On May 8, my office issued an extensive independent review of a proposed agreement between Erie County and Precision Park Services, a private developer whose principal is Mark Yellen, to develop a bed and breakfast-style concession at Wendt Beach Park.

On May 9, Yellen responded to the review not by answering the concerns raised therein but by publicly stating that he was withdrawing his proposal. However, it appears discussions between the county and PPS began again sometime in June.

Last week, I learned that Yellen attended an informational meeting convened by the Evans Town Board on Aug. 2, at which time he and a senior Giambra administration official expressed his continued interest in operating a concession at Wendt Beach.

On Aug. 6, The News published a letter from Yellen again expressing his interest. In it, he stated that PPS "was one of three that responded" to the county's public bidding process for the park's development. That is not exactly true. After a one-day advertisement ran in The News, two companies asked the county's Purchase Division for a copy of the RFP. In the end, the county disseminated the RFP to only four companies, one of which was PPS. Contrary to the statement made by Yellen, only his company responded to the RFP.

Yellen noted that PPS' proposal "calls for the investment of more than $2 million of private funds into the refurbishment of the buildings and grounds at Wendt Beach Park." One of the primary questions noted in my office's review was a confirmation of the exact amount of private investment in the project, because the proposed term sheet stated that PPS would make improvements to the site in an amount "to exceed $1,000,000 (and possibly exceed $2,000,000)." Once again I ask: Exactly how much would PPS be required to expend on the project - $1 million or at least $2 million?

I have never opposed PPS' involvement at Wendt Beach, and I support efforts by the county to ensure the park remains open and accessible. However, the fact remains that three months after my office provided the Legislature with a series of substantive questions and concerns regarding the project, neither Yellen nor anyone from the county administration has responded.

The people of Erie County deserve a government that is open and accountable to them. If the proposal is a valid one, then its terms will stand up to the scrutiny of public review. If basic questions about its terms remain unanswered, then perhaps it is time for the county to begin the process of choosing a private partner again. Until such time as those parties address my concerns, I cannot support this proposal.

My office will continue to follow this project and advocate for the best possible outcome for taxpayers - an open proposal that develops revenue for the county, maintains the park and ensures residents have access to all of the park's facilities, including its beaches.

Mark C. Poloncarz is Erie County comptroller.