The unfortunate plight of Fulton Park is contemptible, as Feiner and his ‘Stepford’ Board has chosen Fairview in general, and Fulton Park in particular, as his own depository for whatever imbecilic subterfuge might reward him another article from the malignant Journal News, touting his unchallenged hypocrisy of “open government”. In reality, the public is only informed when they expose his wrongdoings or there is no chance of it ever having a negative spin against him. Playing right along, in his wallet-pocket, is the rubber-stamping Town Board clones and some of his odious doormats on the Town’s other boards and committees. We will admit not everyone who serves is bad. In fact, several have shown themselves to be independent thinkers and worthy of respect. But you know how it goes; one stinking fish ruins the whole barrel. And the stink in this barrel is from the head down.
At the core is multiple variances sought by Deli Delicious to expand the deli's parking area, encapsulating the entire property he owns and the state property he doesn't with asphalt. Tartaglione stated in a zoning hearing that he has petitioned the state to purchase the property he routinely maintains for them. Primarily, he wants to add a drive-through window, encircling the deli with asphalt to allow customers the ability to fax or email their orders to him and not have to get out of their car to pick it up. Add to this mix a few setback and easement issues as well.
His contractor, representative, confidant and cohort is Charles Pateman, the deli’s Irvington developer who has stated that they are in talks with the state to purchase the property. Note: Tartaglione's zoning variances request and blueprints included this unpurchased state property – reason enough to refuse approval of the plans. Tartaglione has repeatedly stated that his business is hemorrhaging money to the tune of $4k a month and he cannot afford to stay in business without this several hundred thousand dollar renovations. He’s also doing this for his son. Then he’s doing this for his employees. Then it’s the memory of his parents. So, how can he afford to purchase additional property and renovate into the six-figures? Most importantly, is why – what’s the real reason?
How will a drive-through window increase deli business? And, if he’s actually losing that much, we doubt it's due to customers having to park and walk thirty feet inside to pick up and pay. He had picnic benches for patrons outside without gaining a Town permit. He had a sign in the front of his deli on state property, also illegal, touting 27 varieties of soup and fresh bagels. He enlisted help from Senator Stewart-Cousins and suddenly he posted congratulations on her election victory on the sign. Once he applied for the variances, and the neighborhood association and its leaders started digging, they found the sign was on state property illegally. It was removed. They also found the picnic benches were installed illegally. Removed. Posted congratulations to Andrea Stewart Cousins on the aforementioned sign, while legal, apparently led to people forgetting he had fresh bagels and varieties of soup.
Any ideas as to how to run a successful retail business? He remains closed on the weekends during County Center events running each day and night, ignoring those potential customers. He never offered discount coupons through Val-Pak, the PennySaver, the County Center or advertised in any area newspapers or on the web. Pateman suggested pizza ovens as a solution. Maybe that would work. But, this isn’t about saving a business. He chose not to do anything, allowing his business to “languish” while Tuscany Café, an equal distance away, has opened and prospered. Lastly, but not finally, each time it has snowed this year and previously, Tartaglione's deli shoveling personnel stopped where his sidewalk ended and the state's began. He stated at the Zoning Board he routinely maintained the state property. Really?
What’s the real reason for the hyperbole, the public tears, the public hugs and the over the top actions?
Burger King.
That’s right, Burger King. Tartaglione knows that the ill-fated Westhab project, conceived through deception, collusion, mis-steps, mis-directs and bullying by our supervisor, was plagued with a predetermined fate. Westhab, for all their efforts, was on the wrong side of the issue trying to build an oversized, pre-approved plan apparently okayed by Feiner with a handshake and a wink. Westhab got greedy and decided a six-story building would fit on the miniscule parcel of .7 acres of land. Feiner got greedy and made the Board the lead agency to fast track this project through to fruition. Last year Westhab unloaded Robert Sanborn. Now Westhab is trying to unload the property. Once that property is sold, Tartaglione may or may not be able to salvage his poorly administered business. Perhaps Paul Feiner can offer some administrative suggestions to Tartaglione since he’s doing such a stellar job with the Town’s finances. He'd tell Tartaglione to just raise prices, it always works for him with taxes.
Finally, we’re told the neighborhood never wished any ill will toward Tartaglione and his deli. With the issues and legal challenges underway with the property with Westhab, they refused to go along with any development of the area until the Westhab debacle was resolved. Now that BK, Mickey D’s, Wendy’s, Dunkin or some other fast food anything is interested in the property, Tartaglione knows it could net an easier and larger sale if he could offer a drive through window, which would be grandfathered to the new owner. We wouldn’t be surprised to find that Feiner originated that suggestion to Tartaglione. Tartaglione has garishly boarded the deli up with plywood. The signs attached are askew announcing the deli is closed and for lease. Large signs such as these require a permit in the Town. Let’s drop a dime to the building department and see what they do. Like we don’t know…
No comments:
Post a Comment