COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
MINUTES
ENV. MEMBERS: Kaplowitz, LaMotte
OTHERS: Budget Dept.: Kate Carrano, Leslie Bennett; Planning: Fran McLaughlin, Michael Swee, William Brady; CBAC: Barbara Strauss; C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph; IT: Norm Jacknis; Real Estate: Sal Carrera; DOT: Larry Salley; WCDSS: Jewru Bandeh; WCOWI: Donnovan Beckford; PRC: Dave DeLucia; Beth Abraham Health Services: Phyllis Reich, Michael Bialek; CHMC: Gene Conroy; Others: Dorilla Misquero; BOL: Chris Chang, Sally Schecter, Barbara Dodds, Robert J. Boland, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
Chairman Kaplowitz called the Environment Committee meeting to order at 10:10 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
BUDGET MINUTES:
On motion of Legislators Kaplowitz and Carsky, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve the Budget Committee Minutes of January 19, 2000 was carried by a vote of 4-0. (Legislators Abinanti, Noto and Stewart-Cousins out for vote)
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C) BOND ACTS:
4.* B0054: Authorizing the issuance of $7,000,000 in bonds – Real Property Purchase – 143 Grand Street and related act. (1/24/00) (Also referred to Env)
· Mr. Carerra briefed the Committee on the proposed purchase of 143 Grand Street. He stated that purchasing this property present a unique opportunity to the County in that the availability and proximity to other County offices and programs with easy access for clients makes it a most desirable, attractive, and user-friendly site. The property consist of a 32,000 square foot building (formerly the Post Office) and a parking lot with 80 vehicles. The acquisition would also give the County the right to potentially further develop or subdivide the site.
· Additional space is needed for the Office of Workforce Investment (OWI) which is part of DSS to establish a One-Stop Service Center as mandated by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The purchase of 143 Grand will provide space for the One-Stop as well as the Board of Elections (presently located at 112 East Post Road).
· Mr. Carerra stated that it is his opinion that purchasing is a much better option that renting property. The cost of purchasing 143 Grand Street after 5 years: $3,326,250 vs. Cost of Rental after 5 years: $3,712,660
· This will give us the opportunity to vacate space at 150 Grand Street prior to or on the lease expiration date of 6/30/01 and to vacate the Board of Elections from 112 East Post Road and set in motion plans to reconstruct that space to make it a modern health facility for the Department of Health to move out of 85 Court Street and from Rye Ridge where we pay $225,000 per year in rent.
· According to Mr. Carerra the greatest opportunity with regard to this site is the building lot next door where the parking lot is. Allowed to build 80,000 feet of office space and housing. The housing would be comprised of approximately 84 apartments (affordable housing/middle income). A parking garage of 2-3 stories would be built.
· According to the Certificate of Appraisal, the land value is $4,850,000. The cost of the building (post office site) is $525,000. The total appraised value of the site is $525,000.
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· Mr. Carrera stated that if this proposal is approved the Board of elections will move out of their existing space in 18 months and move to 143 Grand. Other proposed moves include: the rejuvenation of 112 for Health; DSS will occupy all of 85 Court Street; DSS currently located at 150 Grand will move to Mt. Vernon and Employment and Training will move from 150 Grand to 143 Grand.
· Legislator LaMotte requested a listing of existing rental space we’ll be leaving as well as rental costs. Committees also requested a flow chart of where offices are currently located and where they will be moving to.
· Committees asked how White Plains feels about this proposed project. Mr. Carrera stated that they have had meetings with the White Plains Mayor and Planning department.
· Mr. Carrera informed the Committee that they had the site completely looked at by DPW as well as outside architectural companies. All major components have many years of useful life left.
· Mr. Carrera stated that what is currently before the Committees is the authority to purchase the site and although the building rights come with the purchase those plans have yet to be firmed up.
· The Committees delayed any action on this item until further discussions are held and answers to requests have been received.
