MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, April 25, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: ENV. Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto;
U. LaMotte; J. Maisano.
LEGISLATORS: L. Bronz
STAFF: Barbara Dodds, Steve Bass; Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: B. Randolph (CE’s ofc.); Jack Robbins, Deputy Comm. (Parks, Rec. & Consv.); Dale Walkonen, Michael Yellin, Theresa Beyer (Glenwood Lake Assoc.).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m., and reviewed the minutes of April 4th. After a review and a minor correction was made, the minutes were accepted on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator Maisano, and carried 4-0.
The June Road Cemetery proposal, granting consent to the Town of North Salem’s application to expand, was signed out of committee on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Chair Kaplowitz, carried 4-0.
Chair Kaplowitz then introduced Myrna Youdelman to the committee members. Ms. Youdelman gave a brief background on the purpose and concept of “Organic Farming” explaining that she began in 1975, while her children were in (Greenburgh) public school. Realizing that the school lunch program was not sufficient, she talked to the school Board about using the surrounding land for a community gardening program. She suggested opening more land for the public to use as community gardens. Ms. Youdelman expressed the positive side of community gardening noting that it brings people together to share in a common goal, and aids as a learning tool for youngsters. Mr. Robbins added that there have been a number of community gardens in various County locations.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, April 25, 2000
Mr. Robbins will look closer into this matter. Chair asked Steve Bass to prepare a memo to the County Executive, and send a copy to Annette Zelman at Cooperative Extension and to the Parks Department to present this idea. Legislator LaMotte suggested informing local garden clubs as well.
Next, Chair Kaplowitz announced that a press release was distributed yesterday announcing the four (4) subcommittees, one for each committee member to chair: Hudson River-Mike Kaplowitz; Long Island Sound-Jim Maisano; Mass Transit-Ursula Lamotte; and Open Space and Land Use-Vito Pinto. He also announced that the first field meeting of the year is scheduled for Tuesday, June 13th, in North Salem at 7:30 p.m. Details will be announced at a later date.
The Glenwood Lake Association was next for discussion and Legislator Bronz was asked to participate. Legislator Maisano expressed that the proposal to build houses on such a “pristine environmental area” in New Rochelle, is a terrible idea. The neighborhood has been unwavering (for years) in protecting the lake and surrounding area. Building houses in this area (know for its wetlands) would destroy the quality of life in the neighborhood. He emphasized that along with Legislators Bronz and Pinto, he is opposed to this proposal.
Chair Kaplowitz introduced the visiting members of the Glenwood Lake Association. Legislator Pinto noted that Karen Pasquale (CE’s office) informed him that this was previously County land, and that he asked Barbara to research (old) minutes in order to establish when the County parcel was actually deeded to the City of New Rochelle, and if there is a revert clause. Upon Ms. Dodds research, the information was found in the minutes dated Monday, July 7, 1969, and does not provide a revert clause.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, April 25, 2000
PAGE 3
Michael Yellin stated that part of the Glenwood Lake Association’s research included visiting the Assessor’s office (New Rochelle) to review the tax records, and found that the parcel was auctioned off by the City in 1983. In 1986, it was noted in the Assessor’s ledger that the referenced parcel should not be auctioned. He noted that the note was processed subsequent to the auction, which has raised questions with the Association. Mr. Yellin emphasized that the Association strongly opposes the proposal to develop or build homes on this parcel of land.
Legislator LaMotte questioned who owned the lake and the three (3) surrounding acres. The response was that the lake is owned by the City of New Rochelle. In regard to the three acres, a developer purchased the parcel, but the Association has no other details regarding the agreement. Legislator LaMotte also noted that there are funds available each year in the County Budget for open space, which should be looked into for this area.
The Glenwood Lake Association showed a map of the proposed area and noted that the lake is valuable to the residents. It was also noted that the neighborhood chose to remain integrated.
Legislator Maisano recommended that the Committee write to the Administration/County Executive, requesting that they look into this site for consideration of the $5-million in open space acquisition, and possibly enter into a joint partnership with the City of New Rochelle to purchase the land, and officially designate it open space. Legislator Pinto also agreed and suggested that Legislator Bronz join with them in their efforts to the County Executive.
On another on-going issue, Marian Rose and David Ferguson expressed that the water supply is on the decline and that the Board should do everything it can to protect the watershed.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.