See Camarda Developments in Carmel Section

See Somers Eagle River Property in Putnam / Misc. Happenings Section

See Drinking Water Warning in Urgent Announcements Section

See Conservation Easement Workshop - April 27 in Other Happenings Section

See Route 22 in Southeast Section

See Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast Section

10/02/2004

Town of Southeast Website Up and Running. Agendas, Minutes available at a click.

08/05/2004

The County Agricultural Board together with Community Planning and Environmental Associates has produced a comprehensive, mandated Farm Plan, the last step in Putnam County's entry as an Agricultural District. The Coalition has strongly supported this effort which will offer some proactive protection to the remaining acres of farms vulnerable to development.

The Executive Summary and the Farm Plan is located on the County's website: www.putnamcounty.com. Please take a few moments to read it especially the figures for the number of farms and acres for each town. Carmel for example has scarcely 2% of its land in farms. Only a dedicated open space fund together with other measures such as conservation easements, PDRs and proactive town and county incentives will preclude further development inroads.

Sincerely,

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Suburban Sprawl, City Troubles
by Eric A. Goldstein
June 06, 2003

Even as the city and state governments confront diminishing revenues and budget shortfalls, development pressures and real estate prices are climbing throughout much of the city's suburban rings. This trend, planning and conservation experts believe, is creating worrisome challenges for those concerned about New York City and the region's environmental future.

The continued pattern of sprawl development is, of course, nothing new to the New York urban area. It gained steam following World War II, when a suburban migration was fueled by inexpensive home loans for returning soldiers, increases in automobile production and federally-subsidized highway building. New tract housing communities, like Long Island's Levittown, became national symbols of America's post-war prosperity.

But what has some urban planners concerned today is that the unrelenting pressure of suburbanization is not only transforming some of the region's most important open spaces, but threatening to weaken New York City's critical mass over the long-term . If present growth patterns continue, New York City could be affected by more sprawl-generated pollution draining into city drinking water reservoirs, additional state and federal funds being diverted from the city to build new infrastructure in rural areas, and an erosion of the city's political power in Albany.

Taking a broad look at the current development trends is the staff of the well-respected Regional Plan Association (RPA). And much of what they see does not please them.

"Sprawling patterns of growth are an inefficient use of land that scatters jobs, houses, schools and shopping across the landscape," says Robert J. Pirani, director of environmental program at the Manhattan-based association. "It leaves people little choice but to use their auto for any trip," causing increased air pollution throughout the region. "It fragments the ecosystems that protect our drinking water and wildlife habitat and that provide recreational opportunities that we all enjoy."

Over the last 30 years, Pirani continues, suburban development has "outpaced population growth in this region by a factor of ten to one, creating fiscally unsustainable patterns of growth."

CHANGES IN THE LAND

Development pressures are being felt, even in these tepid economic times, throughout the New York region. In New Jersey, ill-advised sprawl development has led to frustrating traffic jams and ever-increasing strip malls, threatening even the state's more rural western counties and its southern cranberry bogs. On Long Island, new home-building has resulted in controversial road expansion projects and vanishing Suffolk County farmlands. .

But perhaps nowhere else are the bulldozers more active today than in the counties north of New York City.

"From north to south, east to west, residential and commercial developers in 2002 targeted Putnam County for their projects," Ann Fanizzi, chair of the Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space recently warned.

Located just north of Westchester and less than 50 miles from the city, Putnam has for years been the fastest growing county in New York State. It is a rural landscape that is seemingly changing month by month.

A case in point is the Brewster Highlands shopping center, now nearing completion just off Interstate 84, which slices through the county. This new mall, with 370,000 square feet of retail space including Home Depot and other "big box" retailers, is being built on what had been beautiful, forest-covered Hudson highlands, part of New York City's Croton watershed.

"They cut off the top of the hillside, and they denuded the landscape," said Marion Rose, chair of the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition, describing the work of the Brewster Highlands developer.

Other developers, real estate lawyers and, in some cases, backhoe operators are already working on more than a dozen other Putnam County projects. The names of these landscape-altering developments are suggestive of the rural environments that they are unwittingly helping to transform -- "The Meadows at Dean's Corners," (in the town of Southeast), "The Campus at Fields Corners," "The Fairways"(in Carmel) and "Living Springs" (in Putnam Valley).

"Projects like these represent a direct threat to the future of the New York City water supply," says Robin Marx, a scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (where I work), who has focused on regional watershed protection for the past decade. She notes that 13 New York City reservoirs are located in Westchester and Putnam counties. They are subject to pollution from stormwater runoff that races off of parking lots, roads, rooftops and other paved surfaces associated with the new development, as well as from failing septic systems and sewage treatment plants that accommodate the new growth. In addition, she adds, the hundreds and hundreds of acres of new construction are replacing meadows, forests, and wetlands that serve as natural filters for the water supply of nine million downstate New Yorkers.

ACROSS THE HUDSON

On the west side of the Hudson River, the suburban and ex-urban counties of Delaware, Greene, Schoharie, Ulster and Sullivan are also facing mounting development pressures of varying degrees. Of course, these areas, as far as 150 miles from New York City, have not yet been built up to anything like lower Westchester and other close-in suburbs. But there is no doubt these areas are facing changing demographics, with adverse consequences for both upstaters and city dwellers.

In Ulster County towns like Woodstock and Phoenicia, second-home growth has been climbing for years. Now, due to such factors as increased Internet commuting and new living and vacation patterns in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks, real estate demand is accelerating even in places like Hunter and Jewett (in Greene County) and Margaretville (in Delaware County). In Andes, another Delaware County community, 60 percent of the homes are owned by part-time residents and prices have climbed 25 percent in 2002.

In addition to the growing second-home market, several major development proposals, now under consideration, could spur rapid shifts in land use in these Catskill and Delaware watershed communities. For example, a proposed Belleayre Resort -- with two 18-hole golf courses, two new hotels, hundreds of residential units and ancillary commercial development -- has been proposed for nearly 600 acres on steep slopes that drain into the city's two largest reservoirs in Ulster and Delaware counties.

Also stirring controversy among both downstate and some local residents are plans for three new casino developments, to be located in the Catskills. (The first such facility, which would attract thousands of daily visitors, strain local transportation systems and create significant secondary development pressures, may be a casino to be run by the St. Regis Mohawk tribe and built on the site of the old Kutsher's Country Club in Sullivan county.)

At special risk from such west-of-Hudson development is the small family farm and the way of life that goes with it. Across New York State, the family farm has been in decline for years -- a victim of everything from falling milk prices to rising real estate values. In the town of Andes, for example, where hundreds of small dairy farms once operated, only four of appreciable size remain, the New York Times recently reported.

"It will be a shame for both upstate and downstate New Yorkers if we can't save at least the bulk of those family farms that are still operating," says Dave Dolan who works at the Delaware County-based Watershed Agricultural Council, helping farmers obtain conservation easements that protect their lands. Dolan believes, and water quality experts agree, that retaining farming as a local land use will better safeguard the city's upstate water supply than converting those parcels to residential and commercial development.

THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE

Earlier this year, 21 environmental and civic organizations wrote to Governor George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, calling upon them to develop new state and city programs to help combat haphazard sprawl in the city's Catskill, Delaware and Croton watersheds. (See Gotham Gazette's February topic page on the environment.) In that letter, the groups recognized that "(t)he primary opportunity for subduing wastershed sprawl lies with our state officials."

To date, however, there has been little response from the Pataki Administration to the environmental and civic group request. On the plus side, state environmental conservation officials have meet with several environmental representatives and expressed sympathy with their overall concerns. But there are as yet no new state anti-sprawl initiatives.

In stark contrast stands the "smart-growth" efforts recently launched by New Jersey Governor James E. McGreevey.

In January, Governor McGreevey boldly announced: "There is no single greater threat to our way of life in New Jersey than the unrestrained, uncontrolled development that has jeopardized our water supplies, made our schools more crowded, our roads congested and our open space disappear." Since then, the governor's anti-sprawl campaign has included the release of a draft color-coded map that divides the state into areas where the administration will seek to encourage development, areas where sprawl should be discouraged, and areas where development should proceed cautiously. The governor has also introduced legislation that would, among other things, give county planning boards the authority to levy fees on developers and have more input on regional development proposals. New Jersey is also proceeding with an aggressive plan to purchase and protect undeveloped lands throughout the state.

Environmental groups believe that New York City has begun to make progress in this area, but still has a way to go. The city's Department of Environmental Protection has recently been more vocal in questioning the potential impacts of major upstate development proposals on the city's water supply. And significant new plans for protecting upstate watershed lands, on top of the city's already existing program, are rumored to be in the offing.

To call for greater state and city action to combat suburban sprawl is not to pit city dwellers against our upstate counterparts, or vice versa. Smart-growth programs can benefit both New York City and its northern suburbs. As William H. Whyte wrote, in his 1988 classic, "City: Rediscovering the Center," a region with a strong center-city "give(s) coherence to a whole countryside."

Until state and city officials step up their actions to tackle the challenge of sprawl, city residents who care about their upstate water supply and the overall vitality of the region which New York City anchors should not rest easy.

Eric Goldstein is co-director of the urban program at the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Bulletin: Bondi supports scaled back filtration project to release funds to buy open space. Asserts that "watershed is under enormous stress."

Yet, on Wednesday, July 1st, the DEP and Mayor Bloomberg approved the location of the $1.5 billion chemical/filtration plant in Moshulu Park.

Michaels says that the filtration plant and land acquisition are two separate issues. Not so. What does this really mean for Putnam?

It means that the $200 million "sweetner" to gain Bronx representatives approval of the project is diverted; it means that the estimated $100 million needed for future maintenance and operation of the plant is diverted from adopting a watershed management plan whose centerpiece is the acquisition of open space in Putnam, the most cost effective and efficient method to protect the watershed.

An as yet incomplete study of residential and commercial developments in the Croton, estimated that over 3,000 acres are currently scheduled for development. Yet the DEP, especially, in Putnam County and in the Croton Watershed, has woefully neglected its obligation to protect the watershed by making significant land purchases comparable to that of the Cat/Del; $17 million plus another $25 million vs. $250 million. What about Meadows at Deans Corners and Campus at Fields Corners affecting the Diverting and Middle Branch Reservoirs, respectively? Aside from Tilly Foster Farm and the Lake McGregor purchase, the DEP has been absent. Why? The filtration plant will take care of the pollutants and contaminants entering the Croton System. But protection must begin at the source not when entering the filtration system. It is a recipe that will eventually degrade the entire Croton Watershed.

Want to know more? For further information on the CWCWC Watershed Protection Plan and action, please visit the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition website: www.newyorkwater.org

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Ann Fanizzi, chair
Coalition to Preserve Open Space

From the Putnam Courier -
New bill will bring $1.85M in tax revenues

By: Eric Gross 07/01/2004

All state-owned land will be subjected to local real property taxation

COLD SPRING - Calling it a victory for the residents of Putnam County, State Sen. Vincent Leibell and Assemblywoman Sandy Galef were lauded Monday for their determination and drive that has led to the passage of legislation in both houses of the New York State Legislature subjecting all state-owned land across the county to local real property taxation.

At a news conference in Cold Spring, Leibell applauded the state's commitment to "acquiring and preserving parkland in New York. However, residents of Putnam County should not be put at a disadvantage because of it."

The senator said his office had been deluged over the years from constituents who expressed concern that "Putnam was unfairly footing the bill. I am pleased to have been able to work with Assemblywoman Galef in addressing this matter since the new legislation will make a marked difference in the lives of our local residents."

Starting in January 2007, Putnam will join its neighbors in nearby Rockland County that will allow towns to collect tax directly from the state each year.

Galef said once signed into law by Gov. George Pataki, "Putnam will be placed on a fair basis with other counties across the state. Based on the value of the land today, some $1.85 million in new tax revenues will be coming to the district."

Galef forecast the actual revenue received by Putnam's municipalities would be even greater since "the value of land will continue to escalate through the years. This is not a pilot. It is a true assessment of property. New York State will be paying taxes on that assessed valuation."

Currently, New York State owns 10,221 acres of land in the Philipstown, Cold Spring, Garrison and North Highlands area, 5,825 acres in Putnam Valley, 3,013 acres in Kent plus an additional 1,065 acres in Patterson, 111 acres in Southeast as well as 900 acres in Carmel-Mahopac.

Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi called the bill the "most significant piece of legislation affecting Putnam County approved by New York State" during his tenure. "This has been a long standing inequity that has now been corrected," he said.

Deputy County Executive Frank DelCampo commended the two state lawmakers for their bipartisan efforts on behalf of the people of Putnam County. "It's great to see two political parties joining forces for the betterment of all constituents. State and national polarization is not key in Putnam thanks to the senator and assemblywoman. Vinny and Sandy have hit a home run," he said.

During the past several years, New York has acquired a large number of acreage for environmental protection as well as parks and watershed protection. Putnam had been receiving an appropriation in the state budget as a payment in lieu of taxes. The new legislation will now make such payments permanent and more substantial through property assessment.

©Putnam County Courier 2004

Only in America.

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Region uses most Empire Zone money
By ERIKA ROSENBERG
ALBANY BUREAU
(Original publication: May 10, 2004)

ALBANY — New York companies used only a fraction of the tax breaks they were eligible for through the Empire Zone program in 2001, raising questions about whether the program is too generous and how much it will cost in the future.

The biggest chunk of tax breaks, $107 million of the $440 million, went to the mid-Hudson Valley, one of the fastest-growing and healthiest parts of the state. Meanwhile, one of the most depressed areas, the Finger Lakes, filed for just $28 million in tax breaks, according to the first breakdown of Empire Zone tax breaks by region made public by the state. The program originally was intended to help neglected areas.

"The governor's people have handed this stuff out like candy. Sometimes they've been right and sometimes they've been flat wrong," said Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Greenburgh, an outspoken critic of the Empire Zone program.

The mid-Hudson Valley, which includes Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties, came out on top largely because of IBM and a $2.5 billion computer-chip plant in Dutchess County that created 600 jobs. Some say that shows exactly how Empire Zones should work and why they are important.

"That is great — are you kidding? That is such a home-run project," said Brian McMahon, director of the state Economic Development Council, a lobby group of local officials, developers and others involved in projects. "The Empire Zone is a real factor" in keeping the IBM plant in New York, he said.

Empire Zones have become a top issue in Albany this year as lawmakers work to renew the program, which will expire in July. First created to spur development in depressed areas by offering tax breaks, the program was gradually expanded to the point where, critics say, it has little effect on job creation and is open to abuse.

Republican Gov. George Pataki's administration has been criticized for not monitoring the program to ensure it adds jobs or investments in exchange for the tax breaks. A study of 375 companies in eight upstate empire zones earlier this year by Democratic state Comptroller Alan Hevesi found one-fourth met job projections, one-half added jobs but didn't meet their goals and one-fourth actually shed jobs.

The new figures on tax breaks granted in 2001 show nearly 1,200 companies claimed $437 million in tax breaks. But companies could only use $128 million of the breaks because some had already reduced their taxes to the bare minimum, according to the figures from the state Taxation and Finance Department.

For some types of tax credits, companies can take refunds. Of the $128 million in tax credits used, $41 million was given to companies as refunds.

For the unused credits, some can be carried into the future and used in coming years to reduce taxes. In fact, some tax credits under the Empire Zone program have an unlimited life — they can be carried forward indefinitely and used when the company decides.

"It is overwhelmingly likely that they'll collect in the end 75 or 80 percent of the number but over time," Brodsky said. "What you're getting is a program that is not only not creating jobs but it's bankrupting the treasury."

But McMahon said that doesn't mean the program is too generous with tax breaks. Empire Zones are critical to attracting businesses to the state, even if they can't use all their tax breaks in the year they earn them.

"It means they are using them to reduce their corporate tax liability to zero. I wouldn't say that it means they don't need them," McMahon said.

Businesses with no tax liability generally still pay a minimum tax on their income. The figures from the state Tax Department are incomplete because they don't include the small businesses and partnerships that pay personal income tax instead of business taxes.

Figures on the program's costs and benefits have been hard to come by. The Tax Department made the 2001 figures available with little explanation after Assembly Democrats called a public hearing on the issue.

In Dutchess County, officials say their large amount in tax breaks was generated by big investments and job gains by IBM and other companies, including The Gap and Phillips Semiconductor Manufacturing.

"They are performance-based. The more you invest, the more jobs you create, the more incentives you use," said Anne Conroy, the county's Empire Zone director.

Another observer said it's ironic IBM benefited from the program, because it was IBM layoffs in the early 1990s that qualified the area to be an Empire Zone.

"This is a zone because IBM downsized," said Frank Mauro, an analyst with the labor union-backed Fiscal Policy Institute. "If they had never downsized, they would never have gotten these credits."

An IBM spokesman said Empire Zone benefits were critical to the company's decision to locate its huge new plant in New York.

"It's really a significant incentive to perform this work in New York state," Stephen Cole said.

Fanizzi and Kogan, Coalition to Preserve Open Space officers. expressing skepticismcall for careful examination of Bondi Open Space proposal to link land acquisition funding to retail development.

Putnam News Recorder
Front Page March 17, 2004

Bondi Calls for Balanced Development in State of County Address
Proposes $20 million fund for Open Space, but tied to increased retail opportunities
by Maria Theodore Leiter

Last Wednesday, County Executive Robert Bondi delivered his annual State of the County Address, focusing almost entirely on his administration’s approach toward balancing open space and development and on finding solutions to what has been deemed "the Putnam Paradox"; the phenomenon that has Putnam residents spending their sales dollars elsewhere.

"The rapid residential development, sparked by skyrocketing home prices, which began during the growth decade of the 1990’s, and which has continued to this day, has left our County in a precarious position," he warned. "We are now faced with an inventory of precious few parcels of land left for quality development and smart growth, while at the same time, environmentally sensitive parcels that should be maintained in their natural state are at risk."

After pointing out that the County has already rescued 574 acres of open space from development through the purchases of Tilly Foster Farm and Lake MacGregor Country Club, Bondi proposed the creation of an "Open Space Acquisition Fund."

"We are prepared to recommend an initial County bond of up to $20 million to acquire environmentally sensitive open space threatened by major residential subdivisions containing single family homes," said Bondi.

However, the fund would have some strings attached. Explaining that the debt service on the bond could not be carried without generating additional sales tax revenue, he offered a challenge to stakeholders to balance open space purchase plans with retail shopping opportunities to pay for them.

He explained, "We cannot afford major open space conservation without environmentally safe, aesthetically pleasing commercial development, and we cannot afford commercial development without vital open space conservation. Together in partnership we must determine the right mix of both for our citizens or else the courts and outsiders will continue to do this for us."

To this end, he announced that the administration would ask the Economic Development Committee of the Legislature, chaired by Dan Birmingham, to reach out to retailers such as Brooks Brothers, Bloomingdale’s and Burlington Coat Factory, among others.

"Also, let us bring the upscale outside mall concept of Moger Avenue in Mount Kisco to the main street of one of our towns or villages," he proposed.

Asked later if any town had indicated a desire to be the one to go for this plan, he said no, but he hoped to start a public dialogue.

Bondi said that he hoped to bring stakeholders to the table to agree on plans for land utilization, stating that the current system is broken and needs to be fixed.

"Right now developers and environmental groups remain polarized, sniping and back biting over the Internet in the media. Differences are settled through litigation rather than planning and negotiation… Consequently, the future of Putnam County will be determined by the courts and outsiders, not by us." He called on these groups to come to the table to come up with creative solutions and form partnerships to address smart growth solutions.

He proposed the partnership model instituted by MBIA, Inc, an Armonk-Based Fortune 500 Company and various environmental groups including the Riverkeeper.

Marc Yaggi, Sr. Project Attorney for the Riverkeeper, who was invited by Bondi to speak, thanked the County Executive for proposing an initiative to address sprawl.

"Putnam County is at a crossroads; the County can be consumed by sprawl or we can work together to achieve smarter growth, which will help to revitalize downtown centers, benefit locally owned businesses, and preserve open space," said Yaggi. He said his group looked forward to seeing the details of Bondi’s partnership plans.

Reached later for a phone interview, Yaggi explained that the partnership with MBIA Insurance Company came about when environmental groups became concerned how the company’s proposed 265,000 square foot expansion would affect the environment and the Kensico Reservoir, and offered revisions to the architectural plans. The company agreed to implement changes to those plans that would protect the Kensico Reservoir and include conservation easements to protect open space. He said that balancing the environment with commercial interest involved being open to creative solutions.

Local open space activists were more apprehensive about Bondi’s proposals.

Asked for her comment after the meeting, Ann Fannizzi of the Coalition to Preserve Open Space said, "Four years ago, we had nothing and now we have the possibility of a $20 million fund that’s based on retail. We need to look at it carefully. We don’t want a repeat of Brewster Highlands. We got the money, but it was expensive."

"I felt more hopeful at the beginning of the speech than I did at the end," said Robert Kogan, who serves on the coalition’s board with Fannizzi.

Susan Spear, Chairperson of the County’s Democratic Committee said in a statement, "We appreciate that the County Executive’s new proposal for open space land acquisition was offered in the spirit of cooperation. However, we object to the notion that it must be linked with more commercial development. We support reasonable and sustainable growth, and prefer a focus on businesses that provide more living wage jobs than commercial development offers. Putnam continues to allocate valuable properties for development as large-scale retail centers instead of pursuing businesses paying better wages. This forces many residents to travel outside the county to find jobs that pay enough for them to live here."

