Property Concerns Occupy Baxter Estates Board

Residential property concerns dominated this month's Board of Trustees meeting in the Village of Baxter Estates. Deputy Mayor Charles Comer fielded those concerns in Frederick E. Nicholson's absence.

Nina Bernstein addressed the board on behalf of her elderly parents, William and Muriel Landsberg, of 5 Tianderah Road. The Landsberg's neighbors, situated on the hill above them on Locust Avenue, have been constructing a wall on the hillside which abuts the Landsberg property. "Just last week there has been a huge increase in the size of the wall," Bernstein told the board.

Bernstein said her most urgent concern is that the wall is unstable and poses a threat to the Landsberg property, but the wall is also unsightly and taller than planned. "I understand your concern," Comer said, "but I was relieved when I read the building inspector's report which finds that the wall is structurally sound."  Comer went on to say that three different professionals have looked at the wall, and said that it is safe.

Trustee Alice Peckelis, however, agreed that Bernstein's concerns are justified, and pointed out that the wall is not in compliance with plan. "It was approved as a three-tier structure," Peckelis said, "but now it's two-tiered. They were supposed to file a revised plan, but have not."

Warren Bernstein, Nina's husband, also addressed the board, explaining that the wall is not in reality a retaining wall as had been intended, but was built up from the hillside and then filled in with dirt. "They have to take that thing down and restore the slope of the hill," he said, pointing out that the Landsbergs are among the longest-term residents in the village, and also have limited means to challenge the project.

Peckelis said that she had recommended that the project be stopped because the property owners on Locust Avenue were not complying with the approved plans. Then, addressing Nina Bernstein, she said, "I personally apologize for what your parents have gone through, and I'm sorry about this whole thing."

The most contentious issue at last Thursday's meeting involved resident Stuart Rosen, who has been involved in a multi-year dispute with the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Village Building Inspector. Rosen expressed his deep concerns with the accuracy of bills he has received for legal fees, asserting that they may be as much as $2,200 off.

Village Attorney Chris Prior discussed the bills and said he believes they are accurate, but agreed to review each specific item to make sure they are correct. Comer agreed that Rosen's concerns must be addressed, and the billing reviewed.  Rosen said that he is willing to start making monthly payments to the village while the billing review goes on, but requested a written statement that the final amount is subject to verification.

Finally, the board discussed the subject of its coming move to a new location, known as The Bird House, at 315 Main Street. Comer spoke about the myriad of details to be worked out, especially renovations that will be required to make the new facility compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The deputy mayor proposed a work session to plan the move in detail. No date has yet been set for that meeting.