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Cameron Group Praises City and Region
Dear Editor:
Over the past several years I have traveled to many different cities throughout the United States and can attest that many cities and their suburban communities have undergone a renaissance of resurgence and growth. I have often come home to Central New York somewhat depressed, because we seem to be going backwards. In those other cities, from what I can glean from newspaper reports and from my own experience, this renaissance has come about because governments have taken a long range view and have recognized that they must not allow their cities and suburbs, their economies and their quality of life to deteriorate. I have lived in Central New York for 30 years and have often wondered why we can not experience the same kind of renaissance.
There is a glimmer of hope, though, that I have seen personally in Cayuga County. Our company, Cameron Group LLC, was fortunate to have the opportunity to conduct the leasing for the rebirth of the Fingerlakes Mall. That Mall, which was a virtual ghost town 4 years ago, is now active, vibrant and financially sound. This is all a result of the Mall Manager, Gina Speno’s, persistence in interesting Bass Pro Shops to consider locating in the Mall and then the incentives and cooperation for Bass to become a reality through the Governor, and the State Senator, Assemblyman, Cayuga County, Town of Aurelius and the City of Auburn. The mall has become a great success.
We strongly believe in the greater Auburn market and we are in the process of developing a retail town center to be called Fingerlakes Crossing across from the Mall. The Town of Aurelius, under the leadership of Supervisor Ed Ide and Planning Board Chairman Jerry Scouten, handled the planning process professionally and expeditiously. They made sure that they protected the interests of the Town, while at the same time finding solutions to problems, not wasting time finding problems with solutions.
When it was clear that the City of Auburn would be in the difficult position of not having our project within the boundaries of the City, but still having to provide sewer and water service, we were faced with one of those problems. From the outset, Mayor Tim Lattimore expressed his support for our project even though it was not within his City limits. He felt that it would be a great benefit for the entire region. He equally put forth the proposition that somehow the City should share some of the economic success that would be generated by our project. Mayor Lattimore was willing to brainstorm to find a solution to the problem.
Senator Mike Nozzolio and his staff, especially Joan Grela, brought together the City of Auburn, the Town of Aurelius and the County of Cayuga to find a solution. Senator Nozzolio quietly, but firmly, worked behind the scenes to bring the parties together to a satisfactory conclusion.
Recognizing the benefit of our project and other similar developments to Cayuga County residents, Cayuga County Legislative Chairman, George Fearon and other county leaders, presented a solution to the City and the Town which called for a realistic and equitable redistribution of sales tax dollars so that the City and Towns throughout Cayuga County could all grow and prosper together, rather than allow the existing distribution to cannibalize the economy and Balkanize the municipalities into warring states.
This glimmer of hope in Cayuga County needs to spread throughout the rest of Central New York so that all of us may continue to enjoy the beautiful fruits of our home.
Very truly yours,
Thomas J. Valenti,
Managing Member
CAMERON GROUP LLC
http://www.cameronllc.com
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