Ben Green's Blog
http://blog.councilmanbengreen.org
Syndicate
Created With Quick Blogcast
Ben Green's Blog
Blackstone Armory
Greetings from a Busy Town:
Blackstone Town Council held their regular monthly meeting last night ( 5-18-09) and a public hearing about the disposal of the Armory. At last months meeting I had proposed to donate the building to the" Friends of Blackstone" group. I was advised that Council would have to advertise and then conduct a public hearing to allow the citizens a chance to voice their opinion. I thought that was a fair and reasonable process. In the meantime...The Buildings, Property and Cemetery Committee met to discuss a variety of issues, including the Armory.
Buildings, Property and Cemetery Committee:
Ben Green; Chairman
Alfred Tucker
J.A. Wilson, Jr.
At this committee meeting, Town Manager Palmore informed the committee that he had been contacted by a developer who was working on several projects; including the final planning stages of a project involving the old warehouse on Lunenburg Avenue in Blackstone. Mr. Palmore stated that this gentleman ( McCormack ) wanted to talk with Town officials about PURCHASING the Armory. Mr. Palmore informed Mr. McCormack that he was nearly to late and that he would have to move quickly...Mr. McCormack inquired about meeting with the Buildings and Property Committee. The committee agreed to meet with the gentleman on short notice. Manager Palmore was to contact Mr. McCormack, but I don't think they made contact in time.
At any rate, the committee felt it would be wise to move forward with the Council's plans to DONATE the Building to the "Friends" in case no one showed up or any objections were presented. The committee discussed various issues including the amount of land to be included in the transfer, the Friends of Blackstone Board of Directors, the non-profit status, and the event of the "Friends" having difficulty and being forced to sell of give the property back to the Town. After a very productive conversation, the committee voted unanimously to recommend to Council that the property be donated to the "Friends", with a specific amount of land to be included in the transfer.
Monday night at the public hearing, Mayor Coleburn opened the floor up to anyone who was in favor of donating the property to the "Friends". Of course, Mrs. Janette Baranishyn addressed Council about her desire to save the property and to remind Council of the wonderful report she had previously presented to Council. ( We will post both her report and Mr. McCormack's no later than this weekend) After she spoke, the Mayor asked if anyone else was interested in speaking for the project. Mr. Richard Eaton addressed Council and expressed his support for "recycling" the building. No one else came forward.
Mayor Coleburn opened the floor for those who were against the property being donated to the" Friends". Mr. McCormack came to the podium. He presented Council with a written proposal and showed Council and the audience a drawing of their vision of what could be done with the property. He also had drawings and concepts about the "Memorial Center" and to be honest that raised some eyebrows from Council members. He also explained that he had budgeted $100,000 to PURCHASE the buildings from the Town. He informed Council that his group planned on converting the Armory into apartments that would rent for market rate...roughly in the six hundred a month range...which is not that bad. He made it clear that he would not be seeking low income grants or other government assistance with the housing aspect of the project.
I almost wish this guy would have not made such a good first impression. The Council; including me, had almost committed the building to Janette. Talk about an upset stomach. I have been one of her biggest fans. I have been pushing to get that property in her hands for months and right out of left field this bunch shows up and ruins my day! Now folks, its a honor to serve this community in the capacity of Councilman, but at times that seat is very uncomfortable. With only a brief time to consider the facts, I felt compelled to hear more and see exactly what this group had in mind. Although I feel terrible because I am a loyal supporter of the "Friends", I feel obligated to explore all possibilities when it comes to the taxpayers' money and the landmarks in the community.
I promise to get as much information to you as possible about this difficult decision before Town Council. I will post as much data as possible. I have an appointment with Mr. McCormack next week to visit his projects in the Petersburg area and the Town Clerk is arranging a meeting with the Buildings and Grounds committee for everyone involved to get around the same table.
By the way...I received a very nice email from Janette today. Make no mistake Folks...Her best interest is for this Town and Community.....She is a class act! That's what makes this so difficult!. We are fortunate that she supports Council's decision to get all the facts straight before a decision is made. I can't possibly see how that would hurt anything.
Another positive development....I made a motion to allow the Chamber of Commerce to use the Armory and Memorial Center for this years Arts and Crafts Festival. Their current plans are to have the event at Miller Field. Although not a bad location...it is a nightmare as far as logistics. The infrastructure is not there, and it would be a disaster if we get the rain were have been experiencing lately! Anyway, Council approved the motion, and the buildings are available to the Chamber if they choose to use them. This is a great event and in my opinion it belongs Downtown!
