|
MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT @ EASTCHESTER TOWN HALLTuesday, July 13, 1999 7:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; U. LaMotte; J. Maisano.
STAFF: Steve Bass; Charlotte Ryer, Sec’y.
ALSO PRESENT: Legislator Katherine Carsky; James E. Cavanaugh, Supervisor-Eastchestser; Nancy D. Hand, Mayor-Bronxville; Philip A. White, Mayor-Tuckahoe; Vicki Ford, Councilwoman-Eastchester; William Regan, Bronxville Administrator; Marion Levine, Asst’. to Gordon Burrows/City of Yonkers; (See attached list.)
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m., with an introduction by Chair Kaplowitz of the Committee members and Legislator Carsky (non-member), who gave a brief description of their role at the Board. He continued, by also introducing the staff members and visiting officials from the various communities. Chair noted that this meeting is one in a series of outreach meetings brought into the community for their participation. He also noted that tonight’s meeting is focused on the proposed project by Metro-North for a “third rail track”, and to listen and hear the resident’s concerns. He expressed that these meetings are to help make County government as accessible as possible to the community.
There were four (4) speakers who signed (speaker) cards for “Public to be Heard”. The first speaker was Hon. Nancy Hand, Mayor of Bronxville, who presented her prepared statement (copy in Env. file). Mayor Hand emphasized that the affected municipalities feel, “Metro-North should seriously consider the proposed action and review all possible alternatives before making an irretrievable commitment of resources.” Next to speak was Claire Esposito, Secretary of the MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, July 13, 1999PAGE 2
Parkway Community Association in Bronxville, who expressed concern for the County properties (29) noted in the EIS statement, which will be directly affected by the project, and her opposition to the proposed third track. Mrs. Esposito noted that her house, of 56-years, is situated very near the railroad tracks, and it vibrates every time the trains roll by. She also noted that the history of Metro-North in regard to maintenance of the tracks has been inconsistent, if at all. Lastly, she emphasized that a third track may increase population and decrease (home) value, in the villages along the track. Eastchester Councilwoman Vicki Ford spoke briefly, noting that this proposed project is viewed as a crisis. She expressed that things are moving so quickly, without thought, that all the wonderful qualities that give the area a home-town atmosphere, will be lost. Lewis Catone, a member of the Transportation Subcommittee, noted that he worked for the railroad for 42-years, and is a resident of Bronxville. He strongly opposed a third track in this area.
Legislator Pinto commented on government being receptive to the people. He mentioned that it had been previously stated that Bronxville officials will be consulted regarding this issue. To date, he is not aware that Bronxville has been consulted and feels the conclusions of Metro-North, with regard to the community, are inaccurate. Mr. Pinto proposes to ask the County Board to correspond and support the written comments by the end of the deadline. Legislator LaMotte commented that she is concerned about the historic district and the Bronx River Reservation along the railroad right-of-way, and feels the proposed track is a threat to all public historic areas. She mentioned that this matter will be looked at very closely and the issues will also be discussed with the Transportation Subcommittee, as well as with the Legislators. Legislator Carsky added that there are several issues needing a lot more attention and a lot more studying, and further EIS studies must be required before a decision is reached.
MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, July 13, 1999PAGE 3
A new resident to Westchester County, Angela Tornatore, (formerly of Orange County) wanted to share her views with everyone. She stated that the reason she moved into the County (instead of any other), particularly Bronxville was because of its beauty, its history, and quaintness. Her house is also situated along the railroad tracks, and when she moved in, was aware of the two tracks, but had no idea a third track was being considered. Hon. James Cavanaugh, Eastchester Supervisor thanked the Committee for bringing the meetings into the community. Chair Kaplowitz mentioned that all comments will be taken back to the full Board.
The next topic for discussion was in regard to watershed protection and the proposed resolution of the United States Army Corps of Engineers in support of the protection of wetlands in watersheds. The Resolution was reviewed and after one minor correction, on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with a vote of 4-0, was accepted and signed out of the Committee on the Environment.
Chair Kaplowitz mentioned, in regard to open space, several areas of land had recently been approved by the Board for purchase - the Gaisman Property in Greenburgh, 115-acres; and 1.2-acres on the Yonkers waterfront. Legislator Carsky added that a promenade-park will be built on some of the property, a facility to launch boats, and the site will be used for environmental studies and recreational purposes. Chair Kaplowitz added that because of the new Open Space Policy, which is an alternative to out-right purchasing, in partnering with the donors (Scenic Hudson) and the County to contribute monies, all Westchester residents can enjoy the property.
Legislator LaMotte briefly discussed alternative fuels for buses, which was the topic of last week’s meeting, stating that she has had quite a few discussions with theTransportation Commissioner regarding the MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, July 13, 1999PAGE 4
purchase of buses to run (or partially run) on alternative fuel. The issue has not yet been resolved, due to the technology involved. There is a grant available for the purchase of alternative fuel buses, and she hopes the County will proceed with the purchase, noting that if the bus is ordered today, it will take 2-3 years to deliver – another 7-8 years of usage – and within that time, technology should have made a breakthrough using alternative fuel for cleaner air quality. Legislator Pinto added that he met with Commissioner Marvin Church and others to discuss the concerns of residents regarding the number of (deadheading) buses coming through Bronxville, Tuckahoe and Mt. Vernon. The Board is requesting an alternative route for the buses to use when “deadheading” to their destination and suggested the use of the Cross County Parkway. A letter has been drafted to show support of the Legislators. He also noted that the buses coming out of the southern tier (Yonkers) burn kerosene, which is a lot more friendly to the environment than diesel fuel. Legislator Pinto reiterated Legislator LaMotte’s statement regarding the delivery of the new buses, and emphasized that upon arrival and use they will be environmentally clean, sensitive, and hopefully, noise sensitive as well and still provide the ridership service needed.
Next, the minutes of June 29th were approved and accepted on the motion of Legislator LaMotte, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with a vote of 4-0.
Chair Kaplowitz continued with a review of upcoming meetings, noting that next week there will be two topics for discussion; (1) the discussion/amendment to the Agricultural & Farmland Board Legislation, which has been signed out by the Environment Committee, but the Legislation Committee has not yet signed it out; and (2) James Grefig, who will be interviewed for the Pest Management Committee.
MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, July 13, 1999PAGE 5
Legislator Pinto spoke on the issue of the geese and suggested inviting Richard Magat, who has written several articles on geese. Chair also suggested inviting someone from the Department of Parks. He also extended the request for anyone who wants to participate on a subcommittee to please contact our office.
With no further business to discuss and on the motion of Legislator Maisano, seconded by Legislator Pinto, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
ATTACHED VISITOR’S LIST Name Affiliation Lewis Catone Transp. Subcommittee Marian H. Rose Sierra Club/CWCWC Lionel Ruberg Sierra Club/CWCWC Oreon Sandler FCWC/CWCWC John O/Callahan Bronxville resident Claire M. Esposito Pkwy. Comm. Assoc. (Bxvl) Ann Craven Bronxville resident Irene W. Sandford Transp. Subcommittee David E. Glasam Condo Bd. Pres. (Tuckahoe) Nancy Mahler Bronxville resident Emily Papageorge Bronxville resident Maryann Koutsis Eastchester resident Vel Papageorge Bronxville resident Phil Koutsis Eastchester resident Elena Kroulas Bronxville resident Angela Tornatore Bronxville resident
TAPE OF THE MEETING ON FILE. |