To go along with his emphasis on addressing development, Bondi proposed that the Director of Planning position held by John Lynch be elevated to the level of Commissioner. Lynch has worked for the County for twenty-four years. He originated the Director of Planning position, which had previously been done by an outside accounting.

Bondi recommended that the Legislature adopt a 2005 budget that again freezes the real property tax rate, as well as no increase in the sales tax rate.

He said that the message to prospective businesses should be, "The people of Putnam County have the highest median income in New York State and the lowest tax rate, and they deserve more quality shopping opportunities closer to home," he said.

However, he did offer one other revenue source by introducing "Renew Putnam," an initiative to convince residents to renew their registrations at the Putnam County Department of Motor Vehicles instead of in Albany, thereby keeping a portion of the registration fee in the county.

He also announced the opening of the Putnam National Golf Club, which is set for early spring.

"We will be providing private golf club service at municipal golf course prices." Details about the golf club are on the County’s website at www.putnamcountyny.com.

A local transportation partnership with Cold Spring was also mentioned by Bondi, who said, "As a way to support the Village’s economic and transportation objectives, we propose that the County partner with the Village by purchasing two trolley buses and operate them on a seasonal basis." He said that the County and the Village would work out the details in the coming months.

In addition, Bondi proposed the merger of the Electrical and Plumbing boards, and the establishment of the two Chair positions as part-time paid positions. These are currently volunteer positions. He also confirmed that the search for a Commissioner of Health is still ongoing.

February 17, 2004

Good morning all,

The Newsletter for the Fall/Winter 2003/2004 is here. Click here to download it. You will need Adobe Acrobat reader to open this file. Click here for a free copy.

There is so much info that in early March an addendum will appear. The Newsletter is lengthy but I hear a snow storm is underway, so sit back and have a read.

If for any reason you are unable to access it, please send me an e-mail and I will snail mail it to you.

Sincerely,

Ann

NORTH HIGHLANDS-Gov. Pataki resembled the George Pataki of old when visiting Hubbard Lodge at the Fahnestock State Park Friday.

Wearing a blue sports shirt open at the neck, a pair of casual slacks and walking shoes, Pataki was relaxed when jibing with an audience of some 50 people about his days in the Assembly and Senate.

Pataki was in the area to sign historic legislation that makes all state parkland in Putnam County acquired for public use subject to taxation. The law that takes effect on Jan. 1, 2007 will result in revenues going directly, not only to county coffers, but to local school districts and municipalities as well.

The legislation was crafted by State Sen. Vincent Leibell and by Assemblywoman Sandy Galef.

Leibell, the Patterson Republican, called the day "truly remarkable. This historic occasion will have an everlasting impact on Putnam County."

Galef, who was not in attendance at the bill signing due to a family obligation, forecast that Putnam will receive just under $2 million in tax revenue annually based on the assessed value of the land.

"The new law will assure tax payments from the state while permitting increased reimbursements as the value of the state-owned land rises and additional state lands are purchased," she said in a handwritten statement.

In addition to the bill signing, Pataki announced that New York had expanded the Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park to more than 13,300 acres with the addition of a 261-acre land purchase while also protecting nearly 1,400 acres near the park through a new conservation easement.

State Parks Commissioner Bernadette Castro called the occasion historic.

"The acquisition has doubled the size of Fahnestock under Gov. Pataki's leadership since 1995," Castro said.

"We have not only furthered our commitment to open space protection in the Hudson Valley, but have also expanded outdoor recreational opportunities at this scenic site," she said.

Pataki also announced that the state had purchased 291 acres in the Great Swamp of Patterson.

Calling the swamp an "invaluable environmental, recreational and educational resource," Pataki said the purchase of the property would "safeguard our environment and enrich the quality of life for our children and grandchildren for generations to come."

Patterson Supervisor Michael Griffin called the Great Swamp a "critically important wetlands area that has provided for hundreds of years of natural resources for the needs of our community as well as protection of the environment. The Great Swamp is important for both its bio-diversity as well as its bio-filtration."

The governor told the gathering that he was extremely excited to be "home in Putnam" while making such an exciting environmental announcement.

Pataki, who resides in Garrison, said, "I want to take my grandchildren some day on a hike to the top of Bull Hill to be able to look down and not see just shopping malls and sprawl but that same wonderful wild wilderness that I observed as a child. This is our obligation."

James Utter, chairman of Friends of the Great Swamp (FrOGS), thanked the governor for his focus.

"Gov. Pataki canoed through the Great Swamp with one of our members as FrOGS developed the North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant proposal. He came forward to pledge over half the match dollars we needed to qualify for the federal program. George Pataki's involvement was instrumental in the success of our grant," he said.

Ann Fanizzi, chairwoman of the Putnam County Coalition for Open Space, watched the bill signing with pride.

"Open space is an investment that keeps on giving. I feel absolutely as sunny as this beautiful day. I am basking in the warmth of the occasion. We must celebrate and thank Gov. Pataki and our public officials for making this day happen," she said.

As the 45-minute ceremony ended and Pataki mingled with the crowd, he stopped to chat with a group of Haldane High School students as well as a gathering of nursery school children.

Philipstown Supervisor William Mazzuca said, "people rarely see George Pataki in this light. It's so refreshing to have the Patakis as Putnam residents. George cares for his community. The people of Putnam can't thank him and Sen. Leibell enough for all they do."

Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi wants to create an open-space corridor straddling the Southeast-Patterson border, give New York City the potential to preserve other parcels throughout the county and acquire a dilapidated, centuries-old house in Carmel.

Bondi outlined his plans in a letter to the city last month. The letter was a response to a request for more information on his proposed expenditure of some of the $30 million Putnam received after signing the 1997 watershed agreement. He will meet next week with officials from the city's Department of Environmental Protection and land-preservation groups to discuss his plan, which centers on the purchase of Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast.

Land acquisition is an important tool to help protect water quality, Bondi wrote in his Dec. 20 letter to DEP Deputy Commissioner Michael Principe. That is a fact recognized by the city, which bought 18,000 acres in its Catskill and Delaware watersheds to avoid building a multibillion-dollar water-filtration plant for those reservoirs. The city is under a federal order to filter the Croton system.

"There's no purchases in the Croton watershed in Putnam (by the city)," Bondi said. "This is why the county is stepping up to the plate on this issue."

Land purchases made by the city in Putnam have been around the West Branch and the Boyds Corner reservoirs, which are part of the Catskill and Delaware watersheds because of the configuration of the aqueduct system. All of the purchases in the Croton system — about 450 acres — have been in the Westchester portion of the watershed.

Bondi's proposal would add about 516 acres from three separate parcels around the farm, forming an open-space corridor bounded by Route 312 and John Simpson Road in Southeast and Fair Street and Interstate 84 in Patterson. If successful, about 715 acres that drain into the Middle Branch Reservoir would no longer be available for development — including the proposed site of the Campus at Fields Corner, which calls for 143 single-family homes and 237,000 square feet of commercial space.

Bondi also proposes giving the city the right of first refusal on properties the county acquires in lieu of unpaid taxes before those parcels are publicly auctioned. He also suggested trading 138 acres of county-owned land in Kent for the Belden House, a 242-year-old home the city owns next to its West Branch Reservoir.

"If the city goes along with it, it would be wonderful," said Sallie Sypher, the deputy county historian and head of The Friends of Belden House, a residential group trying to save the house after years of neglect.

Both of those matters would be subject to approval by the Putnam County Legislature. Geoff Ryan, a DEP spokesman, said the city was interested in talking to Bondi concerning everything he outlined in his letter.

Through a deal brokered by the Manhattan-based Trust for Public Lands, the county would use about $4.2 million of its $36 million watershed fund — the original sum plus interest — to buy Tilly Foster Farm's 199 acres. The land is owned by Merrill Lynch and the deal is expected to close in the spring.

Bondi wrote that the county will pursue the other pieces of land with some of the watershed money and seek other funding from town, county, state and federal sources. One parcel — about 94 acres in Patterson — is a donation being negotiated by the Open Space Institute. The county Legislature's Physical Services Committee was expected to vote last night on bringing the Patterson donation to the full board.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

In the event that you may have missed Robert Kogan's letter in today's Journal News. Says it all.

Sincerely,
Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Support a measure for open space
(Original publication: September 24, 2004)

Hidden in the next-to-last paragraph of the Sept. 9 article on Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi's 2005 budget is a recommendation of great importance to our region. Mr. Bondi has called for the Legislature to allow a binding $20 million referendum for open space purchases.

Supporting his recommendation is the report of a poll of a random sample of 400 residents recently done by the Trust for Public Land and the Open Space Institute. The report's authors write: "Putnam County voters are clearly concerned about the pressures of growth and development and its impact on open space and the environment. A strong majority would support a bond referendum of $20 million at an average household cost of $60 a year for the purpose of acquiring and protecting open space in the county." The report also notes that 58 percent of Putnam voters "agree that spending money now to protect land from development will reduce the need to raise new taxes later on to pay for new schools, roads and other public services."

It is time for the county Legislature, the county executive and all concerned residents to advance this proposal. The survey shows that a strong majority of us are willing to fund preservation efforts directly instead of funding open space preservation through sales tax revenue. That would be making a deal with the devil, encouraging large retail development, which would destroy the very environment we are trying to protect. A small down payment now will spare us much grief and disappointment in the future.

Robert Kogan, Carmel
The writer is a board member, Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space.

Due to time constraints, it will not be in November, but probably off-year. In the interim, we should not lose any opportunity in educating the public. Letters to the editor, letters to legislators and to Mr. Bondi are powerful tools in influencing policy changes. One letter=one vote in the minds of public officials. And not to be forgotten - neighbor to neighbor - grassroots democracy at its best.

Have a great day.

Sincerely,

Ann

September 13, 2004

Letter to the Editor to Putnam Courier - Printed September 15, 2004

A Legacy That is Timeless and Priceless.

Mr. Gross’s article in last week’s Courier headlined “Bondi’s Legacy Continues - a 0 percent increase in taxes” while seemingly comprehensive, was incomplete. It omitted reference to Mr. Bondi’s precedent-making recommendation to the legislature that a $20 million bond fund be adopted by referendum to save “Putnam County’s dwindling open space.”

This recommendation was based on polling of a random sample of 400 residents undertaken by Trust for Public Land and the Open Space Institute. Overwhelmingly, more than 74% of Putnam County residents cited “overdevelopment and sprawl as a serious or somewhat serious problem.” Further the report states: “Protecting air, water quality and open-natural areas”... are strong areas of usage of funds.” And lastly, but most significantly, residents were willing to expend $1.25 a week, $5 per month, or $60 a year to preserve this legacy. Certainly, a infinitesimal price to pay in comparison to the taxes and services that would attend the construction of hundreds of homes, road improvements, let alone the impact on water quality and health costs due to increases in respiratory illnesses amongst children and adults.

Through Mr. Bondi’s use of East of Hudson funds, we are presently enjoying the financial and emotional benefits of open space. Where hundreds of townhouses would have dotted the slopes of Tilly Foster Farm, horses graze peacefully and riders ply its trails; where hundreds of townhouses were contemplated for Lake McGregor Properties, residents now and will enjoy incomparable recreational opportunities; where Putnam County farmers were threatened by development, some protection is now being afforded through Agricultural Districts.

Putnam County will not be unique. In the words of the TPL report. It will join the “93% of New York State residents who between 1998 and 2004” supported open space ballot measures. Can we do less?

What will be Mr. Bondi’s legacy? He will have bequeathed to young and old alike, for generations to come, a legacy beyond price, time and tenure as County Executive. My fellow residents, the Coalition to Preserve Open Space, together with many community members, has urged the creation of such a fund and we have been confident that you would support it. We, as residents, must do our part. $1.25 a week is indeed a small contribution to demonstrate our willingness to join Mr. Bondi in preserving our true, enduring legacy - one that will live long after “0 percent increases in taxes” are a blurry, if not forgotten memory, preserved only in the yellowing, frayed pages of a newspaper.

Ann Fanizzi, Chair
Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space
www.putopenspaces.com

Good morning - Headline: Polling results confirm residents are willing to pay $5 a month or $60 a year for a $20 million bond fund to preserve Putnam County's Open Space.

Although not as yet prominently featured in the papers, the poll commissioned by TPL and OSI and distributed by Eric Kulleseid to the legislators at Wednesday's legislative meeting confirms what The Coalition for four years has repeatedly said: people will pay for open space preservation and now the naysayers know it and can't hide behind the excuse that the people won't. Most significantly, the percentage of those who favor a tax exceeds those who would rely on sales tax revenues for funding.

I have been assured that the budget message and the charter revision for the $20 million bond referendum will be on the Putnam County website shortly. (It will be on the Coalition's website also.) Together with Putnam County environmental and community groups, the results of the polling and the charter should be examined. But it is a giant step in the right direction. We will not and should not rest until the referendum is adopted and passed.

But most importantly. Many thanks must go to Eric Kulleseid of TPL who patiently shepherded this county-wide polling and the leadership of County Executive, Bondi, It is another precedent-breaking achievement in Mr. Bondi's efforts to preserve open space in partnership with the legislature: Tilly Foster Farm; the Lake McGregor Property, the Agricultural District and now the real possibility that Putnam County will, as the theme of Wednesday's video presentation so graphically stated: "We Can Do It - We Can Go From Good to Great!! As in the past, I am confident that the residents of Putnam County will more than do their part.

Have a great weekend, Enjoy the open spaces.

Ann

Plans for Southeast Honor Roll unveiled
By Eric Gross
Staff Reporter
September 20, 2004, page A5

Brewster - Officials on the state, county, town and village levels converged on downtown Brewster to meet with Village engineer John Folchetti.

Last Friday's gathering outlined plans for Southeast's new Honor Roll that recognizes all veterans residing in greater Brewster who served in the United States military during time of war.

Folchetti has conceived a monument that will replace the current honor roll located off Main Street adjacent to the Brewster Public Library.

The new honor roll will be created in the form of a "golden mean" that Folchetti called the "most naturally recurring relationship in nature. It is a basic relationship of 1.6 to one. The 'golden mean' can be seen in the human forearm or in the bow of a tree. In ever decreasing rectangles of 1.6 to one relationships, we end up with a perfect arc found in a conch or snail shell."

Folchetti will be designing in bricks, each containing a donor's name, along a red arc for design. Old Glory will be prominently displayed at the apex of the design.

Walkways will also be installed as well as plantings.

The honor roll will consist of five stand-alone monuments of stainless steel uprights supporting New York state slate fronted by engraved half-inch glass to be etched by Brewster Village Trustee John Degnan, who is part of the volunteer service.

The glass will be lit as will the flagpole for dramatic nighttime viewing.

Degnan said 1,000 names would be engraved by use of computerized images. "The decision was reached after we studied the geometry of the park and determined an esthetically pleasing way to present the architecture. The names are the art," he said.

Ron Lipschitz, commander of the Brewster Veterans or Foreign Wars post, said the purchase of bricks will help pay for the project. "The bricks sell for $125 a piece. Checks can be made payable to the Brewster VFW Post 672, Box 54. Brewster. NY 10509."

Lipschitz has requested the words ?honor roll brick? be placed on the memo of the check.

The commander also appealed to the public that ?dignity be preserved? when it comes to the message on the individual bricks.

Denis Castelli, a Vietnam veteran, also serves on the committee. Castelli does not qualify to have his name listed on the honor roll because when he served overseas, he resided in the Bronx. "My personal solution is simple. I'm buying a brick and placing it in the pavement so I can be a part of this memorial as well," he said.

"This is a great way for a community to recall, remember and to honor those who have served our nation throughout generations of battles. The memorial will be refurbished and redesigned in part with money obtained from the New York State! Senate. This is a particularly flitting time since sadly we find America in conflict," said Sen. `Vincent Leibell.

Brewster seeks funds for sewer project
By MICHAEL RISINIT
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: September 6, 2004)

BREWSTER — Workers continue to lay thousands of feet of sewer pipe beneath Brewster's streets as village officials pursue money to finish the wastewater project.

Seven miles of pipe should be in place by the end of next year, ready to carry waste to a treatment plant and put an end to the septic systems serving most of the village. But the entire project is costing more than originally expected, which is delaying the start of the next phase.

"We're looking for money, and we'll get it somehow," Mayor John Cesar said.

The work is part of a $26 million agreement the village signed five years ago with New York City. Under the agreement, sewer lines will be extended to every property in Brewster, and the village will take over the processing and treatment of the sewage through the new plant. That facility will replace the existing one operated by the city's Department of Environmental Protection at Morning and Railroad avenues.

Brewster sits in the city's watershed and uphill from the Croton River, which feeds the nearby Diverting Reservoir. The village's septic systems, the city has said, pose a pollution threat to the city's drinking water supply.

Since July, LAWS Construction Corp. of Pleasantville has been digging up streets and putting down sewer mains and lateral pipes. Work has been completed on Garden Street and Eastview Avenue, while Prospect Street is nearly finished.

"We've got roads torn up," said village Trustee John Degnan, who, along with the mayor, are the only remaining village leaders who participated in the signing of the initial agreement. "But they're doing a great job thus far, and are remaining on schedule."

That schedule projects the final pipe being laid between September and December 2005. On Friday, stacks of teal blue pipe stood at Wells and Center streets. A backhoe rumbled down Prospect Street.

Gladys Farrell, 91, said she hasn't been bothered by the noise and watches the progress from a window in her Prospect Street home.

"It's a little dusty, but they're very busy out there," Farrell said.

Work on the new treatment plant, which will sit on the village's blue commuter parking lot approximately opposite the rear of the Southeast Museum, should start in the spring. Building the plant will displace about 100 commuters, village officials said. Cars most likely will be relocated to Oak and Main streets.

Village officials hope to select a contractor by the middle of next month, and are seeking more money. The latest two phases — laying the pipes and building the plant — total about $31 million. Coupled with earlier work on a sewer main along Marvin Avenue, the entire undertaking is creating about a $10 million shortfall for Brewster, village and city officials said.

Cesar wrote last month to DEP Commissioner Christopher Ward, asking for a meeting about the project. A DEP spokesman said the city agency has reviewed the project's financial documents.

"We're interested in meeting with them and hearing what they have to say," DEP spokesman Ian Michaels said.

Degnan said the deficit came about because the estimated cost was developed in 1999. Construction expenses have risen since then, he said. The village asked Putnam County earlier this summer for $5 million, but was rebuffed.

Ultimately, about 450 properties will be connected to the new plant. The city is paying for individual homeowner hookups. The current plant serves Main Street merchants and the Garden Street Elementary School.

Degnan said he expected money from the city, the county and the state would help fund the rest of the project.

"We're remaining optimistic, listening and negotiating," Degnan said.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

Sincerely,

Ann

Governments should invest in Brewster
(Original publication: July 28, 2004)

I can think of no more critical decision to be made by the elected officials of Brewster and Southeast than whether to keep and/or relocate their respective government offices to Brewster center.

Though a long-term resident of the hamlet of Carmel, I have always had an appreciation of the potential the village holds as a regional focal point for entertainment, restaurants and speciality shops to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors. Accessibility from highways and railroad, a "walkable" downtown and the kind of entrepreneurial spirit shown by shop owners already in the village are a firm foundation for positive growth.

What is needed is more fuel on the fire, and what better source of that energy than a commitment by local government to its own downtown. Consider, on the other hand, the negative message sent to potential investors in the village if government chooses to go elsewhere. Government and the private development sector throughout all of Putnam need to adopt the "three Rs" of restoration, rehabilitation and revitalization as the first option to accommodate growth and prosperity in our communities.
John J. Butler, Carmel

Brewster Farmers' Market

Fresh peaches, plums, apples, tomatoes, corn, cherries, herbs, prepared foods, milk, cider, eggs and baked goods!Children's activities, & so much more....

Open Saturdays through Nov. 13, 2004 9:00am ? 1:00pm

Join us for a corn roast, live music & more! Special events throughout all of August~ fun for the whole family!

WIC & SNP Welcome

Main Street, Brewster

In the Gold Lot between

Brewster Library & Old Town Hall

(Free two-hour parking available on Main Street. Additional parking in Marvin Ave. lots)

Sponsored by the Coalition for a Better Brewster, the Town of Southeast and the Village of Brewster.

BREWSTER — Flip open a road atlas to New York state and Brewster is a black dot on Route 6, a thin red line meandering from coast to coast.

Some village leaders want that red line moved from Main Street to just south of the village. By following Railroad Avenue to Route 22, Route 6 would then carry large trucks and other vehicles away from the business district — making Main Street more pedestrian-friendly, village trustees maintain. Such a scenario would also see Main Street become one way, with traffic flowing from Brewster Village Hall at the east end to Southeast Town Hall at the west end. That one-way setup could be in effect temporarily this summer as excavating work starts on Brewster's new sewer system.

Changing the traffic pattern, said some business owners and others on the street, might make it more inviting for visitors and shoppers.

"Any improvement for a pedestrian-, tourism-friendly Main Street is a step in the right direction for Main Street," said Gretchen Brokaw, one of the new co-owners of the Boone Dog Coffee House.

Village Trustee John Degnan said the idea is part of the village's draft master plan to beautify Main Street.

"The idea of bypassing the village's Main Street with heavy trucks and equipment is very appealing," Degnan said.

