MEMBERS: Chair/Env.: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto, U. LaMotte, J. Maisano. Staff: Charlotte Ryer, Secretary.

LEGISLATOR(S): L. Bronz, K. Carsky, A. Stewart-Cousins.

ALSO PRESENT: John Kirkpatrick, Esq., David Brown, Bruce Lozito (NY Archdiocese); Comm. Tony Trelewicz, Dep. Comms. Bob Matarazzo & Dan Donahue, James Hogan, John Yoegel (WC/DEF); Comm. Tony Landi, Robert Abbamont (WC/DPW); Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.). See attached list.

The meeting was called to order by Chair Kaplowitz at 3:02 p.m. The minutes of Tuesday, March 24th were reviewed. Motion to approve was made by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, carried by a vote of 3-0. (Legislator Maisano was out for the vote.)

Chair Kaplowitz introduced John Kirkpatrick, Esq., representing the New York Archdiocese for the Gaisman Estate. Mr. Kirkpatrick introduced David Brown, Director of Real Estate for the Archdiocese and Bruce Lozito, Planner for the Town of Greenburgh and the Archdiocese. Mr. Kirkpatrick then presented the history of Mr. Henry Gaisman, an inventor of the safety razor and was once the chairman of Gillette (razor company), who purchased the property in 1932 from a Mr. George Christiancy, a former U.S. Minister to Peru. The property had been maintained as an estate for quite a long time. In the mid 1950’s, it was considered as a site for Westchester Community College, but Mr. Gaisman preferred to offer the property to the Archdiocese. In 1957 Mr. Gaisman entered into a deal and sold the property to the Archdiocese with the provision that he could live there for as long as he and his wife lived. Mr. Gaisman died in 1974 at the

age of 100+ years. About three years ago, Mrs. Gaisman moved off the property, the Archdiocese made the final payment and took full title. The Sisters of Mercy currently lease the property for their Provincial House and a Convent. The Archdiocese met with Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner who appointed a committee of neighborhood representatives and held a series of meetings (over a period of time) to discuss the best possible use of the property. The neighbors were concerned that the property would be used for the development of 300 houses. The Archdiocese realized that its need for the property is for a Convent for the Sisters of Mercy and elderly nuns from different Orders, and wants to retain approximately 15 acres. After continued open discussion of what to do with the remainder of the property, it was unanimously decided that the property should be maintained as a parkland. Mr. Kirkpatrick further explained that recently Assemblyman Richard Brodsky announced that the State would contribute a significant portion of the money to finance the park, along with contributions from the Town of Greenburgh and the County. Bruce Lozito described, in detail, the layout and the beauty of the estate, and expressed how perfect the site is to remain as a parkland for passive use.

Chair Kaplowitz questioned the financial structure. David Brown added that the Archdiocese is currently working on the terms of an option agreement with the Westchester Land and Trust Board (public lending) as a conduit between the Archdiocese and the three different levels of government. The procedure called for in the option agreement is that there will be two (2) appraisals of the property that would set the parameters for the negotiations of the price (the state has its approved list.) Chair questioned the levels of government and their objections, if any, and was informed that it had not been discussed yet. Legislator LaMotte asked if the park would be proposed as a State park, and was informed that the State prefers not to operate it. Legislator Pinto added that Greenburgh has an interest in operating as a County park. Legislator Bronz expressed that the Town of Greenburgh is working as diligently as possible to preserve the estate.

Chair asked questions relating to the transfer of the deed to a parkland, i.e., deed restrictions, easement restrictions, etc., and was informed by Mr. Kirkpatrick that a title report was done, and there were no old restrictions on the property, but the Archdiocese would want a restriction (in the deed) that the property be used as a park. Chair asked if there was an option, regarding the Convent, that would affect the County or State if the Archdiocese decided to no longer use as a Convent. Mr. Kirkpatrick added that a proposal had been given to the neighbors to get their views on what they would support. The neighbors expressed that they want to be sure that if things changed in the future, what might happen to the property. The Archdiocese is looking for a formula that doesn’t restrict the property so badly that the Sisters would not be able to finance the construction of the Convent but, at the same time, gives everyone the level of assurance they are looking for.

Legislator LaMotte asked for clarification of the property lines for the Convent and the parkland area. Mr. Lozito explained that the area chosen for the Convent was deliberate because of its lack of visibility to the public road and access ways. Legislator LaMotte also added that it is County policy to preserve parkland in the southern Westchester region. Legislator Pinto added that he is in favor of the purchasing of this property for the County. Chair thanked the guests for their participation.

Next for discussion, Chair Kaplowitz referred to the Long Island Sound IMA and will invite Commissioner Trelewicz to attend the May 5th Committee meeting. In regard to the North County Trailway (item "P"), a motion to move out of Committee was made by Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto and carried by a vote of 4-0. The citizen communications regarding the Millennium Pipeline (item "O") was received and filed on motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Pinto, carried vote of 4-0:

On motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting adjourned at 3: 30 p.m. and will reconvene, after a brief recess, with the Committee on Public Works.

Fedora DeLucia Former Mbr. Somers Plng. Bd.

Larry Wilson NYS Turf & Landscape Assoc.

Marian H. Rose Sierra Club/CWCWC

Sandy Morrissey FCWC

Janet Jaidi LOWV

John Feingold Westchester Land Trust