Parma wins lawsuit

This weeks Suburban News reported that the town of Parma has won its frivolous lawsuit against the village over the Burrit Rd. annexation. According to the judgment this parcel of land will remain in the town and therefore the town boards decision against the developer will stand.

What was interesting about the article was the statement made by supervisor Lemcke that the town voted against the development because so many of the residents in Unionville Station were opposed to the possibility of new housing going up in their back yards. This blogger seems to remember the same kind of opposition arising over the Fairfield place development a few years ago. But in that situation the supervisor had an interest in the development no? Maybe Mr. Beehler, the owner/developer of the Burrit Rd property should give Mr. Lemcke a cut in the development, because it seems clear from past experience that when Mr. Lemcke has an interest he disregards the voice of the people. Or maybe Mr. Beehler could just give Rick the top soil screening rights to the land as it’s being developed, that might get him to support the project.

One must wonder as well whether or not this new trend of the supervisor listening to the voice of the residents concerned will be followed as the board considers the revamped soccer complex proposal? Highly doubtful. This is really just more of the same, government run by a few which favors those who find themselves somehow connected to those who govern. So for all you open space activists in Parma, you who wish to keep the rural character of your town intact, you who contrary to what some may think are not anti-progress but rather pro-land conservationists, you must take the bull by its horns. Put the signs up again, pass a new petition, contact a few board members (may we suggest calling Ken Blackburn and the newest member Gary Comardo) impress upon them their need to listen to those who live around the site that is in question - tell them in no uncertain terms that you oppose any and all attempts at building a massive sports complex by your homes that coupled with the new mega Baptist church on Mantinou (one that requires police assistance to get out of its parking lots on Sunday) will make entering and exiting your homes and your town almost an impossible task. Let them know how you feel! And then in 2009 you’ll probably have yet another chance to change your government by selecting new leadership that says it sees government as a service rather than a self-serving business - let them know that as well.

In the meantime continue to be the voice of the people and make you voice to be heard!