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"The contention was that people were not aware it was being done," said Arlene Sweeney, president of the Twin Lakes Property Owners' Association. "They resented that they didn't know about it."
The public hearing was advertised in advance as required by law. But negotiations had been carried on quietly before the contract was signed, in part because the town was acquiring the land at a bargain price and didn't want to lose out to a higher offer.
The property was previously owned by Elizaville Entertainment Center, Inc. Ed Thaler is the principal of that company.
"The property does have some weird deed restrictions," Town Supervisor Phil Williams said Friday. "All the people that live in the area had access to the lake through this property, plus North Shore Road goes right through the property."
Ms. Sweeney confirmed that property owners within the original subdivision were given rights to use the property for lake access. "Everybody goes down there ice fishing," said Ms. Sweeney. "It's a well-used lake, no doubt about it."
The property being purchased has some of best beachfront on the lake, according to Ms. Sweeney. While much of the shoreline is "mushy underneath," she said the beach at this location is "hardpan." The lake itself is fed by a spring and is generally pristine. Ms. Sweeney said one property owner, upon having both his well and the lake water tested, was told he could "swim in the well and drink the lake."
The property, on the other hand, is far from clean. The last business that operated there, Lake Loft, closed approximately 20 years ago. And the Department of Health has been called in many times since then, according to Ms. Sweeney. "[Vandals] broke into the building and used the plumbing without water," she said. "The owner was constantly brought down on charges."
All that remains of the Lake Loft now is a burned-out shell, which the town intends to remove as soon as the title is transferred. "Our interest is just to make it green space, to make it safe and clean it up for the neighborhood," said Mr. Williams. "It's used by almost the whole community of Elizaville, and we thought it would also be an opportunity to give access to the water for the Fire Department."
Because vandalism, dumping, and other "questionable activities" have been an ongoing problem, Mr. Williams said, the current owner first indicated he might be interested in selling to the town several months ago.
"We said 'if you want to sell what would be the price,' but we didn't hear much until after the incident where kids actually set fire to the place," said Mr. Williams. "Then he called back. He knew it would be a liability for him."
Mr. Williams said the Town Board wants to involve the entire Town of Livingston, but especially the residents of Elizaville, in deciding how the property will be used. "Nobody likes the town to spend money," he said, "but I think the community is really excited about it."
To contact reporter Richard Roth, e-mail rroth@IndeNews.com
