By:Chris Munzing
The land in question comprises three strips of canal-front property, across the street from residents who live on three of the city's four canals. Currently owned by the city, the land has been turned into a series of makeshift front yards by many residents. Sections of the land are used as gardens, places to barbecue and play areas for children.
Spiritis was in favor of selling the land to the residents. Its sale would allow residents to own what they have essentially been squatting on, and the city would generate income to help its fiscal situation.
Homeowners do not see things the same way, however, and have expressed outrage, packing a recent City Council meeting to voice their concerns. Lisa Tutino, a Heron Street resident, said that Spiritis did not handle the situation properly, and tried to scare people into buying the land. "It affects 79 homeowners, and they were looking to us to make up a deficit," Tutino said. "Spiritis didn't even know that we had paid for the bulkhead. I think it was more of his idea than anything."
Tutino said that the affected residents paid approximately $500 per year for bulkhead repairs from 1971, when the work was done, through 2001. In addition, residents have had to maintain the property. "Not once did the city come with a lawnmower," Tutino said. "Our gardeners do the grass. At this point, it's kind of like squatters' rights."
Councilman Denis Kelly agreed that the situation had not been handled properly by Spiritis. "I think it's stupid to march forward with a plan without discussing it with the residents," Kelly said. "The best way to approach this is to sit down with the people. It's time for the city to get all the facts and work with these residents."
Spiritis had suggested to residents that if they were unwilling to purchase the land, there was the possibility that it would be sold to outside developers.
"I was not pleased with the way it was handled," council President Jim Hennessy said. "I totally agree with the residents. They should have been included."
"This is another instance of looking for money without considering all the issues," Kelly added. "We're not a private business. We have to have other concerns besides the bottom line. You can't make these decisions in a vacuum."
Kelly said that he would like to see the council sit down with the affected residents and work toward a solution that would benefit everyone.
Tutino said that a number of residents grew concerned when they saw surveyors looking at the property. "We feel like the city was hiding something from us," she said. Hennessy explained that the surveyors were merely assessing the value of the property.
He added that the City Council has not reached a decision on what to do with the land. "City Hall is looking at all of the options, and no decision will be made without the input of the residents," Hennessy said. "We're in the very, very early stages with this, and nothing is imminent."
Kelly said he hoped residents' reactions would be a lesson for the so-called City Council coalition, comprising its three Republican members - Hennessy, Tom Sofield and Mona Goodman. "That meeting was the first time the coalition members saw the reaction of residents to their roughshod policies," Kelly said. "The vehemence of the community was directed at them, and hopefully they'll take something from that."
Comments about this story? CMunzing@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
