MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PARKS,
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: PRC Chair: V. Pinto. Members: B. Spreckman; B. Ryan.
CA Chair: K. Carsky. Members: L. Bronz; G. Oros.
STAFF: Barbara Dodds; Tara Bernard; Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: See attached visitor’s list.
The meeting was called to order at 3:15 p.m., by Chair Pinto for PRC; Chair Carksy, for CA. A letter was written (last month) to all Westchester County Recreation Officials, inviting them (or a representative) to attend this meeting.
Chair Pinto took the lead, and discussed the various communications received (over the past month) with regard to the numerous sports leagues in which the County youths participate – emphasizing the lack of available playing fields and facilities. Mr. Pinto added that he and several staff members went to Long Island to tour a sports field facility which was built with a “wagon-wheel” effect, and housed four (4) multi-use laying fields with lights and with a middle (building) structure for concession use. Mr. Pinto stressed that the goal of this committee is to look into securing some Capital Project money (next year) to proceed forward with obtaining space for playing fields.
Legislator Carsky requested an update on Memorial Field in Mt. Vernon, noting that several years ago the County, in partnership with Mt. Vernon, appropriated money for the facility. Ms. Carsky feels that a commitment had been made, and there should be some follow-up and feedback. She also inquired on the status of available land in Valhalla, at the College. Chair Pinto commented that Memorial Field does not have enough acreage to create the facility needed for playing fields. Mr. Pinto
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added that there are sites at Westchester Community College and in Valhalla which can be considered and, at least, 30-acres are needed to build a quad-facility.
White Plains Councilman Larry Delgado commented that there is very little open space in White Plains, which is only 10-square miles. He noted that soccer has become a popular sport for all age groups, and there is a higher demand for the recreational needs, but emphasized that due to the lack of open space, the existing fields have doubled its usage. Another White Plains Councilman, Bill King, added that (with a little enhancement) the site along the Bronx River Parkway, near the County Center could be used as a temporary soccer field to relieve the strain on other fields being used – it would also help to keep the area free from debris which is frequently accumulated on that site. He also suggested considering the site at the south-end of the Saxon Woods parking lot, then handed out notes to explain (on file).
As the discussions continued, the attending Parks Representatives focused (and all agreed) on the fact that there is a tremendous need throughout the County for multi-use playing fields. Legislator Ryan suggested that the County and communities work together to use the area along the Bronx River Parkway (County Center) as a temporary field for soccer, while working on a permanent solution for an all-County-use facility. Chip Mathew noted that in 1996, ball/playing fields were not a priority, and that another site to consider is located on the north side of the Sprain Brook Parkway in Valhalla, since the Bronx River Parkway has been set-up for passive recreation. Chair Pinto clarified that the County no longer handles leases, but now use license agreements (5-year terms) with the communities. The communities are responsible for maintenance and clean-up of the fields, but they are not responsible for legal enforcement – because it is County-owned property. He added that through the license agreement, the facility must be made available (through permit system) for any County group to use. Mr. Pinto further
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expressed that this is a good beginning to get the County and its people involved in recreational use.
Next, there was a discussion on the Hudson Hills Golf Course. Chair Pinto showed a map provided by the Department of Planning, outlining the new construction of another golf course. He expressed the need for the County to expand all of its recreational sports facilities, and address the needs of all recreational sports. Mr. Pinto added, that by the end of next summer, Parks should know what type of Bond to ask for with regard to the County Budget.
The Committee on Community Affairs adjourned at 4:15 p.m., as the Parks Committee continued with their meeting. Legislator Ryan entertained a motion to refer agenda item #16 to the Budget Committee, which was moved, then seconded by Legislator Spreckman, with a vote of 3-0.
Chair Pinto noted that two years ago, (1998) the Parks Board deemed to designate Friday as a weekend day for golfers. A motion was entertained on the “Maisano Golf Resolution” to return Friday as a weekend, and was moved by Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, with a vote of 3-0.
continued . . . . \
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*ATTACHED VISITOR’S LIST
Name Affiliation
J. Yuhanna Edwards Mt. Vernon City Hall - PRC
Kenneth F. Webster Mt. Vernon City Hall
Larry DelGado (Councilman) White Plains City Hall
Joseph Davidson (Commissioner) White Plains
Bill King (Councilman) White Plains
Luis Marino Hispanic/Amer. Soccer League
Ron Belmont Harrison – PRC
Harold Romanoff Scarsdale (Golfer)
Ron Kalban Eastchester – PRC
Robert Snyder New Castle
Thomas Hroncich Port Chester – PRC
Dan McBride WC/PRC
W. Chip Mathew WC/PRC
John DeCrescenzo Village of Mamaroneck – PRC
Wayne Grossman Town of Mt. Pleasant/Town Hall
Gladys Burton WP Scorpions Soccer League
Angel Burton WP Scorpions Soccer League
The meeting adjourned at 4:28 p.m.