Mike LaFlair – 2nd Ward Councilor

Senior Center – The once small group at the Senior Center in Camillus has blossomed into a very active senior center under the direction of Trisha Bacon. If you are a senior and want to get out for some fun and camaraderie go to the Town of Camillus web site link “Senior Center” or call Trisha at 672-3163 for more information.

Highway improvements – Our new Highway Superintendent, Paul Legnetto, has made some significant improvements to our roads and drainage this year. Many of the catch basins had collapsed and needed to be rebuilt. Not only was this done (to over 80 basins) but 11.7 miles of repaving of our streets was accomplished as well. Paul understands the issues so if you have a problem let me or him know so we can address it for you.

Inland Cargo Port – Engineers preparing the report on the Inland Port have named Camillus as the one of six potential sites. Engineers and officials associated with the project met with the Town Board and shared conceptual drawings detailing the plans for the project. The site would be located on waste bed 12 on the former Allied Chemical site. The site is south of the CSX railroad tracks, between Route 695 and Airport Rd. across from the Fairgrounds. The property is isolated from residential areas, it is located next to the railroad line and has plenty of room for the off loading of Cargo. There is also plenty of room for warehousing and manufacturing facilities that often follow these projects. Truck traffic from the site will not enter any local roadways. They will use the highway to get to Route 81 or I-90. The hope is that this could bring hundreds or even thousands of jobs to the area. We hope to hear a final decision soon.

Former Camillus Cutlery property – This project will be moving forward soon as the new developers are anxious to get started. The plan is to have tenants in the building by Summer 2017. The plan calls for 29 upscale and moderately upscale apartments. A portion of the building will be mixed use with commercial/retail. There is a tremendous amount of work to be done on the inside and outside of the property.

NYS Tax Rebates – another round of checks was just received by residents. If you did not receive one and you believe one should be forthcoming please contact Assemblyman Gary Finch who has an office in Camillus town Hall. To schedule an appointment please call 255-3045.

The Town Board recently approved the 2017 Budget. As I always mention it’s a challenge to continue to provide the great services we have in Camillus while keeping costs in line, many which are not under our control. By working diligently with our department heads we were able to stay under the NYS tax cap with a modest increase of 1.35%. Through the last several years we have been able maintain these cost and the budget still has a per unit rate of $6.7054, the same rate we had in 1996-97. In addition to utilizing reserve funds we are also: replacing our Zamboni that will be needed next year; hiring an additional part-time Code Enforcement Officer due to increase work demands including the new rental property registry/inspection, hiring an additional Police Officer dedicated to Traffic, costs associated with our new Splash Pad, an increase in the utilization of our Senior Programs, funds from the Town’s reserves were used to supplement the Highway Department budget, and Fairmount Fire Department costs are up due to the Town’s financial support for a fire tower. Other town costs such as fire protection, ambulance service, contractual raises and health care are always difficult.

There are two Public Hearings scheduled for the upcoming AOning Board of Appeals Meting:

1. Michael A. Gomes TM#: 006.-04-12.7
6131 VanAlstine Road
Camillus, New York 13031

Area Variance: 40’ x 30’ Barn, 200’ in front of the rear of the house 10’ from the property line.

2. Cynthia Maggio TM#: 027.-03-11.1
6001 West Genesee Street
Camillus, New York 13031

Area Variance: Installation of a business sign larger than 25sqft, not attached to the building. Note: Allowed signage for a home occupation is 2 sqft on the face of the building.

Camillus Police Officer Alvarez recently discovered a multi-year crime spree involving a teacher from the Phoenix, NY Central School District. Officer Alvarez was able to identify the perpetrator by reviewing pawn shop transaction logs over a 3 year period.

Too often we never get the opportunity to hear about the great work that the Camillus Police Department and its excellent staff perform on a day to day basis. Their unseen efforts make not only our town but our community a great place to live.

Earlier this month Camillus Chief of Police Thomas Winn and Sergeant James Nightingale attended the Onondaga County Medical Society 189th Annual Awards Meeting and Dinner. They were awarded the “Citation of Award for an Organization’s Service to Medical Care” for their leadership role with the Camillus Community Coalition, their efforts on public education regarding heroin and the training of community members in the use of Narcan.

Please keep up the important work of saving lives with Narcan, community education and the professional treatment of those addicted to this drug that has invaded our community.

Just a friendly reminder that there is no on-street parking allowed in the Town of Camillus from December 1st – April 1st from 1:00 am to 6:00 am

NEW Business

118 Turkey Run Lane / Dan & Denise Root TM # 007.1-01-37.0
Lot Line Re-Alignment

187 Bennett Road / Dublin Development TM # 017.-02-79.0
Site Plan

Old Business

Hinsdale Road at Township 5 /Hinsdale Road Group, LLC TM # 017.-05-65.1
Amended Site Plan