If the state route were relocated, signs would direct eastbound and southbound traffic between the train station and Southeast Town Hall and out to Route 22. Traffic coming from Connecticut on Route 6 would head down Route 22 to Railroad Avenue and then past Town Hall. Stop signs and maybe an additional traffic light would be used to discourage non-local traffic from Main Street Trustee Michael Santos said.

The village plans to ask the state Department of Transportation to study the issue. Traffic would use Marvin Avenue to circle the village in the opposite direction of Main Street. An average of 11,413 vehicles a day use Route 6 from Drewville Road in Southeast through the village, according to DOT figures.

"When we receive a letter from them, we'll take a look at it," state DOT spokeswoman Colleen McKenna said.

The proposed pattern would affect about a half-mile of Main Street as it winds through the business district. Several anchor establishments in recent years, such as the Brewster Post Office and the Bank of New York, have left the street for Route 22. New businesses have moved in, such as the Maximum Deli, Respiratory Specialists and the La Guadalupana Bakery and Cafe. Others, such as Bob's Diner and Danny's Books, continue to flourish. The street also features the Brewster Public Library and the Southeast Museum.

"I think it would definitely increase our visitorship," said Amy Campanaro, the museum's executive director.

Rerouting traffic away from Main Street would allow the installation of head-on parking spaces throughout the entire business district, instead of the current, mostly parallel parking. That would increase the number of spaces, Santos said, and make it easier for drivers to park.

Mayor John Cesar said he supported studying the issue but questioned the road's relocation.

"What's wrong with them coming through the village?" Cesar said. "A major highway going through, it helps the village."

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

BREWSTER — Many immigrants arrived in this country with little — maybe some clothes, dinnerware and family mementos stuffed in a trunk or bundled in a basket.

Once here, the newcomers started a new life for themselves, their children and future generations — chronicled in part through photographs, documents and other ephemera. The Southeast Museum has focused on some of that memorabilia with its newest exhibit, "Many Voices: Immigration to Putnam County," which opens tonight.

"This discusses all the different trends, the different waves," said Amy Campanaro, the museum's executive director. "It's all about Putnam County."

The exhibit starts with the area's earliest inhabitants, the Wappinger Indians, proceeds to the coming of the Dutch and the English and relates the arrival of later immigrants, such as the Italians and the Russians. The exhibit will eventually finish up with the story of Putnam's most recent newcomers from Poland and Latin America.

"From immigrant to American is their story," reads one of the display's boards.

One story the museum is telling is that of the Scolpino family. After the family immigrated to Brazil from Italy in the late 1800s, 3-year-old Joseph Scolpino — future father of former Southeast Supervisor Douglas Scolpino — arrived in Brewster about 1889 with his siblings and parents. Joseph Scolpino eventually ran a soda fountain and stationery store on Main Street. His brother operated a Main Street liquor store.

Douglas Scolpino, who served as supervisor for 10 years until 1993, donated advertisements from the stores for the museum's exhibit. The stationery store's card featured a railroad timetable for trips between Brewster and Grand Central Terminal. A photograph of the stationery store shows a magazine rack positioned on the sidewalk stuffed with periodicals, including True Detective, a pulp magazine that reached its heyday in the 1930s. Scolpino also submitted a photograph of his family gathered on the steps of his Oak Street home for Thanksgiving in 1933. Scolpino, as a 3-year-old, is clad in short pants.

"I'm happy for my father," Scolpino said. "I have more stuff at home. We never talked about (the immigrant experience) all that much."

Another part of the display will include deeds and other documents donated by Harriet Susnitzky, who lived in Brewster for 50 years. She and her husband, Leo, once owned and operated the New York Store on Main Street, an apparel store. Leo Susnitzky's parents came to the United States from Russia in the late 1880s.

Referring to the documents, Harriet Susnitzky said, "I didn't want to throw them out, and it's all part of history." Susnitzky now lives in Somers.

Campanaro said that in October she hopes to unveil photographs made by Hispanic and Polish immigrants. Mahopac is home to a growing Polish community — the Church of St. John the Evangelist offers a weekly Polish Mass. Brewster is home to many Hispanic day laborers, who wait on Main Street for jobs from contractors and landscapers. Campanaro said she plans to distribute at least 20 disposable cameras in the summer to some of those people and display some of the photos. Victor Padilla, a contractor, will help distribute the cameras to Hispanics.

"I think it's a great idea," said Padilla, 53, who came to the states from Puerto Rico as a 6-month-old. "It will show a different side of life."

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

GARRISON: Eyeing a colorful glimpse of the Hudson River and Garrison from a West Point vantage, Rose Champlin said she knew she wanted to purchase a package of reprinted period postcards from the Alice Curtis Desmond-Hamilton Fish Library last week.

The library is selling the reprints of local scenes to raise money for an elevator within the two-story building. But to Champlin, a 50-year Philipstown resident and longtime fan of the Desmond-Fish library, the fund-raiser was a secondary reason to plunk down $15 for 18 postcards.

"I haven't decided what to do with them," she said. "I think I'll frame a few."

Some cards show the Garrison school, Fair Street in 1912, the Cold Spring railroad station and Philipstown Town Hall. A few illustrate buildings no longer standing, such as the Imperial Hotel in Nelsonville; Craigside, which was Julia Butterfield's house; and the Garrison Hotel.

Southeast resident Denis Castelli and the Taconic Postcard Club helped assemble the historic scenes of Garrison, Cold Spring and Nelsonville, which cover those communities from 1905 to the 1920s. A large poster of the collection is available in signed and unsigned editions for $100 and $50, respectively.

"The postcards depict an era of the town," said Castelli. "The reproductions can raise money for an important project and help preserve history."

A former computer programming consultant, Castelli previously produced a card set as a fund-raiser for the Southeast Museum in Brewster. He said he is considering similar postcard projects for other Putnam towns.

About six cards are from Castelli's personal collection. Most, though, are from David Bisbee of Putnam Valley, trustee of the Friends of Desmond-Fish Library and vice president of the Taconic Postcard Club.

Many of the cards are rare, said Bisbee, estimating the originals could sell for between $10 and $100.

"The cards reflect Cold Spring's amazing history," he said.

Library officials are hoping sales will net the 24-year-old community institution $11,000 toward the installation of a $200,000 elevator.

"A lot of people use the library, but some have real trouble using the stairs," said library Director Carol Donick.

Each year, close to 7,000 people participate in programs and search for materials at the library, which is located at the intersection of routes 9D and 403.

In 2003, the library held 294 events ? including its annual used-book sale ? in the lower-level room, which is accessible only via a flight of stairs. An elevator would bring the library into compliance with current building standards and help the elderly and those with mobility problems, including parents toting babies and young children in strollers, Donick said.

An elevator proposal coordinates nicely with efforts of library co-founder Hamilton Fish Jr.

As a congressman representing New York's 19th district, Fish was a major figure in the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990.

"In many respects, the library is a community center. There is a desperate and obvious need for an elevator," said Hamilton Fish, the son of the library founder and current board president, referring to the many programs held in the event room.

In 1994, his father used the event room to announce he would not seek re-election, Fish said. During the news conference, he told reporters he considered his proudest accomplishment to be his work for the disabled ? sweeping legislation affecting a broad range of Americans and their ability to access public sites.

The elevator would be in a small building extension, so it would not take up critical library space, Donick said. There are 500 packs of postcards, 30 posters signed by Castelli and 15 unsigned, imperfect posters. The library has received individual donations of $30,000, a state grant of $10,000 and $25,000 from Philipstown for the project.

The building was funded by Alice Curtis Desmond and Hamilton Fish, whose families were involved in New York state politics for generations. Its annual $450,000 budget comes from an endowment created by Desmond, contributions from an annual Library Associates dinner and efforts by the Friends group.

Reach Barbara Livingston Nackman at bnackman@thejournalnews.com or 845-228-2272.

BREWSTER — The village board is searching for suitable real estate to be used for joint municipal offices with the town of Southeast.

This week, village leaders released a flier encouraging residents to propose sites for the joint facility, expanding on its offer made in August to take over property for such a building through the state's eminent domain law. The proposition was put forth by village trustees to entice town officials to keep Southeast Town Hall within Brewster.

Mayor John Cesar was ambivalent about the request, which asks residents to submit ideas in writing or announce them at a village board meeting. Southeast Supervisor John Dunford, a former Brewster mayor, however, said the village was "jumping the gun."

"They're asking for ideas when a basic agreement hasn't been discussed," Dunford said.

He was referring to the exchange of correspondence last year between the two municipalities and the need to discuss each side's position. Following the village's resolution to take over property for the combined offices, town officials sent the village a letter outlining future cooperation between the two. That framework included having the village turn several parcels over to Southeast, including the library, Old Town Hall and the parking lot between the two buildings.

A joint meeting between the two boards will probably take place in early March, Brewster and Southeast leaders said, where each side's proposal and the future of shared municipal offices will be reviewed.

The "Request for New Facilities," village Trustee Michael Santos said, is "just fishing for ideas."

"Before I go into that meeting, I want to solicit the ideas of the residents of the village," Santos said.

Santos ran for trustee last year during a campaign season that saw most village leaders and candidates for village office calling for more cooperation between the two municipalities. Santos, in particular, advocated keeping town offices in Brewster.

Brewster, population 2,162, is an incorporated village of Southeast, population 17,316. The effort aimed at retaining Southeast's offices stems from a village planning report and the town's potential to relocate to Route 312.

Town Hall sits at 1 Main St., in a former bank built in 1886. Additional offices are in the basement of the Old Town Hall. To relieve the cramped offices on Main Street, the county offered the town a parcel on Route 312 a year ago. It's an option that hasn't progressed beyond the overture stage and the town, in its October letter, said it didn't intend to leave Brewster's geographic limits.

The municipalities have had a cool relationship, marked by a 1998 town study looking at merging the two municipalities and Mayor John Cesar's on-again, off-again desire to secede from Southeast.

If Brewster did break away from the town, the parcels Southeast asked for in its letter would allow it to legally conduct business in Old Town Hall and pay for the upkeep of those structures.

Jim Clark, a Southeast resident, said a joint facility would lead to an "amicable atmosphere between the two governments."

"I think the village needs the town. I think the town needs the village," Clark said.

Reach Michael Risinit at mrisinit@thejournalnews.com or 845-228-2274

• Roundtable Discussion
• Recommendations were voted upon

• The Columbia Plan (2003)
• Saccardi and Schiff Plan (1999)
• Newspaper Articles
• Personal Observations

• Clean sidewalks/streets
• Recommend the compliance and enforcement of guidelines to better upkeep vacant and occupied buildings, for example the Cameo Movie Theater
• Day Laborer Center- a building where workers can find shelter from the weather and have use of a restroom and find employment -not a social center
• Triangle Park by current Southeast Town Hall and Bob's Diner
• Better Bus Routes, Direct route to Rt. 312 and the Home Depot Shopping area, Board of Elections, Dept. of Health, and Dept. of Motor Vehicles
• Recommend guidelines for uniform Main Street Signage and a cohesive streetscape
• Sidewalk Planters- continued coordination and support with the Brewster Garden Club
• Benches
• Pedestrian Scale Lighting- can be mounted on buildings
• Coordinated signage program to provide directional signs to points of interests, for example parking lots, Museum and Library
• Community pride- street banners, incentives to better Brewster (historic plaque program)
• Full public access to Wells and Markel Parks

• Making North Main Street- Design Node 4- This is important due to the proposed construction of a commuter parking lot for the Brewster North train station. This area is a viable part of Main Street with successful businesses the added commuter lot will increase visitors to Main Street.
• Shared facilities for Town and Village offices and courts. A suggestion is the relocation of the Village garage to the vicinity of the Town garage.

• Need for a Post Office on Main Street (not a satellite, we would like a real Post Office with its own zip code)
• Aggressive Business Recruitment Plan
  - We need a bank on Main Street
  - We need a pharmacy/stationary store on Main Street
• Greater community involvement - church sponsored events -festivals -- add events as possible to fill the calendar.
• Village Promotion Committee and/or Office, send out press releases, organize community festivals like a Main Street Manager.
• Village government communication needs to be better; have State of the Village reports with brief Q&A, and/or newsletters and website.
• Support of Passive Parks- on Marvin Avenue and Reservoir Walks, this will increase pedestrian traffic, walkers, joggers and fishermen.

We are indebted to Jerry Ravnitzky for his comprehensive, tho personal, notes on the January 26th Carmel Town Board meeting. I have excerpted those portions that deal with the YMCA and Staybridge Hotel.

Sincerely,
Ann

Paul Camarda, Hotel & YMCA: Mr. Camarda presented his proposed hotel and the YMCA plans. For background, there was a referendum in February, 2001 that approved the sale of the town-owned 19 acres of commercial land on Route 6 in Carmel to Hudson Valley Realty, Mr. Camarda’s corporation. At that time, Mr. Camarda heavily advertised that he would provide a first class hotel/conference center and there would be land for a YMCA. While the initial contract was for three years, it was subsequently extended for another 15 months.

In leading up to his announcement, Mr. Camarda said that he had spoken with Marriott and Hilton, but he rejected them because they wanted him to accept their design and that was unacceptable to him. For Mr. Camarda’s sake, we were happy to hear that, since the rumors about town were that those hotels had rejected Mr. Camarda’s plans.

Mr. Camarda announced that a Staybridge Suites Hotel would be built on that site. Some additional information is provided by this observer. That hotel is part of the Intercontinental Hotel Group, a large British corporation that has more than 3,500 hotels in nearly 100 countries. They also own the Holiday Inns, Crown Plaza Hotels and Candlewood Suites. Staybridge Suites is often listed as Holiday Inn’s Staybridge Suites.

Intercontinental considers Staybridge to be in the “upscale” category, whereas Holiday Inns are considered to be “Midscale”. Also, Staybridge is advertised as an extended stay hotel with fully equipped kitchens and internet hook-ups. It is not clear how many of the Intercontinental Hotels are franchises and how many are corporation owned and operated. The value of Intercontinental’s stock has increased over the past two years. In looking at the photos of other Staybridge locations, it was evident that they all look very similar to the drawings presented by Mr. Camarda at this meeting.

Suite hotels have become very popular in recent years. I stayed at two Homestead Villages and one TownePlace Suites (a Marriott hotel) in Florida. Homestead was okay and TownePlace was excellent.

Back to the meeting: In the Carmel Staybridge, there would be about 150 units, including studio, one and two bedroom suites. There will be a restaurant next to the hotel, across a walking bridge. The YMCA is reported to be on a better piece of land than was originally discussed, one that Mr. Camarda said would cost the Y less to build on. There would be an indoor pool, 12,000 square feet of banquet and conference space, a walking trail and 235 parking spaces for the hotel. The development would also include offices, senior housing and assisted living facilities. There would be a traffic light at the Route 6 entrance to the hotel and Y.

Mr. Camarda said, in response to a question, that the hotel offered him a partnership in the hotel and he will consider it. He also said he wants fast approval to take advantage of the currently low interest rates. He thought that they could break ground for the hotel in a little over a year and be completed with the construction by Christmas of 2006.

The Y will have a 7 ½ year option on about 14 acres. It will be a 43,000 square foot building with two floors, a swimming pool and a theater.

Mr. Ravallo mentioned that the Planning board must dot all the “I”s and cross all the “T”s because anyone can sue. He said the new Y is a quality of life issue, and is a significant recreational facility. He added that the referendum empowered the Board to do everything possible to make it happen. Then he added what was, to me, some amusing comments: “There may be well-meaning but misguided people who will try to stop it. We’ll use all our resources to defend against any lawsuit.” For emphasis, I guess, he added: “They may be well intentioned but they’re still silly, and they may try to stop it.”

Mr. Pozzi added to this line of reasoning by stating: “It should not be a surprise to anyone that there will be people who will voice negative connotations to this project and what’s interesting is most of these folks take the time and effort to make sure that they attend the meetings. But folks that really want the hotel clearly don’t take the time to attend the meetings.” Since I am one of the very few people who regularly attend Board meetings, I wonder if he was referring to me, and to his expectations that I will voice opposition to this project in its current form.

Mr. Ravallo, in the same spirit, then commented: “Most of the criticism surprisingly might come from out of town, non-Carmel residents, and I think that’s strange, weird, silly.” As a resident of the Town of Carmel, I welcome input from people who have more expertise on matters of development and the environment, regardless of their residence, and I hope the Town Board will consider this in the future. We live in a small county, and what affects one town often affects neighboring towns.

Then came a significant question by John Butler, a resident of Carmel who lives in the Kelly Ridge area, just behind the proposed location of the senior citizen housing. He indicated that he favors the hotel and the YMCA, but feels that the 150 homes in back of this development will be impacted by the housing units. His question was: “Do the 500 units of senior citizen housing have to be approved in order for the YMCA and the hotel to be approved?” He was corrected by Mr. Camarda who said he was proposing only 340 housing units. The answer was that they would be considered separately, although Mr. Camarda would like them to be a package deal. At this meeting, there was almost no discussion of the proposals for the remainder of the property.

Budget proposal due
By CARA MATTHEWS
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: September 7, 2004)

CARMEL — County Executive Robert Bondi cautioned in 2003 that 2004 could be the last of seven consecutive years without a property-tax increase, but his streak may be extending into 2005.

Deputy County Executive Frank Del Campo said that Bondi's goal is not to increase property taxes to fund his budget, which he will present at 7 p.m. tomorrow in the historic County Courthouse. A public hearing is scheduled for 8 p.m.

"We're going to be working on it through the weekend. We still have a lot of nuts and bolts to work out," Del Campo said.

Del Campo championed the proposed spending plan as the product of much cooperation between Bondi and county lawmakers. Legislators, however, seemed to know little about what is in the tentative budget.

"It's the most secretive budget of all time," said Legislator Sam Oliverio, D-Putnam Valley.

Legislator Terry Intrary, R-Kent, said he's in favor of a budget that doesn't raise taxes — residents already feel overburdened — but not at the expense of continued fiscal stability.

"If I look at the budget and it looks like there may be complications down the road, I have a concern," Intrary said.

As in previous years, Oliverio said he was concerned Bondi could forgo a small tax increase and hurt the county down the line. He doesn't want Bondi to take a lot of money from the surplus account, as has been the case in the past, he said. This year's spending plan relied on $11.98 million in general fund surplus, leaving about $9 million in the account.

"To keep pulling from the surplus year after year is dangerous," Oliverio said.

Though there have not been property-tax increases, the county budget has grown tremendously in recent years. County spending is $113.1 million this year and was $105.4 million in 2003, compared with $74.8 million in 1998.

Several high-cost programs have added significantly to the budget. Chief among them are an increasing burden for Medicaid and preschool special education, and higher health and liability insurance payments. Homeland security is an additional expense since Sept. 11, 2001.

The county avoided a jump in property taxes from 2003 to this year, but Putnam officials implemented higher user fees. They include a $5-per-year surcharge on residents' vehicles under 3,500 pounds and a $10 annual surcharge on heavier vehicles.

Legislator Tony Hay, R-Southeast, said he would review salaries closely in the document.

Salaries are an issue because legislators agreed to participate on a committee Bondi is forming to review the pay of managers and other employees who aren't union members. The panel's first meeting is in middle of the month.

Hay said Bondi should put in across-the-board raises for managers and nonunion workers, then have the committee make recommendations to increase wages that are not consistent with others. The county executive should not put all the money for raises in a contingency account, Hay said.

The Civil Service Employees Union contract calls for a 3.5 percent pay increase next year.

Legislature Chairman Robert McGuigan, R-Mahopac, said he would like to see such initiatives as money for open-space purchases and an anxiety-treatment program, both of which Bondi proposed in his March State of the County address, included in the 2005 budget.

Bondi said he wanted to work with developers, environmentalists and others to set up a $20 million open-space fund. That proposal still is on the table, but Bondi has since moved toward negotiating with New York City for more watershed protection money. New York City gave Putnam $30 million as part of a 1997 watershed agreement. The fund grew to about $40 million with interest. By the end of the year, the fund will contain about $16 million in undesignated money.

Bondi has pledged to set aside money in his 2005 budget so Putnam Family and Community Services, which contracts with the county, can provide treatment to people with anxiety and panic disorders.

Mary McGuigan, 70, of Carmel said she is counting on funding for the program. One of her sons, Jerry, has suffered for many years from a crippling anxiety disorder.

"I talk to so many people, and they come to me and they go, 'I have the same thing,' " said Mary McGuigan, who also is the mother of Robert McGuigan.

Legislators said little information about Bondi's proposal has trickled out of his office this year, compared with previous years.

"It's been very, very, very quiet," Hay said.

Send e-mail to Cara M

September 6, 2004

Good morning all -

Just a caution - Project was initiated under the title "The Carmel Corporate Center" and since events pre-dated Coalition founding, I cannot comment knowledgeably on events that had their genesis from 1997. During this period DEIS and FEIS somehow became GEIS, GDEIS and GFEIS. However, here are my notes from last night's meeting.

Tim Miller, Camarda, Tretsch prevailed last night. They cited Findings Statement of 1997 and its adoption on August 9, 2000. It seems that on the first go-around, the Board had been sued; the DEP prevailed and the PB then went back to the drawing boards.

Miller et al emphasized the greatly diminished impact of the current proposal - 320 senior housing units - single and multifamily rather than 300 senior housing units and 400,000 sq. ft of retail and offices etc. Not only was traffic substantially reduced from 2,800 trips per peak hour to 184 but massive infrastructure changes and costs avoided and tax benefits gained.

