MINUTES

COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

OCTOBER 28, 1997

PRESENT: Chair Carsky, Leg. Latimer and

LaMotte

Chair Bronz, Leg. Stewart-Cousins

ALSO PRESENT: Mr. Yoegel, Ms LeLash

Mrs. Rinaldo-LWV, Comm.

Oliva

ITEMS DISCUSSED:

Chair Carsky called the Environment Committee to order 2:45 p.m.. Chair Bronz called the Community Affairs Committee to order at 2:45 p.m.

Comm. Oliva explained the County’s policy on open space. The County has had a long history of open space policies. The first one was done in 1965 and that set forth certain areas of the County that should be purchased for open space. In 1976, the current policy was adopted by the Parks Board but was never adopted by the Board of Legislators. The 1976 policy built on the 1965 policy. Fragile parcels that should be considered for purchase were discussed in 1976. The 1976 policy recommended more specific acquisitions in the southern tier of the County. It recommended that more detailed studies be done for more golf courses, etc., and for the County to purchase more waterfront properties.

In 1993 the Parks Dept. developed an update of the 1976 plan. The County Planning and Parks Boards felt that the 1993 report needs to be rewritten so that the average layman could understand it better.

Page 2 Environment/Community Affairs 10/28

Chair Carsky asked how the $500,000 Parks Master Plan fits in with this. Comm. Oliva stated that we need to do a needs study to see what we can do with the present land we own and what we need to acquire based on the Parks Recreation Needs Study.

Comm. Oliva pointed out certain parcels on a map that were outlined in the 1976 study. Some parcels such as the Heritage Property and the Calvin Klein horse farm in Somers are no longer available to purchase. New areas are now Quaker Bridge and Journeys’ End in the northern part of the County. They tried to identify parcels in the south County, but there does not seem to be too much land available.

Comm. Oliva presented a Highlights sheet of the 1993 County Plan.

Leg. LaMotte asked how the Watershed agreement fits into this. Comm. Oliva felt that we would have another player (the State) to help purchase land. Comm. Oliva stated that there are alot of different groups that want property purchased and preserved, but they want the County to pay for these parcels. That would have to be a decision for the Board to make on how much money they want to spend.

Leg. Latimer asked Comm. Oliva in addition to existing county parks and lands have there been specific sites designated in some areas? Comm. Oliva stated that they have started to do this in some areas of the County but not all.

Leg. Latimer stated that maybe we should find out the pluses and minus in the parcels. Comm. Oliva stated that we need to protect what we have.

Leg. Latimer also asked if there has been any discuss of the County vis-a-vie State to purchase within the County? Comm. Oliva stated that the State has adopted, for the first time, their own open space policy and they have their own list of properties.

Page 3 Community Affairs/Env 10/28/97

Comm. Oliva did state that if you take State money you must follow their guidelines. If the County purchases property, it must be open to use for all County residents.

Comm. Oliva felt that she should come back again and discuss the criteria. There should be a means test for some communities.

Char Bronz felt that an open dialogue would be very helpful.

Comm. Oliva felt that the 1976 policy is still a very viable plan and what the County follows today. These policies are meant to be long-range. In the 1976 policy it suggested purchasing another golf course, which the County is presently considering.

Regarding the Gaisman Property, it was shown in the 1976 plan and was identified as a piece of property. Some of the buildings that are currently on the property, the County would not want, but the Archdiocese may. Comm. Oliva explained that the Archdiocese ad the Gaisman’s have a "unique" relationship. The Gaisman property has a very active citizen group but the Comm. feels that it will be a very expensive property to purchase. The Environmental Protection Fund may be made available to assist with this purchase.

Comm. Oliva sated that the County has been looking toward the purchase of Manursing Island. The County is in the process of having appraisals done.

Chair Carsky asked if the Comm. has reviewed the Lasdon property and has the Parks Board taken any action? Comm. Oliva thought that Comm. DeSantis was trying to get the support of the Parks Board for the purchase of Lasdon’s 27 acres.

Leg. LaMotte asked if a piece of property is in eminent danger , getting a right of first refusal is very important before it gets sold. Comm. Oliva stated that she would look into that option.

Page 4 Comm Affairs/Env 10/28/97

How does the Recreation Survey fit into the policy and what might we acquire in the future?

Comm. Oliva stated that all needs to be reviewed and discussed.

On motion of Leg. Stewart-Cousins, seconded by Chair Bronz, the Committee on Community Affairs adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

The Environment Committee continued their discussion with the Comm. on IPM. Comm. Oliva will look at ways to possibly write a grant to try to get some money for the Committee.

Chair Carsky and Leg. LaMotte will ask the IPM Committee how soon they would like the new law enacted?

Comm. Oliva questioned why the Planning Department was not included in the list of Departments. Chair Carsky will bring that up with Ms. Wiernik.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Leg. Latimer, the Resolution thanking those involved in stopping HOV was approved 3-0.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the minutes of October 21 were approved 2-0. Leg. Latimer was out for the vote.

On motion of Leg. LaMotte, seconded by Chair Carsky, the Environment Committee adjourned at 4:1- P.M.