MINUTES
COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Tuesday, September 19, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: M. Kaplowitz. Members: V. Pinto; U. LaMotte;
J. Maisano; G. Latimer.
LEGISLATORS: K. Carsky
STAFF: Rafael Vega; Tara Bernard; Peter Neglia; Charlotte Ryer.
ALSO PRESENT: *See attached visitor’s list.
DISCUSSION:
Chair Kaplowitz called the meeting to order at 3:20 p.m., and introduced the Committee members to the (first-time) visitors. The minutes of September 12th were then reviewed and approved on the motion of Legislator Pinto, seconded by Legislator LaMotte, with a vote of 5-0.
Chair Kaplowitz addressed the Davids Island IMA (proposal) and asked Larry Schwartz, Chief Advisor to the County Executive to discuss the issue. Mr. Schwartz commented that County Executive Spano is in support of preserving and protecting Davids Island. He expressed that Mr. Spano is also in favor of creating a partnership, and putting together a joint RFP, which would be jointly funded in partnership (50/50) by the County and the City of New Rochelle – to hire a qualified consultant to develop a series of options/plans for the best and future use, while preserving Davids Island for the people of the County and City of New Rochelle.
Legislator Maisano thanked the County Executive and the Mayor of New Rochelle for beginning the negotiations to move the issue forward, since the issue has been a discussion for many years with the district residents. Mr. Maisano read (aloud) a letter he wrote to the County Executive (01/30/99) emphasizing his, and the Board’s participation, when this issue became a topic of discussion, and to be informed of the status and progress of negotiations regarding Davids Island.
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COMMITTEE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
TUESDAY, September 19, 2000
Mr. Maisano stated that after January 30, 1999 – he had never been approached or contacted by anyone from the Administration to discuss the issue. He strongly expressed that, as Legislator for the district, he was disappointed that he had never been consulted or asked to participate with the decision-making process.
Legislator Maisano continued, and stated that after receiving and reviewing the Administration’s presentation it was noticed that the word “park” was never mentioned in the entire document. He added, that the Mayor of New Rochelle stated (on live Radio) that he would like to see 50-60% of David Island become parkland, and 40% to be developed. Mr. Maisano expressed that this idea is unacceptable and not the direction the County should follow, he then read the changes to be incorporated into the proposal.
Legislator LaMotte commented that she had concerns about the Committee Report in regards to the study and research, which has already been studied over the past 20-years – and feels the previous reports should be reviewed for the necessary facts. Mr. Schwartz replied, that the Island is not currently owned by the County, but the owner/seller is the City of New Rochelle – who would like to turn the Island into a County Park. He further explained that the Administration felt that through a joint study, the County and City could work together, in a partnership to prepare the Island for public access.
As
the discussion continued, Legislator LaMotte clarified that any information
from previous studies be used, if necessary, during the independent study. Gina D’Agrosa (Planning Dept.) noted that
studies performed in the past were for the purpose of specific types of
development. Mr. Schwartz reassured
that the County is not trying to waste time or money duplicating previous
studies, but to be able to come to the conclusion enabling the protection and
preservation of the Island by working together with the various County
Departments and the local municipality.
County Attorney Scheinkman clarified that the City of
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TUESDAY, September 19, 2000
New Rochelle may not be entirely committed to having 100% of the property dedicated as a County park. He anticipates that the concept of the independent study would, hopefully, enable the resolution of the differences of opinions. Mr. Scheinkman adding another section to the Act, specifying the County and legislature’s intent to proceed with the IMA, for the City of New Rochelle.
Legislator Maisano expressed his feelings regarding the City of New Rochelle, and added that the City would prosper if the County were to purchase Davids Island. He emphasized that the County should proceed with what is best for the people of the County and City of New Rochelle, by voting out the County Attorney’s language to make the Island a County Park - then send the proposal to the City of New Rochelle for their comments and/or debate. Mr. Schwartz suggested, out of respect for the Mayor of New Rochelle, that he be invited to a meeting to discuss the City’s views on this issue. Mr. Scheinkman expressed that the effort to perform a feasibility analysis would be out of fairness to the City, to assess the value of the Island. The County may feel that the value of Davids Island is actually very small (economically), and not a windfall to the City of New Rochelle, because the Island is not safe for pedestrian use, in its present condition. He also noted that the value of the Island may actually be equal to what the clean-up cost would be. Mr. Scheinkman emphasized that the effort of a feasibility study would determine what the Island can and can’t be used for, and what the associated costs would be to proceed. He anticipates that with the outcome of a study, the City would agree that the most feasible alternative is to make the Island a County Park.
Legislator
Latimer commented that nine (9) years ago, this was the first issue, with
substance, to be dealt with. He noted
that the Island is the last undeveloped piece of land along the Long Island
Sound, and stressed that the legislative intent and Act should include
protecting for park purposes.
Legislator Latimer emphasized that he does not want to see the land
developed for housing or a bridge built for access, and will
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TUESDAY, September 19, 2000
not accept legislation unless it meets the terms of use for parkland purposes.
Legislator Pinto expressed his comments by summarizing the County Executive’s intentions (read letter aloud). He stated that he recommended (in Caucus) that Davids Island be referred to the Environment Committee for discussion, and reminded Legislator Maisano that they discussed this matter previously, calling for parkland and small construction on the south end of the Island. Legislator Pinto also mentioned that he shared aerial views with Legislator Maisano in a Public Works meeting, to get a better understanding of the conditions of the playing fields and buildings. He also disagreed with the term “County Parkland” as the alternative language, as being too restrictive. Legislator Pinto emphasized that he has made a strong commitment to preserve parkland and open space, and has no problem with agreeing to amend the language to reflect preserving Davids Island. Legislator Pinto feels that the New Rochelle City Officials should be invited to express their views before finalizing the changes in the language.
Legislator Latimer expressed that the policy should be determine first, then invite the City Officials, and Legislator Maisano agreed. Mr. Schwartz commented that the Administration is willing to work with the Legislators.
MINUTES
TUESDAY, September 19, 2000
*ATTACHED VISITOR’S LIST
Name Affiliation
Gina D’Agrosa WC/Planning Dept.
Larry Schwartz County Executive’s Office
Alan Scheinkman WC/County Attorney
Susan Shapiro LWV/Westchester
Chris Walbrecht Citizens Campaign/Env.
Katherine McLoughlin NY/LCV
Theodora (Teddie) Weber NR Environmental League
Rose Lein Save Daivds Island
David Blumenthal Resident
Irene Saltzberg Pres. Friends of Marshlands
Gudrun LeLash FCWC
Bob Tritsch FCWC
Hope Corbin Intern (for MK)
Evelyn Breslaw Resident
Diana Dakow Resident
Paula DeCaro LWV/Westchester
Elizabeth Ganga Journal News
Amanda Waters Save the Sound
Bob Lebeusold NREL
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.