In justifying the approval, Board member Emma Kounine stated that the PB had hypothesized "the worst case scenario, a Home Depot on every lot" - assumed maximum built out. Thresholds were set up to take into account the multiplicity of lots and uses, all of which could not be developed simultaneously. Since "thresholds had not been exceeded so ergo no further SEQRA action." And this was the operative legal theory or fiction that prevailed last night.

DEP could not declare complete application until SEQRA complete and signed off. CWCWC and Coalition goal was to forestall the signing. Many thanks to Dave Gordon and Jim Bacon. Dave in a short period of time sought to digest massive amount of often confusing and complex material.

Although the Planning Board did sign off, there were two dissenters: Matt Bennett and Carl Greenwood. According to Greenwood, each lot should have been subject to SEQRA review with a public hearing and input. Matt brought up the issue of "affordability" which at $400,000 a pop did not exactly meet that criteria. He also cited the Carmel code that limited senior housing development to 150 units. "To call each lot senior housing thwarted the intent of those who wrote the law," and Matt continued comparing this development with one that had been denied. It appears that 1.5 parking spaces are being set aside for the Senior Housing Center whereas 2.5 spaces plus 10% overage for visitors was the amount imposed for a development continguous to this one.

In the end the Board was swayed by the rationale of "downsizing" and could not comprehend the technical legal issues raised by Dave in his letter. If truth be told, I don't think they read carefully the letter. But CWCWC and the Coalition are on record and I believe that is important should further action be contemplated.

In a short radius of perhaps a mile, the Hamlet of Camel will be deluged with senior housing: 90 units on the property adjacent to the 320 units Carmel Senior Housing Center and another 300 units slated for the Centennial Golf Course property. No wonder Putnam Hospital is expanding and doctors are being added to staff at an astounding rate. However, this is no joking matter. There are serious consequences for the health of the Hamlet, the town and the County that all residents should be concerned. Shortly, the Putnam Housing Corporation will be releasing the Pace University study on senior housing needs in Putnam County this September. That's what they said. Periodically, I call to check status.

I hope these notes will prove helpful to all. In order to obtain an accurate record, I will purchase the tape so that any gaps will be filled.

Sincerely,

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com
PS Have also posted other comments on carmelresident.org

In criticizing the Lake McGregor Golf Course/Mahopac Airport purchase, (letter July, 31st), County Executive Bondi’s former opponent, Ken Harper of Patterson, shows that he neither knows the circumstances that led to the purchase nor appreciates its value as protective of water quality, as a public recreation area not for the rich and famous but for working families throughout Putnam County and a potential restored historic site.

Several years ago, hundreds of Mahopac residents responded to the threat of development of 200+ townhouses on the property. The town denied the permit, the developer sued and lost. We now had a property up for grabs by any developer that would come along. Recognizing the water quality value, the DEP agreed to Mr. Bondi’s plan to purchase the property, relieving the residents of the burden of enormous increases in school taxes resulting from the 200+ families and their children becoming part of the Mahopac School System.

Along with the Golf Course, two other important points of interest were purchased: the Mahopac Airport and the historic Hill-Agor Farm. The farm, the first to be purchased prior to 1741 in Putnam County by Anthony Hill from local Indians, also contained in the 19th century, an iron mine which was operational for 20 years. Today, 23 acres remains: the farm house, barns, a root cellar, stone walls and the original family cemetery. It should be preserved.

Sincerely,

Tom Casey
Mahopac, New York 10541

KENT ­ Neighbors and environmental advocates have raised concerns about
traffic, noise and other harms rising from the proposed Patterson Crossing
shopping center planned for 90 acres on the Kent-Patterson border.

The long environmental review process started this month. If the
410,000-square-foot shopping center becomes a reality, another worry is
fire, Kent Supervisor William Tulipane said. The roofs of the big-box
stores planned for the center are out of reach of the Lake Carmel Fire
Department's equipment, he said, which is why he asked the developer to buy
one of the town's fire departments a new firetruck.

"We're equipped for residential," said Tulipane, a retired New York City
firefighter. "We can't get on those roofs and open them up."

The $100 million Patterson Crossing would include a Costco warehouse store,
a Lowe's Home Improvement Center and several other stores off Route 311
near Interstate 84. Plans supplied to Kent by developer Paul Camarda show
the center's seven stores, a cafe and a restaurant sitting on the project's
Patterson side. Eight storm-water retention ponds and the center's access
road sit on the 16 acres in Kent.

The entrance road is 1.5 miles from the Lake Carmel firehouse on Route 52
and about five miles from the Patterson firehouse on Route 311. The
proximity to the Lake Carmel department, Tulipane said, makes it more
likely that organization would be the first called to any emergency at the
proposed shopping center. Some of the larger stores will be close to 75
feet in height.

"Just getting to the roof is going to be a problem for us," Lake Carmel
Fire Chief Richard Hauth said. "(A new truck) would help us out a great deal."

The 114-member department has a tanker, two pumpers, a rescue truck and a
brush truck in its headquarters on Route 52. Hauth said his department
covers a section of Interstate 84 in Patterson because it is closer to the
highway. He expects that a similar arrangement may arise with the proposed
shopping center.

Requesting a truck, Tulipane said, isn't to be perceived as a means to
speed up the environmental review process.

"It's not part and parcel of that process," Tulipane said. "It's a concern
about future safety."

Camarda said he was aware of the lack of a high-reaching truck.

"We understand the concern is there and we're looking at all concerns,"
Camarda said.

Patterson Crossing wouldn't be the first new development to give a local
department a new apparatus. About 10 years ago, then-Patterson Supervisor
Larry Lawlor negotiated with the Jehovah's Witnesses as they built their
Watchtower Educational Center in Patterson. The religious group bought the
Patterson Fire Department a $450,000 ladder truck so that department could
access a hotel and other large buildings on its campus.

Tulipane suggested that the Lake Carmel Fire Department receive a "quint"
firetruck with a 75-foot-tall ladder. "Quint" refers to the apparatus' five
functions: pumper, ladder truck, rescue truck, aerial truck and personnel
transporter. Prices on the Internet for such a vehicle range from about
$500,000 to about $700,000.

Hauth said he hoped to meet with the developer, Tulipane and other Fire
Department members to discuss the possibilities of a new firetruck.

Here's more on the hotel story. Ann
Hotel on tap in Carmel
By: Eric Gross 05/27/2004

CARMEL - They said it couldn't be done but thanks to the initiative of Putnam developer Paul Camarda, the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation, the Carmel Town Board as well as residents of the Carmel-Mahopac area, Putnam County's first hotel and conference center will become reality.

Camarda met with members of the Carmel Town Board last night (Wednesday) to announce that contracts had been signed to construct a three-story, 150-room hotel, with a minimum of 10,000 square-feet of conference and banquet space on property located along Route 6 across from the Trinity-Lutheran Church at the Carmel-Southeast line.

The hotel will be built on a 16-acre parcel - eight acres of which will be turned into a conservation area.

Plans also include the construction of a restaurant adjacent to the hotel with several retail establishments nearby.

Camarda told the Putnam County Courier on the eve of the meeting that he will submit an environmental impact statement within 45 days containing more than 400 pages of "every conceivable study required. We are well into the approval process. Ground will be broken for the project within the next 12 to 18 months with the hotel's first guests having pleasant dreams in Putnam County three years from now."

In February 2001, residents of Carmel approved selling a portion of town-owned property to Camarda for the project. "The voters' instincts were correct," he said.

Camarda explained the project took an inordinately long period of time to materialize because of the events surrounding 9-11-2001. "Large hotel companies closed down their conference divisions following the terrorist attack on mankind because the funding wasn't there to justify constructing large facilities," he said.

The developer said negotiations began in 2003 when discussions were held. "Feasibility studies were undertaken with County Executive Robert Bondi in attendance. A myriad of people spent days in our community. The Economic Development Corporation under the leadership of the board's chairman Kevin Bailey provided information on every business within the county. The verdict was unanimous. A quality hotel was needed," he said.

All of the defined data was verified by the feasibility company. In early 2004, contract negotiations began and two weeks ago, the contracts were signed.

Camarda has not divulged the "flag" that will eventually fly above the new hotel in Carmel indicating the facility will be a "hybrid. It will not be a typical vanilla ice cream hotel that a guest walks into. The Putnam facility will be built specifically for this market place. That's the important fact. What name goes on the building is unimportant."

Ross Weale, president of the EDC lauded the announcement. "This is fantastic news. Mr. Camarda's location is perfect for the project. The lack of a quality hotel in Putnam County continues to be a weak link in our infrastructure system. With the new facility, corporations doing business in Putnam as well as visitors will soon have a place to spend the night without having to travel out of the county or out of state."

Joseph Girven, secretary-treasurer of the EDC agreed. "Quality lodging has been long overdue. How many times have we heard people who were attending a wedding or other social or business function complain that they had to travel to Danbury or Fishkill or Mt. Kisco to spend the night. Now thanks to Paul Camarda's initiative, they will soon be able to sleep in the beautiful Town of Carmel in Putnam County," he said.

©Putnam County Courier 2004

Here is a summary of the proposal Camarda put forward Wednesday at the Carmel Town Board meeting. The Town Board gave Mr. Camarda time to make his presentation and permitted limited resident comment. It was the position of several speakers that the town had not given residents due notice of the substance of the meeting so that resident input wasn't adequately represented.

There is a significant change in the project. The EIS should be ready by the end of June. There may be a problem already since the Scoping was based on a different scheme.

It is no longer tied to the Centenial Golf Course or its fortunes. Camarda could not get "flag" hotels to come to Carmel so a consortium of investors is now bankrolling the hotel and feasibility study completed. Has full support of the county's EDC and County Executive Bondi. Area has town water and sewer.

Total area 190 acres, 90 acres in "center of golf course" plus 68 acres and another hotly contested sale of 19 acres of prime commercial property on Rt. 6, former location of town salt shed. Tony Seda then president of CRCM, members of CRCM, including myself, Jerry Ravnitzky and Doris Stahl, then Councilwoman opposed the sale which we thought was a steal and a pretext to gain an access road to the 68 acres on which the hotel/conference center was to be located. We garnered enough signatures for a permissive referendum. Camarda spent thousands to defeat the effort and the sale for $1.5 million went through with 3 -year options tied to the acres required for the ".Y." Camarda now promises that he will do everything to get the "Y" located in Carmel including time extensions for the "Y" to fundraise and 13 acres.

1. The Hotel - is now located entirely on Route 6 - 200-300 ft from the road. It will be three-stories with 150 room and 10,000 sq. ft of conference and banquet facilities. It will require a traffic light. That means there will be one at Rt 6 and John Simpson; another at the Hotel (a requirement of the investors), not a half mile up and then less than another 1/2 mile, there is another one at Old Rt. 6. (Will clock the exact distances today). There is a time period - 20 months or the investors pull out.

According to Camarda, except for a stream over which he plans to build a bridge from the hotel to the restaurant, there will be no impact on wetlands. He will donate 15 acres of ecologically sensitive land.

2. Restaurant - will be located west of the Hotel. Exact dimensions unknown as is possible tenant.

3. Senior Housing - 30 acres; 137 Clustered units of varying sizes - 1200 sq ft with no garage; 1700 sq ft with one-car garage and 2200 sq ft with 2-car garage. Must meet senior housing code - at least one person 55 or older. Price range from $250,000 to $500,000. All amenities including bocci court. This portion of the development will have some impact on residential area of Kelly Ridge Rd. An access road for emergency services will exit onto Kelly Ridge. No wetland or wetland buffer encroachments. A

4. Assisted Living - problematical.

5. Retail - unknown

Impervious Surface - 13 acres out of 90; 55 not touched and 29 landscaped or with ponds.

Initial observation: Regional impact - Significant traffic impact on Rte 6 and Rte 312. Area is bounded by Middle Branch Reservoir. In addition to the Hamlet of Carmel, Southeast residents residing on Fair St, Old Route 6 and points east and west will be affected. Mr. Hennelly, Town Councilman, appeared to be relieved when Mr. Camarda stated that since all portions of the project would be in Carmel and therefore Southeast would be not involved. However, according to SEQRA, regional impact of a proposal must be taken into consideration. As part of the process, a traffic analysis, market analysis i.e. need for senior housing and economic feasibility study i.e. hotel/conference center, must be submitted by the applicant.

Stayed tuned.

Sincerely,

Ann

Putnam County may not get its only hotel and conference center after all.
Is Carmel conference center in jeopardy?

CARMEL-Plans for Putnam County's only luxury hotel and conference center may be in jeopardy.

The Town of Ridgefield, Conn., held a public hearing last night (Wednesday) on a multi-million dollar proposal that calls for the development of 400,000 square feet of "office-commercial-conference center space plus 200 units of active adult-age restricted housing," which local officials said would "provide a vital boost to Ridgefield's tax base by easing the burden on homeowners and providing necessary revenue to ensure the quality of life that Ridgefield residents have come to expect and enjoy."

"That's the Carmel project," said developer Paul Camarda, who intends to build a conference center and luxury hotel on property recently purchased from the town for $1 million as well as 100 units of age restricted housing on an adjoining 100-acre parcel.

Mr. Camarda reported on Monday that a special meeting took place several weeks ago when Terry Harwood, vice president and general manager of the Marriott Corporation flew in from Washington, and met with a number of public officials in his Carmel office.

"Mr. Harwood told us that his corporation would like to place a resort type hotel and conference center in Carmel on my site. The gentleman stressed that Marriott wanted to break ground within two years. Mr. Harwood also said only one of this type of facility would be constructed in the region. He confirmed that a site in the Danbury-Ridgefield area was also being reviewed," said Mr. Camarda.

Mr. Camarda said "Marriott's goal is to break ground within 24 months. Therefore, an interim road, as well as water and sewer lines must be in place. They will not wait around for three or four years to get this project going."

Mr. Camarda called "timing an issue. Marriott is time sensitive. They are backing their bet in Carmel but appear to be going forward in Connecticut at the same time.

Mr. Harwood had no comment when requested for a response by this reporter.

Others attending the March 28 meeting were Deputy County Executive Donald Smith, Carmel Supervisor Frank DelCampo and Kevin Bailey, chairman of the board of the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation.

Mr. Smith said the "people of greater Carmel have spoken by overwhelmingly approving a referendum the sale of the property to Mr. Camarda who promised the construction of a quality hotel and conference center."

Mr. Smith said such construction was the "kind of development that Putnam County needs. The project falls within County Executive Bob Bondi's deliberate balanced approach where open space is being saved while the environment is being protected and at the same time smart commercial development is proposed that will keep taxes in check."

Mr. Smith said a Marriott conference center would be a "real winner for Putnam County."

Mr. Smith said "county government respects home rule. However, when a project is proposed that is a winner, we must act quickly so that the county won't lose out to another region. This doesn't mean that shortcuts will be taken. All we are asking is that the project is placed on the front burner so that intense management is given to it."

Mr. DelCampo has assured his constituency that "we will do everything in our power to move the approval process diligently and expeditiously. The first step must be taken by Mr. Camarda who must present his application to the planning board."

Mr. DelCampo said the "people want a hotel and conference center on the Route 6 site in Carmel. My administration will work with Mr. Camarda to make this happen."

Mr. Bailey reacted to the latest news from Connecticut by saying, "we don't need another Danbury Mall fiasco in Putnam County."

Developers had originally wanted to construct the Danbury Mall in Southeast but when local opposition was mounted against the development, contractors packed their bags and were welcomed with open arms four miles away in Danbury.

Mr. Bailey said what most people don't realize is that the Danbury Hilton had also wanted to construct its hotel in Putnam County. "The Hilton simply followed the mall. Putnam County lost out big time and this county is still experiencing the result of that foolish governmental decision," he said.

Mr. Bailey said a grade A hotel and conference center containing 300 rooms, an indoor spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a conference center-resort property, a restaurant, banquet facilities and a ballroom were facilities that would "finally place Putnam County on the map while providing millions of dollars in revenue."

Man-on-the-street reaction to the conference center was positive.

At the Putnam Plaza Monday, Barry Bronson of Carmel said it would be "criminal if we lost another project of this magnitude to Connecticut. Our officials have to get their acts together. Let's be pro-active for a change."

Susan Alberti of Carmel said, "Carmel must rise to the occasion. Look at what's happening in Kent with a new town center. Development is coming to Brewster along Route 312. Route 22 in Patterson is being built up like crazy. What are we, second fiddle in Carmel?"

Martin Haley of Brewster said if Carmel loses out on the hotel and conference center, "let's pack up and get the hell out of here. When I think of all the tax revenue that has been generated from the Danbury Mall over the years that could have been coming to Putnam County and instead has filled Danbury coffers, I get sick. The conference center has to come to Carmel and I don't care what our officials have to do to get it here."

Mr. Camarda asked the local officials: "Can we rise to the occasion?"

Traffic congestion has returned to downtown Carmel as construction workers have begun to install granite curbs, new sidewalks and eventually a new road surface as well as removing 20 utility poles and burying all overhead electric, cable television and phone lines.

The $2 million project which got under way last summer when trees were removed from the Gleneida shoreline and Route 52 was widened by eight feet from the intersection of Route 6 to Route 301, resulted in nightmarish traffic tie-ups.

Putnam Deputy County Executive and former Carmel Supervisor Frank DelCampo predicted some congestion this summer but he asked the public to be patient. "A project of this magnitude that includes the installation of benches, the planting of trees, hooking up all businesses and residences by underground wiring takes time. Once completed, Carmel hamlet will become one of the most beautiful downtown business centers in all of New York State," he said.

DelCampo forecast the project would be completed by autumn with Route 52 from Route 6 to Horsepound Road in Kent receiving a new coat of blacktop. He made special mention of the Carmel-Mahopac Revitalization Restoration group, a not-for-profit organization, which received grants for the project including a $500,000 member item from State Sen. Vincent Leibell.

Merchants and property owners in the affected area were sent letters last week detailing the construction schedule. During the sidewalk construction, temporary sidewalks will be installed.

During the re-paving project, Fowler Avenue will become a one-way thoroughfare to alleviate some of the congestion along Gleneida Avenue. "Fowler Avenue will become a southbound artery temporarily but Route 52 will always be kept open for emergency vehicles," said the deputy county executive.

Two merchants had opposing views about the project. One businessman forecast a loss of revenue caused by the construction. "If last summer was any indication, I'll lose my shirt again this summer. Last June, July and August, traffic in downtown Carmel resembled the Long Island Expressway. It was horrible," he said.

Another businessman said he realized that some inconvenience was expected but "the end product will be well worth it. Carmel needs a make-over and I'm glad it's finally taking place."

DelCampo asked the hamlet's businesses for understanding. "When the project is completed, the revitalization will be a tremendous boon to local merchants. The design will make people want to come to Carmel and walk through the Putnam County seat. Please be patient. Once completed the plan will be a home run," said DelCampo.

©Putnam County Courier 2004

. . . Carmel has bigger problems

Journal News

(Original publication: February 4, 2004)

I wish I could say that having a purveyor of pornographic films and adult novelties taking up residence in the center of the hamlet of Carmel is shocking. However, the unfortunate reality is this business venture is consistent with the many other commercial carpetbaggers who have been given free rein to plunder Carmel's resources and treasure.

The pornographer from Dutchess leasing a ramshackle building in Carmel owned by a landlord from Westchester is much less threatening than the plans of outside developers to convert Carmel into a warehouse for the elderly poor of Westchester and New York City. The audacity needed to place a porn palace next to a nursery school and library comes easily when much of the hamlet consists of degenerate boarding houses, vacant lots, junkyards and empty stores all under the influence of the stench of the local sewer treatment plant.

The bad news gets even worse such as the recent announcement by Town Supervisor Robert Pozzi that Carmel has no plans to conduct any town-based economic development effort. In the absence of any economic focus or vision, the residents of the hamlet may soon be considering Giggles as the shining star of the local business community.

John J. Butler, Carmel

1. Welcome and Introductions
2. Agricultural Districts Approval - Thanks to All Who Wrote/Called and Came to Legislative Meetings - Roseanne/Roger/Teresa/Morgan, Robert/Margaret/Kitty/Lisa/Matt an especial hats off for Another Victory
3. Update on Carmel Development Issues - Status (SERA Process) - Action Plan
4. Al's Logging - Ryder Property - Status Report
5. Open Space Acquisition - Lake MacGregor Property/Mahopac Airport - Discussion
6. Highlands Coalition Meeting - Open Space initiatives and Funding Options - Somers Meeting - Tape on Transfer Tax Will Be Available.
7. Proposed Construction of $1.4 Billion Filtration Plant - Putnam County Alert - CWCWC Action Plan: Protection vs. Filtration - at a fraction of the cost of construction
8. CWCWC Recognition from DEC (Department of Environmental Protection) for Stream Monitoring - Coalition members involved: Rebecca, Kitty, Rich Lauri and Ann
9. Other Discussion Items (Southeast doings: Coalition joins CWCWC as Petitioners in second case against Meadows at Deans Corners; Terravest development; Weston Chase; Brewster Manor, etc. etc.

CWCWC 2003 Year-End Report - Putnam County

Ann Fanizzi, Chair, Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space

IS THE CLOCK RUNNING DOWN ON PROTECTING FORESTS THAT PROTECT WATERSHED?

