OpEd: Murphy's claim of $250 million in eco development doesn't add up

During yesterday’s Journal News debate between Terrence Murphy and Justin Wagner, Mr. Murphy was asked to identify the $250 million in economic development he keeps claiming he brought to Yorktown.

As someone who served with Mr. Murphy for two years on the Town Board and who has attended Town Board and Planning meetings for the past 2 ½ years, I couldn’t believe his answer. It was totaling false, misleading and disingenuous.

Mr. Murphy took credit for bringing Costco to Yorktown. The truth is, Costco came to Yorktown in 2009 –- before Mr. Murphy was even on the Town Board. And how can you count something that isn’t even approved yet?

Then he added in two more developments that don’t exist: The proposed new independent living development at Field Home that has been approved but not built and which reportedly has run into marketing problems.

Then, Mr. Murphy’s most far-fetched example: the proposed 3-story sports complex at Navajo Fields. How long is Mr. Murphy going to take credit for a building that hasn’t been built -– let alone been approved –- in over four years and for which there’s not even a proposed site plan?

As for the JV Mall, we’re all looking forward to the rejuvenation of the mall, the planning for which dates back to 2011. But even that doesn’t come anywhere close to $250 million.

Here’s another question for Mr. Murphy: How do you explain the fact that despite your reported $250 million in economic development, the town’s assessment roll has DECREASED for two straight years? Or, haven’t you looked at the town budget?