MINUTES
SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON
PARKS, RECREATION AND CONSERVATION
Monday, April 10, 2000
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chair: V. Pinto. Members: B. Ryan, B. Spreckman, G. Latimer.
LEGISLATORS: K. Carsky, R. Wishnie
STAFF: Tara Bernard; Peter Neglia; Charlotte Ryer
ALSO PRESENT: Jerry Mulligan (Plng. Dept.); Bill Randolph, Ingrid Bent (CE’s Ofc.).
Chair Pinto called the meeting to order at 3:15 p.m., and noted that the guest speaker, Jack Harrington, is in the hospital and could not attend today’s meeting. Legislator Ryan suggested that the D’Elia Property meeting be rescheduled for a later date when Mr. Harrington can participate. He added that he and Chairman Latimer have had an opportunity to visit the property. Legislator Ryan stated that the property owner may be interested in selling the property, which would enable the City to purchase the land and dedicate it as a passive park, or the County could place it on a list of property being considered for park and open space acquisitions.
Chair Pinto questioned if there is any official correspondence in regard to this property. Chairman Latimer replied that he has a draft that was sent to the Administration from Legislators Ryan, Bronz and himself, requesting that the parcel be looked at and evaluated (Chairman Latimer noted that he can provide a copy of the correspondence.) He continued, (with a rough-drawing) describing the location and 5.3-acre site, noting that is at the old Westchester/Boston railroad right-of-way, in Scarsdale on the White Plains border.
Jerry Mulligan verified that the Planning Department received a copy of the memo from Chairman Latimer, which was forwarded by the Administration requesting that Planning look at the property, and proceeded to show the exact location of the property on a map provided by Planning. A brief discussion continued. Chair Pinto suggested that Planning submit detailed correspondence to place on the Board agenda for action.
Chair Pinto then reviewed the subject of long-distance swimming in the Long Island Sound, noting that a request was made to Chairman Latimer to set up an evening meeting in the Village of Larchmont. Chairman Latimer responded that a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 23rd at 7:30 p.m., at the Larchmont Village Center. Chairman Latimer also mentioned that there has been correspondence and a request to research the concept of a youth soccer field complex to be centrally located for County use. He noted that the correspondence was directed to the Chairs of the Committees on Community Affairs and Parks requesting a joint meeting to further discuss this issue with the interested parties. Chair Pinto requested that the correspondence be placed on the Board agenda.
The minutes of March 20th were reviewed next and amended. The minutes were approved as amended on the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Spreckman, and carried 4-0 with all in favor. The upcoming meeting schedule was also reviewed.
Next, the Hudson Hills Golf Course was briefly discussed. Chair Pinto asked Legislator Ryan to look into the questions proposed by Legislator Carsky, i.e., who is the lowest bidder, etc.
With a brief review of the agenda, item #7, regarding the AIDS Memorial at Lasdon Park, was received and filed.
MINUTES
Legislator Spreckman mentioned the Bond regarding Tibbetts Brook Park (Yonkers) Capital Project #RTB-04, noting that the project should be moved forward. Chair requested that the Budget Director research the project.
Chair Pinto mentioned the County property in Eastchester known as Parkway Oval presently houses the Eastchester Child Development Day Care Center (for 35 years). Chair Pinto is presently pursuing to: (1) legalize the facility as parkland; or (2) have area de-dedicated by State legislation. He also emphasized that the day care center is extremely important to the community.
Legislator Ryan questioned the procedure to follow regarding the proposed Playland Boat Launch. Chair Pinto suggested that the Committee prepare a letter to the Budget Department and Executive Branch requesting that the project be moved ahead.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 4:10 p.m. on the motion of Legislator Spreckman, seconded by Legislator Ryan, with all in favor. The next scheduled meeting is April 24th, at 3:00 p.m.