A Preview of 2004

Published: 1/14/2004

As this is my first column of 2004, I want to wish you a very happy and prosperous New Year. All the indicators are pointing to an ever-improving economy, which is good for everyone.

2004 will be a year in which we complete the facilities projects we have been working on for the past number of years. This will also be a year in which our Assessor will complete an assessment update. We will also be performing some additional work at King's Bend Park. Finally, we will be continually looking to provide the most efficient and cost effective services we possibly can.

Early last year you will recall that the Town Board and I proposed the construction of a new library. At the same time we indicated that we would need to move the court from its current location one floor below the Library and that we would not move forward with a proposed community center. However, we did want to provide an opportunity to address the lack of a Senior Center.

In October of last year, Pittsford residents overwhelmingly supported the construction of a new library. Since that time we have been working feverishly to complete the necessary property acquisitions and plans and drawings required to put the project out to bid. At this point we are on schedule to begin the bidding process in February and are looking for demolition to begin in April.

The construction process will be a challenging one due to the village location. We are told that the pre-cast concrete superstructure will go up within a three-week period. Work will then commence on the construction of the exterior walls so the building will be fully enclosed prior to next winter. We are anticipating an opening in September of 2005.

During construction, the library will be moved to temporary quarters at 3750 Monroe Avenue. Specifically, the library will be located on the east side of that building. The space we are providing will provide ample room to house the Library collection but will be minimal in its amenities since it is temporary in nature. Interestingly, even though it is temporary space, we will have more room and more parking than we currently have.

In dealing with the need to relocate the court, the Town Board and I relied on what residents said during the 1999 facilities referendum that included a new court on North Main Street in the Village. At that time residents were clear that they were not that interested in the construction of a new court, especially in the village.

Since the court is in the lower level of the library it has to be relocated. As we explored options there were few. We settled on a 30-year lease at 3750 Monroe Avenue. This option is the most viable since it retains the court in the center of our community, yet outside of the village area. It also provides a space that is on the bus-line thus making it accessible to a portion of the population using the court.

As part of our commitment to move forward with the library, the Town Board and I also recognized that there was not a clear consensus in the community for the Community Center and indicated that we would put that discussion off until a future date. However, the original discussion of facilities started with the need for a Senior Citizens Center and I am pleased we are going to be able to provide one. The Senior Center will also be located at 3750 Monroe Avenue, on the west side of the building.

At this point we are projecting that the Senior Center, Town Court and Community Library will all be moving during the month of March. This move will require some disruption of service with the library being the most complex due to the amount of materials involved. We will provide you with specific information as we have more detailed information to provide you.

2004 will be a year in which our Assessor, Steve Robson, will do a complete update of all property assessments. Last done in 2000, the update will reestablish new values on all 10,000 parcels in the Town. This process is necessary to assure that property assessments and property values are consistent.

Overall, our property values have continued to increase on an annual basis. The challenge that the Assessor faces is to look at each individual property and establish a market value for that property. Within the Town we have some areas that have shown an above average increase in values such as the Village, Long Meadow and the Kilbourn Road area. There will also be differences in houses within neighborhoods based on the housing style, among other factors.

In March you will be receiving notice of the new tentative assessment for your property. If you have questions or concerns with this information I would encourage you to meet with the Assessor, Steve Robson and his staff. I will tell you that Steve is one of the most honest and dedicated people I know. We are one of the few towns of our size that does the update in-house. This happens because Steve Robson reviews each property and each value personally. He is open to meeting with residents to help you understand the criteria that has been used to establish values and is also open to hearing facts from you.

In September of last year we opened King's Bend Park. The initial use and response we have received from residents has far exceeded our expectations. The original development plans for the park included a second phase with the addition of some extended walking trails. The feedback we have received from residents is that we need to consider some activities on the site for younger users including swingsets, etc. We agree with this feedback and are in the midst of planning such improvements for this spring.

Last but not least, the handwriting is on the wall that we are going to continue to experience difficult budgets. The Town Board, staff and I will be looking at the types of services we provide you, with an eye toward assuring their high quality and efficiency. We already know that the 2005 operating budget will be challenging in that we will be realizing the first bond payments on the new library. We need to assure ourselves that we can accommodate this without sacrificing the services you expect.

In closing I want to say that I am thankful to the residents of this community for their continued support of me. I remain committed to serving you to the best of my ability and look forward to another successful year.

Other Supervisor columns are available here.