In past issues, I have written extensively concerning the devastating residential and commercial developments that have occurred or have been proposed for Eastern Putnam County. However, this year, a new vocabulary has now entered our lexicon: "working forests," "managed forests," "Model Forests." No longer viewed for their intrinsic value as protectors of biodiversity and water, forests have now taken an utilitarian function as economic goods and their value calculated proportionally to their contribution to the economic mix.

Forests are ubiquitous in Putnam - all around us, framing our land, streams, lakes and reservoirs. They have been taken for granted, as we admired their beauty giving visible evidence of the change in seasons, incomparable vistas and untold opportunities for active and passive recreation for both residents and visitors alike. Foremost they have stood ready as guardians of our watershed.

But our forests are being threatened. First by development. Located in the Croton Watershed and impacting the Middle Branch and Muscoot Reservoirs, Meadows at Deans Corners, Weston Chase, Campus at Fields Corners, the mega- retail center, 360,000 sq. Ft/ Brewster Highlands and the 495,000 sq. ft industrial/warehouse/senior citizen, town park, Terravest, pose incalculable threats to the watershed. And in the wings are the coming developments in Carmel: Camarda Park, Carmel Corporate Park, the Fairways and the Gateway./Summit Hotel Conference Center whose impact will change the landscape of Carmel forever. Each of these developments required or will require decimation of huge acres of forest land, protectors of the Croton watershed.

Second: From unexpected sources: private landowners. Private landowners seeking economic gain from logging, are in the process of obtaining approvals to "thin" their forests which many residents fear is a prelude to development.

Third by the DEC. This state agency recently added Mt. Nimham State/Park Multiple Use Area, a 1,000 acre swath in Kent comprising the Hudson Highlands and impacting the West Branch to its three other "Model Forests" state sites. Designated experimental, the DEC's Mt. Nimham "Model Forest" Plan proposes to deforest 40/60% of an 87 acre tract. It's purpose is to study the effect of various "silviculture" treatments on water quality and supply. Although outside the Croton, the announcement by the DEP that it also plans to harvest timber in the Cat/Del watershed and will lease lands in Western New York State for oil and gas exploration are further indications that economic gain has now taken center stage in policy decisions.

Alarms have been raised in both a January 3, 2003 news article by Mike Dombeck and by reports issued by the World Bank and the World Wildlife Fund that there is an inextricable connection between the preservation of forests and their watershed function. "Time is running out." cautions the 114-page, Running Pure" World Bank report. "Protecting forests around water catchment areas is no longer a luxury but a necessity. When they are gone, the costs of providing clean and safe drinking water to urban areas will increase dramatically." Given the looming water scarcity crisis not only in our county but world wide, we would do well to heed Domeck "The focus should be on how to let our forests do their job of producing high quality water ....given our water supply problems, this should be the highest priority of forest management."

In this small corner of the world, Putnam County, the tension between forest preservation, forest management and viability of the watershed is now being played out. It is a complex, nuanced issue, lacking scientific consenus. Obviously, this issue with its hidden pitfalls and competing pressures, will bring new challenges to the work of CWCWC and the Coalition to Preserve Open Space.

www.putopenspaces.com
geesewatch@aol.com

November 14, 2003

Hon. Erin Crotty, Commissioner
Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, New York 12233
RE: DEC Mt. Nimham Model Forest Plan
Dear Ms. Crotty:

I am writing as Chair of the Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space, a not-for-profit, citizen directed organization committed to the preservation of environmentally and ecologically sensitive land and conservation of historic sites and structures.

I would like to put my remarks concerning the proposed DEC "Model Forest" plan in the context of disturbing developments affecting forests throughout the Eastern Putnam region. As you are aware, Putnam County is the fastest growing county in the State and as such has seen devastation of incalculable acres of forest and woodland. And it is home to two watersheds: The Cat/Del and the Croton providing water to over 9 million NYC inhabitants.

The connection between preservation of forests and their watershed function has been amply elucidated by Mike Dombeck in a New York Times article of January 3, 2003. He cites the "complex array of trees, shrubs, ground covers and roots slowing runoff from rain and snow and purifying water as it percolates throughout the soil and into aquifers." Continues Mr. Dombeck, "The focus should be on how to let our forests do their job of producing high quality water." And concluding, "Given our water supply problems, this should be the highest priority of forest management."

Supporting Dombeck is the September 2003 report, "Running Pure," issued by the World Bank and World Wildlife Fund cautions: "For many cities, time is running out. Protecting forests around water catchment areas is no longer a luxury but a necessity. When they are gone, the costs of providing clean and safe drinking water to urban areas will increase dramatically," As a Bd. Member of the Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition, I fully endorse that position.

Over development is decimating our forests, the bulwark for maintaining our pure and high quality water. For ex. in the Town of Southeast, Brewster Highlands, a retail center on Route 312, 61 acres of forests were leveled along with slopes and ridges. Another proposal has recently been approved by the Planning Board which would result in over 60 acres being deforested in the same area. Both impact the Middle Branch Reservoir. And numerous additional residential developments prominent among them Meadows at Deans Corners located in the Town of Southeast. Further, less than stringent tree laws in several towns have opened the door for residential developers, to clear cut acres even where the footprint for the home does not warrant clearance.

However, it is not only the Croton Watershed that is being impacted. The Catskill/Delaware Watershed - the West Branch specifically, has been similarly impacted by development. This was noted noted by the Natural Resources Defense Council in their published report "The West Branch Reservoir." According to NRDC "The 19.9 square miles of land surrounding the West Branch Reservoir make up its relatively small watershed of under 12,000. In recent years, this watershed has been the site of expanding residential development. According to one DEP estimate, there are now about 1,320 residents located throughout the West Branch." It is the conclusion of the NRDC that "Development threatens to degrade water quality."

In the last year, it has come to our attention that private landowners are also taking advantage of the economic gain to be derived from logging. In a most recent instance with which we have been involved, 80 acres of 1,036 of varied tree species 14"-16" in girth are proposed for harvesting. This area is home to wildlife and permitted recreation. Incursions of mechanized equipment needed for harvesting and logging trucks exiting onto narrow, sloping residential roads, endanger vehicles and children on school buses.

It is this mix of over development, lax or non-existant tree conservation laws and private landowners' desire to harvest for economic gain together with the DEC "Model Forest" Plan for the Mt. Nimham Multiple Use Area has resulted in deep concern among residents. For here we apparently have another instance of large-scale devastation of forests, proposed 40 to 60% removal on an 87 acre parcel, occurring in a watershed area. The West Branch has been cited by the NRDC as having been in "an unhealthy eutropic state for much of the last decade." Additionally it is in proximity to residential vehicular traffic, requiring mechanized equipment notorious for road and sapling damage. It is also home to wildlife and opportunities for active and passive recreation. As you are aware, passive recreation such as hiking has now superseded hunting in terms of the millions of dollar expended by the public. And Eastern Putnam County is on the verge of developing and fostering these opportunities.

Does the DEC's "Model Forest" Plan accomplish the primary goals cited in the Press Release of Nov. 6, 2003 concerning DEP's plan for timber harvesting in the Cat/Del? Does it "protect public health through providing long term supply of high quality water?" Does it "maintain ecosystem integrity by protecting essential ecosystem processes and allowing the watershed to both resist and recover from disturbances?" Does it "provide community benefits, uses, values, goods and services?" Does the "Model Forest" Plan protect the land and the water quality? It appears that a "hard look" on all of these issues and others cited, is absolutely necessary.

Please accept my appreciation for your serious consideration of my comments.

Sincerely,

Ann Fanizzi, Chair
Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space

1. Chapter 241 of the Laws of 1928 called for the formation of this Commission.
2. Survey that indicated over 1 million acres of land abandoned farmland could be acquired in areas of over 500 acres or more at a price that would justify reforestation, introduced and passed The State Reforestation Law, Chapter 195 of the Laws of 1929, introduced and passed the "Hewitt Amendment" (Amendment, Section 16 of Article VII of the State Constitution) in 1931.
3. Amendment, Section 16 of Article VII of the State Constitution, which mandated a graduated annual schedule of appropriations for acquisition and reforestation by the State, with land purchases of a million or more acres of idle land within 15 years, at a total cost of not more than $20 million.
4. Amendment of Section 16 of Article VII of the State Constitution, which became Section 3 of article XIV. It was modified to remove the graduated schedule of appropriations and extended the scope of the program.
5. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was created by an act of Congress on June 28th, 1937 (50 Stat. 319), as successor to the Emergency Conservation Work (ECW). Under the authority of an emergency employment act of March 31st, 1933(48 Stat. 22), President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the ECW by Executive Order 6101 on April 5th, 1933. The President's Reorganization Plan No. 1, April 25th, 1939 (53 Stat. 1424), placed the CCC under the newly created Federal Security Agency.

MAHOPAC — Three popular Putnam County lakes, closed Monday because of high bacteria levels in the water, reopened yesterday, just in time for August's first weekend.
By BARBARA LIVINGSTON NACKMAN
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: July 31, 2004)
MAHOPAC — Three popular Putnam County lakes, closed Monday because of high bacteria levels in the water, reopened yesterday, just in time for August's first weekend.

Putnam County Health Department officials certified that levels of total coliform in Lake Secor in Mahopac were no longer evident and that it was now safe for the public to swim there.

"Everything is now within standards, and all beaches are open to the public," Anne Bitt-ner, senior public health sanitarian, said yesterday. Storm-water runoff from heavy rains is considered the cause.

Two Putnam Valley lakes, Barger Pond and North Beach in Lake Peekskill, were also reopened.

By midday, officials had unlocked beach gates and removed closed signs.

"It's great to hear they are open," said Jim Nyarady, chairman of the Lake Secor Park District Advisory Board. "Now, we need to find out what caused the problem."

Lake Secor's annual Water Carnival, planned for tomorrow, has been rescheduled for noon next Sunday to give organizers time to prepare, Nyarady said.

The Health Department had closed the lakes after finding high levels of total coliform in two consecutive tests at all three sites.

When total coliform exceeds 5,000 per 100 milliliters the Health Department closes the lake and calls for further sampling. The New York state Sanitary Code requires that no more than 20 percent of samples can exceed this level, but the county's standard is more stringent.

Test results at Lake Secor on July 21 and 23 ranged from 1,100 to 11,000 per 100 milliliters, officials said. Bittner was not able yesterday to immediately give the numbers from the latest round of testing that allowed the beaches to reopen.

Total coliform is not dangerous by itself, but it can indicate the presence of other illness-causing bacteria. Health officials said that there was no evidence of fecal bacteria in the samples taken Wednesday, but that they would continue testing to identify the possible causes of the current problem.

Beaches are tested once a week during the summer, health officials said.

The tests were done after substantial storms, Carmel Town Engineer John Karell Jr. said. A heavy rain can wash debris from the shoreline into the water, causing the high levels, he explained.

Longtime residents of the 500-home Lake Secor neighborhood said it was unusual to close the lake for this type of problem.

"I've been here 16 years and this is the first I can recall," said Nyarady. "It seems it takes one rain to open the lake and two good ones to close it. We have to make sure this isn't some kind of on-off switch all summer."

Send e-mail to Barbara Livingston Nackman

For Immediate Release

Contact Bob Dumont 845-259-9817
***********************************

Friends of the Great Swamp

Great Swamp Celebration and Art Show

October 15-17

Bringing the Swamp to You

It's nothing new to many residents of the area - new homes, businesses and
other development are springing up everywhere you drive. But behind this
facade of new development is the Great Swamp with over 6,000 acres of
wilderness, beauty, wildlife and inspiration that stretches through four
towns in Putnam and Dutchess Counties. "Many people know of the Swamp, but
few are aware of its real beauty and the opportunity it affords for peaceful
recreation such as canoeing. So Friends of the Great Swamp has invited 92
artists to bring the swamp to life for them," says Art Show chairperson,
Laurie Wallace. "One of our goals is to showcase the artistic creations
inspired by the scenic landscapes, beautiful plants and intriguing animals
that can be seen in the Great Swamp or other wetlands. People are more
likely to protect something if they see its value, and these artists help us
put to rest the old images of wetlands as dark repulsive places."

The annual Great Swamp Art Show and Celebration will be held on the weekend
of October 15-17 at Frances Ryan Thomas Memorial Center, Christ Church, in
Pawling, NY. The Great Swamp will come to life through paintings,
watercolors, drawings, woodcarvings, photography, stained glass, and
pottery. "Every year we attract more of our region's wonderful artists and
find that they have been touched by this unique area," recalls Evelyn
Chiarito, an Art Show Committee member. "We know this exhibition of their
inspired works entices many people to take the next step and join us in
personally experiencing the Great Swamp from a canoe or hiking trail. Nearly
everyone comes away with a new enthusiasm to support the protection of this
unique place."

In addition to the invited artists, seven local schools will also
participate in the exhibit with Swamp-inspired art. "Many school children
paddle the Swamp or experience it from the edge and enthusiastically produce
a wonderful variety of art under the guidance of their art teachers. We are
beginning to work with other classroom teachers to capitalize on this
exciting experience by integrating the Swamp into their lesson plans. Now we
want the children to bring their parents to the show so they can also learn
about the Swamp, the pressures from over-development, and our efforts to
save it," Wallace explains.

The "Celebration" begins at 3 PM on Friday October 15th and includes
educational and entertainment programs as well as the art. Special
children's activities are included on both Saturday and Sunday, including
live animal presentations by The Nature of Things. The musical duet of Shirl
Lawrence and Steve Kaplan, part of the Clearwater Walkabout Chorus, will
provide live entertainment Saturday afternoon beginning at noon. The
popular birds of prey demonstration by Jim Eyring of Pace University will be
presented on Sunday. Education programs explaining the Swamp's other
values, such as protecting water quality and rare species, will be available
throughout the Show. Chiarito maintains that "water quality, beauty and
The Swamp are closely related topics."

For directions and other information, please visit the Frogs website at
<http://www.frogs-ny.org/> http://www.frogs-ny.org/. If you would like to
submit artwork for the show, please contact Gordon Douglas at 845-855-1917
or Edie Keasbey at 845-661-8766 or send an email to info@frogs-ny.org.

Friends of the Great Swamp is comprised of concerned citizens, public
agencies, and local businesses and organizations. Since 1990, it has been an
active voice for protection of the functions, values and integrity of the
Great Swamp through education, research, and conservation action.

I read the Aug. 12 article regarding the Town of Patterson dropping its proposed ban on signs at meetings. I attended the July 1 Planning Board meeting where Carmel developer Paul Camarda presented his plans for the Patterson Crossing. I sat there listening to his proposal in great dismay as, yes, some of us are more concerned about what happens in their backyard as opposed to one sign displayed by a man in a wheelchair, who, by the way, was in the aisle against a wall and not blocking anyone's view (as my husband can attest to as he was asked just that question).

We, the audience, were subjected to loud cheering and clapping when Mr. Camarda was introduced. This display drew no comments from the Planning Board, yet one literal sign of dissent was a bone of contention. The last time I looked, the Town of Patterson was located in the United States of America, where freedom to peacefully dissent is applauded by the majority of citizens.

I find it very interesting that this meeting, concerning a proposal that could have a negative impact on many in the Town of Kent and that lures others who are not adversely affected with the promise of dollar signs, happened to be the catalyst for such a ban. So far, it seems reason has prevailed.

Joan Casti

ner, Lake Carmel

Sincerely,
Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Sign ban ends up in trash<br> By MICHAEL RISINIT
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: August 12, 2004)

PATTERSON — The Town Board last night scrapped a proposed ban on signs and displays of emotion at town meetings after listening to about a dozen residents deride the proposal.

The legislation was meant to make sure no one's view was blocked at a meeting and to limit the chances of someone's being hit by someone else's sign, officials said. The proposed law, which also would have limited a speaker's time to five minutes and prohibited applause, also was intended to produce more efficient meetings. But to the dozen speakers from several towns who criticized the measure, the proposed legislation had only one purpose.

"This is stifling the freedom of expression," said Ray Mainiero of Kent. "I think you're walking down a very dangerous road."

The legislation was drafted after a July 1 Planning Board meeting. At the meeting, Carmel developer Paul Camarda presented his plans for Patterson Crossing, a 439,500-square-foot shopping center he wants to build near Interstate 84. Most of the proposed development sits in Patterson; about 16 acres of the 90-acre site is in Kent's Lake Carmel area.

Mainiero of Lake Carmel attended the July meeting and attached a sign to his wheelchair that read "Stop Urban Sprawl. Stop the Patterson Crossing." He was asked to take it down and refused, which prompted town officials to consider rules governing conduct at meetings.

Mainiero last night recalled the fight almost 15 years ago against the county's plan to place a landfill in Patterson. The effort to oppose it, he said, included meetings in Kent where Patterson residents brought signs denouncing the project.

"I just don't understand their thinking," said Mainiero, a former Carmel High School biology teacher. He was struck and injured by a car while jogging in 1987.

Town Supervisor Michael Griffin said the Planning Board meeting appeared to be the catalyst for the proposed regulations. But such an undertaking, he added, had been considered for some time.

"At this point, the board felt it was appropriate to codify some basic rules for running a meeting," Griffin said.

Sean Spellone of Patterson referred to the planned shopping center when he addressed the Town Board during the public hearing, which was attended by about 25 people.

"I'm just wondering if you guys are going to be as diligent in protecting the view from the back of the (homes) as you are in protecting the view from back there," he said, glancing at the meeting room's rear.

The proposed law would have made it a misdemeanor to carry, hold or display a sign during any town meeting. Yelling, other loud noises and applause also would have been prohibited. A first offense could have resulted in a $350 fine or up to six months in jail.

The board never voted on the matter after councilmen Ernest Kassay, Ed O'Connor and John Calbo said they were against the measure.

A statement from the Putnam County Democratic Committee opposing the ban was read to the board by Southeast Democratic Committee Chairwoman Lynne Eckardt.

Griffin and Councilman Gerald Herbst said the matter should be revisited and some rules formulated to govern conduct at town meetings.

Both the Westchester County chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which covers Putnam County, and the state Committee on Open Government have said the town's proposal could be adopted as long as signs of all kinds were prohibited and the rules were reasonable.

However, in an Aug. 2 opinion, Robert Freeman, executive director of the state Committee on Open Government, questioned whether a court would find the total ban a reasonable one, especially if the signs in question were unobtrusive and not disruptive.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

Hi Good Patterson Residents. I need your help. No matter whether you are for or against the Patterson Crossing Mega Mall, the Town Board must NOT be allowed to muzzle our RIGHT TO FREE EXPRESSION. Please attend the Patterson Town Board's meeting on August 11th, Wednesday, at 7:30 promptly....First item on the agenda.. We will be allowed to SPEAK! Hurrah.

I have attached a copy of the proposed law. It's a PDF file

They are so certain that no one will object they have even written the resolution for filing..I know many will be away, but to those who are in town, please try to come to the PUBLIC HEARING..

Thanks, Edie

Subject: Patterson Crossing 7-1-04: List Serves please copy.
Date: Mon, 5 Jul 2004 10:15:47 -0400
From: "Edie Keasbey" <edie.keasbey@verizon.net>
To: <Undisclosed-Recipient:;>

Patterson-Crossing-7-1-04-Dog and Pony Show

Report of presentation by Paul Camarda to the Patterson Planning Board July 1st, 2004. Mr. Camarda gave the same dog and pony show to the planning board as his two recent ones to the Patterson and Kent Town Boards, with the exception of the changes he has made in the interim period.

I came in slightly late and will only report on what I heard. Mr. Camarda stated that both the Patterson Town Board and the County Executive have sent "letters of support" to Lowes and Costco.

There will be 35 acres of rooftops and paving.

He gave figures of comparison for Patterson Crossing and The Highlands.

Patterson Crossing: 411,000 sq. ft. on 90 acres. 30% will be impervious surfaces

Highlands: 377,000 sq. ft. on 60 acres. 67% impervious surfaces.

He now states there are two watercourses, and Lake Carmel is under NO threat.

When the Environmental Impact Statement is released it will show much higher tax revenue figures then his present estimates.

He is applying for the phosphorus-offset program that will allow the last NEW sewage treatment plant to be built in Putnam County with surface discharge.

This is a very low water usage development, because his stores don't use much water. Boxes come in the back door and go out the front door. They will only use 15,000+ gal/per/day of water and generate 15,000 g/p/d of sewage.. No more than four houses, I believe was the figure he said.

The drainage ditch will contain two ponds to be used to clean the water and return better water quality to Lake Carmel and are not part of this project; he is doing this for the sake of Lake Carmel.

After the presentations by the engineer from Insite Engineering and Tim Miller who will write the Environmental Impact Statement the Planning Board stated they will set a date for a site walk with Kent officials. They also declared their "intent for Lead Agency."

That was the end of that agenda item and Mr. Camarda's Chamber of Commerce claque cheered happily.

Comments: The water courses are interesting because he has gone from an unnamed tributary to The Middle Branch of the Croton River (part of the headwaters for Lake Carmel and the Middle Branch Reservoir) and now two streams. The input and output of water usage is an intriguing question.

The presentation Mr. Camarda gave was based on an artists conceptual plan not the normally required engineered site plans that usually presented. Therefore any comments the town engineer, planning board members or the town planner can make on the plan are brief for lack of detailed information.

The next meeting of the planning board will be August 5th where I expect they will declare Lead Agency and require an Environmental Impact Statement be prepared and set a date for the Scoping Session. At the scoping session the public may suggest any question they want answered be included in the scoping document.