2.* BPL10: Authorizing the issuance of up to $1,025,000 – purchase of 9.5 acres of real property located on Lake Street in the City of White Plains for general municipal purposes and related act. (1/24/00) (Also referred to Env)
· To purchase approximately 9.5 acres of real property located on Lake Street in the City of White Plains. The property is owned by Emilio Pettinicchi and Antoinetta Verano and is undeveloped. The Bond Act would authorize the issuance of up to $1,025,000 to finance the purchase price of $950,000 plus usual and customary closing costs which are not expected to exceed $75,000.
· 1.5 acres will be used to provide a sit for the construction of 71 units of affordable housing and associated parking by WHF Housing Development Fund Corporation (WHFHDFC) the Project’s sponsor and developer and an affiliate of Beth Abraham Health Services.
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· The units will be for affordable for senior citizens (62 years or older) or handicapped people of any age having an income of no more than 50% of the County’s median income in accordance with the requirements of the County’s New Homes Land Acquisition Fund.
· Mr. Salley informed the Committees that they have had discussions with the City of White Plains. This site was recommended to Beth Abraham and the County by the Mayor of White Plains.
· WHFHDFC has received approval for $7,413,000 in federal Section 202 funds for a 71 unit affordable housing development. Mr. Salley reminded the Committees that the time line for HUD money is critical.
· There was some concern expressed as to why White Plains is not participating in this project or doing it themselves. Mr. Salley stated that they just don’t have the resources.
· 8 acres of the 9.5 will be classified as general municipal land. Currently in the process of getting an appraisal on the 1.5 acres.
· Mr. Conroy stated that Beth Abraham has successfully completed several of these projects throughout the County.
· Mr. Abinanti expressed his concern that there is no agreement with Beth Abraham in writing. He stated that while he is not opposed to the purchase and the plan he would feel a lot better if there was something in writing from Beth Abraham. Mr. Conroy replied that they are working on a good faith agreement. Mr. Kaplowitz stated that perhaps Beth Abraham would be willing to put something in writing (i.e. Memorandum of Understanding).
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins asked if the project has the support of the community. Mr. Conroy stated that they have never done a building project where there hasn’t been some opposition.
· Mr. Salley informed the Committee that while an environmental audit was entire on the entire piece of property they are having a separate one done on the 1.5 acre parcel.
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0 with Legislators Kaplowitz and Stewart-Cousins signing “Without Prejudice”.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE: On motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 2-0 with Legislator Kaplowitz signing “Without Prejudice”.
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A) COMMUNICATIONS - COUNTY EXECUTIVE:
3.* Assignment of Perpetual Easement: Proposed legislation authorizing the County to consent to the assignment of a perpetual easement over a portion of the County’s Pocantico Lake Property from United Water New Rochelle, Inc. to the Village of Briarcliff Manor. (1/24/00)
· Mr. DeLucia explained that this is Pocantico is a 120 acre park in the Town of Mt. Pleasant that was acquired in 1992 from the New Rochelle Water Company.
· There is a pump house on the property (former residence building) and the land and Pocantico Lake were once a reservoir. At the time we acquired the land New Rochelle Water Company still provided water to about two dozen houses in the neighborhood. We have had a license with them to operate the pump station since 1992. The Village of Briarcliff Manor now wants to provide that water. This is an act authorizing an agreement that the Village take over the rights and easement from the New Rochelle Water Company. The plan has always been to provide a small, separate pump building adjacent to Sleepy Hollow Road. The Parks Department will take down the rather unsightly former residence which currently requires a lot of maintenance. The land is in the Town of Mt. Pleasant while the pump station and the facility would be operated by the Village of Briarcliff Manor.
· Committee requested that notice of this action by the Budget Committee be given immediately to the Superintendent of Mt. Pleasant and asked for comment.
On motion of Legislator Carsky, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0.
A&C CALENDAR:
The Committee reviewed the February 3, 2000 A&C Calendar.
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ADJOURNMENT:
FOR THE BUDGET COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Noto, seconded by Legislator Abinanti, the meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, the meeting was adjourned at 12:07 p.m.