In a flurry of pre-season emails between members of the Long Range Planning Committee (LRP), it appears that a consensus has already been reached with regard to the pedestrian walkway known as the Ames Ave. Footpath. In an email dated April 27th at 12:30 p.m., chairperson Bob Cook summarized the opinions of those emailing him which was that it was agreed that the LRP has definitely taken on the Ames Ave. project and definitely would like one wide arbor, at least five feet/four inches, at both entrances to Ames Ave. (north or Park end, and south or Epworth end).
The white-painted cedar arbors will serve as an attractive invitation to a healthful walk up and down Ames Ave. when walking north or south for relaxation, exercise, or to get to and from Epworth Hall, the Asbury facilities, or even the Charcoal Corral. This walkway will become more and more attractive and beautiful as time goes on, donations mount, and physical contributions take place. There are already several commitments of funds going toward the two arbor fees of $300 each. Mr. Cook asked Greg Franklin to be spokespersons for the Committee at the May 6th meeting since he will be in Albany visiting family.
An exchange of Comments from April 25th LRP article:
An exchange of Comments from April 25th LRP article:
AnonymousApril 25, 2017 at 6:33 PM
Greg your neighborhood thinks that's a terrific vision you have for Ames Avenue footpath with arches and flowers. We are lucky to have a talented groundsman that could accomplish that whole project to you're specifications.
ReplyDelete-
Thank you for your positive response to this particular vision for the walking path. I am open to many opinions as to how to modify the vision, how to develop it, and how to maintain it. Sometimes, not always, the power of volunteer love is superior to simply assigning additional duties to one's current job responsibilities. I would love to hear more input on this subject.
I would love the entire SLI to look like what you envision Greg. My concern is who will maintain it. The Lake front fishing dock area was planted with perennials several years ago, no one has maintained it, nor has the landscape around Stoody been maintained. We do have a Grounds Keeper and I believe it should be his responsibility. What about the homes around Ames Janes Ave and Perry that are not maintained by the property owners? I think we should focus our efforts on improving these properties first and foremost.
ReplyDeleteJill, I can't thank you enough for being specific in your comment--you have given me meat on which to chew.
ReplyDelete(1) Maintenance concerns for Ames Ave. are precisely what is currently holding up any plans for what takes place between the 2 Arbors. I am aware that the grounds keeper currently mows Ames Ave. and is being asked to continue to do so with special attention to spring cleanup from winter winds.
(2) I am not recalling the arrangements made for the fishing dock nor the Stoody landscape. I am inclined to ask who put the plantings and landscape in place for each of those areas and was the grounds keeper officially notified that the new plantings and landscape would be his responsibility? I raise these questions because I know there are several planted areas on the grounds that are cared for by dedicated residents who don't live near the planters. I need to find out how these past arrangements came into being.
I consider the following as being immediate priorities: (1) I am a firm believer that each committee and its chair needs to have a clear, concise, and current job description for the grounds keeper. Committees need to know what functions are automatically included in his job description and what functions need to be negotiated and/or other arrangements made. (2) I am also a firm believe in cottages and properties being adequately (or even spectacularly) kept in good repair. My own neighborhood is blighted by the distant out-of-state owner of the cottage on the corner of Perry Ave. and Haven Ave. It appalls me to think of all the people passing that place on Perry Ave. and getting the totally wrong impression of who we are and what we espouse to be as an Institute (not to mention having to look at it every day myself and having to drive by it all the time since Haven is now dead-ended). I am considering doing a neighborhood petition signing and presenting it to the Town of Castile Zoning Officer. (3) As a visual highlight (fishing dock) and one of our historical buildings (Stoody), I believe the appearance of these places, as you pointed out, should also be prioritized. By you calling this to my attention, I will do my best to make the community more aware about these things as I go about publishing stories. Keep me posted on the details so my stories remain accurate and comprehensive. I can use all the help I can get!
Finally, I also believe that if one "need" or project gets bogged down for any reason (legal, misunderstanding, community disagreement, etc.), it should not cause all other projects to stop or be delayed. For example, even if we are unable to get that cottage on the Perry-Haven corner fixed this summer, we must press ahead in all of the other areas of need that we ARE able to affect and do them as soon as reasonably possible--hopefully this Spring!