Well, I goofed…do you recall when we moved the dumpster from the area just west of the rectory in October to adjacent to the Davidson Center? Seemed like a great idea as it would minimize damage to our parking lot. I should have spoken with the neighbors behind us first as a few of them complained about the positioning of the dumpster next to the Davidson Center. They claimed that there was an agreement to always have the dumpster located just off the rectory. I met with the neighbors – it was actually a very pleasant meeting and I promised to search our records as well as call the City Offices and speak with the head inspector. If we had agreed to this, then we would abide by it, no questions asked. Well, it appears our site plan was approved with the dumpster just off the rectory; I could not find any evidence of a formal agreement with the City or with the neighbors saying we would never move it. The City Building Department indicated to me that while there was no agreement in writing, because it was on the approved site plan that we would have to apply for a variance. That would lead to a public hearing and a vote by the commission; the neighbors told me they would oppose such a move. In speaking with various civil engineers that have been involved with such cases in Troy and also with the Head City Inspector; we were advised that traditionally, the city would probably side with the residents. Bottom line – they pay taxes, we don’t – and they vote. In discussing it with Fr. J.J., we really don’t want bad relations with our neighbors as they’ve been excellent thus far. We decided that we would not push the issue (recall the old Marine saying “this isn’t the hill we’re going to die on”) and move the dumpster back to its original position. The paper recyclers will remain in the current location at the front of the parking lot. As far as the damage to the parking lot, it’s caused by the big heavy trucks having to maneuver back and forth due to the position of the most north-west located traffic island. We will apply to the city to allow us to remove this island (there is a city site requirement regarding how many trees you must have per the size of your lot – that’s actually why we have the islands in the parking lot with the trees in them) and that will alleviate the need for the back and forth maneuvering. A lesson well learned!
I’m excited to tell you that we are looking to send some young people with chaperones to the next World Youth Day in Madrid, Spain in August of 2011. I’m hoping there are some parishioners involved in the travel industry that can help us navigate the process of booking flights, hotels, side trips, and over the road transportation – if you are interested, please contact me in the office.
A couple of weeks ago, I asked for volunteers to build a trophy case down by the Gym for the CYO sports program. I received a phone response from an individual that I have not been able to contact as the phone just keeps ringing and ringing every time I try to call. I ask this individual (first name Joe) to please contact me during business hours so we can arrange a meeting.
God bless you all, Franz
