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MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT Tuesday, September 14, 1999 3:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; U. LaMotte; G. Latimer, J. Maisano.
STAFF: Steve Bass, Charlotte Ryer-Sec’y.
ALSO PRESENT: Gudrun LeLash, Maureen Morgan (FCWC); Peter Katz, Marsha Jamil (Saxon Woods Assoc.); Michael Goodstein (CE’s Office); Edward Burough (Plng. Dept.).
The meeting was called to order at 3:30 p.m. The minutes of September 7th were reviewed, corrected and accepted on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with a vote of 4-0. (Legislator Maisano was out for the vote.)
Chair Kaplowitz asked Board Chairman Latimer to discuss today’s topic regarding the environmental impact of the proposed assisted living facility in Scarsdale. Mr. Latimer stated that the proposed project site is in Town/Village of Scarsdale near the City of White Plains border, known as the Saxon Woods neighborhood area. About six weeks ago, there was a public (Zoning Board) meeting in the Village of Scarsdale, regarding the proposed project, which Mr. Latimer attended. He mentioned that some of the discussion involved the beginning of the environmental review process, where there were a legitimate series of questions being asked by Peter Katz and other neighborhood citizens. This matter has been brought to the attention of the Committee and representatives from the Planning Department for discussion, because the project borders directly on County-owned land. Mr. Latimer expressed that he would like to discuss how the County government, as an involved agency, analyzes issues as they arise, for which other municipal bodies are the lead agency, and in which these same principles would apply to this project, and any other County projects. He also stated that his MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, September 14, 1999PAGE 2
concern is how the County government, as a Legislature, would perform when other such issues would arise anywhere else in the County, and where the County government, as an entity, will be commenting – but, mainly not involving Legislators – noting that as representatives of the County, the environmental issues are thoroughly addressed. Mr. Latimer then introduced Peter Katz to highlight some of the involvement’s of the project.
Mr. Katz thanked Chairman Latimer and Chair Kaplowitz for the opportunity to address the Committee. He stated that at times, the County’s involvement in projects reach an advanced stage before the County is either invited in, or realizes on its own that it should have been invited in. Mr. Katz emphasized that because the involved property is against the County property of Saxon Woods Park (declared as a critical environmental area by the BOL), it will require a full environmental impact review under SEQRA. He continued with a descriptive map of the projected area, noting that the County has a major sewer easement running across the property, and that the developer would have to directly tie into the front-line. Also, the water supply has become a major concern for the proposed property. The City of White Plains has question as to whether it can supply water to the property. The developer suggested that the daily consumption would be in the range of 110-150 thousand gallons. It is believed that the annual consumption would cause a burden to the White Plains water system – which would put White Plains in jeopardy with the City of New York (water supplier). The project is proposed to contain up to 115 units to be developed, and the Scarsdale Planning Board has suggested that the unit numbers be decreased. Other areas of concern and sensitivity are the pool (Saxon Woods Park), and the un-disturbed section of the parkland. Mr. Katz also noted that parts of the area contain wetlands, a tributary of the Mamaroneck River, and that parts of the area flood on a seasonal basis. These issues need to be addressed. The City of White Plains has emphasized to Scarsdale, that part of the land is located in White Plains, and there is MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, September 14, 1999PAGE 3
no direct access from the Scarsdale portion without going through White Plains – and that the utility service also comes through White Plains. The City of White Plains wanted it to be very plain to Scarsdale, that this project is not permitted under White Plains zoning – and now it is in question as to whether it is permitted in Scarsdale zoning. Mr. Katz stated that the Scarsdale zoning for this property (single family) allows schools, hospitals and nursing homes, and that Scarsdale interpreted the permission for nursing homes to also apply to assisted living. He also stated that the Association urged the Scarsdale Planning Board to take a very close look, and incorporate the recommendations made by the County in accordance with their manual on assisted living. Mr. Katz concluded, expressing that the Associations’ concern in their neighborhood, has been with the preservation of as many environmentally sensitive features as can be preserved. The Association takes the position that the land is a resource which is disappearing rapidly, and that you can have a sensible development - but all the available expertise is needed to do so. He hopes that these issues are brought before the County at an early enough stage for the rules to be beneficial.
