Spruces Residents Prod Board of Health For Answers / Williamstown.com

Your Comments

Williamstown.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.

30 Comments

Add Comment

Very frustrating. The important thing is that these valuable citizens are allowed to remain in town. It would be horrible if this event became our "mini Katrina". We have lost far too many working class citizens over the last several decades because of gentrification. If these folks are forced to move out of town that would be just terrible. A terrible statement about who we are as a town, and what it means to be a neighbor. It would be nice to see some proposals for flood control or perhaps even moving the site to higher ground closer to the center of town.
from: Re build it!	on: 09-07-2011 06:02AM I Agree (26) - I Disagree (5)

I am just wondering are these homes being condemned on issues with flooding from Irene or other issues that may have been preexisting? Condeming for chronic water spot as your article read does not seem fair.
from:	on: 09-07-2011 06:57AM I Agree (1) - I Disagree (8)

FEMA came out 2 times to inspect my residence between Monday and Tuesday. On Tuesday the town condemned my trailer. The FEMA inspector on Tuesday informed myself that FEMA would send myself assistance funds and stated that I could check the status later that evening to see the amount that I would be getting. A check online was done and FEMA DENIED my claim due to having insurance, even though my insurance company has yet sent out a adjuster and after spening a little more than an hour on hold with them I was advised that my claim was sent to the wrong case handler and then after another 20 minutes on hold I was advised that I needed to speak with another person who was not there. I asked to speak with someone for some immediate answers regarding immediate assistance for housing etc and was givien another number to call when there was no answer and a message left has yet been returned. This has been a very taxing ordeal. Looks as if everyone expects us to be even more patient. FEMA was supposed to help and make things easier and alright but imagine how it feels to be told DENIED !!!!!
from: Spruces Resident	on: 09-07-2011 08:09AM I Agree (22) - I Disagree (2)

Re post from Morgan on previous thread. Interesting insight. Since it appears that the Town will likely end up with the property – arguably a several million dollar value – at little expense to itself, the question becomes: What is the Town’s commitment to the manufactured homeowners who are losing everything? And what will the Commonwealth do, if anything, for these homeowners and citizens? We would very much like the residents of The Spruces to gain access back into their homes so that we might be able to help them clean up, dry out and develop The Spruces back into the quiet little community that it was before the storm. We hope that the Town will become more flexible and realistic and let the residents of The Spruces back into their homes to begin this process. With time running out, however, and access continually denied, it appears that we may not, any of us, get the chance to do so. -Morgan from: Morgan Management, LLC
from: re post	on: 09-07-2011 10:32AM I Agree (5) - I Disagree (13)

What? Morgan Management is the hero now? Now THAT is some twisted thinking !! With all the venting going on, there's one glaring omission on the part of the "angry" residents of the Spruces. The words, "Thank you for everything you've all done." This situation is not Williamstown's fault, yet the people of Williamstown are POURING out aid to a loud chorus of resentment. A little humility and gratitude from the people receiving aid would go a long way towards keeping it flowing. Have some dignity. I've changed my thinking about this whole situation. It's going to happen again, maybe today, maybe next month or next year. Then what?
from: guy	on: 09-07-2011 11:06AM I Agree (38) - I Disagree (8)

I have always thought that towns should set aside a piece of land as a mobilehome park where the mobilhome owners buys and outright owns the lot. The lots should be at lest three times the regular trailer park lot size. The town could make special zoning laws for such a place and the tax money from the lots and the home would go to the host town.
from: YOUR NEIGHBOR	on: 09-07-2011 11:15AM I Agree (10) - I Disagree (11)

As a business that has regular dealings with the Health Department, I can say without hesitation that Jeff Kennedy is a by-the-book straight shooter. He is the right person for this unfortunate task. I am sure that he and the other inspectors take no glee when declaring a trailer uninhabitable. I imagine that they consider it the absolute last resort. I envy no one involved in this sad mess.
from: Someone	on: 09-07-2011 11:37AM I Agree (39) - I Disagree (1)

That's an interesting (and positive) idea, Neighbor... but it would mean roads, utilities, sewer, etc. That, along with a large lot size, seems as though it would make the lots unaffordable for most mobile home owners. I think that if the VOTERS were to make such a donation of land, it should be for an affordable housing development - not a trailer park. I think Morgan Management is laying the groundwork for closing the park, and blaming it on the Town. They have a vested interest in getting those homes occupied, come hell or high water, so that they can get the rent for them. Safety of the residents is not now, nor was it EVER, their first priority. Have we so quickly forgotten the proposed rent increase, which was thwarted through the efforts of the Town? Have we forgotten the many other problems left on the Town's doorstep by Morgan Management? They will close the park, default on taxes, the Town will eventually have to take the property - yes, for just about nothing. That's the REAL scenario that I see unfolding.
from: guy	on: 09-07-2011 11:39AM I Agree (30) - I Disagree (3)

