check.
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Wow. I didn't know opening a phone book and looking up the Mayor's number was so difficult for some of you. It would appear that you are the ones creating the drama instead of attempting honest communication.
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After reading the entire thread, the broader wuestion here is how do we send a message to our Village board that changes need to be made in the zoning laws?
As someone on here already said, whether it is legal or illegal this type of overdevelopment needs to be addressed now!
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A good place to start would be the Village Board meeting tonight at 730pm.
I like the idea of a weekend call-in number. What a great way to improve communications!
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honestly, what is dramatic is the fact that everyone argues about calling the boss lady at home. seriously, would you call a doctor at home? i wouldn't; that is rude. there should be a weekend emergency number. some people are just sooo argumentative and defensive! JEEZ to louise! lighten up.
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Dramaqueen,
Here is your emergency weekend number - 628-1439. Leave a message. The tape will be and has been checked over the weekend. If it is a true emergency, it will be responded to.
It's very easy to accuse one of non-communication when no attempt to communicate has been made by the accuser.
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I have read many of the responses on various threads by LM. Most appear to have an agenda first, and facts later; that is provided there are any.
I have an idea....
Perhaps she should be the emergency contact. Judging from her own comments, she obviously has a "hot line" to Mayor VS. She already expends an inordinate amount of time and energy defending her. Maybe she can be put on the payroll officially.
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LM you are so argumentative. (and kind of annoying)
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dan-
you hit the nail RIGHT on the head. i concur.
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Hey, guess what? I find you whiners annoying as heck! A hotline to VS? Um, no, it's called having been a resident in this Village for 30 years and interacted with her on many various issues, starting with neighborhood problems we had when I lived on the East End which she stepped in to correct when contacted. If I wish to speak with her, I either call her at Village Hall (ext. #24) or at home, though I haven't found a situation that I can think of lately where I have needed to call her on a weekend. Anyone who doesn't jump on your "blame Vicki for everything" bandwagon is considered argumentative. I refuse to do so, so you find me annoying. Good. Good people are worth defending against baseless accusations. You don't like it? Don't read my posts.
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LM... I rest my case after reading your post.You are agenda first, no matter what. Your post is damning evidence.
Who's the whiner? Have you ever taken a breath between posts.
I have made 2, count them 2 posts on this site and I have, let me quote you; " a blame Vicki for everything bandwagon".
No my dear, you are a Vicki sycophant with a determined agenda . Facts or circumstances be damned. You are so high up on your Vicki "bandwagon", your nose is probably bleeding.
Yes, you are an extremely annoying 'know it all' type, to say the very least.
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Dan,
Oh, I just love when people accuse me of having an agenda. Do tell, what do you think my agenda is?
A sycophant? You are going to equate me to a fawning parasite??? Why is that Dan? Because I have had positive interaction with Mayor Siegel over the last 20 years, on committees, on Village matters and as a friend, that means I have an agenda? Because I'm not ashamed of my opinion and know how to use a computer to post it? Silly, Dan!
-Lisa
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Hey Lisa,
I am a first time writer and always read this blog as well as the local papers. I was curious on what your opinion is on some other from the past reguarding our quaint little small town. The historic Blue benches of Bayville VS picked them out did you like them. The great JFK barrieicade planters? have you noticed there slowly disappearing and being relocated? The placement of the Keosk near Steves Pier- go see whats going on in town and get hit by a car. The conditions of the beaches of Bayville you have swingsets that have been broken for 2 years at West harbor (but you dont have kids that age so it would not concern you). One of my all time favorites the skate board park VS stated the last 2 elections she was building one, even had the grant and the location. Where is it??? No where because VS does not want it.
Now for the tough questions is VS handling our water situations correctly? In your oppinion? How about her son being the head of the water department and driving drunk in a village vehicle? How many times has that happened that you know about, rumor has it, its more than once and VS helped cover it up. Your an investigative reporter see if you can find out how many times and get back to me. Vicky slogan when running was We're watching out for you, they cant even keep our water safe from birds and racoons so how they going to keep us safe from a huricane? So give me a break with you and your peddle still for VS she is no better than any politician they all stink and are in it for there own reasons. Personally I think VS is for her sons Job security. Oh and by the way whats your opinon on the sky skrapers do you wnat one of maybe 100 of them built behind you.
