Public hearing on Porter local law scheduled for Aug. 8

By Allison Deutschman

The Porter Town Board has, once again, moved once toward modifying Local Law 2014-71.

Mike McCabe, a town resident and former councilman, did not receive approval at the June 20 Town of Porter Planning Board meeting for his site plan application to establish a farm and garden sales and service business at his residence on Lake Road.

It was learned Monday there is now speculation among board members that, as a result of the Planning Board's denial, McCabe may file an Article 78, suing the town. This follows McCabe having been found in violation of many town codes, including sandblasting on his property and operating a commercial business in a residentially zoned area, town code enforcer Roy Rogers said.

Councilman Joe Fleckenstein scheduled a public hearing for farm and garden Local Law 2014-71, currently in place to be changed. The hearing will be held at the next board meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 8, in Town Hall.

"The Planning Board set a recommendation essentially stating that they wanted the board to consider it as a full occupation, not including sales," Porter Attorney Mike Dowd said. "We do have that recommendation, so, if the board wants, I can prepare a motion to address that at the next meeting."

The board supported this motion.

The possible changes to the law will be available for public review at Town Hall at least a week prior to the next board meeting on Aug. 8.

Dowd said there would be a publicized recall on rescinding the local law, because the Planning Board would like to address this matter differently this time around.

In other news from Monday's session:

•The public is asked to exercise water conservation measures during this dry spell of weather.

•The board approved a motion to repair the leaking pipe at the blue town water tower on Balmer Road, to the tune of $14,750.

•The town is submitting a consolidated fund grant application in hopes of putting in a kayak launch and roller ramp stairs at Porter-on-the-Lake Park. It is anticipated to cost no more than $150,000, with at least 50 percent of the cost being covered by a consolidated fund grant. The remaining $75,000 could possibly be funded by future Greenway funds.

•There are 343 children registered for the Town of Porter summer recreation program. After the conclusion of the first week of the program, the recreation program is averaging 150 participants daily.

•The Town of Porter courtroom is in the process of being renovated. Painting was just completed at the cost of nearly $6,000. Special curtains that will not allow for outsiders to see into the courtroom were ordered, costing just over $1,400. Carpeting is being replaced for about $10,000. In addition, the chairs in the courtroom will be replaced with a 60 percent state discount for $20,700. The old chairs will be auctioned off to help off set the expenses.