...response to Morgan also from other thread... Morgan, the only way "the Town" ends up with the property is if you sell it to them OR if you cease paying your mortgage on it, the bank forecloses, and the BANK sells it. Frankly, given your business record, foreclosure is the more likely scenario. In a bank sale ANYONE could buy it. I could buy it, your competitors could buy it, the Tenant's Association could buy it. You, or the bank, can sell it to whoever will give you the most money. That's what private property means! In any case, as of now, this is YOUR property and YOUR problem. Stop playing victim and step up to your customers or get out of the way.
from: re-re post	on: 09-07-2011 11:40AM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (3)

As a owner of a home in the spruces .I am one of the lucky ones able to still able to work and keep a roof over our heads. We are in a waiting game and my head is swimming as every day it seems they are telling us something else and hopefully sooner or later we will be able to get back in our home. I am also impressed the way most of the locals have stepped up to help the people who cannot pay to get in a hotel or buy food. However I am very disappointed in a few of the local motel owners who have used this disaster to line their pockets. Here are the two that I have dealt with personally and I know these facts to be true. Before the flood the Villager motel was charging 190$ per week after the flood the rates went up to 350$ per week the redwood motel was charging 150$ per week before the flood after the flood 230$ per week My guess is these motels have never been as full as they are now. I say shame on these people who profit on others misfortune. I challenge the local officials to do something about this. I know that there is many other issues to deal with. But this is one that has really rubbed me the wrong way and I needed to sound off about Thanks for reading this and I hope it gets printed
from: Julio with muddy feet	on: 09-07-2011 12:07PM I Agree (18) - I Disagree (4)
Editor: The rates quoted to the health inspector are available here for Spruces residents. I've checked the online reservations for both motels and the rates you state appear to be normal, if not below, for this time of year ($70-$110/night). Did they quote you a specific amount and then change it?
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (0)

It is clear that the town residence have been very generous. Frankly, I think locals are tired of watching the working poor get run out of town. Morgan management cannot operate if the town gov makes it impossible for the company. That is a fact. Blaming a company for the position of a town gov that does not allow people to return to homes is just insanity. The town evicted these people, declared the place unfit, did not allow anyone to clean up in time to stop mold.. and is now clearly looking to pass the buck. In the end, my bet is that the town will get the property. It does not cost a huge amount of money to set up a zone for a trailer park. That could be done through simple incentives and a minor investment. Of course, that would mean that Williamstown would have to approve a park. Not. Gonna. Happen. The town has been against the Spruces for a long time and it is a matter of public record that the town manager advocates for turning that property into a park. What shocks me is that no one in the local governing authority is taking steps to make sure that these people are not displaced. No statements of support. The churches have lead an effort that the town should have been on top of. Has the town FINALLY set up an official place where we can give money for support? I think it is pretty clear that the Spruces is history. The important thing is that we look after the valuable member of our community, our town, displaced by this storm. These people should not be forced to move out of town. Period. Do not let this become your Katrina Williamstown. You are better than that. You should demand more than that from your local gov. While you cannot hold a business responsible for running a profitable enterprise, you can hold local officials responsible for a lack of compassion. Raise your hand if you REALLY believe this is an issue of small company running a park in bad faith, or raise your hand if you believe this is more of an example of a town that has become overzealous in its gentrification process? The "Village Beautiful" does not support a trailer park- get it?
from: not rocket science	on: 09-07-2011 04:43PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (26)

Guy- Who cares if Morgan is a hero or not? The important thing is that we, as a town, do not abandon these people (our neighbors) in their our of need. While Morgan is not responsible to all of the residence of the town, elected town leadership is. Don't take your eye of the ball here. The important thing is that these residence remain in their town. I liked the idea of re building a new site on higher ground. Perhaps on North Hoosac rd. You are acting as if Williamstown is a town with very limited resources guy... while it clearly is not. Williamstown is extremely affluent, and houses one of the wealthiest colleges in the world. We simply cannot afford to let these people fall between the cracks. It is important that we assist these and other working class citizens of our community in an effort to make sure it continues to be more than a playground for the affluent and their kids in college. This is a litmus test for Williamstown. It will be interesting to see how this pans out. I have given money, will give more if needed, and am willing to pay more int taxes as well- to make sure this gets done- the right way.
from: H Carter	on: 09-07-2011 05:38PM I Agree (8) - I Disagree (24)

as a former resident of north adams who lived near the spruces all i can say is i remember it flooding at least once during my childhood. why would you stay in such a place that has a history of flooding??
from: bert	on: 09-07-2011 05:45PM I Agree (20) - I Disagree (5)

