It’s apparent to the naked eye that there’s at least the appearance of a conflict of interest, if not an actual conflict.
What are the interpersonal dynamics between the city officials and the Planning Board, and within the Planning Board itself, that allow people to close their eyes to all of this?
When I first read your article about this situation, one question did come to mind regarding the tenants of the building they want to tear down. Will they be offering them an apartment (which I'm sure will be much smaller) to these tenants for the same rate they are paying now so they have a new place to live for the next ten years? Just a thought...
In small towns (we can argue whether GF is a small town) it’s hard to find people to serve in positions like planning board, and it’s great when someone with the experience and education of someone like Ethan Hall makes themself available to serve.
Clearly serving customers that come before the planning board walks an ethical line but if it is a somewhat rare even and the projects concerned are relatively common, like single family housing. In such a situation I find recusal from voting a little udgy but acceptable for an ordinary board member.
But the position of chair of the planning board brings with it a higher degree of responsibility and influence. Simple recusal does not seem adequate to the situation.
Unfortunately, this project is strife with controversy. There is no Glens Falls comprehensive strategic plan. If you caught Diana Palmer's Op-Ed in the Chronicle (the local paper of Glens Falls) it was deep on page 29. In case you missed it, Dr. Palmer emphasizes the absolute necessity of “a foundation document that can serve as a guide to our decision-making.” We don't have one. I realize we do have a housing issue, as a long term landlord in this town managing 11 buildings, the need for housing is real. But 60-1 bedrooms? How does this help "families"? The mayor says the building is not condemnable, there are 2 LONG-term tenants who are living there quite comfortably. There is huge conflict here...thankfully the Major has reassured us that "we need to make sure that we have smart, measured development that both provides housing and doesn’t hurt the environment or overall aesthetics of the city" So, as this unfolds, let's see where we all measure out...hopefully BEFORE irreparable architectural damage is done.
I don’t disagree with your point that in small municipalities it may be a challenge to find members of the community to serve on various boards. But is adding a board member who has an appearance of conflict issue worth the effect it has on the community’s confidence and trust in the board’s ability to be fair and equitable? Does such an action do more harm than good?
To me, simple recusal from voting does not seem adequate. He should recuse himself as a participant board member from all discussions involving projects he is involved with. The chair has a great influence on how hearings are run and what gets discussed, long before any votes are cast. Surely, someone else on the board is competent to run the parts of meetings discussing projects that Mr. Hall is personally involved with.
Attorney Hall does have a conflict of interest. As chairman Hall would have more influence over the board than just a board member. The chairman is usually looked up to and a leader of any board. Therefore Hall should not be stating his opinion, let alone voting, on any matter for which he is receiving compensation. Hall should not be representing a client at the board meeting and then put in his board member hat and speak in favor of the same client project.
What can we do to register our disapproval of this situation?
You are absolutely right. Bob said it, it is at least the appearance of conflict of interest. However, as the architect of the project, the Chair is clearly guilty of conflict of interest. Members of boards, elected officials, judges, etc. all sign conflict of interest documents at the onset of their service. Thank you, Will Doolittle, for digging into this. Journalism at its best.
I wonder how many clients have signed up for attorney Hall’s services because he is chairman of the Planning Board and can get their Glens Falls project approved?
I agree Will. Definitely makes sense. I was in one of those apartments decades ago, the building he wants to tear down. I don't remember details, but do remember it was a nice apartment with a small balcony that looked out over Glen St.. A friend of mine was friends with a couple of guys who were roommates there.
thank you Will for bringing up the conflict of interest factor in Patton's project. For years I have brought visitors to drive through Glens Fall to admire the architecture and charm. This project would take away from that and I am totally against it!!
WOW Will, thank you for ferreting this conflict of interest out! When I first read about this, my "spidey sense" said someone on the board was bought and paid for...thank you. What do we do next? This developer is bad news for Glens Falls.
I don't begin to understand the law as it works with planning board situations, but you can bet there is a group of residents looking into all of this right now. The Hall situation doesn't sit right as he is chairman and has huge influence whether he refuses himself or not. He stands to gain from this development.
Apparently the mayor endorses this, at least that is what the Chronicle , I know ...I only read that one article lol, and I don't think he should be commenting on it either. That to me, means that they have all discussed it and will try to push it through.
