Jamieson outlines his goals as supervisor

By Edie Johnson
CHESTER — Alex Jamieson has been deputy supervisor in Chester long enough to understand its problems and projects, finances and goals. But when January comes things will be a little different as he takes over the helm for Steve Neuhaus, who will begin his new position as county executive.

Saying he wants a "hands-on, common sense approach," Jamieson will host a series of open houses, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., on Nov. 30, Dec. 6, and Dec. 13. He also plans to keep town hall open until 7 p.m. from Monday through Thursday evenings so that "every idea for the town can be put on the table."

His long list of important projects includes an upgrade of the computer system, and an expansion of the role of the Parks and Recreation Department. Better venues and programs are needed both for area senior citizens and youth. Ideally this would include a better location, he said, particularly for seniors who currently have to meet in the basement of the Chester Library. He is excited about current talks to develop a skating rink at Knapp's View, the town's open space parcel. Other facilities may also be sought on a rental basis for youth activities.

Third on the agenda is the possibility of contracting some additional town positions, such as planning board engineers and legal counsel. Those currently employed will of course be considered, Jamieson said, adding: "We just want to make sure we are getting the best deal possible."

Jamieson said one of the first things he will attend to is the better disposition of the former Camp LaGuardia property. After meeting with Neuhaus as the new county executive, he will discuss details of the stagnant contract with Mountco, then address the new legislature to emphasize the need to move the property forward.

"If it's not going to be Mountco, it needs to be someone else," he said.

Jamieson sees the potential for a limited amount of housing at Camp LaGuardia for assisted living or special needs residents, along with some commercial and some farm-related uses of the agricultural portion. It is also, he said, a potential site for a new senior center. Jamieson feels that with his extensive background in real estate banking, he is in a good position to attract suitable businesses for the commercial portion.

He said the challenge is that his current term will be limited to one year and then possibly a second year. During that time, he'll also want to assess current zoning to make sure no other property will meet the same fate as the property just annexed to the village for BT Holdings. Some decisions will also have to be made about the Knapp's View property, whether it will remain "open space" or designated "parkland."

Meanwhile the town's comprehensive plan is nearing completion. A draft version may be ready to be presented to the public at a hearing some time in January.

Jamieson said that as part of his commonsense approach, he will not forget that he is paid by the taxpayers and will be there for them, particularly when it comes to keeping taxes low enough so that people can continue to live in their homes.