Cazenovia Voices Coalition – One More County Meeting

It's a busy week!

If you are looking for one more public gathering to attend...tomorrow is a unique (and long) County Board of Supervisors meeting with a public comment period at the end.

The meeting was not advertised as a regular one, rather as an “Annual Session.”

Since most folks cannot attend, consider sending a public comment to: [email protected].

AND/OR

Email Kyle Reger: [email protected]

Here is what I (Laura Reeder) am sending to Kyle (and the Public Comment portal):
Dear Kyle,

I urge you to represent our community’s concerns at tomorrow’s Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting, where agenda items #40 and #42 concern the SEQR determination and conveyance of property in the Village of Cazenovia.

Many of us cannot attend as the meeting was not posted as a typical BOS event. So we expect that you, as our representative, will ensure our concerns are on public record. 

We remain opposed to the County’s purchase of the former Cazenovia College properties for Sheriff and Emergency Services relocation, and we ask you to speak on record requesting that the County withdraw from the purchase.

This process has not been transparent. It’s deeply frustrating that residents must scour County agendas and legal postings to learn about decisions that directly impact our village.

Please convey the following comments to the Board of Supervisors:

Dear Members of the Madison County Board of Supervisors,

I am writing to urge the Board to withdraw from the purchase of the former Cazenovia College properties (Reisman and Sigety Halls) for use by the Madison County Sheriff and Emergency Services.

This decision is not a good fit for Cazenovia or Madison County’s long-term interests.

1. The location is incompatible. Reisman and Sigety Halls sit at the heart of our historic village, adjacent to schools, parks, small businesses, and family neighborhoods. The proposed relocation of an emergency and law enforcement hub here will reduce safety, walkability, and welcome that define Cazenovia. It will displace more appropriate community-aligned uses.
   
2. Cazenovia deserves local control. The County’s status as a higher-level municipality does not exempt it from the responsibility to collaborate transparently with the Village. Village Trustees just passed resolutions requesting full zoning and site plan review. We are concerned about overreach, and expect you to communicate and address our concerns.
   
3. Cazenovia voters sent a clear message. 43% of Cazenovia voters opposed Sheriff Hood’s reelection, an extraordinary level of dissent! This is a community mandate, expressing discomfort with the Sheriff’s unchecked power, his participation in the ICE 287(g) agreement, and the expansion of policing infrastructure in our village. This is not a welcome mat.
   
4. The County’s tourism plan contradicts this purchase. Cazenovia is featured in County tourism materials for its “vibrant and welcoming” downtown. The proposed facility undermines this image, putting at risk one of Madison County’s strongest economic and cultural assets.

I respectfully ask the Board to reject this purchase and work with Cazenovia leaders to identify alternatives that strengthen both our County and our community without sacrificing local character, trust, or shared values.

Laura Reeder
Cazenovia Voices Coalition
140 members
530 (and growing) petitioners