MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

AUGUST 19, 1997

PRESENT: Chair Carsky, Leg: LaMotte

ALSO PRESENT: Hon. Albanese, Comm. Oliva,

Ms. DeGrussa, Deputy Comm.

Butler, Mr. Yoegel, Ms. LeLash

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order at 2:40 P.M. This meeting is about the Harney Road Bridge Project on the Bronx River Reservation. Chair Carsky stated that the Environment Committee needs to be able to tell the whole Board what is intended and how the County will be getting the word out to the Communities.

Mr. Butler began by stating that the County is responsible for the bridge. The structure needs to be replaced rather than repaired.

It is too far gone.

Mr. Butler stated that the County is working on three different plans: one is for three nine foot lanes with one 1 six foot sidewalk;. three-twelve foot lanes; and also looked at expansion of the structure. The recommendation was four 12-foot lanes with one six foot-sidewalk. The bridge project is basically a replacement project. The County will also create some left-hand turn lanes with the objective to minimize traffic through the intersection. This will give additional storage capacity on the bridge and off the parkway.

Local betterments for the local roads will be to create turning lanes. It is presently a concrete structure and it will be a pre-cast structure. It will be a one year project with the bridge being closed for at least six months. There will, however, be a pedestrian access bridge over the structure during construction. With 30% of the job completed on paper, the County is now at the stage of discussing the project with the local communities.

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Chair Carsky suggested that Mr. Butler contact Scarsdale regarding the Popham Road Bridge closure. She though that it might be going on simultaneously.

It was suggested that the municipal officials get together with the maps. Comm. Oliva stated that Ms. Hastings will set up this meeting in the near future. Chair Carsky stated that Edgemont is banning together to keep this proposed traffic off their roads. Leg. LaMotte suggested a shuttle bus to the train station during the closure of the bridge.

Mr. Butler suggested that signs be posted as far back as possible so that people will take alternate routes. He also stated that we will be putting the stone structure back.

Comm. Oliva stated that Historic Preservation will not allow the new bridge to look like the old one. It must vary in some degree. The County does not have any designs yet for the bridge.

Leg. LaMotte asked about two lanes and keeping it open during the construction. Mr. Butler stated that would add two million dollars to the project.

Chair Carsky asked why are we the lead agency. Comm. Oliva stated we are because we have to approve the bonds. We will definitely have an environmental This is not an arbitrary act.

The County plans to make sure that the environment is projected as closely as possible. There may be no impact to the environment from this project. Most concerns are already being built into the project. The main issue is that we are taking down the original bridge. We cannot keep it there because we would not be able to use it. Shipo stated it could not be the same. There is no guarantee to date as to the style of the bridge. Leg. LaMotte would like to see a pedestrian bridge independent of the permanent structure. Mr. Butler sated that would obstruct the bridge view.

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Chair Carsky asked where we stand with the environmental review and Comm. Oliva turned it over to Ms. DeGrussa who stated that Planning will work closely with Public Works and the surrounding communities. Comm. Oliva stated that they did circulate the agency notice to alert people of the project.

Mr. Butler stated that there is no simple detour plan for this project. Utilities will be looked at to bury them and it would be an all county expense if we do decide to go that way.

Chair Carsky stated that she wants it clear that the stones are ours. Mr. Butler stated he would have that added to the RFP.

Hudson Hills: Two public hearings were held and this is the transcript of what took place and the is involved to date. The Board must agree that this is complete and recommend it to the full Board. Then Planning will circulate it publicly for at least 10 days.

Chair Carsky asked if the scope of the project is defined, is square footage defined and Comm. Oliva said yes. We presently have certain flexibility with the town, but not much.

The Committee will meet with the County Attorney next week to discuss IPM and dedication of Lasdon Parkland.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Carsky the minutes of July 22 were approved 2-0.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.