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Scenes From The Dolomite Forest and Wildlife Area

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  I visited the Dolomite Forest and Wildlife Area, gaining access through a road that enters part of it. The area is at the center of a controversy. The 110 acres donated to the Town were initially intended for parkland and nature trails, but the Town of Gates began considering using some of the land to relocate the Town Highway Department. The facilities would be in view of a number of homes. Neighbors are concerned about the noise, the heavy traffic, the pollution, and the lowering of property values. Neighbors protested, as they continue do, and Town officials said it's not a done deal - despite thousands being already spent and even proposed site plans being developed. The neighbors are skeptical.  Below are some of the homes that can be seen from the proposed site of the Department's buildings and garages: This is the site of one of the proposed entrance roads - between two houses! Imagine heavy equipment driving between these homes. Trees would have to be removed. The si...
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Imagine Looking Out Your Back Window ...

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  Imagine looking our your back window and seeing something like the above. That's what some residents along Hinchey Road and Howard Road might see if the Town of Gates does ultimately decide to relocate the Highway Department to part of the Dolomite Forest and Wildlife area.  Although the buildings will be newer, and there may be some landscaping, there will still be buildings in clear view from backyards. Some of those buildings will likely be taller. There would also be vehicles parked there. And, as time passes, the facilities will wear down.  If elected as a Councilman, I will oppose any efforts to use the Dolomite nature area for this purpose. The area should be left for parkland and nature trails. Gates needs more green space. The Highway Department facilities do need improvement. But there are more appropriate sites where the Department can be housed - including the current site where improved facilities can be built.
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Keep Gates Clean!

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In Gates there is a wonderful initiative called Keep Gates Clean. Every Saturday they pick up garbage along roads in a selected part of Gates, moving to new sections each week. I applaud their efforts, and if I could join them during their scheduled times I would. But not able to do so, I decided to do my own garbage pickup. I went along a section of Downsview Drive, including a drainage ditch, a fence that runs along the road, and a few front yards. I picked up two bags of garbage. It does not measure up to how much the good folks at Keep Gates Clean do each week, but it helps. I urge more people to mount similar efforts in their own neighborhoods to help keep our Town clean!   
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