Edward Burough mentioned that the point of getting comments out early is to raise concerns for an environmental review. Also, the referral process of the County Planning Board is handled by the County Charter. Scarsdale and White Plains notified the County Planning Board of their action and the official lead agency notifications were received. He further explained the review process and how the Planning Board handles and coordinates with the appropriate departments on behalf of the County government.
Chairman Latimer emphasized that historically, the Board of Legislators has not had a role in analyzing or discussing certain kinds of issues as they arise. By including the Board of Legislators in the MINUTES COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, September 14, 1999PAGE 4
scoping process - the Board, as an institution, can be identified as an involved agency. As a particular project arises, legal documents (as they develop) will be directed to the Board for their involvement. Chairman Latimer highlighted on the Saxon Woods neighborhood, when about five years ago the issue of a proposed County development of a “water theme park”, on the Saxon Woods parcel. At that time, several neighborhood associations were opposed to the project. He specified that the neighbors stated they did not oppose the upgrade of Saxon Woods, or improvement of it – but, they opposed the development of something that would dramatically change the foot-print of the park, and in theory, attract so many more people than planned, to attend the park (i.e., traffic, etc). That plan was not passed by the BOL – but the Board then had to vote on the modernization and upgrade of the pool, which was supported by the neighbors. Chairman Latimer expressed that the neighbors would like to be included in the decisions planned for changes in their neighborhood.
Legislator LaMotte noted that in Bedford, all the interested town groups formed a coalition to work with the Town Board on the update of their master-plan, which seems to be working very well. There is now a constant dialogue between the Town Board and the representative of the (17) groups. Mr. Burough added, that the City of White Plains completed an update of their master-plan, for the proposed (assisted living) property, which allows for a preservation of open space where possible – and, it also allowed for the development of housing (not necessarily assisted living). He felt that the role of the County could possibly act as the mediator or facilitator in encouraging the cooperation of municipalities. A brief discussion continued.
Chair entertained a motion to reconsider amending the
minutes of September 7th, to include the passing of agenda item
B-6. The motion was seconded by Legislator
LaMotte, with a vote of 5-0. The COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, September 14, 1999PAGE 5
minutes will be presented at the next Committee meeting for approval.
Maureen Morgan was next to discuss the upcoming conference on transportation for the new millennium and the repair of the Tappan Zee Bridge. There is consideration of a replacement bridge, and a potential for a rail. She emphasized that these are serious issues that need to be addressed immediately, and attending this conference is important. The conference is the first of a series of three. It was suggested that Steve Bass attend the conference for 1½ days to represent the Board. Chair thanked Ms. Morgan for her presentation.
Chairman Latimer present and item that he and Legislator Noto have been working on regarding agenda item F-6, also referred to Public Works Committee. The item was first received from the County Executive at the request of the Greenwich Woods Health Care Center (Nursing Home), located on King Street (Connecticut side). Mr. Latimer noted that the area is in the Blind Brook Sanitary Sewer District and the proposed legislation is to restructure the arrangement of 14-years into a moving forward situation that will cover the next 20-years. This connection will increase the compensation to the County – it is a negative environmental impact because it is a direct connection to the sewer district, and is a time-sensitive issue.
Legislator Maisano thanked Chair Kaplowitz and Legislator
Pinto for immediately responding to a problem in his district regarding the
construction of a sanitary sewer overflow facility. Legislator Maisano emphasized that the Legislators voted to build
the facility, and now it has turned into a huge political issue in his district. An emergency meeting has been called for
Tuesday, September 28th, to bring in the experts (from the County
Depts.) to discuss the issue.
Legislator Pinto added that he has spoken to the County Attorney, who
has COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENTTUESDAY, September 14, 1999PAGE 6
brought him up-to-date and will discuss all the steps taken, the procedure that was used, and the offers that were made.
Chair Kaplowitz made several announcements: (1) next week’s meeting will be on the Pest Management Committee Annual Report with Roberta Wiernik; and (2) Wednesday, September 22nd, from 9 a.m. to noon, is a Pest Management Integrated Workshop – in the Michaelian Office Building. Gudrun LeLash announced that there will be a Public Information Hearing on the Route 120 Corridor - on Thursday (9/16) from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Byram Hills High School.
With no further business to discuss and on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Latimer, the meeting adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
TAPE OF THE MEETING ON FILE. |