[RP TownTalk] Jey's auto

[Sue Collins]

Why bother attending any meetings, it's more than likely already a done deal and even though I'm a long time resident of the town (since 1987), seeing as I'm not a member of any political or business clique and I'm an apartment dweller, my opinion and influence in all likelihood would be slim to none.  For what it's worth I still think using our funds for improviing existing properties in town would be a better idea. If we want to improve derelict properties, what about the town center?  Most of those buildings have been vacant for several years.  JMHO, of course.  
 

From: Jonathan W. Ebbeler <jebbeler at efusionconsulting.com>
To: towntalk at riverdale-park.org
Sent: Wednesday, September 14, 2011 8:20 AM
Subject: [RP TownTalk] Jey's auto


Bruce/Sue/Guy et al. –
 
The original question posed was if I thought Jey would sell us the property given that he has rejected Hyattsville, EYA, and many others.  My answer simply is no I do not.  While possible he could sell I do not believe it is at all probable; I believe the sentimental value he holds on this property as his first business being a gas station and wanting to re-live those days more than outnumbers any rational offer we could put forward.  I am not convinced he would accept any offer regardless of how high.
 
The second question that was asked by several concerned condemnation.  I am sure many of you would prefer the Town act in good faith and municipal partner in attempting to at least purchase the property vs. going the eminent domain path as a starting point.  Although eminent domain/condemnation is certainly within our municipality’s toolset, it should be the last, not first strategy we employ.  We have made it abundantly clear to the owner that the Town does not have any appetite for a gas station.  The owner at this point would not be spending his money prudently if he brought an existing vacant shell up to code for an Occupancy and Use the Town will never approve.  Hopefully the owner will take an offer when presented;  there has not been a response to date so it is suspected he is again not interested.  So yes, this does leave us with the condemnation/eminent domain option.
 
To many of the points brought up in regards to use of public funds.  I would hope that the Town residents took notice his year that the Mayor’s proposed budget included provisions to reduce taxes which was passed by the Council.  This land acquisition is in no way profligate but represents best practices for fiscal restraint.  If the town acquires the property, the short run goal of improving a derelict property will be accomplished through the demolition of the building and seeding of the grounds; we also fully recognize that a park is not a best-use for this site.  The acquisition of the property, however, gives the Town options, all of which would replenish the Town’s coffers and lead to additional opportunities for tax reductions.
 
It is my goal as Chair of the Economic Development Committee to be innovative and forward thinking in encouraging vibrant commercial enterprises along Kenilworth, our Town Center, and Route 1.   Towns get into trouble financially when they are forced to be reactive vs. proactive to economic downturns and other economic cycles.  Recent history demonstrates that towns and cities that had a varied and eclectic economic base fared much, much better during the recession than those without a diverse revenue foci.
 
I encourage everyone to attend the next Work Session and Legislative meetings and provide public comment.  Please keep in mind, the Town has not committed to a path, all options are on the table, we are only exploring what is possible at the moment.
 
Best,
 
Jonathan
 
Jonathan W. Ebbeler | Councilmember – Ward One
Town of Riverdale Park


 
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