MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

JANUARY 28, 1997 AT 3:00 P.M.

Present: Chair Carsky, Legs: Latimer, LaMotte

and Delfino

Also Present: Comm. DeSantis, Deputy Stout,

Architect DeLucia, Ms. LeLash

Mr. Yoegel

Items Discussed:

Chair Carsky called the meeting to order. The Committee discussed the Parks Master Plan with Commissioner DeSantis. They have done a total inventory of all parks in the Westchester System down to the last building. By mid-February there will be a meeting at the County Center, and later on there will be one in the northern part of the County and in the southern part of the County.

Comm. DeSantis stated that it is important that we receive public comment. Chair Carsky stated it was very important for us to get this information of the forum out to the public. The Commissioner stated that they would do a press release. They have already met with 15 different communities and are getting very good responses.

We must now choose a consultant for Phase II. Volmer cost $185,000 for the first phase and would like to bid on the second phase but the Parks Department does not know if they would like to use up all the money. They hope the recommendations will be completed by the end of 1997. Volmer has done quite a bit o park work. They are working on the Woodlands Viaduct and will be including the County Center and Playland in the plan.

A previous study indicated that walking/jogging is the number one form of exercise in Westchester and biking is second.

Leg. LaMotte suggested that when roads are paved that they are expanded for a bike lane in the shoulder.

Again the Commissioner stated that public participation is critical.

Chair Carsky asked the Commissioner to explain Pitch In For Parks. He stated that it is a day in the parks system when volunteers come in and help clean up the County Parks System. In 1994 there were 800 volunteers, in 1995 there were 1,000 volunteers and in 1996 there were 1,500. The Commissioner stated that they are hoping to have 2,000 volunteers this year. It is a very successful project. This year it will be held on April 6.

Leg. Delfino asked the about Sochurek Park and the Comm. stated that it is only for passive recreation.

Leg. Delfino also asked about the Dellwood Property and the Commissioner stated that the buildings are down.

Leg. LaMotte informed everyone about the Katonah Centennial which will be held on April 5. She stated that there will be an antique train that you can ride and several other fun events.

Leg. Latimer brought up the Reid Sanctuary and the Marshlands Conservancy. This is also for use as a passive recreational area. Leg. Latimer informed the Commissioner that he believes that he worked out a one sentence compromise to accept the 7.1 acre parcel of land from Playland. The Commissioner liked Leg. Latimer’s compromise and felt that it would not cause a problem. There is a new nature center that was built in-house.

Chairman Oros came into the meeting and asked the Commissioner about Rory O’Moore Park. Comm. DeSantis, as the former Yonkers PRC Director, that Rory O’Moore was always dedicated parkland and Parcel HH is a part of County Parkland. There are several interpretations on whether it is parkland or not. Judge Sand has taken parkland before for housing.

Chair Carsky advised the Committee that the Committee meeting will go to 2:30 p.m. starting next week.

There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m.