The fact of the matter is that the Spruces would not be allowed to be built if it were proposed today because it is in within the 100 year floodway. Not only is that against code, it is against common sense. 50 years ago Al Bachand created the Spruces with the sweat of his brow and a bulldozer. He was an entreprenuerial, though incredibly short-sighted, guy. He dug half-hearted ditches with his bulldozer, installed too-small drainage pipes, and threw up a minimal levee on the north side. And hey, it worked for him. The Spruces was a big deal in its heyday. Al made some money, and other landlords since him have made some money. But all that money was made on borrowed time. It was inevitable that the Spruces would flood catastrophically. Who is to blame? Al Bachand for building it in the first place? Morgan for milking it? Residents for choosing to live there? The federal government for not requiring flood insurance? Who cares?
from: history lesson	on: 09-07-2011 07:50PM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (1)

I understand why governments condemn public hazards that are created by storms. I don't understand why they think they have the right to protect us from ourselves. Should car interiors be subject to an annual inspection as well as the mechanics and lights? Couldn't mold be growing from a leaky car window? Why aren't houses with leaky basements being restricted from use? Don't kids play in them? These mobile homes are not public hazards. They should be allowed to re-occupy after someone with an electrian's license says it is safe. If these inspections are for health purposes, all homes should be subject not just some.
from: who needs protection?	on: 09-07-2011 11:54PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (13)

I think you overstate the wealth and perspective of the average Williamstown resident, Carter et al. Your paranoia is showing. I doubt that most people in Williamstown think about the Spruces, except when it floods, or when Morgan Management tries to pull a fast one, while allowing people to live in substandard conditions. In other words, when it becomes a drain on resources and a hazard to those who live there. That's what's happening now - do you suggest that the vulnerable population of the Spruces be allowed to live in substandard conditions? You said yourself that we're responsible for them and Morgan Management is not. That's correct. I'm fond of the Spruces, and have had lots of friends and family living there over the years. However, if those elderly folks were still living there, I would not encourage them to go back. The flooding is getting worse, the management is getting worse, and Town government is short on revenue - no matter what H. Carter says. We have 270 homeless people in Williamstown right now. The luckier ones who can go back will go back, until the next time this happens. Then we'll be responsible for their safety again, won't we? Until Morgan Management (or a future owner) puts flood protection between the Spruces and the Hoosic, it's a losing proposition for all concerned. This isn't about gentrification, Carter - it's about not squandering public safety and town resources. Oh, and quit overstating and exaggerating Fohlin's QUIP about turning the Spruces into a waterpark. I was there. It was a quip, nothing more.
from: guy	on: 09-08-2011 06:08AM I Agree (23) - I Disagree (5)

How many emergency meetings have the Williamstown Select Board held to address this issue after the flooding? Was this response the best that Williamstown could do? Could it have been done better? Did the Town have a written response plan for the Spruces in place given that what happened was a 99% certainty to happen sooner or later. What could have been done? Post your suggestions!
from: Question	on: 09-08-2011 07:44AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (10)

Well, you could start with trying to gain an understanding of how town government works, before you run up your "Hero of The Downtrodden" flag.
from: guy	on: 09-08-2011 10:32AM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (4)

Editor, Just an F.Y.I. when clicking on "I disagree" for commentary/responses you leave on any article it will not register those. Only "I agree" works. Just an F.Y.I., thanks!
from: FYI	on: 09-08-2011 11:36AM I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1)
Editor: Yes, thanks. Someone else noticed that. It's a programming problem we hope to have solved soon.
I Agree (0) - I Disagree (1)

Guy- In terms of revenue, I think Williams should pay a PILOT like Amherst and other schools do. Especially when something like this happens. The burden should be shared equally across the tax base of the town, with extra revenue from the school that enjoys tax free status on much of its property. Of course, state and fed money should also be used if avail. You are right, I may not know a heck of a lot about town gov, but I know about good leadership, poor leadership, and a lack of leadership. I know as much about that as anyone else blogging here... and that matters. In cases like this, it matters more than anything else. If we do indeed re visit this again in the future as you suggest, that will mean good leadership has not been exercised, and we have taken a road of convenience rather than hard work. I think you might be amazed at how many capable people would volunteer to build another site for the Spruces if asked to do so- by an authority that granted land and used its ability to spend revenue on a worthy cause. With volunteers, this would not be nearly as expensive as you have suggested. Especially with volunteers helping with products as well as labor- revenue from Morgan, the college, an the town. A combined effort- effectively planned and executed. Williamstown is a good town. How this shakes out matters to a lot of people. It matters to me, and nothing you can say to me will make it not matter. I am not trying to be a hero to anyone. I am just saying- this can and should be done right, if leaders lead, followers like me will follow. Other leaders will pitch in. The local gov needs to lead. Following or getting out of the way is not really an option in this instance. I really do not care who joked about the Spruces flooding to be honest- all of that can be proven false through action.
from: H Carter	on: 09-08-2011 06:22PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (9)
Editor: I'm all for helping people, but should the town & Williams, a private concern, help "build" a new park for another private for-profit concern? Wouldn't the money and effort be better spent on affordable or elderly housing nonprofit housing?
I Agree (5) - I Disagree (0)

