Ireton Vetoes Harbor Pointe Property Donation

Last Tuesday, Jim Ireton vetoed a resolution, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars in legal expenses, and not one word is spoken. I'm not saying he has lived up to his campaign promises, far from it. However, let's give credit where it's due.

What does this veto mean to the taxpayers? Thousands of dollars in legal expenses for one thing. The President of the Harbor Pointe HOA stood before council and told them they would be creating a legal mess by accepting the donation. Councilwoman Campbell told them they were stupid if they voted for this resolution.

Did Gary Comegys care? NO, it's no secret he's stupid. He pushed forward and his followers, Smith and Shields voted with him, as usual. After hearing Mr. Dreschler speak, they still voted to accept the donation. Comegys never misses an opportunity to line the pockets of Paul Wilber.

Accepting this land as a donation will only continue in rewarding developers for bad behavior, nothing else. Taxpayers in Salisbury have paid out enough with the blessings of the council majority.

The property in question, 3 parcels of common space land owned by Empire Mortgage company. At present there are $17,000 in liens against the property for failure to keep the property in compliance with city code. If the property is donated are the leins to be forgiven? The donation would also allow Empire Mortgage to put any value they choose on it as a tax deduction. At the present time, one parcel is valued at $1,801.00 and two parcels have a value of $0. How can there be no value on two parcels of land?

The notes listed on the side of the plat state clearly, the common space area will be turned over to the Home Owners Association (HOA). Why donate it to the city when the intent is to give it to the HOA? Giving it to the city as a donation would open the city to more legal woes that it can not afford.

Gary Comegys argued strongly to accept the donation of these parcels, WHY? What's in it for him? If it was Comegys intent to make himself appear smart, he failed. The arrogance of Comegys and the council majority is astonishing.

It should also be noted, the HOA of Harbor Pointe wants the property to be brought into compliance by Empire Mortgage (owners), the liens created by their lack of compliance paid and the property turned over to the HOA, as stipulated. Simple! No need for the city to get involved in any of it other than to collect the fines imposed. PERIOD!