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Dear Eyes Wide Open,
I'll be happy to share with you my opinions on some of the questions you have posed. Perhaps Barry might want to move this to another thread as it is off-topic. I don't think there is any way for blog participants to start one of their own. Before I do though, I just want to make sure you are clear on one thing... I am not an "investigative reporter". First and foremost I'm a wife and MOM, then a Realtor, then a freelance writer.
You asked: "The historic Blue benches of Bayville VS picked them out did you like them. The great JFK barrieicade planters? have you noticed there slowly disappearing and being relocated?"
You know it's funny, I never gave any thought to the blue benches until Residents First complained about them. I recall them being constructed of recycled material and I thought the Village's handling of that corner property to turn it into a parking/seating area was an extremely positive improvement to the intersection. Certainly far better than if a 7-11 had been allowed to be placed there. I didn't care for the planters and I spoke to Vicki about them myself. If they are being moved from undesireable locations, I would call that responsive government.
>The placement of the Keosk near Steves Pier- go see whats going on in town and get hit by a car.
Agreed. Not the best placement for an informational kiosk. Perhaps a suggestion to the Mayor and the Board to see if it could be moved over near Shipwreck Tavern and the Amusement Park where people stroll along where the boardwalk used to be could be worked out. (Btw, I do miss the charm of the old boardwalk)
You are correct, it's been quite a few years since my children played on the swings. I don't know what the vandalism rate is down at our beaches, but maybe if the NCPD were patrolling the area instead of parking 2 and 3 cars down at the end of the T.O.B. beach parking lot on the West end of town, the swings might stay in better condition. It's not the little kids who are ruining the equipment. As to the skateboard park, at the time plans were being finalized, the Amusement Park's plans were also being finalized and they included........a skateboard park. It was deemed that a Village this size doesn not need two skateboard parks. I agree. The area the Village was going to put it is where the skating rink is. I didn't visit it myself, but I heard that the rink was operational this year. Did you go?
I refuse to comment on your vicious rumors about Mayor Siegel's son, nor do I have any interest in investigating it and getting back to you. As far as the water goes, Bayville has a chlorination exemption from Nassau County, one of the few Villages to still have one. Not constantly chlorinating our water does expose us to a minor risk as occurred last year. I heard of no one being hospitalized, certainly there were no fatalities, thank God. But you have to weigh the risks and choose. [CONT.]
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[CONT.]
Would you rather drink and bathe in water that smells like a swimming pool or the refreshingly clean water that Bayville is known for 99.9% of the time?
As for the "skyscrapers", where I live in Bayville, there are no non-conforming residences that could be altered in a similar manner. I moved from the East End to the West End of town prior to the '92 flood for two main reasons; I wanted more property and I'm not in a flood zone. But let me ask you this, would you object to Twin Harbor Restaurant being allowed to put a second story on it's structure?
I would be a fool to say state that politics is devoid of corruption. We read about it in the papers everyday. Unfortunately, it's not just in politics, but many aspects of life. But for goodness sake, when you have decent, honorable, respectable people who basically volunteer their time to keep this Village running and working to improve it to the best of their abilities, how about a little pat on the back once in awhile? Two-thirds of our residents gave Vicki that pat on the back this past election, and for that, I am grateful. If you really want to look into nepotism and slush-funds, might I suggest an in-depth analysis of the LVCSD budget?
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Lm,
Although I do not know who EWO is, I would like to respond to your post.
Our water will be chlorinated for a year at which point we (the Water Dept.) will be able to apply for a chlorination exemption. We have to wait 1 year b/c it was the WD's second contamination. In NCHD 2 strikes and your exemption is revoked.
Relocating the Keosk is a great idea.
The Amusement park does not list a skateboard park on any of its advertisements or renderings. I put an email into the company to ask where they are at with that.
East Hampton has a great skateboard park where their tennis courts are. It was amazing to see how many people utilized the area over the Summer. Tennis lessons were given and I believe even some league play went on there. According to the last newsletter, the VOB is trying to ressurect their tennis program which is good news. The park in EH should be visited by our officials to see how lively parks could be if there were activities centered around them.
As for the Mayors son, I agree with you this is not the place to discuss it. However, you misrepresent the truth by saying they are rumors. The accident he had is on record with NCPD.
I do have one question for the WD. Why do we pay an outside firm to speak on behalf of our WD Supervisor? Other WD's do not use outside consultants to speak at public meetings or during a time of crisis. H2M engineer Dennis Kellerher is paid by the VOB to do just that.