I will get an update on the other issues of the day posted very shortly. Folks, your comments are welcome, and to hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks,
Ben Green
Blackstone Town Council held their regular monthly meeting last night ( 5-18-09) and a public hearing about the disposal of the Armory. At last months meeting I had proposed to donate the building to the" Friends of Blackstone" group. I was advised that Council would have to advertise and then conduct a public hearing to allow the citizens a chance to voice their opinion. I thought that was a fair and reasonable process. In the meantime...The Buildings, Property and Cemetery Committee met to discuss a variety of issues, including the Armory.
Buildings, Property and Cemetery Committee:
Ben Green; Chairman
Alfred Tucker
J.A. Wilson, Jr.
At this committee meeting, Town Manager Palmore informed the committee that he had been contacted by a developer who was working on several projects; including the final planning stages of a project involving the old warehouse on Lunenburg Avenue in Blackstone. Mr. Palmore stated that this gentleman ( McCormack ) wanted to talk with Town officials about PURCHASING the Armory. Mr. Palmore informed Mr. McCormack that he was nearly to late and that he would have to move quickly...Mr. McCormack inquired about meeting with the Buildings and Property Committee. The committee agreed to meet with the gentleman on short notice. Manager Palmore was to contact Mr. McCormack, but I don't think they made contact in time.
At any rate, the committee felt it would be wise to move forward with the Council's plans to DONATE the Building to the "Friends" in case no one showed up or any objections were presented. The committee discussed various issues including the amount of land to be included in the transfer, the Friends of Blackstone Board of Directors, the non-profit status, and the event of the "Friends" having difficulty and being forced to sell of give the property back to the Town. After a very productive conversation, the committee voted unanimously to recommend to Council that the property be donated to the "Friends", with a specific amount of land to be included in the transfer.
Monday night at the public hearing, Mayor Coleburn opened the floor up to anyone who was in favor of donating the property to the "Friends". Of course, Mrs. Janette Baranishyn addressed Council about her desire to save the property and to remind Council of the wonderful report she had previously presented to Council. ( We will post both her report and Mr. McCormack's no later than this weekend) After she spoke, the Mayor asked if anyone else was interested in speaking for the project. Mr. Richard Eaton addressed Council and expressed his support for "recycling" the building. No one else came forward.
Mayor Coleburn opened the floor for those who were against the property being donated to the" Friends". Mr. McCormack came to the podium. He presented Council with a written proposal and showed Council and the audience a drawing of their vision of what could be done with the property. He also had drawings and concepts about the "Memorial Center" and to be honest that raised some eyebrows from Council members. He also explained that he had budgeted $100,000 to PURCHASE the buildings from the Town. He informed Council that his group planned on converting the Armory into apartments that would rent for market rate...roughly in the six hundred a month range...which is not that bad. He made it clear that he would not be seeking low income grants or other government assistance with the housing aspect of the project.
I almost wish this guy would have not made such a good first impression. The Council; including me, had almost committed the building to Janette. Talk about an upset stomach. I have been one of her biggest fans. I have been pushing to get that property in her hands for months and right out of left field this bunch shows up and ruins my day! Now folks, its a honor to serve this community in the capacity of Councilman, but at times that seat is very uncomfortable. With only a brief time to consider the facts, I felt compelled to hear more and see exactly what this group had in mind. Although I feel terrible because I am a loyal supporter of the "Friends", I feel obligated to explore all possibilities when it comes to the taxpayers' money and the landmarks in the community.
I promise to get as much information to you as possible about this difficult decision before Town Council. I will post as much data as possible. I have an appointment with Mr. McCormack next week to visit his projects in the Petersburg area and the Town Clerk is arranging a meeting with the Buildings and Grounds committee for everyone involved to get around the same table.
By the way...I received a very nice email from Janette today. Make no mistake Folks...Her best interest is for this Town and Community.....She is a class act! That's what makes this so difficult!. We are fortunate that she supports Council's decision to get all the facts straight before a decision is made. I can't possibly see how that would hurt anything.
Another positive development....I made a motion to allow the Chamber of Commerce to use the Armory and Memorial Center for this years Arts and Crafts Festival. Their current plans are to have the event at Miller Field. Although not a bad location...it is a nightmare as far as logistics. The infrastructure is not there, and it would be a disaster if we get the rain were have been experiencing lately! Anyway, Council approved the motion, and the buildings are available to the Chamber if they choose to use them. This is a great event and in my opinion it belongs Downtown!
I will get an update on the other issues of the day posted very shortly. Folks, your comments are welcome, and to hope to hear from you soon!
