NEWSTEAD
Polkowski is appointed to Zoning Appeals Board
The Newstead Town Board on Monday appointed a replacement for Peter Randall, vice chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals, who has resigned because of conflicts of interest with his job. Randall, a vice president of the Bank of Akron, submitted his resignation late last week.
The bank often has business connections with matters coming before the Zoning Board, and on several occasions Randall has had to abstain from voting.
His replacement, approved unanimously by the Town Board, is Erik Polkowski, project manager with STS Construction. He will serve out the remainder of Randall’s term, which expires at the end of this year. Randall “has been a valuable asset” to the Zoning Board, said Supervisor David Cummings, adding that perhaps he could serve on another town board.
The issue prompted a discussion among Town Board members on the need for appointees who can commit the time needed to serve on the board, which meets the last Thursday of each month, noting a problem with lax attendance by some other members.
Councilman Thomas George said he would like the Town Board to interview prospective members on their commitment to training and to town zoning laws.
He cited some recent decisions by the Zoning Board, including approval of a nonconforming use variance for the privately owned Akron Airport, “that were contrary to this board’s opinions and to the community.”
Councilwoman Cheryl Esposito commented, “I’m hoping that before people put in their applications [for appointment to the Zoning Board] that they have thought about what’s involved.”
In other business, the board authorized Cummings to sign an acceptance form for a $69,630 grant from the state Education Department for the Geographic, Imaging and Spatial computer system that is also used by the Village of Akron.
Town Clerk Dawn Izydorczak and Carl Kingenschmitt, chairman of the Conservation Advisory Committee, were instrumental in getting the grant.
Izydorczak said the grant will be used to enhance the town and village’s use of the system by the town and the village, add computer equipment for the town and expand the system for use by the Newstead and Akron fire companies, which will have GIS computers in their trucks.
The board also approved the site plan for a six-acre retail complex planned by Benderson Development Co. for 12963 Main Road, at Buell Street, with several provisions.
Construction of the estimated $2 million project may start later this fall.
