Hanover's Zoning Board is correct in delaying action on a special-use permit in regard to the village of Silver Creek's Department of Public Works site.
Already in place - without the permit - the new DPW location at the former Bentges site was the topic of a scathing report that was released by the state comptroller's office. In the report, the comptroller's office warns that village residents may be on the hook for payments they have expected from the federal government.
"This inadequate process has also exposed the village to other uncertainties," the report said in February. "For example, because the board decided to purchase a used building rather than construct a new facility, village officials have no assurance how much, if any, federal and state reimbursement will be received. As a result, village taxpayers could potentially become responsible for the full cost, over $900,000, of the building and improvements."
The state report alone is reason enough to not grant the permit. By approving the permit, the board will now have played a role in the malfeasance.
In the meantime, the village's DPW site continues to function with no regard to the code. Imagine if this DPW site was a privately owned property. The owner would be facing fines and other penalties.
But in this case, the village government disobeys the law and does not have to abide by the same rules individuals and businesses do when maintaining property.
This is one more local example of government believing it does not need to follow the laws and codes it legislates and requires its residents to follow.