Thanks,
Ben Green
New Recycle Tab On My Home Page
There is a new tab on my homepage that I am excited about. Recycling deserves an entire page. The subject is very important to me. This page is just the start of the information I want to share. I plan on incorporating everything I can get my hands on about the subject. into this site. We will post all meetings and agendas concerning recycling and let everyone know of any events in our community. This tab may be clicked on at the top of the home page!
Blackstone Town Council created a " steering committee " to explore recycling and to start the ...<< MORE >>
Blackstone Town Council created a " steering committee " to explore recycling and to start the ...<< MORE >>
Rotary Club Clean-up Day
Greetings from Blackstone!
I hope the weather on Saturday May 9th is as beautiful as today is. The Blackstone Rotary Club is holding an annual Litter and Trash Clean-up Day on May 9th. The event is called " Picking Up Our Pride in Blackstone 2009 ". Downtown Blackstone Inc. ( DBI ) is partnering with the Rotary Club to organize and carry out this event. The Town of Blackstone and the Blackstone Primary School Gardening Club also have a big role in the project as well!
Registration is 8:00--8:45a.m. at Seay Park
Event Kickoff and Giveaway 8:45a.m.
Everyone is encouraged to participate!!! Individuals, families, church groups, and civic clubs ...<< MORE >>
I hope the weather on Saturday May 9th is as beautiful as today is. The Blackstone Rotary Club is holding an annual Litter and Trash Clean-up Day on May 9th. The event is called " Picking Up Our Pride in Blackstone 2009 ". Downtown Blackstone Inc. ( DBI ) is partnering with the Rotary Club to organize and carry out this event. The Town of Blackstone and the Blackstone Primary School Gardening Club also have a big role in the project as well!
Registration is 8:00--8:45a.m. at Seay Park
Event Kickoff and Giveaway 8:45a.m.
Everyone is encouraged to participate!!! Individuals, families, church groups, and civic clubs ...<< MORE >>
Main Street Banners
Greetings from the best small town in the Country!
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather in Blackstone today. The forecast calls for beautiful spring weather for the next week.
At the March 16th Council meeting, Mr. Richard Eaton of South Main Street addressed Council about the Town's Banner policy. Mr. Eaton presented the Mayor and Council with a letter outlining his concern with some suggestions toward altering the Town's policy. I believe that Councilwoman Wynn's Health and Ordinance committee has taken the issue up and I look forward to hearing their report.
What we are talking about here is hanging a banner across ...<< MORE >>
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful weather in Blackstone today. The forecast calls for beautiful spring weather for the next week.
At the March 16th Council meeting, Mr. Richard Eaton of South Main Street addressed Council about the Town's Banner policy. Mr. Eaton presented the Mayor and Council with a letter outlining his concern with some suggestions toward altering the Town's policy. I believe that Councilwoman Wynn's Health and Ordinance committee has taken the issue up and I look forward to hearing their report.
What we are talking about here is hanging a banner across ...<< MORE >>
I'm still here!
Greetings from America's greatest small Town!
Yes...I'm still here. I apologize for not making any entries in quite a while. I admit to my human frailties and that I became somewhat frustrated and a little fatigued with the process. The job of being an effective member of Council is a tough one. There are many projects underway and several issues that are effecting our town. It's difficult at best to do this job on a part time basis and with the busy schedule of the Town Staff, it is sometimes not feasible to be briefed on all the issues.
Our Town Clerk; Joanie ...<< MORE >>
Yes...I'm still here. I apologize for not making any entries in quite a while. I admit to my human frailties and that I became somewhat frustrated and a little fatigued with the process. The job of being an effective member of Council is a tough one. There are many projects underway and several issues that are effecting our town. It's difficult at best to do this job on a part time basis and with the busy schedule of the Town Staff, it is sometimes not feasible to be briefed on all the issues.
Our Town Clerk; Joanie ...<< MORE >>
My apologizes
Dear Constituents and Friends of Blackstone,
I offer my apologizes for not having as much content on my blog as of late. I made the mistake of trying to cover every event and topic. My schedule just will not allow me to cover everything. I became overwhelmed and had the feeling that I would never catch up. I have learned to leave the news reporting to the Newspapers, and I will use this blog to offer my views and facts that would not be published in other mediums.
From now on, I will use the blog as a diary and as a forum to answer questions. ...<< MORE >>
I offer my apologizes for not having as much content on my blog as of late. I made the mistake of trying to cover every event and topic. My schedule just will not allow me to cover everything. I became overwhelmed and had the feeling that I would never catch up. I have learned to leave the news reporting to the Newspapers, and I will use this blog to offer my views and facts that would not be published in other mediums.