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One more thing. When the Skateborad park was promised to the youth of this Village it was in the 2002 election. The amusement park was not in the picture at that point in time.
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"Relocating the Keosk is a great idea."
See that Maggie? We CAN agree on something! I'll mention it to VS the next time we speak and see if it is doable.
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Let's work TOGETHER, not against each other!
I spoke with Vicki. She said the Board had discussed the kiosk near Steve's recently and it WILL BE MOVED ACROSS THE STREET (exact location to be determined).
Additional facts:
*Mayor Siegel's son was appointed to the position of Water Department Supervisor by former Mayor Eddie Esposito.
*The driving while impaired incident which Eyes Wide Open accused the Mayor of trying to cover up, was written up in Newsday and the local papers AND HAPPENED TEN YEARS AGO!!!!!! Let me just repeat that, 10 YEARS AGO!! I thought we were discussing current events in this blog.
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Lisa,
This will be the last time I respond on this topic. I do not have time to waste on nonsense unlike you and your friend Maggie.
First let me tell you I know you are no investigative reporter, I’ve read your articles with a lot of misinformation over the years. Half of them were written based on no factual information from which I have gathered, just your opinion.
As for the head of the water department, sources tell me he was involved in more than one instance of Driving under the influence and no they were not all 10 years ago. My opinion is there should and should have been zero tolerance for this type of behavior by the work force of our village. LET ME REPEAT ZERO TOLOLRENCE. But apparently VS and yourself do not feel Driving under the influence is so bad. How about if he hit your child while he was driving would you still feel the same way?
As for the parks I went with my grand child and was horrified at the condition, they were not like this many years ago. It is not vandalism so do not blame the police. It is lack of maintenance. So who do you want to point the blame on now?
I will also let you know this I did vote for VS not most recently. She is not as idealistic as she was 25 years ago, her tactics have changed and so have her motives. You should open your eyes Lisa and really listen, in the past year I opened mine. Vicky can take credit for a lot in our community, however there are a lot of things that are still broken and she has been in for 25 years. Simple things like the Kiosk yes work together –Did it take a genius like me to bring to light it is in an unsafe place. How about the garbage near my house. The North East corner of Ludlam and West Harbor it’s been there for year’s bricks and garbage in the forest, anyone and everyone can see it. I personally brought it to the board’s attention years ago –there looking into it. ‘WE’ can’t get a village employee to clean it up after all these years.
I am done…..there is no need to respond because I will not. You should stop wasting so much time writing and start doing something to help this village instead of trying to insult everyone and anyone who does not agree with you.
Ignorance is blind and does no one any good.
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Eyes Wide Open said:
"This will be the last time I respond on this topic."
Oh, thank goodness. I don't put much credence in the words of an anonymous poster who can't tell the difference between first and last.
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LM,
That was quick. I wrote a letter to the Mayor and emailed it to Maria today regarding ideas and suggestions I heard throughout the campaign. But since you have a direct bat phone to Vicki, I will share my thoughts with you as well.
Village Community Activities Improvememnts:
1) Keosks need to have updated info in them.
2) Can we get some patio furniture and umbrellas for West Harbor Beach on the concrete area?? Lowes has grat deals on heavy weighted furniture that is durable and beautiful. Also the fencing around the BBQ area needs to be changed.
3) How about some activities for the kids at WHB or Soundside Beach i.e.
--story time (had it yearas ago)
--arts and crafts 1x a week (possible fee for kids who participate)
***These would be run by a young adult hired by the Village.
--a lending closet at the beach that will hold beach type games, checkers, backgammon, balls, tennis racquest (donated by residents),fishing poles donated by residents), rummy-kub etc.
Kids and residents can borrow these items for a loaner fee that is returned to them upon returning the item.
4) One or two more movie nights
5)A reception for the people, especially the soldiers who march in the Memorial Day Parade, at Soundside Beach. Since we do not have the Christmas Party this year, maybe there is some "party"fund $$$ left for that?
6)Yoga, yes Lisa, Yoga on the Beach, Pilates on the beach, Dancing on the Beach. We have so many residents trained in the physical fitness field I am sure one pof them would like to run a program there> of course there would be a nominal fee to cover the instructors cost.
