New members named to committees
The Daily Mail
Jan. 20, 2009

Three community members were appointed by the Athens Village Board at its meeting Wednesday to hear about waterfront projects and zoning appeals.

Two open positions on the Waterfront Advisory Committee, which looks at applications for projects in the waterfront district, were filled by Paul Petramale and Claire Parde.

Mayor Andrea Smallwood said Monday evening that Petramale and Parde would be on the board for the regular, five-year terms on the committee, even though those seats were vacated before the previous terms had lapsed.

The committee reviews plans that fall under the local waterfront revitalization plan as well as the coastal zone management guidelines as set forth by the Department of State. Although the committee is advisory and has no governing power, it does warn trustees when a project or plan is in violation of those rules, Smallwood said.

“When it comes to mega type-one actions, it does protect the village,” Smallwood said.

Michael Siciliano was appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals at the meeting last week.

Siciliano, who is a loan officer with First Niagara Mortgage, said Monday that he is “seasoned” in zoning rules and issues in Athens. He said he is ready to listen to all sides of an argument and hopes to make good decisions for the village.

Village trustees have also begun to discuss changing the law regarding the ZBA to allow for the appointment of alternates.

Smallwood said at last week’s meeting that the ZBA has recently had trouble reaching a quorum at meetings. An alternate may step in if a board member is unavailable at a site visit or meeting.

She also said that should other ZBA members not want to continue sitting, other positions may open soon.

A number of community members expressed interest in serving on either board.

If the ZBA alternate positions are created or more seats become vacant, more of the willing, experienced and fair-minded volunteers will get a chance to serve, Smallwood said.