JOINT committee on  legislation & pARKS

minutes – August 7, 2000

 

 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION members:       Ryan, Abinanti, Mosiello, Oros

COMMITTEE ON PARKS MEMBERS:  Pinto, Spreckman, Ryan

   

staff:               Adenekan, Schecter

 

GUEST:              John Harrington(Pres.WP Historical Society)

                             Bill Randolph (CE’s office), Alan Scheinkman

                             (Cty. Atty.), David Vutera (Law)               

 

Legislator Ryan called the Legislation Committee meeting to order at

1:05. 

 

Legislator Pinto called the Parks Committee meeting to order

at  1:07.

 

Legislator Ryan stated that approximately two months ago a petition signed by the citizens of West Harrison was presented to the County Executive and the BOL, along with a Resolution passed by the Harrison Town Board and delivered by Supervisor Bianchi.  He also stated that this Resolution concerns property that the County owns

on the western edge of the neighborhood, generally referred to as the

main street neighborhood in Silver Lake.    A West Harrison resident,

who was also a developer presented a proposal to buy and develop

the land.  Legislator Ryan stated that the residents rejected this

proposal.  He and the Town Board went on record in opposition to it

and the town petitioned the BOL to dedicate this piece of property as

park land.   He stated that this issue has been discussed in both the Legislation and Parks Committees and requested Mr. Scheinkman to give the Administration’s point of view and recommended course of action to move forward.

 

COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATION & PARKS

MINUTES – AUGUST 7, 2000

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Mr. Scheinkman stated that the County acquired the parcels of land  in 1925 as part of a highway that was supposed to be built, but was not built and there is no evidence that it was used for park purposes.

He also stated that there are four categories of action as to what

happens to residual properties.

    1.  May be offered to the local municipality for a park at a fee of   

         $1.00.

    2.  May be offered to the local municipality for general municipal

         purposes at fair market value.

    3.  May be offered to the adjacent property owner at fair market

         value.

    4.  May be offered for sale at a public auction.

 

Mr. Scheinkman stated that if the town is interested in having a park

on the property, they could buy it for $1.00.  If the County were to

convey the property to the town for a $1.00, the town could charge

whatever they choose, but would have the responsibility to police,

maintain it and the liability of whatever would happen on the property.

If the County was to dedicate the property, the County would have to assume the responsibility of developing and being responsible for all liabilities.  Mr. Scheinkman stated that the Administration’s position is that if the town bought the property for a park for $1.00, it would be in accordance with the County’s existing policies and the Administration would comply with the request.

 

Mr. Scheinkman stated that sometime ago the Town’s Supervisor made a suggestion that the town would purchase the property but the primary purpose was for the construction of a parking lot, to alleviate parking conditions on the local streets.  He stated that he did not know if the request ever received a formal response from the Administration, but he is checking with the Administration and Town Supervisor to see if there was a response.  He also stated that if the town wanted this site for a parking lot as distinguished from a park, they would have to pay fair market value.  One of the parcels requested by the town is adjacent to the County road maintenance garage.  The DPW would like to keep this garage as a storage area.

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MINUTES – AUGUST 8, 2000

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Mr. Scheinkman stated that before action is taken, he would suggest the DPW Commissioner be given an opportunity to come before the

Committees to present his views as to why the County should retain that portion of the property; Block 820 – Lot 1, area located adjacent to the garage.

 

Mr. Scheinkman gave members a copy of the location map outlining the property in discussion.  (copy on file)

 

After much discussion, Legislator Ryan thanked Mr. Scheinkman for his presentation.

 

Legislator Ryan introduced Mr. John Harrington, President of the White Plains Historical Society to address the committees on private owned properties – D’elia Reynal Park Properties.

 

Mr. Harrington gave members an article on the 1.7 mile former railroad path that was designated as parkland.  This adds 31 acres of parkland, increasing the city’s recreational space by a third.  The strip of land runs parallel to Old Mamaroneck Road from Bryant Ave. to the Scarsdale border.  He pointed out on the location map that this

property consists of separate lots running along the east and west sides of Palmer Avenue, in the area of Forest Drive, Wildwood Road and Nat Crossing.  The lots on the east side of Palmer Avenue border private property on the west side of Hillair Circle.   

 

Mr. Harrington stated that the undeveloped property is being researched as to whether the city owns it or if it has reverted to the state.  The developer hasn’t p.rovided information to explain exactly how access could take place.

 

Legislator Ryan stated that this piece of property may possibly be available to some level of government to acquire.  There would be interest in this type of property to make available to residents to save and preserve it.   He stated that this is an outstanding piece of property in Westchester County.  He also stated that he would like to

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MINUTES – AUGUST 7, 2000

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make sure that the Parks and Legislation Committees would be involved in moving this issue to the entire board. 

 

A copy of the County Executive’s Open Space Policy was given to committee members. (copy on file)

 

Legislator Ryan thanked Mr. Harrington for his presentation.

 

Legislator Ryan turned the meeting over to Legislator Pinto.

 

Legislator Pinto requested a motion from the Parks Committee to approve the minutes of July 10, 2000 and July 24, 2000.

 

Legislator Spreckman moved the minutes, seconded by Legislator Ryan.  All in favor 3-0.

 

Legislator Pinto called for a recess at 2:10 p.m.

 

Legislator Ryan reconvened the Legislation Committee meeting to discuss and move Agenda Item #66 – IMA with New York City Trade and Waste Commission.  A Local Law authorizing the County of Westchester to enter into an Inter-municipal Agreement with the City of New York acting by and through the New York City Trade Waste Commission. The purpose is to share information that is developed by the County and the NYCTWC relating to businesses in the solid waste industry in the County and the City.  This would ensure that both the County and the NYCTWC make consistent and informal licensing decisions. 

 

Legislator Abinanti made a motion to move the legislation.  Seconded by Legislator Oros.  Vote  4-0.

 

Legislator Abinanti made a motion to adjourn.  Seconded by Legislator Ryan. Vote 4-0

 

The Committee on Legislation meeting ended at 2:30 p.m.