Before leaving I spoke to Ray Mainiero from Kent. Ray reported that Planning Board member Mike Montesano requested that Ray remove the sign taped to the back of his chair that basically said to stop sprawl and Patterson Crossing. Ray refused to remove the sign. Mike M. threatened to call the police, and Ray said to go ahead. Mike M. then tried to get the man in back of Ray to say he could not see around the sign but he refused to cooperate, so Mike M. then sat down. (The man behind Ray owns a house next to this project. It seems if you are against Patterson Crossing free speech is not allowed in front of the Patterson Planning Board. Shades of when Patterson was threatened with a 500-acre dump and Patterson residents were threatened by all manner of obstacles, including police dogs at meetings. Patterson has no 500-acre dump and we will fight just as hard to save our small businesses, rural charm and quality of life in the region that will be destroyed by 90 acres of more sprawl. Email me if you have questions. These are my notes as I heard at the meeting. Edie

OP-ED - PUTNAM COURIER -
May 24, 2004

Geography is destiny said a wise pundit of long ago. Seen as a liberating factor during the expansion westward of 19th century America, it has now become the bane of 21st century Putnam County. Surrounded by hills and ridges and valleys carved by reservoirs, Putnam roads track the geography of the county broken only by Interstates 684 and 84 blasted into existence in the 1960’s. Accompanying these interstates, are Rte 22, Rte 312, Rte 6, Rt 52 and Rte 301 and their feeders from residential developments as tributaries emptying into a stream, swollen by overflows of SUV’s, cars vying for space with off-loading interstate commercial trucks and trailers.

However, geography not only determined the location of roads, it also defined the County’s situation of commercial development and most importantly, the type of commercial development. And herein hangs a tale or perhaps Putnam County. A quarter of a century discouragement of corporate development, has left Putnam County with nary a way to rake in the revenue dollars necessary to provide for unfunded Federal and State mandates i.e. Medicaid disbursements and still maintain county taxes at zero. Not only is residential development leapfrogging “more expensive” Putnam but also corporate development for the university/culturally/land rich expanse of Dutchess County to the north or for the equally attractive, lucrative Westchester market to the south.

While Putnam faced the problem of a revenue stream, “Big Box” types were shopping for vulnerable towns and counties drooling for dollars.. The perfect merger of want and need occurred as Putnam sold its treasure, its incomparable landscape, its rural character, its town codes, to accept the highly visible “Highlands Regional Center” with its cookie-cutter architectural mediocrities, vulgar signage and eerie illumination that now emblazons the skies over Interstate 84 and Exit 19.

In effect, county officials and the Economic Development Agency, tacitly conceded the corporate ground to Westchester and Dutchess, staking their chips instead on continued binge consumerism. Results: the abandonment of its own highly skilled and educated populace to our sister counties, while simultaneously swelling a workplace geared toward the old and the young willing to accept part-time, low-wages and no benefits for the opportunity to work.

The county appears to have found its short-term elixir - revenue filling the county coffers. Exceeding county expectations, copy cats of the Highlands Regional Center off Rt. 312 are already on the drawing boards to be situated in every Putnam town. The first of which is “bigger and better” Patterson Crossing, just north of the Highlands on Rte. 311, straddling the Towns of Patterson and Kent, a 440,000 sq. ft, 90-acre retail behemoth.

Brushing aside the impact on congested roads, the Lake Carmel community property values, the impaired Middle Branch reservoir, and the threat to local businesses, developer Camarda, in a display of “shopping center envy,” has signed on Highlands copycats: Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and Lowes, restaurants et al. Among the perks that Camarda omitted in his Suscom infomercial, was a gas station located off Vernon Drive in the event that his prospective regional customer base from Stormville, East Fishkill, Wappingers, Pawling, et al go on empty while idling on the Rtes 52/ 311 traffic.

In addition to the downsides enumerated, here are a couple every official and resident should ponder:

1. Officials pursuing ordinances and codes that would benefit the town, are now imperilled by high-powered representatives of “Big Box” retailers. While pleading economic hardship, Highlands and Kohl’s representatives flexed their “power” muscles threatening Town of Southeast officials with legal action should the proposed signage revision go into effect. Power of, by and for the people has now been transferred to the corporate boards of the “Big Boxes.”

2. Where store-to-stores sales and the bottom line are merciless arbiters of continued operations, reliance on “Big Box” development as the foundation of the county’s economic edifice, brings to mind the Biblical injunction of “houses built on sand” and not on the on the rock of strong, diverse, local businesses, able to withstand the pounding of cyclical economic downturns. Will “Big Boxes” disappear when the going gets tough, leaving empty, cavernous shells of thousands of feet for the county or the town to fill? It happened to the Dutchess Mall on Rt. 9.

Is there a constructive alternative that would help fill county coffers without the destructive consequences of a precarious economic policy beholden to rapacious, bottom-liners? Planners, such as Prof. John Nolan from Pace University, are now advocating revitalization of old town centers and encouragement of new centers as locus of economic and community activity. And this would be a perfect fit for the small towns that dot our Putnam County landscape. It is the challenge I posed to Mr. Camarda at the Kent Town Board meeting. Citing a 1993 County Planning Department study, I urged that the Kent Town Center on Rte 52 with its government offices, library, police station and proposed senior residence become the springboard for diverse business enterprises, meeting the needs of town residents, while protecting town character, fostering community spirit, reducing auto dependency and traffic congestion.

Instead of replicating the “Highlands,” replicate the “town center” model for Brewster, Patterson, Putnam Valley and Phillipstown. Beacon is doing it; Pleasantville, Bedford, Katonah and so many others have done it. A half a century of flirtation with “Big Boxes” has made people all over America realize “Big Boxes” mean big headaches.

Ann Fanizzi, Chair
Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space
228-4265
www.putopenspaces.com

The Patterson Crossing mall will be 90 acres and a whopping one-third larger than Home Depot, Kohl's, etc. (only five miles away), will include Costco, Lowe's Lumber, Bed Bath and Beyond, and much more.

Local businesses such as Shop Rite, Dill's Lumber, the A&Ps in Putnam Plaza and Patterson, will all lose significant revenues and thereby reduce town and county tax revenues, defeating the so-called purpose of the mall. Home Depot and Kohl's are so close to the towns of Carmel and Kent with practically the same goods, why in the world do we need another mall?

The potential environmental impact could be enormous. Paul Camarda, the developer, says there will be absolutely no pollution from the 90 acres of forest and soil that must be removed from the very steep hillside. It is just above a stream emptying into Lake Carmel, which in turn empties into the East Branch Reservoir. There will also be more than 33 acres of impervious buildings and parking lot, which will cause substantial storm-drain runoff.

They are plopping this mega mall into a residential neighborhood within Lake Carmel. We will have to look at its ugliness and the massive parking lot for the rest of our lives. We will have to listen to, and be threatened by, the 16-wheelers that come barreling along these narrow and winding roads daily, making deliveries. Additionally, there will be the daily traffic of thousands of shoppers' vehicles traveling Route 52 and onto Route 311.

This shopping mall is truly a nightmare about to happen and will alter our quality of life forever.

Ray Mainiero, Carmel

PATTERSON — The Nature Conservancy plans to buy a 291-acre parcel of fields, forest and wetlands in Patterson to protect the piece from becoming a subdivision and will eventually sell the land to the state

"It's purely an issue of timing," said Mark King, the land protection director for the eastern New York chapter of The Nature Conservancy. "It's been on the market for some time and actively pursued by others, including developers. The state usually takes a while (to finalize funding)."

The international conservation organization will hold a local public hearing in the coming weeks on the purchase — a requirement of its decision to seek outside financing for the deal. The conservancy wants to borrow $2.2 million, the property's list price.

The land will be part of the state's contribution to a $3.4 million preservation program aimed at protecting the Great Swamp, one of New York's largest freshwater wetlands. As part of that program, the town today is expected to close on a 60-acre parcel south of Front Street. The Nature Conservancy is funding the $60,000 sale, town Supervisor Michael Griffin said.

The larger parcel sits off Cornwall Hill Road. Along with safeguarding the swamp from encroaching development, preserving the 291 acres will provide habitat for declining upland species, such as various warblers who depend on grasslands or young forests for survival.

"It's really a linchpin to the project," said Jim Utter, chairman of Friends of the Great Swamp. "It's the largest parcel available and it will protect the intersection of the Muddy Brook and the East Branch of the Croton River."

A rambling stone wall and massive oak trees separate the land from the road. Houses are few on that stretch, as the road crosses the Metro-North Railroad tracks and the Muddy Brook. Beyond the wall, the property opens into a sweeping field, which on Tuesday was filled with dandelions gone to seed and a yellow patch of wild mustard. About three-quarters of the field is ringed by hills and the view stretches over the valley in which the swamp sits.

"I remember it as a beautiful farm," said Ann Smith, 68, whose father, Bertram Smith, raised about 80 Guernsey cows on a 400-acre diary farm that encompassed the land being bought by the conservancy. "We raised our own feed, the corn, the grain."

Her family ran the farm from 1939 until the mid-1950s, when her father passed away. Smith, who lives nearby, said she welcomed the efforts by the conservancy and the state.

The Nature Conservancy wants to borrow money from the Colorado Educational and Cultural Facilities Authority, which provides low-interest loans to non-profit organizations. To satisfy the authority's requirements, the municipality where the money will be used must approve the expenditure. That is the reason for the public hearing, which will probably be held in June.

The property now is owned by a family in New York City, said John Ravetto of Houlihan Lawrence, the selling agent. Ravetto said "a sale is pending" but couldn't comment further until the matter is finalized. Maureen Wren, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, said the agency was working with the conservancy on the property's transfer.

The Cornwall Hill Road piece joins the 30-acre Pine Island and Mendel Pond, a 19-acre body of water surrounded by about 20 acres, as recent acquisitions in the effort by various groups to safeguard the 4,200-acre swamp. Home to hundreds of wildlife species, the swamp stretches across Southeast and Patterson in Putnam County, and Dover and Pawling in Dutchess County. About half flows north, through the Swamp and Ten Mile rivers into the Housatonic River and, eventually, into Long Island Sound. The other half flows south and forms the headwaters of the Croton Reservoir system, part of New York City's drinking-water supply.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

Business group supports Patterson Crossing
By MICHAEL RISINIT
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: April 30, 2004)

PATTERSON — A local business group is starting a petition drive to support plans for a proposed shopping center on Route 311 in Patterson.

The center, called Patterson Crossing, would boost the county's sales tax revenue and provide needed shopping opportunities for residents and business owners, said the president of the Patterson Chamber of Commerce.

"Every time I need to get supplies for my business, I go over to Danbury (in Connecticut)," said Jim Mattioli, who heads the chamber and is the owner of a used-car dealership called the 3600 Corporation. "Economically, it's the only way to go."

The $100 million Patterson Crossing would include a Costco warehouse store, a Lowe's home center and several other stores, according to Carmel developer Paul Camarda. The proposed 410,000-square-foot facility would sit on 90 acres on the Kent-Patterson border near Interstate 84. Most of the site is in Patterson.

The developer yesterday said he expected to submit a formal planning application to Patterson by early June. Camarda, assisted by Matthew Bondi, unveiled his project before the Patterson Town Board two weeks ago and presented it to the Kent Town Board earlier this week. Many proposed shopping centers garner petitions, but most of those are usually aimed at derailing the project. Camarda said he welcomed the chamber's unsolicited support.

"Obviously, they recognize the dire need to create additional shopping opportunities and to increase the commercial tax base in Putnam County," Camarda said.

In addition to presenting his project to the town boards, Camarda has been meeting with neighbors of the wooded site to answer questions about his plans. He sent letters to nearby homeowners at the start of the month, offering to "discuss the project one on one." Many have expressed apprehension about expected traffic jams, construction noise and intrusive lighting.

Route 311 is a two-lane road, and one neighbor pointed to the changes brought to Route 312 by the Brewster Highlands center in Southeast. Extra turning lanes were added, and the road widened to accommodate traffic for The Home Depot and other stores.

"You can't put that in without changing the roadways," said Marie Kovacs, who has lived near the proposed site for three years and met with Camarda. "It's crazy."

Camarda also has sought support from the Town Board, asking it to write to the two anchor tenants and welcome their interest in coming to Patterson. Town Supervisor Michael Griffin sent almost identical, noncommittal letters to each company.

"The Town Board would encourage you to commence the approval process," Griffin wrote in part on April 16. "We welcome the opportunity for town officials and the residents of Patterson to participate in the review process so we may achieve the best possible project."

The chamber expects to finalize the wording of its petition soon. Copies will then be distributed to members so they may solicit signatures from their customers. The documents will eventually be presented to the Town Board.

Anthony P. LoMeli, the chamber's vice president and a retired New York City firefighter, said the group's Web site will also feature an electronic version of the petition, which supporters can sign online. That feature should be added to the Web site, www.pcofc.org, by May 15, said LoMeli, a Web designer who maintains the chamber's site.

"As a person who lives here, I think it's a good idea," LoMeli said. "It's a good way to offset (property) taxes and can obviously give us a benefit here."

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

PATTERSON — Residents near a former dairy farm in Patterson are eager for Putnam County to purchase the land and put an end to ongoing plans for a subdivision on the property.

"It would be a good thing for this thing to go away and for (County Executive Robert) Bondi to buy it," said Bob Dumont of Bullet Hole Road.

The project's 168 acres sit above Bullet Hole and McManus roads. Since the subdivision was first proposed in 1996 with 128 homes, neighbors have worried it would clog the narrow roads with traffic and pollute the area's wells. Subsequent incarnations featured 81 homes, then 65, followed by 49, and now, 37.

The county has eyed the land for several years as part of its open space preservation efforts. Residents in recent months have started a letter-writing campaign urging Bondi to purchase the property — an effort that has apparently come in the midst of negotiations between the county executive and the developer. At the same time, the developer, Vincent Condito of Palo Alto, Calif., is buying an adjacent piece of town-owned land to give his property better access.

Neighbors and town officials said Bondi and Condito have met recently and have an upcoming meeting scheduled. Patterson Supervisor Michael Griffin this week said Bondi is "negotiating to acquire that" land.

"It would be extremely welcomed news," said resident Jill Eisenstein, about the county potentially buying part or all of the property.

As the Patterson Planning Board reviews the latest environmental study focusing on the 37-lot version, the Town Board is selling Condito a quarter of an acre to add to his holdings. The sliver of wooded land off Bullet Hole Road would allow Condito to shift the entrance road for the development, known as Burdick Farms, slightly north, town planner Rich Williams said. This would give drivers as they enter from or exit onto Bullet Hole Road better views of traffic on the curving road.

Condito yesterday confirmed he was buying the small piece of land from the town for $1,500 but declined to discuss the county's interest in his property.The small piece would allow development to proceed if the county didn't buy the property or bought only some of it.

"No, I don't want to comment on that," he said, referring to the county's effort.

In a letter earlier this year, Bondi told a resident he was exploring funding possibilities so the county could acquire the property. Deputy County Executive Frank Del Campo yesterday also declined to talk about the land and the county's intentions.

"It's in a very legal situation. We have the attorneys talking," Del Campo said.

The county attempted to buy the 168 acres in 2002 and had it appraised for $1.68 million, a number Condito's lawyer said at the time was too low.

The land sits in New York City's watershed. Two years ago, an engineer from the city's Department of Environmental Protection faulted several aspects of the project's final environmental-impact statement and banned it from moving ahead.

The study being reviewed now by the Planning Board is the additional analysis requested by the city's DEP, such as presenting alternative crossings for roads through the site's wetlands.

If the county bought some or all of the Burdick property, it would join the Putnam National Golf Club, formerly the Country Club at Lake MacGregor, and the adjoining Mahopac Airport site, which Putnam bought late last year for $11.35 million. In 2002, Putnam bought the 199-acre Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast for $3.9 million.

Both open-space acquisitions were purchased with some of the approximately $39 million — the original amount plus interest — the county received for signing the 1997 watershed agreement with the city.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

Burdick Farms plan revised
By MICHAEL RISINIT
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: February 10, 2004)

PATTERSON — Putnam County is apparently again considering a former Patterson dairy farm — the site of a much-criticized proposed subdivision — for preservation as open space.

County Executive Robert Bondi and the developer, Vincent Condito of California, met less than a week ago, Patterson Supervisor Michael Griffin said, to discuss the county's purchase of the land where Burdick Farms would sit. That meeting follows a county effort in 2002 to buy the land and comes in the midst of a letter-writing campaign by residents asking the county to acquire the property. The 8-year-old project is again before the Patterson Planning Board, this time as a 37-lot subdivision.

To end that process, about 200 copies of a letter addressed to Bondi and asking the county to help preserve the land as open space were distributed to local homes in January, Bullet Hole Road resident Jill Eisenstein said. The land should not be built upon, she said, because it represents the county's agricultural past and sits above the Great Swamp, where polluted runoff from new roads and septic systems will collect.

"This is part of our heritage," Eisenstein said. "I also can't imagine that it wouldn't have an impact on the ecosystem."

The project's 168 acres also sit in New York City's watershed. In 2002, an engineer from the city's Department of Environmental Protection faulted several aspects of the project's final environmental impact statement and banned it from moving ahead. A DEP lawyer also asked the Planning Board to request a supplemental environmental review — a document the developer is now working on, Patterson planner Rich Williams said.

The revised development includes alternative crossings for roads through the site's wetlands and slightly shifting the subdivision's access road as it meets Bullet Hole Road. The developer, Williams said, may also rework the nearby intersection of Ice Pond and Bullet Hole roads.

When it was first proposed in 1996, the subdivision included 128 lots. Three years later, the developer trimmed the proposal to 81 homes. Subsequent alternatives included 65, 49 and 46 houses. Residents and officials worried the larger versions would clog the neighborhood's narrow roads with traffic and pollute nearby wells and water bodies with storm-water runoff and sewage. The additional environmental review will detail what effects the smaller development will have on the environment.

"The Planning Board has hung tough on this thing right from the start," Griffin said. "I think it's unfortunate it probably can't be saved for some potential agricultural use in the future."

Condito didn't return telephone messages yesterday about the project. Bondi also didn't return telephone messages yesterday about the land or his meeting. But in a Jan. 27 reply to Eisenstein's letter regarding the farm, the county executive said he agreed the land should be preserved. In his letter, Bondi said he had been meeting with the Open Space Institute, The Trust for Public Land and others "to create a workable funding mechanism" to buy the land.

"However, I will be meeting with the owner of the property in the near future, the date has not yet been set, to see if the county can make this acquisition," Bondi wrote last month.

The county's most recent open-space purchase was the Country Club at Lake MacGregor and former Mahopac Airport late last year for $11.35 million. In 2002, Putnam bought the 199-acre Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast for $3.9 million. Both were bought with some of the approximately $39 million — the original amount plus interest — the county received for signing the 1997 watershed agreement with the city.

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

So now we'll study traffic generated by avoiding traffic.

What to do about Route 22 in Southeast has been studied for 20 years ? by politicians, environmentalists, businesses, independent groups, the state, the town and, certainly, the drivers backed up on it during rush hours. So what's another study?

A plan for addressing the traffic on Route 22, including consideration of widening it from two to four lanes on a 3-mile section in Southeast, has been on the agenda of the state Department of Transportation, which is responsible for the highway, for 10 years now. So what's another study?

The state's proposal is to widen the road to four lanes, which a 2000 draft environmental impact study focused on, with two alternatives. One envisions a median in the road, forcing drivers to make left turns and U-turns at intersections with traffic lights. A second alternative would use a center left-turn lane that drivers could access from both directions.

Assemblyman Willis Stephens, R-Southeast, recently sent a survey to local residents asking them how often drivers seek alternative routes because of the Route 22 congestion and how much time those choices add to their trips, staff writer Michael Risinit reported this week.

The survey, according to Stephens, is meant to supply the state DOT with information on how residents deal with the traffic.

Here's our guess: Barely.

It was 1992 when the state DOT proposed expanding Route 22 from two lanes to four between Interstate 684 and Doansburg Road. Since then, objections have centered on the possible negative impact on the region's reservoirs and the nearby Great Swamp, and concern that any road widening would bring in even more traffic.

"As you know, Route 22 is a controversial project. So, we're progressing slowly," Bob Dennison, Hudson Valley regional director for the state DOT, told Risinit. "Most of us believe there's a project here somewhere."

That was in January of this year.

It is a difficult balance, but surely the experts at DOT can come up with a plan that balances environmental impacts with the obvious need to address the stalled traffic ? itself harmful to the environment. Likely, it will have to include at least some turning lanes, additional traffic lights and perhaps some widening at key points. And no doubt it will have to call on localities to restrain future growth, which will have to be taken seriously.

Dennison has applauded a collaborative approach to improving Routes 120 and 22 near New York City's Kensico Reservoir in Westchester County, which involved environmental groups, the state, the city and the federal government. As for Putnam's Route 22, Dennison also said back in January that "what we don't want to be is mired in a long, drawn-out court battle. Our goal is to come up with a project everybody can get behind, and we're not there yet."

It seems nobody's there yet.

The congestion in Southeast and nearby is spreading. Nobody sitting in traffic on or near Route 22 needs a survey to tell them that. Does the state?

To the Editor:

Approximately five months ago I wrote that several ponds on Welfare Road
were being inundated with storm water runoff from a single-family home
under construction. Well guess what, we are still waiting for the
problem to end and a remediation to begin. To make matters even worse
the Town of Southeast is currently in the process of approving two new
neighboring developments.

