Highland Senior Center trashed

Town board instates two-month rental moratorium; targets storage vehicles; imposes Halloween curfew

By SANDY LONG

ELDRED, NY — For a period of two months beginning October 10, the Highland Senior Center will be unavailable for rental while the town board investigates a recent rental that resulted in considerable damage to the popular facility. Current rental fees and policies will be examined as the board reevaluates appropriate rules, regulations and fees. Reservations made prior to the board’s decision will be honored.

When the Highland town board gathered for its town meeting on October 9, they learned that following the rental of the senior center for a wedding reception, it was discovered that various forms of damage had occurred, including one end of the senior’s pool table being torn off.

As questions arose at the meeting about issues such as alcohol consumption, insurance coverage and priorities of use, it became increasingly clear that the senior center is important to many of Highland’s citizens. “It’s a precious facility for the town,” said resident Bernard Kozykowski, who encouraged the town board to take advantage of the opportunity to have a comprehensive discussion about the center.

The town currently charges a $15 rental fee and a $100 deposit for use of the facility. Many at the meeting said the amounts are too low and most agreed that it is time to review, and possibly revise, current practices. Councilman Donald Rupp agreed to begin investigating the matter.

Junk vehicles as storage facilities

In other matters, Kozykowski requested additional information about rumors he had heard regarding board actions related to “amendments to the character of storage facilities,” and the use of recreational vehicles, motor homes and trailers as storage facilities once they are retired from road use. Councilman Andrew Valenti provided a “preview” of the board’s work on this matter, and said they are considering allowing such storage if the vehicle is screened from view from the road and any neighbors. In addition, living facilities would need to be removed.

Citing his experiences as former chair of the county planning board, as a New York State code enforcement officer and currently as an architect and planner, Kozykowski urged the board to reconsider. “You have zoning to protect the quality and enhance the value of the community,” he said. “Junk vehicles used to store junk will create a pandemonium of issues and put a terrible burden on code enforcement. To encourage that would be doing the community a great disservice.”

The board agreed to continue evaluating the amendments and will make information publicly available as they proceed.

The board also approved a resolution to impose a Halloween curfew on youth under the age of 18 from 5:00 p.m. on October 28 through 6:00 a.m. on November 3. For more information contact town clerk Dorene Hanson at 845/557-6085.