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MINUTES COMMITTEE E ON ENVIRONMENT MARCH 25, 1997
PRESENT: Chair Carsky, Legs: LaMotte, Latimer, Delfino
ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Yoegel, Ms. Thomas, Mrs. Keating, Comm. Petrocelli, Mr. Russell, Mr. Brachietta, Ms. Morgan, Mr. Hosey, several people from the Friend Meeting House, the Fox Family.
ITEMS DISCUSSED:
Chair Carsky explained that she was in Washington at NACO and lobbied Lowey’s and Gillman’s offices on ISTEA. The questions put to them had to do with the ISTEA funds relative to I287. New York is likely to lose some funds in the go-around. The question is, should we cut our loses and take it from there? Yonkers and New Rochelle will be receiving their allotment. $200 million was specifically allocated for HOV on 287, according to Comm. Petrocelli. The money will not be lost if not applied to HOV, but will be lost if we cannot agree what to do with it.
Comm. Petrocelli stated that one of the hallmarks of the ISTEA Legislation passed five years ago was that it is a "New York friendly" piece of legislation. Sen. Moynihan was a drafter of the bill. New York State has one of the highest use of transient users on their roadways. ISTEA established certain authorization for funding. The Federal Government paid back to New York several hundred of millions of dollars and also stated how the funding was used. Page 2 Environment March 25, 1997
Every three or four years a new transit bill comes along. ISTEA allowed an unprecedented level of flexibility. These decisions were made by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. As they update the Transportation Improvement Program, they send it throughout the County for input from the local municipalities.
Leg. Latimer asked if there are any other projects on request at this time. Commr. Petrocelli explained the process of how the money is allocated. $200 million was earmarked for Westchester on the HOV and $7 million was earmarked for New Rochelle for an Intermodal Center.
There are seven projects including a bus garage, bus replacement, Westchester Avenue, Mamaroneck Avenue. If the money is earmarked, it is there. Highway taxes should flow back to the State in the same way that they are paid out. The Commissioner suggested taking Transportation out of the budget and make it a Trust Fund.
Leg. Latimer asked Comm. Petrocelli for a status report on the HOV proposal. The projects in jeopardy are the Yonkers Garage, Yonkers Intermodal Center and HOV. The Commissioner stated that Contracts were let recently to widen the Sprain and Saw Mill overpasses that effect I287. They need rehabilitation either way. This is also being done to accommodate anything that will be done in the future. The work has begun. No matter what happens down the road, it will be ready.
Leg. LaMotte asked about light rail and Commr. Petrocelli stated that they are looking at future sites such as Central Avenue. Central Avenue is the most heavily used roadway in the County. Chair Carsky asked the Commr. what the process is for earmarked funds and the Commissioner stated that they have to go through the Federal Government.
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Leg. Delfino asked about update on HOV - does anyone write an update on this. Commr. Petrocelli suggested having Mr. Bauman in to discuss this.
Leg. Latimer stated that the Environmental Community feel that this is a waste. This is an emotional issue on both sides. Leg. Latimer feels that we need an update on a regular basis.
Ms. Morgan explains where we are at this moment. The arrogance of the DOT is, Ms. Morgan says, that there is no guarantee of the $200 million. There are many more counties hanging in there for this money.
The Committee will talk to decide which course of action to take.
Commr. Oliva began the Airport discussion. We must work together on the finding statement.
Chair Carsky stated that she would like to put the sites to rest. Comm. Oliva explained that Hotel and Echo are the better sites. Either way the taxiway will still happen. Westair has more trees and wetlands that would be involved and the drainage problem would be much worse at that site for 25 - 30 acres. That is not saying this site could not be used for something else on a smaller scale.
Mr. Burroughs explained that there will be a 450 feet berm with will be 17 feet over existing grade near the Fox home. The stone wall will remain and the trees will stay there.
Leg. Latimer asked Comm. Oliva about a statement that any trees that have to be removed or topped have to be subject to the homeowner’s approval and she agreed.
Leg. Latimer asked that whenever we have tree removal on County land we do it on a one year cycle and look at those trees that will break through the line of sight.
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There may be certain homeowners who want us to do things right away. Both commissioners felt that they need to have more discretion and doing it every two to three years would be better Leg. Latimer does not want to see trees taken out two years sooner if they are on County property. Leg. Latimer would like to see a re-planting policy. Commr. Oliva stated that the County already replants on private property .
Leg. Latimer wants to make sure that there will not be a loud speaker system and a lighting system shining in people’s homes.
Commr. Petrocelli stated that no more trees will be disappearing at Echo site.
Mr. Carsten stated that there is some concern from their front yard at the Friends Meeting House. Commr. Oliva suggested that possibly they would look into putting up a fence or something and Mr. Carsten approved.
Leg. Delfino would like to correct the sight problem for the Foxes.
Mrs. Fox stated that she sold the County 2.5 acres in 1969 because they came to her and stated that it would be safer for the planes. Mrs. Fox did not take any money for the 2.5 acres. Mrs. Fox explained what took place on her property over the years. There were three different propositions and they threatened her with eminent domain. Mrs. Fox reads a prepared statement. She stated that she has lived in her home 42 and a half years. She was also forced to sell the County 6.5 acres plus an easement. The landscaping is ineffective. The deer have eaten everything that they have planted. She asks for an adequate evergreen berm and shielding from the planes. The Foxes’ daughter reads a statement and is very concerned about the wetlands basin and wetlands restoration.
The friends would also like a fence so they do not see the Airport. Page 5
The Committee thanked everyone for coming and we will take this matter up again next Tuesday.
On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m.
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