PRESENT: Chair: Pinto. Members: Abinanti, Carsky, Noto, and Ryan. Staff: Dodds, Schecter.

ALSO PRESENT: Representatives of Metro North Railway: Bob Rubenfeld, President; Lori Morritt, Manager of Station Services and Facilities. Residents of the Crestwood Tuckahoe Railroad Station area. Mayor Philip White, Village of Tuckahoe; Jim Cavanaugh, Supervisor of the Town of Eastchester.

Mr. Pinto called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m., at the Tuckahoe Community Center in Tuckahoe, New York.

Mr. Pinto entertained a motion to moved the committee minutes of July 7^th, September 8^th, 15^th and 28^th; October 20^th and 27^th. Should there be any amendments, the members are to forward them to Emilia for correction and publication. On the motion of Legislator Abinanti, seconded by Legislator Ryan, all minutes were approved; all in favor none opposed, motion carried 5-0.

The following agenda item was received and filed on the motion of Legislator Ryan, seconded by Legislator Carsky:

Special Item (9/22/98): Amended Agreement for the replacement of underground storage tanks in various locations throughout the county.

A brief discussion persued with regard to the preservation of the Norman Rockwell statues surrounding the railroad stations. Mr. Pinto said there will be a cost analysis on the cost of maintenance once things are put in place.

As a follow up to the meeting of July 27, 1998 as well as several follow up meetings, Mr. Rubenfeld and staff returned to meet with the Crestwood Tuckahoe community to address the problems of the conditions surrounding the two train stations.

For additional information, a tape is on file.

Mr. Pinto opened the floor for a question and answer session:

• Philip A. White: Mayor of the Village of Tuckahoe. Spoke about the easements under railroad tracks that are charged to the municipalities when the railroad is not being taxed.

• John Gill: 230 Pennsylvania Avenue, Crestwood, 10707 (779-7314). Mentioned that the two areas are in need of garbage receptacles. Referring to the Rockwell subject, he mentioned that the station might be donated to an organization – perhaps lifting it up and moving it out. Mr. Rubenfeld said the railroad does not plan to restore or maintain it. He suggested to lease it to an organization with the resources to maintain it – maybe the Arts Council might consider taking it over.

• David Charney, 341 Scarsdale Road, Crestwood, 10707 (337-4862). Asked if a guard can be hired to keep the station from vandalism. He opposed building a road through the woods, stating that it will destroy the parkland.

• Lina Helayel: 35 Chittenden Avenue, Crestwood, 10707 (793-0744). Asked how often the station is cleaned. The Stationmaster, Lori Morritt said it is cleaned everyday with a power cleaner. Ms. Helayel said the new stations are aging badly, there is a pool of water at the bottom of the stairs, the stairs are in disrepair and the Crestwood side of the station looks terrible. Mr. Rubenfeld said the water problem at the bottom of the stairs was supposed to be fixed some time ago. She said this is a negative reflection on the community and suggested planters throughout the station to brighten it up. Mr. Rubenfeld said there was a lack of financial resources and must balance with meeting requirements and materials. He mentioned that permits are issued to community groups to maintain plantings, etc.

• Gordon Burrows: Councilman, City of Yonkers, 10701. He said the station is now bordered up, the building is in disrepair and there should be a 40 hour rule to remove graffiti and clean the tunnel of urine smells. He suggested a fire/police museum or a meeting place for various community clubs. He suggested MTA advertise and generate a mailing list to offer the building for sale. Mr. Rubenfeld said the building was last clean about 2 or 3 years ago and sometimes the urine gets into the concrete and it is difficult to remove.

• Cathleen Walsh: Friends of the Crestwood Library, 110 Pennsylvania Ave., Crestwood, 10707 (778/9-6146). He organization is selling stationery featuring the Rockwell picture of the station and suggests an arts for transit campaign.

• Vicky Ford: Councilwomen for the Town of Eastchester. She mentioned that newcomers are choosing the area because of community service tradition and the need to build a cultural cooperative dealing with the beautification, etc., to give younger families an opportunity to work together. It would be a great showcase for people stopping by during the 75^th anniversary of the Bronx River Parkway. Ms. Ford asked Metro North to help and keep up the historical landmarks.

• Gerry Houlihan: 182 Crestwood Avenue, Crestwood,10707, (961-0280-Home, 337-1883). As a lifelong resident and owner of Daniel’s Restaurant in Crestwood, he asked how often police patrol the stations, suggesting the use of surveillance cameras. Mr. Rubenfeld said it was a good idea and the MTA worked with local police in the past. However, the problem is, who will monitor the camera and he needs the cooperation of local police. For information the MTA police number s: 800-836-MNPD.

• Chris Brown: 233 Westchester Avenue, Yonkers, 10707, (793-0771-home; 212-546-2231-work. He is the Co-chair of the Crestwood Civic Association with a membership of 1,000 homes. His association assisted with the restoration of School 15 and suggests Metro North restore the station and apply for landmark status. Mr. Rubenfeld said everything on landmarks list has to go through the State.

• At lease 2,000 use the station on a daily basis – perhaps if asked, people would donate. The station should be developed like the Bedford Hills station which is leased and multi-used. It could be a joint effort between Crestwood and Tuckahoe. Many organizations can come together under umbrella of one organization. For a tenant to use that building, the need to have reserved parking.

• Mayor White. Asked what happens to graffiti vandals when they are caught by the police and turned over to Metro North, what happens to them then?

Mr. Pinto thanked all those present and because of the great response, the Committee on Public Works will continue to go out into the community for input and to get a better understanding of the problems facing the residents of Westchester. He will try to address all problems and get back to the communities with a resolution.

With no further business to discuss, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.