Publisher
ENCA
Volume Number 1 Issue Number 2
February, 2005
Dead of winter. Seems like it has been pretty easy, weather-wise, so far. Not much snow. Lots of rain. Apparently this is the result of an el nino, which is defined as a warm current of water that appears every 3-7 years in the eastern Pacific Ocean and results in weird weather patterns across the globe.
The Tuscarora Lake Ice Fishing Derby on the 12th took place amidst a day in a cloud, further enhanced by a steady snowfall. What a kick to see scores of folks bundled up in, mostly camouflage and Carhart-type outfits, sporting chunky boots, with hats and gloves dripping, as the snow melted off them, streaming into "Rosies" to sign up for the derby, buy raffle tickets and enjoy breakfast among a banter of conversation on an activity appreciated by all present. It was the best example of community and camaraderie that I've witnessed in a long time.
The Town of Nelson Planning board met briefly to approve a subdivision on Tinsley Hill Road, for an individual who had bought 100 acres of property there, then kept 10 acres and sold 90 to NYS. This area adds to the Tioughnioga State Wildlife Management Area. Board member, Bob MacKinnon, had some interesting things to say about the nature of people who illegally put up or add to a structure and then the problem arises of a neighbor who wants to do the same thing. Unh, unh. There is a legal precedent about such shenanigans. Also, it was pointed out that the Zoning Board of Appeals is just that, a body that a petitioner goes before if something he wants to build doesn't fit into the established zoning law. Another area of concern is that of new home businesses starting up and putting up signs. First of all, all new businesses, of whatever type, require that an application be filled out. One can be gotten at the Town Clerks office. Advertising signs are included in this issue.
The Town Board has many things to consider but this is a quiet time, with nothing of a critical nature taking place. The town/county taxes have mostly been collected. Anybody who pays late, those late charges go directly into the coffers of the town. Can't complain about that. Indecision about property reassessment (why and the best way to go about it in a fair way, is as yet unresolved.) Because "the State" says so, doesn't quite cut it with a lot of people. Just who is the state anyway? Check a mirror. The Highway Department is doing OK. One truck had some transmission problems, now resolved. Sand and salt are holding out. The town apparently does sand some county roads but they are only stretches that the trucks would travel over anyway, between town roads.
Heritage Society documents and photos remain on display at the TOB. Different ones will be featured every couple of months.
We're getting a lot of positive feedback on the blue banners. Any input about where you'd like to see more of them, suggestions for a summer substitute and of course donations, are much appreciated. It's a fun thing too to spend money on something that can be seen and appreciated by all our residents. I see that Cazenovia has taken a hint from the hinterlands and has some blue flags in their village to celebrate winter. Pretty. It is a privilege to live out here in what the renowned former Ag teacher from Caz. Central School, Andy Lepine, called our area, "Cazenovia's lake district."
The next meeting of the Erieville-Nelson Community Association will take place on Monday, 2-25 at the Town Office Building at 7 pm. Jennifer Marti, owner of Apple Ridge Alpacas, will be our speaker.
For ideas, or questions, or whatever, contact:
Denise Earl 662-7621
Sonia Davies 655-2654