MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, March 21, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; J.Maisano.
LEGISLATOR: Bill Ryan
STAFF: Rob Hoch; Charlotte Ryer
ALSO PRESENT: Robert Dennison (NYS/DOT); Larry Salley-Comm., Harry Stanton-Dep. Comm. (WC/DOT); Eric Goldstein (NRDC); Joyce Lannert-Comm., Jerry Milligan (WC/Dept. Plng.); Bill Randolph (CE’s Ofc.); Danielle Infield (Legal Dept.); Cathleen Breen (NYPIRG); Mayor Ron Bianchi (Harrison); Mayor John Lombardi (North Castle); Supv. Sy Globerman (North Salem); Marion Rose (CWCWC); Gudrun LeLash (FCWC); Katherine McLoughlin (NY/CLV). - See attached list.
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. The Committee Blueprint was reviewed, and Chair requested that a copy be distributed to each Committee member to be returned by next week with any changes or comments. The minutes of March 14th, was amended and moved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, and carried with a vote of 2-0, all in favor. (Legislator Maisano was out for the vote.)
Chair noted that the Hillpoint Property Purchase legislation needed to be signed by the Committee. The legislation had been previously signed by the Budget Committee during the joint meeting on Monday, March 20th. After a brief discussion, on the motion of Legislator Maisano, seconded by Chair Kaplowitz, the motion was carried 3-0. Chair also thanked Katherine McLoughlin and others for their efforts regarding this issue.
The June Road Cemetery legislation was next for discussion. Danielle Infield gave a brief overview and noted, as a County requirement, that
MINUTES
the Resolution be published in the local newspaper once a week for six weeks, after which a date will be set for a public hearing. Supervisor Sy Globerman commented that the site is a pre-Revolutionary War cemetery, and a final resting place for Revolutionary soldiers who were recognized by the Federal Congress. Chair entertained a motion to approve the Committee Report for expansion. The motion was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with all in favor.
Chair reminded everyone that the petition to ban MTBE’s should be completed and returned to this office by April 15th. He then entertained a motion to receive and file the agenda items #30 and #32, related to MTBE. The motion was moved by Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, with all in favor. The upcoming meeting schedule was reviewed next, which can be found on the last page of the agenda.
Route 120
Robert Dennison of the NYS/DOT explained that the project pertains to the Route 120 and I-684 overlap. He noted that since the 1980’s NYS/DOT has been working on this issue. Processing has included a draft EIS, a draft supplemental EIS, numerous public hearings and information meetings. He also emphasized that project is federally funded and must adhere to an environmental process and other requirements. The final EIS will include a findings statement for comments, the comment period has been extended from 30-days to 45-days after issuance. A significant feature of the project is to include stormwater control and water quality treatments, with interaction and assistance of the County DEP. Mr. Dennison continued his presentation with a visual map of the proposed area. The overall goal is to improve safety problems and traffic patterns with minimal impact to the watershed. The final EIS should be released early April for review, with a determination planned for summer, and then the final design will begin. The cost is projected at approximately $30-35 million for construction and about $10-12 million for water quality segment.
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Commissioner Larry Sally questioned how the design plans relate to the latest proposed traffic flow re-direction plan in regard to the County Airport. Mr. Dennison replied that traffic patterns being considered in regard to the Airport does not affect their design or plans. Commissioner Joyce Lannert questioned the traffic flow through the “round-about”. Mr. Dennison explained that the current bridge will be rebuilt and the roadway will be re-aligned, away from the reservoir, in order for the traffic to flow smoother.
Mayor Ron Bianchi commented on the underground tanks currently stored and was informed that the tanks will be removed and the soil will be tested. Supervisor Lombardi noted that his goal, for the past 5-years, has been to keep runoff waters from Route 22 and 120 out of the reservoir. He emphasized that the whole issue has to do with environmental safety and health – if nothing is done to control stormwater, it will continue to flow into the reservoir. Supervisor Lombardi also expressed that the proposed plan is good for the County, and that the roads need to be improved to handle the daily traffic flow.
Cathleen Breen of NYPIRG, requested study information from Ron Dennison, for research and to be analyzed. Marion Rose requested additional information regarding the water quality issues, drain basins, etc. The Route 120 segment was briefly interrupted to discuss the Endangered Species Act.
Endangered Species
Chair Kaplowitz introduced Jack Robbins, who gave a brief overview of the proposed Act, which had been discussed previously, and approved by the Special Committee on Parks, Recreation and Conservation. Chair entertained a motion, which was moved by Legislator Maisano, seconded by Legislator Pinto, and carried 3-0.
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The Route 120 dialogue continued, with Mr. Dennison noting that the DOT will assist with the development plans. Eric Goldstein noted that over 9-million people are serviced by the Kensico Reservoir and that stormwater management is an important issue. He expressed that stormwater controls should be reviewed before the EIS is completed. Mr. Dennison reiterated that the all efforts will be worked along with the water conservation agencies.
With no further business to discuss, on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m.
ATTACHED VISITOR’S LIST
Name Affiliation
Fay Muir CWCWC
Robert Wall Colley Family
Roland Koke Attny. for No. Salem
Karen Argenti Friends/Jerome Park Resv.
Tina Argenti Friends/Jerome Park Resv.
Nancy Seligson EMC
Stephanie O. Davis CWCWC/FPM
Irene Saltzburg Friends/Marshland
Karen Shultz Sierra Club
Jerry Milligan Planning Dept.
David Ferguson CWCWC