I'm not a huge fan of Collins.
Too much cronyism everywhere... how do we stop that?
Gentrification is happening and I can personally attest that the builder has said many times that we , (GF), should be emulating Saratoga. I give a hearty no thank you to that!
It's all about $$$ .
And now you've seen the *real* Chris Patten. That is how he treats the people who work for him. We are disposable and there is no honor in him or how he treats others.
There is a PUBLIC meeting on Sept. 3 regarding this project. The public needs to SHOW up. In person or on zoom. We need to say these words where it matters and can make a change, before it is too late.
Wow, Ken, I always thought that you could work on certain things if you recuse yourself from the vote. If this is not the case, there are many other conflicts of interest in the region, especially at Warren County level. Thanks for the update, please keep us posted. As far as Chris Patten goes, I just wish he would hire a marketing group and good lawyer to handle his public relations and design of his properties. Glens Falls needs more housing, but given the unique old architecture in the city, the design of the buildings needs to be much more carefully done and take in to consideration the neighborhood and density. I'm all for someone buying the property where the old GF Insurance Company stood and building a nice building, but that design would need to be on the level of a Hugh Newall Jacobson firm because Patten's latest project on Washington Street looks like it should be out on Bay Road where all those apartments are located.
The fact that Ethan Hall is the ARCHITECT for this project, NOT the attorney....makes this just a mind boggling conflict of interest. The fact that you, Will, in true reporter fashion, have delved into this....THANK you!!!! Who really IS paying attention to what happens?? Once again, as Ken AND Will, have shown over and over and OVER, communities NEED publicity about what is happening. How do you get people to pay attention, and care? Hah...I wish I knew, as someone who has paid far too little attention over the years. As usual, you always add something special to appreciate in this area....the pictures are wonderful!!
It’s apparent to the naked eye that there’s at least the appearance of a conflict of interest, if not an actual conflict.
What are the interpersonal dynamics between the city officials and the Planning Board, and within the Planning Board itself, that allow people to close their eyes to all of this?
Did city officials learn nothing from urban renewal?
When I first read your article about this situation, one question did come to mind regarding the tenants of the building they want to tear down. Will they be offering them an apartment (which I'm sure will be much smaller) to these tenants for the same rate they are paying now so they have a new place to live for the next ten years? Just a thought...
In small towns (we can argue whether GF is a small town) it’s hard to find people to serve in positions like planning board, and it’s great when someone with the experience and education of someone like Ethan Hall makes themself available to serve.
Clearly serving customers that come before the planning board walks an ethical line but if it is a somewhat rare even and the projects concerned are relatively common, like single family housing. In such a situation I find recusal from voting a little udgy but acceptable for an ordinary board member.
But the position of chair of the planning board brings with it a higher degree of responsibility and influence. Simple recusal does not seem adequate to the situation.
Especially, if there is even a hint of controversy.
Unfortunately, this project is strife with controversy. There is no Glens Falls comprehensive strategic plan. If you caught Diana Palmer's Op-Ed in the Chronicle (the local paper of Glens Falls) it was deep on page 29. In case you missed it, Dr. Palmer emphasizes the absolute necessity of “a foundation document that can serve as a guide to our decision-making.” We don't have one. I realize we do have a housing issue, as a long term landlord in this town managing 11 buildings, the need for housing is real. But 60-1 bedrooms? How does this help "families"? The mayor says the building is not condemnable, there are 2 LONG-term tenants who are living there quite comfortably. There is huge conflict here...thankfully the Major has reassured us that "we need to make sure that we have smart, measured development that both provides housing and doesn’t hurt the environment or overall aesthetics of the city" So, as this unfolds, let's see where we all measure out...hopefully BEFORE irreparable architectural damage is done.
I don’t disagree with your point that in small municipalities it may be a challenge to find members of the community to serve on various boards. But is adding a board member who has an appearance of conflict issue worth the effect it has on the community’s confidence and trust in the board’s ability to be fair and equitable? Does such an action do more harm than good?
Absolutely.
Especially when the said person presented the projecy to the board. I smell something fishy!
