MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Joint w/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
Tuesday, May 9, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: ENV. - Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto;
J. Maisano; G. Latimer.
COMM. AFF. - Chair: K. Carsky. Members: G. Oros; L. Bronz;
T. Abinanti.
STAFF: Steve Bass; Tara Bernard; Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: Gina D’Agrosa, Diana Saltel (Plng. Dept.); Richard P. Duffy (I-287 Light Rail); Maureen Morgan, Gudrun LeLash (FCWC);. Adelma Lilliston (LCV); Hazard Gillespie, John Gromada (Tappan Zee Preservation Coalition); Katherine McLoughlin (NY/LCV); Chril Walbrecht (Citiz. Campg.); Murray Bodin (Sane Buses); Ingrid Bent, Bill Randolph (CE’s ofc.).
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the Environment Committee to order at 3:10 p.m. with a quorum. Gina D’Agrosa explained that four applications were submitted under the Hudson River Estuary Program (item #35 on ENV agenda). Two, were submitted by the County Planning Department, and two submitted by the County Parks Department, for several improvement projects. One of the projects would include developing a research and education center at Croton Point Park that would allow hands-on interaction with the water, and provide a learning environment for students and the general public.
Diana Saltel presented a resolution for the Board to approve in support of the grant applications. Legislator Kaplowitz reiterated that the resolution would be in support of the grant application for approval of DEC/CWCWC Bond Act money. After a brief discussion, the resolution was moved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Chair Kaplowitz, and carried.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
w/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
TUESDAY, May 9, 2000
Chair Carsky called Community Affairs to order at 3:15 p.m. with a quorum to discuss the Tappan Zee Bridge. Maureen Morgan began the discussion and presented the Task Force report. She expressed that that the report concludes that the Tappan Zee Bridge needs to be replaced because of its condition. She also noted that other bridges using the proposed design have already been replaced. Lanes will be reduced while the structure is being rebuilt, seven lanes are inadequate for today’s traffic flow. Another recommendation is to have the TZ replaced, cost effectively. It was also stated that there is a great need for mass transit from Rockland. The three suggested alternatives are: commuter rail, light-rail and connecting rail.
Mike asked what size bridge is proposed, and will it have a mass transit component. Ms. Morgan explained that the proposed bridge should have eight (8) lanes with mass transit components. The Mass Transit Authority and the NYS Thruway Authority is controlling the plan as the lead agency. As the discussion continued, Ms. Morgan emphasized that there has been a tremendous hostile response to the plan. She added that on May 2nd, the day after the Board’s joint meeting with Rockland, both parties seemed willing to accept arguments opposing a new bridge, and she is trying to understand why there is so much resistance.
Chair Kaplowitz questioned how much time does the Board have to prepare a resolution with some solutions. Ms. Morgan replied, approximately 3-years. He added that perhaps some of the opposition to the project has been that some feel that “homework” has not been done, and want to see more independent planning efforts. Chair also asked whether there will be a coordinated planning effort to bring in Westchester and Rockland planning experts, which would also provide the opportunity to allow citizen groups to express their concerns. Ms. Morgan agreed to this idea, and added that the successful planning of this project requires a combined effort of involvement.
MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
w/COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
TUESDAY, May 9, 2000
As the committee continued their discussion on the issue, Legislator Carsky questioned who is the lead agency and who governs the action of the bridge; the Governor (NYS) or the NYS Thruway Authority. Ms. Morgan stated that the Thruway Authority is the lead agency. Ms. Morgan also expressed that the light-rail concept should be seriously considered.
Board Chairman Latimer, announced that the follow-up (on TZ) with the Rockland Legislature has been rescheduled for Thursday, May 18th, at 1:30 pm in the Rockland Legislative Building. A bus will be provided for transportation from White Plains or Spellman Hall at Marymount, Tarrytown at 6:30 p.m.
Mr. John Casellini of the Tappan Zee Bridge Preservation, gave a brief description opposing the bridge proposals, and stated the Preservation group wants to slow down the process and requests an EIS be performed before further consideration. Chair Kaplowitz then referred to a resolution, which requests additional studies before moving ahead with project.
With no further business to discuss, the Committees on the Environment and Community Affairs adjourned at 4:40 p.m.