Man Living In Storage Unit, Residents Claim - Delhi To Participate In Traffic Diversion PILOT

DELHI - Henry Marino brought concerns regarding an individual potentially living in the storage units at 22816 NY Route 28 in Delhi. The units are located between Glen Burnie Road and Tara Lane.

Marino, who neighbors the units, claims he first witnessed the individual sleeping at the units over a month ago on Aug. 10. He has since observed the man sleeping in his parked truck and storage unit there as well as playing golf and barbequing.

Marino confirmed the man was living there after speaking with him one day. According to Marino, the individual moved from Long Island after purchasing a home in Delhi. However, the man claimed the power company refused to turn on the lights without some approval, Marino explained. While Marino had suspicions about the man's story, he told the board it was not his place to interrogate or make determinations. Marino pleaded for the town to address the situation with concerns for the safety of himself, his neighbors, and children. "We are looking for help," he concluded.

Another resident noted the individual parks his truck on the side of the units which is not lit at night and suspects criminal activity.

Following the meeting, Councilmember Josh Morgan confirmed the man is sleeping in his truck not the storage unit and contacted Dale Downin, code officer. Downin left a message with the property owners about the situation and will be following up. Morgan plans to follow up with Downin on the resolution.

In another discussion, the board approved participation in the County Traffic Diversion PILOT Program. The program utilizes Advent eLearning - a private corporation facilitating safety training through a cloud-based system. It would allow some traffic violators to have the option to bypass the court system by paying a fee and taking an online safety course. By participating in the program, drivers would avoid points added to their licenses and insurance rate increases. Other NY counties participating in the program have fees ranging from $200 to $600. 

While the details - fee amounts, violations eligible, and dispersed amount between town and county - are still being hashed out, most Delhi councilmembers felt it would not be harmful to participate in the three-month PILOT. 

"I am not opposed to trying it out, I think we would be silly not to," said Supervisor Maya Boukai. By participating, she said, the town would have the advantage to make recommendations to improve the program. Boukai commented that it would be good to make individuals aware that they could potentially receive the same outcome through the court system if they can not afford the fee. 

"While we would love to have more complete information," said Councilmember Matt Krzyston, "There's not much that I think would change my position." He added that he hopes the County is fair in its assessment of sharing program funds with smaller municipalities. 

"We have a lot of people who visit the area and I think it's a great program for them to utilize," said Morgan, "I don't think repeat offenders are going to utilize it much, it's more for first time situations."

"We might as well participate in the PILOT," said Councilmember Christina Viafore.

Councilmember Margaret Baldwin was sole in her opposition to the program. "I don't see why we want to get more under the wing of the County when we are already suffocated by it now," she said.

In other business:

Budget workshops are scheduled for Oct. 7, 9, and 11 at 5 p.m. The council anticipates roughly two-hour sessions each.

Highway Superintendent Daren Evans announced the State officially changed its CHIPs protocol for preventative maintenance on oil and stone roads from every 10 years to every 5 years. The town must prove that participating roads are in good condition, which Evens says they are.

The Delhi Youth Boosters donated $150 for a lifeguard appreciation day. 

The town is working to engage SUNY Delhi students in projects to enhance the pool concession stand and build a shade structure by the pool. A local contractor is coming to provide a quote on replacement of the windows and door.

Delhi Harvest Fest is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The next regular town council meeting is scheduled Monday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m.