Guy- Also, I am not alone in my concerns regarding the gentrification of Williamstown over the last few decades. I am not "paranoid."
from: H Carter	on: 09-08-2011 06:34PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (7)

As a Spruces resident I want to thank everyone who has contributed in anyway to helping us in this time of disaster whether it be financially, gift cards,food,clothing or words of kindness and support. My home sits by the river and has passed the second board of health inspection and has electric now turned on as I suffered no water damage under the trailer or floors or walls. The river overflowed so fast that it sped past my place,did miner damage to my cabana and that was it basically. We still have to get the gas on and then final inspections before we can move in and Im not sure when that will be. Why mine survived when others all around me received major damage I dont know but I am thankful for everyone involved who has helped us along the way...Thank you
from: vanilliafields	on: 09-08-2011 09:38PM I Agree (11) - I Disagree (0)

Editor: "I'm all for helping people, but should the town & Williams, a private concern, help "build" a new park for another private for-profit concern? Wouldn't the money and effort be better spent on affordable or elderly housing nonprofit housing?" I think the town should find a creative solution that involves ownership for the displaced members. Setting up a simple charity based system misses the mark in many ways. Williams should pay a PILOT. It has gotten way too deep into the political, economic and physical landscape of the town to not pay more in taxes for local schools and development. Ultimately these decision should be made by elected officials, who are paid to find creative solutions, apply/ change law, and who are held accountable by elections. Our leaders should lead.
from: h carter	on: 09-08-2011 11:00PM I Agree (7) - I Disagree (1)

H. Carter - Our municipal officials are charged with applying the law... and that's what they're doing right now. It's highly unpopular, so I'd say they are showing leadership by gritting their teeth and ducking all the rotten vegetables and cow dung being hurled at them. Changing the law (Williamstown law) falls to Town Meeting - that would be the voters. There are other laws, state and federal laws, that our officials are also charged with applying. That's their job, you know. And this is your first lesson in Civics 101. You say that you don't want a charity-based system, and yet, you advocate exactly that. Bear in mind that without Williams College, this town would be a forgotten backwater, way west of Beyond. It is the largest taxpayer in town, and the biggest draw to our local economy. But it isn't our Sugar Daddy, nor should it be.
from: guy	on: 09-09-2011 04:51PM I Agree (15) - I Disagree (13)

guy- I am using my real name. You are not. If you really want to debate/ stand behind these issues- Who are you? Let me guess- you won't do that!
from: h carter	on: 09-10-2011 06:00AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (8)

one more time... who is "guy". I am using my real name here... I'd like to know who I am debating with at this point...?
from: h carter	on: 09-10-2011 06:14AM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (8)

Guy- Neither the town nor the college would not exist without each other. Williams and Williamstown was created from a land grant as free school for locals. True story. You have to have a complete lack of understanding of local history to think the two would exist without each other. I doubt you are a local at ths point, although you continue to profess to be one. One more time guy. You have a very biased point of view for a townie... why? Who are you? I am using my real name here and you use it as if you do not know who I am? If you are really from town, we know each other... and each others families. You know who you are speaking with. would like the same courtesy at his juncture.
from: h carter	on: 09-10-2011 10:56AM I Agree (6) - I Disagree (8)

"And this is your first lesson in Civics 101." I'd also like to know who the editor here is? You think it is ok for an anonymous poster to hurl anonymous insults like that at others online?
from: h carter	on: 09-10-2011 11:12AM I Agree (3) - I Disagree (9)

If someone goes bankrupt and lets the trailer go back to the bank or just walks away and leaves it there are a lot of problems getting rid of the trailer for the park owner and the town. Wheel Estates has several abandoned and caved in units just sitting there and that should not be allowed.
from: Your Neighbor	on: 09-10-2011 02:37PM I Agree (4) - I Disagree (0)

Here's the deal: Morgan Management owns the real estate and their tenants, the mobile home owners, are the tenants. Why is it so hard to understand that they can, should, and ought to, team up and fix their homes. The Williamstown government has done its job, now they should bow out!
from: f.w.goudy	on: 09-16-2011 05:19PM I Agree (2) - I Disagree (0)