What concerns me about one subdivision is that the Southeast Zoning
Board is considering issuing a variance from the Resource Protection
Plan. This would allow the developer to build four houses, when even the
developer calculates that only three houses should be permitted. Keep in
mind that the plan clearly states that one does not round up when
calculating the number of houses that can be built, so that 3.51 equals
three houses that can be built. The property in question has no direct
access from Welfare Road unless the town allows the developer to build
his access road across the wetlands. Not along the edge of the wetlands
in the buffer zone, but directly through it necessitating the filling of
wetlands to build the road. Amazingly under the older, less strict
regulations the previous developer was told to call the Army Corps of
Engineers and get a bridge built across the wetlands.

Let's forget that there are poor sight lines to access Welfare Road and
that Putnam County Conservation lands abut the property. It would seem
to me that any logical person would realize that three equals three and
end the ongoing battle. But no, the town continues to spend money by
continuing the planning process. Why?

The other development has been in the works for five years now and it is
getting the quick rush through the planning board. Seems the developers
are claiming the DEP lost the paper work and the planning board doesn't
think they should be penalized for this. Well, doesn't the town or the
developer have copies of the tests? There has to be a record somewhere
of the tests, or is it that the DEP after three years of inactivity
closed the application. Yet, if as the developer states the DEP lost all
the tests then why are there letters from the DEP to the planning board
in the file, letters from the DEP to the developer's engineering firm
suggesting changes and indicating that the DEP is still on the case and
they have not lost any records.

What is the real story here? And why is it that every time someone sees
the plans they are different. The project started out eight houses went
to six and then to seven. Originally there were no houses in Patterson
and now there is one house in Patterson. Yes this project encompasses
two towns and who knows how many houses when the final project is
completed. And why only one public hearing in over four and one half
years of this project when it keeps changing dramatically?

Again let's forget the wetlands where detention basins are planned,
let's forget buffer zones, and let's forget that the towns own engineer
questioned how the 275-foot sight lines were figured. This project just
continues in spite of its failings.

But even more important is the fact that this entire area of the Town of
Southeast was neglected in the recent town master plan. That's right, an
entire area within three-quarters of a mile of the East Branch of the
Croton River was neglected. Or is it that it was purposefully left out
to allow projects like these. If the town master plan was designed to
protect watershed, shouldn't it have radiated out from the watershed's
most important areas? Shouldn't this area have been reviewed? Isn't our
section of town important? We think so, and we refuse to see it ignored
and ruined.

Brian Alberghini
Brewster

In response to a May 20 letter-writer's complaint regarding the Town of Southeast's plans to regulate signage, my reply is, hooray for the Town of Southeast! Under the careful and visionary planning of Supervisor John Dunford, Southeast has begun taking bold yet measured steps toward making our town a better place for residents and visitors alike.

Heretofore, the rule of thumb has been "anything goes." For some time now, it has been clear to those of us who care about how our town looks that we need to do something about signage. Some of us have even been pressing for much more stringent requirements as to sign material, size, color, etc. It may seem minor at first, but in the long term it will go far in cultivating a more dignified and inviting Southeast that will benefit everyone, residents and retailers alike. A small sign that is well-designed and well-placed will be just as effective as those giant loud, tawdry ones currently assaulting our senses everywhere we look.

As far as Kohl's sending a representative to the public hearing to plead the case that sign regulation will cause them severe hardship: One doesn't need signs to direct one to Kohl's. One merely needs to look up to where the mountain full of trees used to be and where there is now a humongous box to know that Kohl's has come to our town. Please, is there anyone who can address this complaint of economic hardship with a straight face?

Lisa Aurello, Brewster

SOUTHEAST — Now that Putnam Family and Community Services workers have moved out of their temporary offices at Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast, people are wondering what's going to happen to that space.

County Executive Robert Bondi gave the approval for the handful of employees with the mental-health agency to move to the 199-acre farm in January 2003. The arrangement was supposed to be for several months, while members of the Department of Highways and Facilities repaired a building at 1816 Route 6, Carmel.

On Monday, nearly 17 months later, the caseworkers moved into the renovated structure that is adjacent to Putnam Family's headquarters at 1808 Route 6, said Edythe Schwartz, executive director of the organization that contracts with the county to provide mental health, chemical dependency and rehabilitation programs.

Bondi faced protests from legislators and community activists who had fought to preserve the farm when Putnam Family moved into the small building in 2003 and again early this year, when he told legislators he was considering moving part of the Health Department there. He has not made a formal proposal on the issue.

Some legislators are angry that part of the picturesque horse-breeding farm off Route 312, which Putnam bought for $3.9 million in October 2002, could become just another county office site. It wasn't purchased with the intent of alleviating the county's office space crunch, said Legislature Chairman Robert McGuigan, R-Mahopac.

"There's a resolution on the books that nothing can be done until he comes before us," he said.

Legislators voted a year ago to require that Bondi consult with them before determining any new uses for Tilly Foster.

"I don't want to see it tampered with in any way right now," McGuigan said of the farm.

Deputy County Executive Frank del Campo said yesterday that certain areas of Tilly Foster were omitted from the whole farm plan for the property so that offices could be placed there. Tilly Foster is in the New York City watershed, and the plan details strategies to protect water quality there.

The county used watershed protection money from New York City to acquire Tilly Foster, and the city pays taxes on the land that's included in the farm plan.

"We're hoping that the Legislature will approve a viable tenant or office of some kind that would be a great fit with that property," Del Campo said. "We believe there are a number of offices that would be an appropriate fit."

Del Campo emphasized that Bondi's administration has not made any formal recommendations to lawmakers about which employees should be at the farm. Bondi wants to work with the Legislature to decide what would be appropriate, Del Campo said.

Besides the Health Department's environmental health division's relocation from the Terravest Corporate Park off Route 312, other possibilities that have been discussed include moving Cornell Cooperative Extension's offices from that complex or the Soil and Water Conservation District from its Patterson location to the farm.

Members of the Tilly Foster Farm Advisory Board have come out against putting government offices at the farm, and said it should remain agrarian.

McGuigan said he knows that there is a space problem with offices, but said the county should do a space study of all its offices and develop a master plan, rather than moving departments piecemeal.

Legislator Tony Hay, R-Southeast, said Bondi is aware that nothing should go on the Tilly Foster premises that is not related to agricultural services. "Hopefully, he will adhere to that," he said.

Send e-mail to Cara M

Judge orders Southeast junkyard to reduce its size
By: Eric Gross 04/29/2004

SOUTHEAST - Supervisor John Dunford issued an ultimatum to those breaking the laws of Southeast. "If you are in violation, we're going after you.

Southeast's chief elected official reacted to a decision handed down by State Supreme Court Justice John Sweeny last week ordering Simon's Auto Wreckers to reduce the size of its business as a result of the town's ordinance limiting the size of junkyards in greater Brewster.

The judge's three page ruling acknowledged that Southeast's zoning code in 1960 was amended to restrict increases in pre-existing and non-conforming uses. Sweeny ruled that Southeast had demonstrated that the defendant had "exceeded the boundaries" and as a result should be compelled to "reduce the footprint of the junkyard-auto wrecking operation and clean up all of the junked cars to its 1960 dimensions."

A hearing May 11 will determine what the dimensions will be.

Southeast Councilman Paul Johnson called Sweeny's decision a "big win for all residents of the region. The ruling will result in a substantial reduction in the size of the operation, resulting in the removal of thousands of cars around the historic and world-renowned Tilly Foster Mine."

Johnson said the junkyard was not only an "incredible eyesore, but is surrounded by the Middlebranch Reservoir which supplies water to millions of people."

The councilman commended the former Lois Zutell administration for planting the seed that led to the judge's ruling. "The former administration addressed the Brewster Auto Wreckers junkyard off Route 312 and now continues under the John Dunford administration with this larger operation," said Johnson.

Southeast's code enforcement timeline began in early 1996 when the town initiated an inquiry as to whether junkyards in greater Brewster were abiding by local laws. Maps and photos were collected and Southeast was successful in rehabilitating Brewster Auto Wreckers in Dykeman's, resulting in a 60 percent reduction in its footprint and eventually coming into full compliance with Southeast's ordinance.

In April 1998, the Southeast Town Board rejected a junkyard license application submitted by Simon Auto Wreckers. Last April, the board authorized litigation commencing an order to show cause seeking to enjoin the defendant from continuing his operations as a junkyard. Prior to commencement of this civil action, the town commenced criminal prosecution in Southeast Town Court, which is still pending.

As a result of the judge's decision, Simon Auto Wreckers will have to come into compliance with Southeast's Junkyard ordinance including the construction of a town approved opaque fence around the entire perimeter of the operation. Simons must also remove all junked cars within 10 feet of the fence to create a fire lane and must locate fire-fighting equipment at set intervals within the operation.

In addition, the company will be required to construct suitable sanitary facilities for employees, demonstrate an adequate safety and security plan as well as arrange all auto materials in an orderly fashion.

During a visit to the junkyard last week, a sign on the office door indicated the facility was closed. Calls made to the company were not returned.

A passerby told of the judge's ruling said he was pleased that the eyesore would be removed. Antonio Pellegrino of Lake Carmel said he enjoyed fishing in a reservoir near the junkyard. "The place always smelled of oil and gasoline. It's a real nasty looking place," he said.

Hello All:

Getting to the Root - Development pressures put strain on Southeast Roads. And more is to come - Root Avenue feeds into Rte 6 in Carmel where Mr. Camarda is proposing retail, restaurants, assisted living housing and anything else he can fit plus Hotel Conference Center and 100 + units of senior housing off Rte 6 leading into Fair Street. Help! Is there any regional land use planning occurring between Southeast and Carmel? Or is everyone hiding behind Home Rule? While Putnam burns gasoline and degrades air and water quality, commuters are doing a slow burn idling on ever congested roads.

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Taking the back roads
By MICHAEL RISINIT
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: April 25, 2004)

SOUTHEAST — Traffic has passed by Bob French's rambling Colonial in Southeast for parts of four centuries, both on what is now nearby Route 6 and Root Avenue, on which it sits.

A narrow, still-country road, Root Avenue rolls past overgrown fields and fairways carved from former pasture. Minivans and SUVs now travel the road, their number and speed far outpacing the horses and carriages that once plied the byway.

"The road was pretty quiet," said French, who moved into his pre-Revolutionary War home in 2000. "Now everyone is trying to beat the light and the traffic at the other end."

The other end is where Root Avenue hits Route 6, just west of where the state is replacing a bridge over the Middle Branch Reservoir. The $4.2 million widening of one of Putnam County's worst traffic choke points — a section of roadway that provides easy access to four towns — has sent vehicles scurrying elsewhere. The project has further clogged the 600-yard stretch where Root Avenue, John Simpson Road and Route 312 meet Route 6. The busy series of intersections includes two traffic lights and occasional lane closures because of construction.

"The mornings aren't bad," said James Searles of Carmel, who heads to his job at Ridgefield BMW at 6:30 a.m. "It's the evenings, where the volume backs up and things slow down."

Commuters fill routes 312 and 6, heading to or from Interstate 84 and into Southeast, Carmel, Kent or Patterson. The roadway over the reservoir will eventually be widened by 12 feet and new turning lanes installed. A state Department of Transportation representative couldn't be reached for comment Friday. Previous estimates predicted the work would be finished by late this year or early 2005.

Putnam continues to be one of the state's fastest-growing counties. Between the 2000 census and July 1, 2003, the county's population jumped 4 percent — from 95,745 to 99,550. Many of those new residents, said another Carmel resident, are seemingly behind the wheel.

"(New houses) are all stuck away in the hills," Kris Nelson said. "But they're there, and they have to use the roads."

Root Avenue is just one of the area's short cuts or back roads sought out by drivers looking to avoid routes 6, 312 or 22. Others include Brewster Hill, North Brewster, Old Milltown, Maple and Pugsley roads.

"It's outrageous," said Duane Pugliese, who for 23 years has lived on Pugsley Road, which remains partially dirt. "It's tripled in the past five years. It's a race track."

Like Pugsley Road, Root Avenue attracts drivers seeking an easier way. In this case, those heading from Carmel on Route 6 and intent on getting into Kent or Patterson can bypass the light at John Simpson Road by making a left onto Root Avenue. Likewise, those heading south on John Simpson destined for Carmel avoid the light by making a right onto Root Avenue then a right onto Route 6, just past the intersection.

"They use it as a shortcut. All the time, cars go through here now," said Ann Bellotti, a 40-year resident of Root Avenue.

Bellotti's home, a 1961 Cape Cod, is about 600 yards from French's home. The two are the only ones on Root Avenue's north end, separated by the Centennial Golf Club. The 27-hole club opened in 1998 on a former horse farm owned by Duke & Benedict, major county landholders.

The next development in the neighborhood, and one that might cut down on traffic, could be a proposed five-lot subdivision on about 24 acres between the Belottis' home and Middlebranch Veterinary.

The animal medical practice sits on Route 6 between Root Avenue and John Simpson Road. A state-approved plan submitted to the town last week as part of the review process for the homes prohibits through traffic on Root Avenue. It also bans left turns from Route 6 and right turns from John Simpson Road onto the road.

Southeast Supervisor John Dunford said he wasn't aware of any complaints about Root Avenue. But, he said, the county's burgeoning population, as well as that of neighboring Fairfield County, Conn., is putting more drivers on the road.

"I would say on all these roads, traffic is a concern," said Dunford, a lifelong town resident. "This is not a quiet little county anymore."

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

April 16, 2004

Good morning all -

After a eight-year battle to reduce the Simon Junkyard eyesore at the juncture Rtes 6 and 312, (south of Tilly Foster Farm) and adjacent to the Middle Branch Reservoir, the Town of Southeast finally won. In an April 12th decision, Judge Sweeney upheld the town's position that the amended 1960's Town's Zoning Code restricted increases in pre-existing, non conforming uses. The decision is contained in the Town of Southeast Press Release.

This is a significant victory: for Town officials spanning two administrations, for residents of the area and for members of Coalition to Preserve Open Space who have lobbied for the preservation and rezoning of the entire area surrounding the Tilly Foster Mine and wrote and spoken against efforts of Mr. Simon to delay, postpone and obfuscate.

Sincerely,

Ann
www.putopenspaces.com

Anyone wondering about alleged interference in local development issues from environmental groups and associated litigation costs and delays can refer to the Feb. 8 article concerning a letter sent to Gov. George Pataki regarding the expansion of Route 22 in Putnam County signed by numerous local elected officials. Despite the best efforts of opponents of the project to negotiate alternative solutions, despite the nearly unanimous opinions of informed individuals that such an expansion would do nothing to solve the current situation (and might, in fact, make it worse) and despite assurances that these same local officials were committed to finding a consensus solution that everyone could accept, we discover, once again, that such promises are worthless.

For the past two years, under the able guidance of a regional consensus-building firm, parties from both sides of the issue have worked to develop a plan that would improve traffic flow on Route 22. Opponents' concerns include the safety of drinking water for millions of New Yorkers, the impact extensive roadwork and redesign would have on businesses in Southeast, wasting taxpayer money on an expensive fix without exploring less expensive solutions and ensuring roadway expansion does not lead to increased development in the region - effectively putting us right back where we started. The signatories to this misguided missive clearly have one objective - a four-lane highway running from I-684 to Pawling. It is the same plan that they have tried to sneak past opponents and Watershed Inspector General James Tierney for the past 12 years.

The end result? See you in court, gentlemen.

Ken Harper, Patterson

Assemblyman Willis Stephens and several local officials wrote to George Pataki on Feb. 4 requesting the governor's assistance to expedite Route 22 expansion. Conspicuously absent were the signatures of Sen. Vincent Leibell and County Executive Bob Bondi.

The three-page letter noted the school buses and emergency vehicles delayed, residents inconvenienced and the reservoirs, the Great Swamp and local air quality suffering from pollution. These are legitimate concerns, and the environmental community would also like to see them corrected. But our officials won't consider signing off on a plan that does not include widening the road to open it for further development.

The 3-year-old draft environmental impact statement outlines the wishes of Southeast officials. In addition to multiple driving and turning lanes in both directions, their plan called for wide medians, sidewalks, bicycle paths, and extra-wide unpaved shoulders. It also called for a portion of Bog Brook reservoir to be filled in and paved over. Environmentalists do not cause problems on Route 22. Poor planning and overdevelopment cause them. The fear is that, once widened, development will continue unabated to reproduce the same problems in a few years.

Mr. Stephens' letter assured us that those concerns are well-founded when he stated: "Completion of this project will enhance our ability to attract quality business development, which is vital to this region." Currently, commercial development in the Town of Southeast provides more than half of the total sales tax revenue for all of Putnam County. Just how much more development does this town need?

Denis Castelli, Southeast
The writer is an executive board member of Concerned Residents of Southeast.

To the Editor:

Local public officials are blaming environmentalists for the onerous delays by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to alleviate the traffic and safety woes of the three miles of Route 22 in Southeast. On Feb. 4 in a letter from Assemblyman Willis Stephens' office to Governor Pataki, officials asked the governor to "assist in our efforts and compel DOT to issue the FEIS for this project without further delay." The supervisors and village mayors from Southeast to Dover signed this letter.

Environmentalists are aware of the delays and safety issues and we support their correction. Recently, environmentalists from Putnam, Westchester and New York City met with DOT requesting an update on their progress. DOT assured us they are working diligently to answer all the comments raised in the public hearing of three years ago and comments generated by all the stakeholders at the hearing and interviews by the Consensus Building Institute. DOT stated they have not completed this task.

For environmentalists the issue is the protection of the drinking water of 9 million residents of New York State and the Great Swamp, headwaters of the Croton reservoir system. For public officials, the issue is their "ability to attract quality business development, which is vital to this region." It is a fact that commercial development spurs more residential development and even today's public officials admit residential development costs residents in higher taxes.

Thus we are on a merry-go-round. It's about Campus at Field's Corner, Meadows at Dean's Comer, Terravest and Ace Endico, Wal-Mart, Burdick Farms and Patterson Crossing. It's about four lane highways slashing through our drinking water resources. It's about saving the Great Swamp and the Croton system. It's about upholding and enforcing our regulations.

On Jan. 14, the Patterson Town Board, responding to a direct request from developer Paul Camarda, rezoned residential acreage to industrial prior to Mr. Camarda making any formal application before the town. This lack of backbone by towns and agencies results from fear of legal actions and is a perfect example of why these highly touted new Comprehensive Master Plans and updated new zoning ordinances do not work. This is why we need an enforceable regional land use plan.

Edie Keasbey
Patterson

Contrary to the opinion of Patterson Supervisor Michael Griffin in a Feb. 21 "Community View," we need an overall state or federal plan to control development and urban sprawl. Some property owners may lose the right to profit from developing their land, but many residents came to this area to live in the country only to have their environment changed by the developers, with no recompense. An overall plan for the state would allow residents to know what to expect from future development.

The traffic problem on Route 22 is the result of the lack of an overall plan. Unless development to the north of Southeast is controlled, it will demand a dual highway extension of Route 684 running many miles north, and the noise and pollution will increase accordingly. We have seen Route 22 turn from a quiet country road to a traffic jam that encourages drivers to use the lanes and streets of residential areas.

Some developments in the area have been strongly opposed by the residents, but if the developers comply with the local rules, they cannot be stopped. Unfortunately, it is difficult to recognize the effects that development in one area can have on its neighbors. Traffic, pollution, water problems are all the result of uncoordinated development. An overall regional plan would take all of these things into account.

When someone decides to live in a certain area, it must be with some confidence that their way of life will not be challenged in the near future by unwelcome development.

No-growth' plan would stall Route 22 progress
By MICHAEL GRIFFIN

(Original publication: February 21, 2004)

I'm glad to see that we have finally been able to refocus attention on one of the most serious problems in eastern Putnam County: the need to make major improvements to Route 22. (News articles, including Feb. 8: "Route 22 upgrade stuck in slow lane: Putnam leaders ask Pataki to help push DOT to widen road''). There has been a great deal of information, misinformation and emotion in this debate for more than 15 years.

According to the New York State Department of Transportation, more than 30,000 cars a day use Route 22; approximately 9,000 cars an hour during "peak hours." To anyone who drives the road every day, lately it seems like peak hours all the time. The statistics for accidents and fatalities are appalling.

Currently, there is no stormwater management in the 3-mile section of road that is under consideration for improvement. Everything that leaks out of those 30,000-plus cars, trucks and buses, drips out of the tailpipes or is deposited on the road is washed untreated directly into the New York City reservoir system. Every day as more and more people become frustrated with the standstill traffic and the road rage while merging at Doansburg Road, they are looking for alternative routes. The alternative routes being used are through residential neighborhoods, where children are waiting for school buses and people are backing out of their driveways while dodging speeding cars who don't want to wait 25 minutes to go less than 3 miles on Route 22.

Now, with stormwater design issues resolved, the watershed inspector general, with the support of the environmental community (most of whom do not live in the area or drive the road even occasionally), have decided that no improvement to Route 22 will go forward until they are satisfied that a regional "no-growth" land-use plan for the corridor from I-684 to Dover is agreed to by all of the municipalities in the corridor.

A "no-growth" scenario for the corridor would require the municipalities to agree to, and bind in perpetuity future town boards to, summarily and arbitrarily usurping the private-property rights of thousands of people in what has yet to be defined as "the corridor." Regional land-use planning certainly has merit but should not be part of holding significant safety, environmental and road improvements hostage.

