“Duanesburg residents should be alarmed by Shenandoah Briere’s April 22 article in The Daily Gazette.
The absence of public comment at the town of Duanesburg’s public hearing for revisions to the town’s comprehensive plan is disturbing. Public hearings provide the citizens an opportunity to improve laws, direct the town’s economic growth, and strengthen land use policies. Lack of citizen review and input on town actions opens the door to fraud and unwanted development in our beautiful town.
Duanesburg leaders have provided reasons for citizen concern and increased scrutiny. The state comptroller’s Feb. 5 audit report indicates poor record-keeping and failure to accurately record more than $590,000 in revenue. In March, The Gazette reported Supervisor Tidball was unaware that the town would receive federal aid from the American Rescue Plan. The town may receive $690,000.
In April, the planning and zoning boards reviewed draft Local Law 1 of 2021, solar facilities law, without it being on the agenda or providing the document to the public.
The town consistently fails to provide minutes within two weeks as required by Open Meeting Law. Let Ms. Briere’s article ring the alarm. I encourage Duanesburg residents to participate in town meetings and public hearings. Review the comprehensive plan on the town website at duanesburg.net and submit comments to the town clerk at jhowe@duanesburg.net before April 30. Right now is your best chance to protect your biggest investment, the security of your home and family, in a town that you love.
Susan Biggs
Delanson”
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Biggs, Susan. Schenectady Daily Gazette 27 April 2021.