7) A chamber of Commerce. Our Village is changin rapidly and it would be in the best interest of our existing small businesses to come together and work towards common goal through a Chamber of Commerce.
8)Day of the Young Child: There needs to be either a rain date or an alternate site in case of rain. Families look forward to this event and $$ is spent in preparation for it, when it is cancelled and not rescheduled ( like last year and a couple of years ago) families are disappointed.
9) The adopt-a spots could be managed more closely and improved. Not all, but some. Lisa,yours is actually very nice. Thank you.
10) Lastly, tennis programs for adults and kids through out the Summer.
It has been my beleif that we have such beautiful beaches here only for the residents to use and they could be more widely used, better kept and up-dated.
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Margaret,
It's not a bat phone, dear. It's a regular telephone and I called her at her extension at Village Hall. She picked up the phone all by herself and answered, "Good afternoon, this is Mayor Siegel". My phone line is not specially wired to Village Hall, nor do I believe that the Mayor is looking at call waiting in her office since the call is routed through the switchboard. But maybe I'm wrong. Maybe she looked at her phone and said, "Oh joy! It's Lisa, my best little sycophant! Oh she will surely defend me, I better take her call over all others!"
As to the rest of your ideas, frankly I think they are rather picayune and stupid. You want to play a board game at the beach? Bring one with you. You want furniture? Join a country club.
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You are so sad.
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Sad? Not me, babe. I'm ecstatic that you lost! File any new lawsuits lately?
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Lisa-
It is clear that you and your ignorant posts are fueled by your disdain for Margaret and your unexplained love of VS. Please leave your catty remarks out of it. We are trying to do something productive, constructive and positive here. Your asinine posts fall into NONE of those categories. You are blinded by your bias and ignorance and judging by your posts, most certainly jaded.
I am requesting that you kindly leave the blog. Without fail you turn every forum into a mud-slinging banter that serves no one and distracts everyone. have you noticed that everytime you engage in one of your unfounded argumentative rants the boards activity goes down? Barry, you should take note of this too. I have seen you delete posts that are clearly just attacks on fellow residents. LMs posts are usually just that.
Lisa sweetie, face the music- no one wants to hear from you- why do you think your own blog over at The Leader went dead?
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Jen,
Why don't you note the location in the thread where the catty remarks BEGAN and who issued them. Twasn't I. Note I also requested that Barry MOVE the thread. Who died and made you CyberNanny? And if nobody wants to read what I say, how come the IB thread in The Leader still gets over 200 hits a day whether I post something or not?
De Nile isn't just a river in Egypt.
-Lisa
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Your entries are like a train wreck, people just cannot stop looking. Do not confuse entertainment value for interest in your words or thoughts.
200 hits are probably from your IB nutty friends out there in cyber land.
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Bayvillain, (don't know if you spelled it that way intentionally but it certainly applies)
My, how terribly morbid of you, why would anyone want to continue looking at a train wreck? Do you find train wrecks entertaining? I don't. Yet if you say that my writing has entertainment value, there must be something of interest to read, if only to search for something to attack and criticize. Try and broaden your perspective and address the topic, not the person behind the words. Many posters in here have gone on a tirade about people not posting under their real names. You want to attack me while hiding behind an anonymous moniker? Coward.
-Lisa
-Lisa
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Jen (and all),
Actually I have never deleted a post and have only crossed out bad language or personal information that was posted about another person. I try to leave all that to Jeff as the administrator. I am a firm believer that people are responsible for their own posts - I take full responsibility for mine. Unfortunately, if you give people enough rope........
My suggestion to the people who have taken part in this latest "discussion", is that they go back and read the entire series from the start as if they were somebody else. They might get a feel for how they are viewed by others. A fairly substantial number of people are reading this blog regularly (43,000 hits since November) and it is very likely that it is being read by people outside of Bayville, including elected officials and/or their staff. Is this how you want them to see and judge you? Was any of this productive?
Now imagine that when the first inflammatory remark was made, it went unanswered. The tone of this entire thread would be far different. People need to learn that if they do not respond, it will stop. Anyone who does respond is simply part of the problem - try letting it go.
Everytime this happens, the credibility of each of the participants is diminished. Unfortunately, so is the credibility of the forum. It's unfortunate because there is a lot that I think that can be accomplished by this forum if it can maintain it's credibility. We already have made a pretty good start and there are so many issues that we can all agree on.
