Board approves budget

Brockway in court

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, April 28, 2007

As expected, the Village of Lewiston Board of Trustees approved the $2,884,385 2007-08 budget on Tuesday. The tax rate will be $6.27 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

Mayor Richard Soluri said changes were made to the preliminary budget, which was presented last week at the board’s regular meeting. Namely, reductions were made in nine categories – most notably, $3,000 was removed from the fire contracts account.

Some additions were also approved. The Lewiston Public Library will receive $4,000 to pay for a special project of its board’s choosing. Also, $9,000 has been earmarked to study the sewer system. Dye and smoke tests will be used to root out leaks.

The board’s salary remains fixed. Trustees Terry Collesano, Ken Kenney and Mike Marra will earn $4,527 for their efforts. Deputy Mayor Bill Geiben will take home that much plus an extra $352 for his added duties. Soluri’s salary for the upcoming year will be $7,010.

Brockway Lawsuit Update

On Thursday, State Supreme Court Justice Richard Kloch essentially tabled Lewiston Management Group’s Article 78 lawsuit against the Village of Lewiston Zoning Board of Appeals. Saying the two sides need to compromise, Kloch postponed the litigation until May 24.

“This should be resolved,” he said. “There should be some give and take.”

Last fall, Jeff and Jerry Williams brought forth a proposal to add 12 units to their Brockway/Village Cove Apartments complex. Currently, 30 exist on 1.4 acres bordering South Seventh and Seneca streets.

The ZBA determined the apartment structure is non-conforming to the Village Code. However, since it predates the law, it is admissible.

To gain approval, the addition would have required 14 variances – as determined by the Planning Board at its Nov. 13 meeting. In denying the request, the ZBA cited code Section 14A.3 and 14E Extension, which state no non-conforming use shall be extended.

Jeff Williams previously said the addition was necessary to compensate for needed rehabilitation. He has said the ZBA’s decision violates his company’s reasonable use of property.

On Friday, he said, “We’d love to discuss options with the village.”

Attorney Michael Dowd represents Lewiston Management Group, while James Roscetti is serving as village counsel.