From now on, I will use the blog as a diary and as a forum to answer questions. ...<< MORE >>
Work Session
Blackstone Town Council will hold a Work Session tonight; Wednesday, November 12th at 5:30 in the Council chambers. The purpose of the meeting is to establish the Towns goals for 2009, and receive a update on the Towns finances. Of course the meeting is open to the public, and you are encouraged to attend!
Mayor Coleburn wrote a very nice letter to Council concerning this meeting and some of the goals and improvements that he would like to see implemented. Below I will list a few of his suggestions that I support. I will try to get the letter scanned and installed on this site ...<< MORE >>
Mayor Coleburn wrote a very nice letter to Council concerning this meeting and some of the goals and improvements that he would like to see implemented. Below I will list a few of his suggestions that I support. I will try to get the letter scanned and installed on this site ...<< MORE >>
Highlights from the September Council Meeting
Monday nights Council meeting was very productive and I will be more specific in another entry later this week. I wish to hit the high spots and make reference to a few of my comments
on yesterday's blog.
First, let me state that I am not a reporter by profession, and that these accounts of the meetings that I report on are through my eyes. The comments are my opinion and mine alone. I try to accurately report this information, but do not guarantee such.
Council approved my request for a " work session " to address the Town's finances. Mayor Coleburn had ...<< MORE >>
First, let me state that I am not a reporter by profession, and that these accounts of the meetings that I report on are through my eyes. The comments are my opinion and mine alone. I try to accurately report this information, but do not guarantee such.
Council approved my request for a " work session " to address the Town's finances. Mayor Coleburn had ...<< MORE >>
September Agenda Comments
Below you will find my comments on the Monday meeting. First, I will address the agenda items and I may have a few questions for the meeting that I will list as well. As always, if you have any questions, please email or call me!
AGENDA
Opening Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing: ISTEA Grant
Minutes: August 11, 2008
August 13, 2008
...<< MORE >>
AGENDA
Opening Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing: ISTEA Grant
Minutes: August 11, 2008
August 13, 2008
...<< MORE >>
Regular September Council Meeting Agenda
September's Council Meeting comes early in the month because the first day of the Monday was on a Monday!
The agenda for Monday night's meeting is listed below. If you have any concerns or questions, please call or e-mail me before 5pm on Monday.
AGENDA
Opening Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing: ISTEA Grant
Minutes: August 11, 2008
August 13, 2008
August 14, 2008
September 4, 2008
Visitors: Missy Hart- Blackstone Recreation Association
Rev. Raleigh Bagley- Revival
Fire Chief Report:
Payment of Bills:
Committee Reports: Account and Finance
Insurance
Old Business: Report on Medical Center
Ratify poll taken on September 3, 2008
5k Downtown Run
Litter Recycling Grant
Request for naming of Road
Re-bid Cleaning Contract/ Custodian
Recycling Proposal
On Going Projects Bus Shop
Downtown Revitalization
Castles Trailer Park
New Business: Resolution- Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Application
Resolution- Pedestrian Enhancement Project ( ISTEA grant )
Schedule Finance Work Session- October
Schedule November Work Session
Reschedule October Council Meeting-conflict with VML Conference
Any other business that needs to come before Council
Mayor's Minute:
Police Report:
Citizen's Comments
Information: Bus System Report
Animal Control Officer Report
DBI Minutes
Closed Session: Virginia Code
Section 2-2-3711
Sub Section A
The agenda for Monday night's meeting is listed below. If you have any concerns or questions, please call or e-mail me before 5pm on Monday.
AGENDA
Opening Prayer
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing: ISTEA Grant
Minutes: August 11, 2008
August 13, 2008
August 14, 2008
September 4, 2008
Visitors: Missy Hart- Blackstone Recreation Association
Rev. Raleigh Bagley- Revival
Fire Chief Report:
Payment of Bills:
Committee Reports: Account and Finance
Insurance
Old Business: Report on Medical Center
Ratify poll taken on September 3, 2008
5k Downtown Run
Litter Recycling Grant
Request for naming of Road
Re-bid Cleaning Contract/ Custodian
Recycling Proposal
On Going Projects Bus Shop
Downtown Revitalization
Castles Trailer Park
New Business: Resolution- Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Application
Resolution- Pedestrian Enhancement Project ( ISTEA grant )
Schedule Finance Work Session- October
Schedule November Work Session
Reschedule October Council Meeting-conflict with VML Conference
Any other business that needs to come before Council
Mayor's Minute:
Police Report:
Citizen's Comments
Information: Bus System Report
Animal Control Officer Report
DBI Minutes
Closed Session: Virginia Code
Section 2-2-3711
Sub Section A