Barry
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i am amazed at what i just read on this blog! i cannot belief you, LM! you are sad! margaret~ i fully agree with all the wonderful suggestions you made. i think we need to STOP asking for miss cranky's (LM) approval and ignore her all together. she clearly has no insight into anything EXCEPT bashing IB. i vote that we do not acknowledge her posts and this blog will immediately have more credibility in the click of a mouse! i have plenty of stuff to donate! i also like the idea of a the furniture-- it's nice to hang out with others and socialize in a nice atmosphere. Margaret-- your ideas are awesome-- keep them coming!
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Barry,
"A fairly substantial number of people are reading this blog regularly (43,000 hits since November)"
I noticed when the hit counter was placed on this site in November that it was started at 20,000. Was that to account for an estimate of the number of hits the blog received prior to November?
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Lisa-
This is way off topic for this thread but after this clarification can we get back to the original intent of this post?
The Hit Counter was put in place after one of the bloggers requested it sometime in late December. It was put into service at 20,538 hits. Those hits, pre counter and back to November, were taken from statistics page in the admin module. I can comfortably say that the counter is accurate since the blogs inception.
(Corrected numbers reflected above for those of you that saw the previous comment- other numbers were from different site)
Jeff Silver
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I can see why people are moving out of this village!!!! My family has three generations here and as far as I`am concerned almost all of you are outsiders! I don`t xxxxxxxxxxx about VS`s son or what color the benches are.Just mind your own biz and leave people alone!!! including what they do with "THIER"propety.
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Re: LM a reporter!!!
Get out of here!!
I just read that LM is a reporter and put it together that this is the same person that writes for the LL, which I don't read that often.(because of its reporting)
What a joke.
WOW! Her post are written just like her supposed news stories. Biased. A complete lackey for the Vill. of Bayville Administration. Puff pieces galore, these articles should have been paid advertisements during the last campaign (and labeled as such).
I had contemplated writing to the LL editor, that her articles should be on the Op-Ed page, not run as news. The articles, are only vaguely disguised as news and are actually "hit pieces" on anyone with an opposing view.
I saved myself a stamp as her employer , the LL, must be aware of these posting and views. Thus, giving her articles a defacto imprimatur.
" all the news thats fit to slant"
Dan
Dan
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Has anyone noticed the new steel structure being added to a house across from the sky scrpaers. Steel structures being added to a house on a Saturday. I would like to know what the town is paying the weekend inspector to do. Because apparently he is not doing his job.
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Has anyone seen the STEEL STRUCTURE being used as a front deck at the home of a Bayville Ave. resident? If is across the street from the skyscrapers next to Twins.
What is goingon here????? I am a neighbor of this home, I was not notified of a variance meeting, for which I am sure a variance would have been needed, on one side the structure is only 3ft off the property line.
Is anyone at home in the Building Dept??? WHere is the ARB??? This is a horrible looking structure.
Who uses steel beams to build a front deck????
Frustrated on Bayville Ave.
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Hi Frustrated,
Did you by any chance call the Village and see what they said? I agree with you, the steel is overkill, not too mention the lot coverage and it looks awfully close to the property line. Plus why do they only work on weekends? Notice the skscrapers were being worked on on Sunday by a commercial company...tsk tsk.
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A neighbor called the building dept. yesterday and the building insp. did go down there and the homwowner has to cut back the deck a few feet. All of us neighbors were happy with the quick response.
What worries me is the same point you brought up. This homwowner did all the work on the weekends and the building inp. are not at work on those days.
Whay would steel beams be appropriate for a decking structure.....it is so ugly. Imagine having to live next to that!!! I do. It looks like an unfinished, exposed high rise building. What is goingon here in Bayville???
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REPLY TO FRUSTRATED:
stop and take a deep breath.
Reference steel deck, it was apparent to me that the HOMEOWNER HAS CLASS and has done a magnificent job on restoring the house and I knew that he was not going to build an eyesore. First of all I wish other homeowners follow him because some if not most of the houses on Bayville Avenue (toward Center Island)are in very bad shape. I personally like progress and beautiful things.
I have just drove by the house and the steel is no longer seen and the deck looks like a structure from ROME OR SORENTO, ITALY. GREAT JOB.!!
Others should follow. COMPLIMENTS TO THE BUILDING DEPT FOR ALLOWING THE STRUCTURE and the neighbors should be proud, as this new look definitely has added value to their property.
