COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND HOUSING
AUGUST 30, 1999
PRESENT: Chair Oros, Legs: Bronz, Spreckman, Latimer, Young
ALSO PRESENT: Legs: Carsky, Ryan, Swanson, Pinto, Maisano. Mr. DeLucia-PRC, Rosemarie Panio, Mr. & Mrs. Romanoff, Mr. DiRuma, Mr. Boruis, Mr. Ruggiero, Mr. J. Iannuzzi, Dr. Rossum, Mr. Capozi, Mr. F. Ianuzzi, Mr. & Mrs. Bernabee, Mr. Martin, Mr. Galgano, Mr. Croen, Mrs. Keating.
ITEMS DISCUSSED:
Chair Oros called the meeting to order. On motion of Leg. Bronz, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the Committee signed out the Alliance Resolution 5-0.
Mr. DeLucia updated the Committee on David’s Island regarding long range planning and design. Mr. Maisano stated that he has not been included in any discussion regarding David’s Island.
Mr. DeLucia stated that the County would like to turn David’s Island into a Park. Some of the buildings have great historical value and some need to be torn down.
Chairman Latimer asked Ms. Pasquale if the committee could receive some answers within a month.
The Committee discussed Tibbetts. Leg. Spreckman asked how soon the repairs would be done. Mr. DeLucia stated that the tennis courts are 95% complete, the pathways have been done and the roadway has been resurfaced. To date $400,000 has been spent and the Decorative Gazebo will also be taken care of.
Leg. Carsky asked if the Parks Department could forward an update on the Bronx River Reservation – It is an 800 acre park that is used by 40% of the County.
Chairman Oros thanked Mr. DeLucia for coming and asked that all the information requested be forwarded to the Committee as soon as possible.
Discussions ensued regarding the County’s increase in the Friday tee fees at County Golf Courses. Chairman Oros thanked the public for coming and stated that the Committee Commr. DeSantis had been invited and expected at the Committee Meeting but due to a recent illness he was unable to attend. The Committee will forward these minutes as well as a memo outlining the public’s concerns to the Commissioner.
Leg. Maisano stated that if it was the general consensus of the Board to roll back Friday that we do a resolution stating same.
Chairman Oros stated that the Board was not told about the Golf fees hike.
Mr. Galgano stated that there are over 6,000 senior golfers. He made several phone call and no one discriminates against senior golfers in this way. Senior Golfers pay $10 more on Friday, while other pass holders only pay $3.00 more. He also stated that the concession at Saxon Woods is very dirty and greasy and the course conditions are awful. He felt everyone should be taxed equally – don’t pick on seniors.
Rosemarie Panio stated that the conditions and backup at Mohansic is terrible. There are insufficient golf carts and the greens are in poor condition. She also stated that there are volunteers at Croton Point Park who go in to cut vines. Where is all the money going? There should be a general audit of the County parks and the County Golf Courses.
Mr. Coern stated that Saxon Woods is the worse he has ever seen it and it costs $35.50 to play 18 holes during the week.
Mr. Romanoff stated that $1.2 million was spent last year at Saxon Woods but the low bidder did a terrible job. Why isn’t the contractor being reprimanded. If $326,000 was put into the General Fund – where does it go?
It was stated that three different people were accosted at Mohansic, Maple Moor and Saxon Woods by employees when they tried to pass around a petition.
Mr. Romanoff stated that he collected 1275 signatures.
Leg. Spreckman stated that there be a joint meeting of the Sr. Task Force and the Community Affairs Committee on this issue and Chair Oros agreed.
Besides paying $10 or $20 to play – it still costs $24.50 to rent a cart.
It was suggested that a Steering Committee be set up – possibly two people per course – that would meet and advise.
Chair Oros agreed that we will have another meeting within the next few weeks – as soon as the Commissioner is better to discuss these issues. The major issues are the fees, course conditions, and setting up an Advisory Committee.
Chair Oros stated that we would have the meeting with the Commissioner and members of the Parks Board before October 1.
Chair Oros thanked everyone for coming and stated that Mrs. Keating would notify them of the next meeting.
On motion of Leg. Bronz, seconded by Chairman Latimer, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.