Victor festival prompts political spat
The fall festival hosted by developers Scott and Jeff Morrell at their Quail Ridge tract on Sunday will feature pumpkins, hamburgers and hot dogs; and, for the kiddies, games and a giant inflatable bouncy house.
A flier sent to the hundreds of homeowners in Quail Ridge also advertises a "surprise unveiling" and a chance to talk to town Supervisor Leslie Bamann and Deputy Supervisor Richard Maltman.
The Morrells, owners of Morrell Builders in Pittsford, said they have made such annual festivals a tradition in all of their developments. The gatherings are intended as a chance for neighbors to get to know one another and for the Morrells to show their appreciation.
"We've been doing it in Quail Ridge for a number of years," Jeff Morrell said, noting that his grandfather used to offer hot-air balloon rides at the development in its early days in the 1970s. "We have always invited members from town council so they can address the community. It's a non-political event."
But the affair is not sitting well with the political rivals of town Bamann and Richard Maltman, Republicans up for re-election on Nov. 6. Bamann is uncontested, but Maltman is in a heated four-way race for two Town Board seats.
"I think it's their way of supporting Leslie and Maltman without coming out and giving them a huge donation," said John Accorso, who is running against Maltman and Republican Michael Crowley on the Democratic line with John Palomaki.
Accorso was invited to the shindig but he said that's because he lives in Quail Ridge, not because he is running for office. Palomaki did not get an invitation.
Accorso said the Morrells have not been happy with him because, as chairman of the town's Planning Board, he recently ordered them to take down a billboard advertising new homes because they did not have a needed permit.
What's also troubling to Accorso and others is the fact that, in the coming weeks, the Town Board will need to cast a crucial vote on a controversial development proposed by the Morrells.
The proposal, called Bluestone Creek, is a housing tract on 75 acres of undeveloped land between Wangum and Old Dutch roads in the hamlet of Fishers. In addition to homes, plans call for a satellite center for Finger Lakes Community College, though the college has yet to formally commit to the proposal.
Earlier this month, the Morrells gave the town a hefty document called the Final Environmental Impact Statement, or FEIS, for Bluestone Creek. In order for the project to advance, the Town Board must vote on whether that document, which addresses everything from traffic to the impact on a nearby park, is complete.
A vote has not yet been scheduled, but it is expected to take place at one of the Town Board's two November meetings, Town Clerk Debra Denz said.
"Ethically, knowing we have this FEIS on the table right now, it's just wrong," said Town Board member Peter Hessney of the Morrells' invitation and Bamann and Maltman's decision to attend. Hessney, a Republican, ran on the Democratic ticket with Bamann's opponent two years ago.
"I would never let a developer or anyone compromise my potential integrity by having some kind of function for me that I'm going to participate with," Hessney added. "I find that a problem."
Bamann bristled at the notion that she would be swayed on a vote by attending a developer's event. She is also quick to point out that she does not support Bluestone Creek as it is now proposed.
"It's a neighborhood function," Bamann said of the Quail Ridge festival. "Does he (Jeff Morrell) have an application before the Town Board? He absolutely does, but right now I don't support it."
Bamann said that she does consider the festival an opportunity to campaign, and pointed out that she has been invited to several such gatherings, including some in private homes, one of which is inside an area called the "plume" where the groundwater is contaminated by toxic chemicals.
"I go into the neighborhoods, I make house calls," she said.
As for the Quail Ridge festival, Bamann said, "if it becomes a political football, I won't go."
The Quail Ridge festival lasts from 3 to 6 p.m.
"It's our way of giving back to our customers," Jeff Morrell said. "We hope everyone in Quail Ridge can make it."
Accorso said has not decided if he will attend.
"I have mixed emotions," he said.
Jessica Pierce can be reached at (585) 394-0770, Ext. 250, or at jpierce@mpnewspapers.com.