SIGNED: NOT JEALOUS BUT HAPPY FOR BAYVILLE.
last note to frustrated neighbor, don't jump to conclusions, instead be a friendly neighbor, ask questions, if that does not work, then call in the inspectors.
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REPLY TO FRUSTRATED:
stop and take a deep breath.
Reference steel deck, it was apparent to me that the HOMEOWNER HAS CLASS and has done a magnificent job on restoring the house and I knew that he was not going to build an eyesore. First of all I wish other homeowners follow him because some if not most of the houses on Bayville Avenue (toward Center Island)are in very bad shape. I personally like progress and beautiful things.
I have just drove by the house and the steel is no longer seen and the deck looks like a structure from ROME OR SORENTO, ITALY. GREAT JOB.!!
Others should follow. COMPLIMENTS TO THE BUILDING DEPT FOR ALLOWING THE STRUCTURE and the neighbors should be proud, as this new look definitely has added value to their property.
SIGNED: NOT JEALOUS BUT HAPPY FOR BAYVILLE.
last note to frustrated neighbor, don't jump to conclusions, instead be a friendly neighbor, ask questions, if that does not work, then call in the inspectors.
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Resident 2
I am glad you like the early Roman era look, it is really not for me.
However, the building Dept. did have to go in b/c the deck was built too big for the lot size and the freindly neighbor did not bother to go for a vairance. He had to cut back the steel structure quite a bit.
My issue is not people decor, everyone had their own taste, my issue is over building on lot sizes that cannot handle it. We do not live in Queens, last time I checked.
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Resident 2-That deck does NOT constitute "restoring a house" - what was built is an ostentatious deck not in keeping with the neighborhood. I consider it an overbuilt, over-sized eyesore for such a small lot. But people can do what the want with their own property within code. I don't know this person, I do know that the built it illegally over the weekend. I believe that the owner has not yet reduced the size of the extended part of the porch as the building dept required. What a considerate neighbor.
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Has anyone noticed the two meters on the side of each skyscraper next to Twins?
Are these dwellings going to be two family homes?
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I truly believe that "Queen Victoria" should allow residents to put money into their homes, also allow businesses to come to bayville and invest thear money, she just loves to create obsticles. The wonderful residents should get together and select a theme for Bayville ie "cape cod""Tuscan""New England" even "Victorian" Definitely not "Slaped Together Whatever Look" or "Run Down Beach Bungalo(because it's only for drunk beach going seasonal renters) look. Lets face it "the Queen" Got blindsided when she was told that the amusement park was going up in bayville, the residents should be thankful that thear is good judgement someware that has a say for bayville. The people behind Jeckle and Hyde are top notch, the park is going to be a high class operation. Residents should support the amusement park,not like we support the IGA that we go to Glen Cove for everything even milk. What repersents bayville is a 1950 never been renovated, dirty "Ugly" rat infested what you might think of calling a "super market". Why? Because IGA knows Bayvillians do help businesses in thear community.All I am saying is to show Mayor V what you want and that when people(residents or businesses) are willing to spend money on you town she should,thank them, kiss them, tell them the look your are looking for and rally all residents to support them also welcome the visitors that they bring. It's all Goood!!
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Mike, maybe you have not shopped in IGA. They refurbished and reorganized their store about a year ago. The new additions and current influx of new items is refreshing. They claim they have seen a 10% increase in customer patronage.
As for the rest of your message, could not really follow it.
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Is there any word concerning the proposed drainage project? I live on Locust Avenue and we have been waiting for years to hear something definite from the village.
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Everyone could've saved themselves a litte bit of a headache and eye strain if they had just advised the creator of the thread to simply pay off the mayor and her cohorts. This would have alleviated all of his problems to begin with. After all, is'nt that the way it's done in Bayville?
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Admin -
How tall is the one going up now around the corner from "the shadows"? Amazing!
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Colour is fun, colour is just plain gorgeous, a gourmet meal for the eye, the window of the soul." - Rachel Wolf
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Keep writing your current blog this way on the web and keep providing and deliver people and posted a blog for many people which show finish detailed blog with art, tunes, video etc on the web.
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Art is the stored honey of the human soul, gathered on wings of misery and travail. ~Theodore Dreiser, Life, Art, and America, 1917
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Laying out grounds reproduce may be considered a liberal art, in some sort like poetry and painting.
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