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The Canterbury Green project has completed one of two planned buildings. |
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The banners promoting the condominium units at Canterbury Green still line the driveway. |
October 13, 2010
So we are stuck with that God awful foundation and weeds until the market turns around?!? Hey Margaretten, put up a nice privacy fence to block the terrible eyesore! I would think it would be in your best interest to make the property look good from Quaker Ave.
posted by J Klein on 10/13/10 at 7:16 PM
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Too bad the town can't/won't fine 'em. People really jump when they're staring down the barrel at a $3,000 a day fine for a blighted property, misuse of land, unfinished construction project, whatever you want to call it in zoning terms.
The initial owners should have never started building if they didn't have enough units sold to at least partially finance the construction.
Lord only knows why the new owner bought it if they couldn't finish it. Probably wouldn't have if they knew they would be fined for every day it sat unfinished. As it is, all they're doing is paying taxes and waiting for the market to turn back up so they can make a killing. In the meantime the town has to look at that eyesore and pay the price for their business plan.
Cornwall needs to get some teeth in it's zoning code if it's ever going to stand a chance against the blood sucking developers
posted by Ted Warren on 10/14/10 at 1:00 PM
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This is an eye sore and agree something should be done by the town to enforce zoning codes. Back in the 1980's, when I lived in Austin, Tx a very tall building was left unfinished for several years when the market took a down turn. The city somehow bought the building for $1.00. The city then owned it and took care of the immediate needs. I'm not sure if it is still in the hands of the city today.
posted by George Kane on 10/14/10 at 7:58 PM
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It seems to me all comments are aimed at the owners. What specific reasons are given as to why the "the town isn't interested in pursuing the change" in status to a Senior Citizen Development? Let's hear the reason(s). If this will remove the "eyesore", why not?
posted by Lillian Rhoades on 10/14/10 at 8:44 PM
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As I recall, and I may be incorrect, HUD funding was used in this project and there were other significant shortcomings regarding this project. I am and it is my opinion that all of the facts regarding Cantebury Green were not reported here.
posted by j h on 10/14/10 at 9:29 PM
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It is an eyesore and a blight on the town. The least the town could do is force the developer to put up a privacy fence.
posted by Christopher Dauerer on 10/15/10 at 10:50 AM
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Slow market? If I recall correctly, they were asking a pretty high price per unit for a senior housing project. I think this project was poorly conceived from the start.
(It makes me smile just a bit knowing it was partially funded by HUD money though.)
posted by Dean DeGennaro on 10/15/10 at 11:05 AM
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The structure that is near completion would look fine if the overgrown foundation on the front of the property was ripped out and made into park-like grounds and a little parking. Even if it ever gets completed as planned, it will be an eyesore driving up Quaker and looking at the back of the building. How was it ever approved in the first place?
posted by Tom Hatch on 10/16/10 at 10:49 AM
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Dejavu, anyone? As what happened in Rockland County with regard to one town's "Main Street Revitalization" consider this possibility: Canterbury Green is or now will be owned by Kiryas Joel village managers, who are orchestrating its eventual use as housing/schools for its future Cornwall residents. Don't they already own most/all of Cornwall Plaza?
posted by Leslie Maltese-McGill on 10/17/10 at 12:32 PM
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