To me, simple recusal from voting does not seem adequate. He should recuse himself as a participant board member from all discussions involving projects he is involved with. The chair has a great influence on how hearings are run and what gets discussed, long before any votes are cast. Surely, someone else on the board is competent to run the parts of meetings discussing projects that Mr. Hall is personally involved with.
Attorney Hall does have a conflict of interest. As chairman Hall would have more influence over the board than just a board member. The chairman is usually looked up to and a leader of any board. Therefore Hall should not be stating his opinion, let alone voting, on any matter for which he is receiving compensation. Hall should not be representing a client at the board meeting and then put in his board member hat and speak in favor of the same client project.
What can we do to register our disapproval of this situation?
Architect, not attorney.
You are absolutely right. Bob said it, it is at least the appearance of conflict of interest. However, as the architect of the project, the Chair is clearly guilty of conflict of interest. Members of boards, elected officials, judges, etc. all sign conflict of interest documents at the onset of their service. Thank you, Will Doolittle, for digging into this. Journalism at its best.
I wonder how many clients have signed up for attorney Hall’s services because he is chairman of the Planning Board and can get their Glens Falls project approved?
Good question!
Good point.
Architect.
I agree Will. Definitely makes sense. I was in one of those apartments decades ago, the building he wants to tear down. I don't remember details, but do remember it was a nice apartment with a small balcony that looked out over Glen St.. A friend of mine was friends with a couple of guys who were roommates there.
thank you Will for bringing up the conflict of interest factor in Patton's project. For years I have brought visitors to drive through Glens Fall to admire the architecture and charm. This project would take away from that and I am totally against it!!
Loved the pictures Will!!
WOW Will, thank you for ferreting this conflict of interest out! When I first read about this, my "spidey sense" said someone on the board was bought and paid for...thank you. What do we do next? This developer is bad news for Glens Falls.
I have mushrooms growing in my yard !
I don't begin to understand the law as it works with planning board situations, but you can bet there is a group of residents looking into all of this right now. The Hall situation doesn't sit right as he is chairman and has huge influence whether he refuses himself or not. He stands to gain from this development.
Apparently the mayor endorses this, at least that is what the Chronicle , I know ...I only read that one article lol, and I don't think he should be commenting on it either. That to me, means that they have all discussed it and will try to push it through.
I'm not a huge fan of Collins.
Too much cronyism everywhere... how do we stop that?
Gentrification is happening and I can personally attest that the builder has said many times that we , (GF), should be emulating Saratoga. I give a hearty no thank you to that!
It's all about $$$ .
And now you've seen the *real* Chris Patten. That is how he treats the people who work for him. We are disposable and there is no honor in him or how he treats others.
The Patten "architecture" hardly resembles Saratoga's! More like a prison camp's.
There is a PUBLIC meeting on Sept. 3 regarding this project. The public needs to SHOW up. In person or on zoom. We need to say these words where it matters and can make a change, before it is too late.
Where and when is this meeting?
Lovely pictures, and with all the rain we’ve had, it is a bumper crop year for fungus! But Will, Will, Will…That is a slug. Snails have shells!!
*recuses
Wow, Ken, I always thought that you could work on certain things if you recuse yourself from the vote. If this is not the case, there are many other conflicts of interest in the region, especially at Warren County level. Thanks for the update, please keep us posted. As far as Chris Patten goes, I just wish he would hire a marketing group and good lawyer to handle his public relations and design of his properties. Glens Falls needs more housing, but given the unique old architecture in the city, the design of the buildings needs to be much more carefully done and take in to consideration the neighborhood and density. I'm all for someone buying the property where the old GF Insurance Company stood and building a nice building, but that design would need to be on the level of a Hugh Newall Jacobson firm because Patten's latest project on Washington Street looks like it should be out on Bay Road where all those apartments are located.
Just to clarify, this is Will Doolittle's reporter here.
Thanks for clarification.
The fact that Ethan Hall is the ARCHITECT for this project, NOT the attorney....makes this just a mind boggling conflict of interest. The fact that you, Will, in true reporter fashion, have delved into this....THANK you!!!! Who really IS paying attention to what happens?? Once again, as Ken AND Will, have shown over and over and OVER, communities NEED publicity about what is happening. How do you get people to pay attention, and care? Hah...I wish I knew, as someone who has paid far too little attention over the years. As usual, you always add something special to appreciate in this area....the pictures are wonderful!!