The position of watershed inspector general was created by the agreement known as the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement. This agreement was signed by all of the towns and counties in the city's watershed as well as the State of New York, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, New York City, Hudson Riverkeeper Fund, Open Space Institute and The Trust for Public Land; 92 signatories in all. The second page of Volume 1 of the watershed memorandum states: "It is the intention of the parties to enter into a new era of partnership to cooperate in the development and implementation of a watershed protection program that maintains and enhances the quality of the New York City drinking water supply system and the economic vitality and social character of the watershed communities."

Nowhere in the document does it state anything regarding the watershed inspector general being in charge of land-use planning or road and traffic engineering. The only duty assigned to the watershed inspector general is to prosecute violators, such as the individuals who created two toxic waste sites in Patterson that have been ignored by his office since it was created in 1997.

Anyone who believes that three, five or 10 more years of "do nothing" debate or a protracted court battle is going to protect the drinking water for 8 million people, and enhance the economic vitality or social character of the watershed communities, needs to get more separation between their headquarters and their hindquarters. Only in expeditiously moving this process forward are all the objections going to be met.

(The writer is Patterson supervisor.)

Monday, February 16, 2004 917-834-1692

BIRMINGHAM: “TILLY FOSTER SHOULD BE PARKLAND”
Such Designation Will Preserve Tilly Foster’s Unique Character

CARMEL -- Putnam County Legislator Dan Birmingham (R- Brewster/Mahopac) has introduced a resolution last Thursday at the Land Acquisition Committee meeting of the County Legislature to designate the recently-acquired Tilly Foster property as parkland. Such designation will prevent the property from being used as County office facilities.

“When the County purchased Tilly Foster, the community expected that it would remain as a farm and retain its rural setting,” Birmingham said. “Unfortunately there has been a movement to place county office facilities on this site. While there may be a legitimate need for certain county offices to expand, we should not jeopardize and negate the very reason Tilly Foster was purchased -- to preserve open space and protect this charming property.”

If the County Legislature designates the property as parkland, only the state legislature would be able to remove that protection and allow any non-conforming uses.

Birmingham notes that there remains much research to be done with respect to making such a designation. “The Tilly Foster Advisory Committee has been meeting to come up with uses that fit into Tilly Foster’s mission,” Birmingham said. “We in the Legislature must be careful that a parkland designation will not interfere with such appropriate uses. We also have to consider other issues such as New York City’s role in the property purchase. New York pays taxes on a portion of the property, so any parkland designation should not jeopardize that either.”

“When the County purchased Tilly Foster, we made a promise to our current residents and future generations,” Birmingham continued. “Tilly Foster should be held in trust so that, as the rest of the region grows and sprawl settles in, Tilly Foster will become an oasis where our children and grandchildren can come and enjoy. If we do our ‘due diligence’ and have a thoughtful process, we can meet those expectations and protect this property”

Birmingham will continue to push for the parkland designation of Tilly Foster and looks forward to working with the administration, his fellow legislators, the Tilly Foster Advisory Committee and the public to preserve this jewel of Putnam County.

# # # #

Do not forget to visit DanBirmingham.com for updates. Also, please do not forget to sign up the District 7 Mailing List located at the bottom right hand corner of the homepage to be kept up-to-date on this and other issues.

SOUTHEAST — Residents asked to give their advice about how Tilly Foster Farms and Conservation Area should be used are disappointed and angry that County Executive Robert Bondi wants to put government offices on the 199-acre Southeast landmark.

"We've been ignored," said Ron Fischmann of Patterson, who serves on the panel that recommended the horse-breeding farm remain agrarian.

The board is preparing a strongly worded statement to Bondi that will "put him on notice" they are unhappy, said county Legislator Vincent Tamagna, R-Philipstown, and a non-voting member of the advisory board. The group is scheduled to meet Thursday to finalize the correspondence and send it to Bondi Friday.

"Nobody's going to beat around the bush. They're going to be very direct that they are dissatisfied," Tamagna said yesterday.

Putnam purchased Tilly Foster Farms for $3.9 million in the fall of 2002. The money came from watershed protection funds New York City gave the county.

Bondi said recently that he might move part of the Health Department, possibly the environmental health section, to the farm off Route 312 to relieve overcrowding at its nearby base of operations on Geneva Road in Southeast. He has not made a formal proposal.

Advisory board members said at a meeting Thursday that they sympathize with the lack of office space, but Tilly Foster is not the appropriate venue to help solve the problem. The farm was named for Tillingham Foster, a 19th-century farmer who owned most of the land in that area. It is adjacent to the Middle Branch Reservoir, part of New York City's water supply.

Ted Kozlowski of Patterson, who is drafting the statement, said he is particularly frustrated because he served on a panel that recommended steps the county should take to fix up the Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area in Patterson. That advisory board made recommendations in late 2002 for improving a section of the park that had been torn apart in 1998 and 1999, allegedly by former publishing magnate William Ziff Jr. of Pawling. According to Kozlowski, Bondi and his administration have ignored the report.

"My experience with Ciaiola park was a big waste of time. Nothing was ever done," Kozlowski said Thursday.

Bondi did not return telephone calls yesterday. The Ziffs didn't admit wrongdoing but gave Putnam $9.25 million. As of last July, county workers had completed some restoration at the Patterson nature area, such as connecting trails to the makeshift roads and planting trees and ground cover, Deputy County Executive Frank Del Campo said at the time.

The Trust for Public Land, which helped Putnam officials negotiate the purchase of Tilly Foster, believes it's up to the county to decide what to with the farm's structures, said Erik Kulleseid, state program director. The trust's main concern has been preserving the land around them, he said.

"It was always contemplated that those buildings would get some use," he said yesterday.

Legislator Tony Hay, R-Southeast, said he's not sure how successful the advisory board's protest will be. Legislators so far have not changed his mind, and the county executive has the authority to move employees to the farm.

"Bob Bondi's going to do what Bob Bondi's going to do," said Hay.

Advisory board member Ann Fanizzi, who was instrumental in the campaign to save the farm from development, said Thursday that Bondi needs to understand that "just because he can do it doesn't mean he ought to."

Legislator Michael Semo, R-Patterson, said he is not in favor of offices at Tilly Foster unless it's something that is related to agriculture. An example is Cornell Cooperative Extension, a private group that is housed in the same building as the Health Department and receives county funding.

Although he could not be reached yesterday, Bondi has said that the plan all along was for the county to make use of the buildings.

Advisory board member Don Cuomo and others on the panel said they need a public outcry in order to persuade Bondi not to relocate offices to the farm.

Tamagna said legislators are going to hire a consultant to review the advisory board's report and make recommendations. This year's county budget includes $40,000 to pay a consultant, he said.

The board's recommendations include expanding the animal inventory, setting up community gardens, developing a meteorological station and surface water monitoring station, and establishing a space for public community-outreach programs. They said the farm's main residence — the cantina and the lodge building — could be used for outside parties, meetings and other events

Send e-mail to Cara M

Everyone thought that once Tilly Foster was purchased, that the job was done. We could all go home and enjoy. But the work had just begun. All of that open space and government offices stretched to the max. Very convenient for anything that comes along. If Mr. Bondi succeeds, we will have not only a Terravest Corporate Park but a Tilly Foster Corporate Park. For ex. The "Lodge," exquisitely crafted by Mr. Guaudilli, should not be used for county offices nor should other buildings but for activities consistent with the history of Tilly- a home for meetings and small conferences/dinners to promote Tilly and community events. The Tilly Foster Advisory Committee proposed such a possible use.

Disappointedly, Mr. Bondi is perverting his own creation and is breaking faith with the residents who fought for Tilly's preservation and lauded his efforts. Mr. Bondi should not succumb to pressure but look for a comprehensive, long-term solution to the growing office needs of a growing county.

Cheers to Legislator Hay, Tamagna and Oliverio who are leading the fight. The other legislators should come forward and publicly denounce this ill-conceived band-aid proposal.

You're Right, Mr. Nordstrom "It is not a done deal." We the residents helped save Tilly, we the residents can do it again. Here's How!

1. Phone Mr. Bondi's office at 225-2212 express your concern and dismay over this proposal.

2. Write or phone your county legislator and thank them for their support or encourage their oppostion (40 Gleneida Avenue, Carmel, N.Y. 10512; 225-3641 ext. 204-209)

3. Letters to the Editor - Journal News - Fax # - 1-914-696-8396) - max - 250 words) and Putnam Courier - Fax # 677-6337 (sent by Saturday for publication in the following week's paper)

4. Speak to your neighbors and friends. Enlist them in the campaign.

Please don't delay - continue to stand up for Tilly. Say "Neigh" to offices.

Thanks so much.

Sincerely,

Ann

Regional land-use plan necessary
(Original publication: February 12, 2004)

Local public officials are blaming environmentalists for the onerous delays by the Department of Transportation to alleviate the woes of the three miles of Route 22 in Southeast. On Feb. 4, in a letter from Assemblyman Willis Stephens' office to Gov. George Pataki, officials asked the governor to "assist in our efforts and compel DOT to issue the (Final Environmental Impact Statement) for this project without further delay."

Environmentalists are aware of the delays and safety issues and we support their correction. Recently, environmentalists from Putnam, Westchester and New York City met with DOT requesting an update on their progress. DOT representatives assured us they were working diligently to answer all the comments raised at public hearings, and they haven't completed this task.

For environmentalists, the issue is the protection of the drinking water of 9 million residents of New York state and The Great Swamp, headwaters of the Croton reservoir system. For public officials, the issue is their "ability to attract quality business development, which is vital to this region." Commercial development only spurs more residential development, and today's public officials admit residential development costs everyone in higher taxes.

It's about upholding and enforcing all regulations. Recently, Patterson's Town Board responded to a direct request from developer Paul Camrada and rezoned residential acreage to industrial prior to Mr. Camrada making any formal application. This is a perfect example of disregarding recently enacted town water-protection strategies. This is why we need an enforceable regional land-use plan.

Edie Keasbey, Patterson

The debate over how Putnam will use Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast, including whether it will house some county offices, has devolved into a mass of miscommunication and confusion between legislators and County Executive Robert Bondi.

Bondi said recently that he wanted to use some of the 199 acres at Tilly Foster to reduce overcrowding. In particular, he is considering moving the environmental division of the Health Department there, but he has not made a formal proposal to the Legislature.

Some legislators are angry that part of the picturesque horse-breeding farm off Route 312, which Putnam purchased for $3.9 million in October 2002, could become just another county office site.

But Bondi said lawmakers have known all along that moving some employees there was in the offing. A number of buildings at the farm were omitted from the recently completed whole farm plan so offices could go there, he said. The plan outlines strategies for protecting water quality at Tilly Foster, which is in the New York City watershed. Putnam used watershed-protection money it received from the city to buy the farm, and the city pays taxes on the part of the Tilly Foster property that's included in the whole farm plan.

"If the Legislature never intended that we would use these buildings for offices, we would never have taken them out of the whole farm plan," Bondi said.

Legislator Sam Oliverio, D-Putnam Valley, said Bondi never mentioned the office space idea before Putnam bought the farm. The situation illustrates that relations are not great between the Legislature and Bondi, he said.

"Bob Bondi is not communicating with us. There is a gap as wide as the universe between us and the man down the hall," he said.

Legislature Chairman Robert McGuigan, R-Mahopac, said he was surprised when he heard about the Health Department proposal. McGuigan said it would behoove Bondi to give out more information about his intentions to all legislators. Legislators want master plans for Tilly Foster and other newly acquired county properties, he said.

"I work on the information that's given to me, and too much stuff comes down half-baked," McGuigan said. "Bob has to learn to share."

Legislators got upset a year ago when some employees of Putnam Family and Community Services, a mental-health agency that contracts with the county, moved to a small office at the farm. The move is temporary until the county completes renovations on a Route 6 building in Carmel for the agency.

Legislator Arne Nordstrom, R-Kent, said he is willing to listen to whatever Bondi proposes and is keeping an open mind.

Legislator Tony Hay, R-Southeast, said he might consider moving Cornell Cooperative Extension and the county Soil and Water Conservation District to the farm because they work in the environmental field. The Health Department's divisions should not be separated, he said.

"It's up to the Legislature, and at this point in time, the public to protect the integrity and the spirit in which that farm was purchased," Hay said.

Bondi accused Hay of being hypocritical because he voted to separate 10 acres on Tilly Foster for Southeast to build a Town Hall and now is against county offices at the farm.

Hay pointed out that the 10 acres is near The Home Depot, not the main farm area. Bondi's attack on him, Hay said, is a "vintage Bob Bondi" response.

"When things don't go his way, he acts a bit immature. Nine legislators and he picks on one. I'd better go back and look at the credentials of the new county doctor. I hope he has a degree in psychology," Hay said.

Bondi said he was not attacking Hay, just pointing out an inconsistency.

"My job is to try to find offices for all the county employees and I would think that's the same job as the county legislators'," he said.

The whole farm plan's objectives include maintaining economic viability by leasing barn space and paddocks; expanding educational programs; and providing a safe and enjoyable educational experience for the public. Building a composting facility, part of the plan, would cost $75,000. Building more fences would run about $25,000.

The Watershed Agricultural Council, a private group funded by New York City, worked with the county to develop a plan for how farming practices at Tilly Foster can have the least impact on the New York City watershed.

Ann Fanizzi of Southeast, a member of the Tilly Foster Farms and Conservation Area Advisory Board, said she does not favor having county offices at Tilly Foster. She led a campaign a few years ago to persuade county officials to buy the farm, which was for sale, rather than let it fall into the hands of developers.

"It's too bad that this property that was birthed in an ideal has now become a political pawn," she said. "Everybody agrees that it's a beautiful property, but obviously everybody had their own agenda about what to do with (it)."

Gregory Wunner of Southeast, a fellow board member, said Cooperative Extension could fit in well at the farm. Most of the buildings that are not farm-related are housing.

"I don't really see any of them being suited for real office space without a lot of alteration and creating parking," he said.

Send email to Cara M

Fed up with delays on the road and on the drawing board, local officials have written to Gov. George Pataki asking him to speed up the state's long-awaited widening of Route 22 in Putnam County.

In a Feb. 4 letter, the leaders of Brewster, Southeast, Patterson, several Dutchess County communities and Assemblyman Willis Stephens, R-Southeast, asked Pataki to step in because they are afraid the project — officially proposed in June 1992 — is mired in the environmental review process.

Specifically, the group expressed dismay with the rescheduling, again, of the project's start date — this time from 2005 to 2007 — and protested that the state's watershed inspector general was holding up the project. The longer the project is put off, according to the letter, the more residents' quality of life, the environment and the area's economy will suffer.

"Given the compelling circumstances in which we find ourselves, we ask you to assist in our efforts and compel the (state Department of Transportation) to issue the (final environmental study) for this project without further delay," the seven leaders wrote.

The state DOT has proposed expanding Route 22 from two lanes to four between Interstate 684 and Doansburg Road. Traffic in that 3-mile section backs up during rush hours. The agency issued the project's draft study in September 2000 and held a public hearing that December.

Since then, the DOT said it has been trying to develop a project to satisfy drivers seeking less congestion, assure environmental advocates the expanded roadway won't bring more growth to the area and protect two of New York City's reservoirs. The agency says it is still reviewing comments on the initial study.

"We're aware of the issue and are reviewing it. While we recognize the need to reduce congestion in the area, the road is located in an environmentally sensitive area, and we need to be aware of that concern," DOT spokeswoman Jennifer Post said on behalf of Pataki's office.

According to the officials, who met last month with DOT representatives, the transportation agency is afraid to produce a final plan for fear it will be scrapped at the last minute by "misplaced concerns that environmental concerns have not been adequately addressed." The desire by Watershed Inspector General James Tierney and other environmental advocates to control population growth as part of this project is a misplaced one, Patterson Supervisor Michael Griffin said.

Tierney said the road's widening presents serious environmental issues. An assistant attorney general under state Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, Tierney is supposed to make sure the 1997 watershed agreement among the state, city and local governments is followed. The document is essentially a set of land-use regulations and rules meant to protect the city's reservoirs.

Road expansion induces growth, Tierney said, and growth ruins water quality. That section of road winds past New York City's East Branch and Bog Brook reservoirs. Making sure an expanded Route 22 doesn't increase the pollution in the reservoirs will be a difficult task to accomplish, he said.

"I can't make any apologies for trying to protect the drinking water of half the state," said Tierney, referring to the 9 million people served by the city's water supply, including most of Westchester and part of Putnam.

Denis Castelli, a board member of Concerned Residents of Southeast, an environmental watchdog group, said those sincerely interested in improving traffic flow on Route 22 would have no objections to implementing some land-use controls.

"I believe the officials across the board are misrepresenting the situation," Castelli said. "Everybody in Southeast wants to see Route 22 improved. That means the timing of lights, the addition of lanes in particular spots."

Southeast Supervisor John Dunford said the DOT has a good chance of being sued no matter what it did — either by environmental advocates upset with the final proposal or the towns dismayed with the apparent lack of progress. The letter, Dunford said, was seen as a way of dissolving the existing stalemate.

"What plan they come up with, that's their story. But something has to be done about Route 22, " Dunford said. "It's unacceptable to take this long to come up with a plan."

Send e-mail to Michael Risinit

Why bother purchasing farm?

Journal News

(Original publication: February 4, 2004)

Environmentalists were thrilled to see Putnam County finally taking a step forward to preserving the environment by purchasing Tilly Foster Farm two years ago. Finally we thought, County Executive Bob Bondi was seeing the light and realizing that there is real merit in preserving open space. A little treasure on Route 312, Tilly Foster Farm offers a brief glimpse into the past, showing us what life was like here in Putnam County a century ago. It gives us a chance to catch our breath after passing the decimated hillside, less than one mile up the road from Tilly Foster, that has recently been converted into a mass of concrete and pavement for the new homes of Linens and Things, Home Depot, Kohls, Applebee's, Marshall's — with more development to come.

Hallelujah! But now we find out the politicians' true intention all along. They always seem to be three steps ahead of us. Bondi now wants to convert some of the buildings on the Tilly Foster Farm into county office space — not open space. Were these his true intentions all along, or does he really not get the concept of open space? Gosh, I really thought he did when he was running for office and used his purchase of Tilly Foster as a trophy, touting his environmental activism. The $3.9 million that we spent for that farm (from open-space funding, mind you) was with the understanding that it would be used for preserving this farm for its pristine beauty and its historic worth.

Have we the public been duped once again?

Ray Mainiero , Kent

VIA FAX AND MAIL

Hon. George Rohrman, Chairman and
Hon Members of the Planning Board of the
Town of Southeast
67 Main St.
Brewster, N.Y. 10509
RE: Omnipoint Proposal
Dear Mr. Rohrman:

January 12th’s meeting of the Planning Board was an example of public officials listening and responsive to the concerns of residents of Hillside Park and its environs (zoned R-160) re: the Omnipoint proposal to erect a monopole on Marvin Mountain. May I express my personal appreciation to you, Mr. Rohrman and to members of the Board who consented to the 20-day time extension of the comment period and to the suggestion that Omnipotent seek to find an alternative site, less aethetically intrusive and certainly less destructive than Jan. 30th’s letter by Thomas McAliney in the New York Journal News recounts.

I reviewed the Omnipoint file and discovered that in the EAF (Item 11), the applicant has responded “No” to the question of aesthetic impact. The response should have been in the affirmative. Photographs provided by the applicant of various views on Main St. And Hillside, clearly evidence visibility on Marvin Mt.

In an effort to discover whether good faith efforts were made by Omnipoint to seek alternative sites, Frequency Engineer, Conroy’s Affadavit, lists three: the NYSEG facility, water tower and Crown tower. However, it also mentions the possibility of further sites needed “to provide the necessary coverage to remedy the gaps in coverage that will remain along Routes 6 & 36,” raising the specter of Marvin Mountain being renamed “Monopole Mountain.” Is this the first of several appearances by Omnipoint before the Planning Board, obtaining approvals in piecemeal fashion of future sites for towers on Marvin Mountain? If so, then the applicant must clearly say so.

Although the Board sought to find a resolution by re-locating the tower deeper into the site, upon reflection that may prove even more destructive since a road would have to be constructed.

Finally, I am reminded of a similar occurrence several years ago of a cellular tower being proposed much to the dismay of Mr. Edward Heelan and other residents on Turk Hill Rd. After careful investigation and the mediation of former Southeast Supervisor, Lois Zutell, another location was suggested to the satisfaction of everyone. I hope that such a happy result will also be the experience of the residents of Hillside.

Thank you for your kind consideration of my comments.

Sincerely,

Ann Fanizzi, Chair
Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space
CC: Hon. John Dunford, Supervisor, Town of Southeast and Members of the Town Board.

Perspectives on the Route 22 problem

by Paul Johnson and Richard Honeck

For anyone living in eastern Putnam, the 3-mile segment of Route 22 in Southeast from Doansburg Road to Route 684 is a critical quality of life issue. unaddressed for decades. Here is our perspective on this issue.

-History –

The New York Stale Department of Transportation (the DOT) first raised the possibility of widening Route 22 in the early 1980s as it anticipated growth along this major transportation corridor, not to mention growth in neighboring Connecticut. This project languished until 1996, when after petitioning by the Southeast Town Board, the DOT commenced its planning process. Based upon recommendations of the town and its planners, as well as input from several public hearings, a comprehensive plan was developed to address the primary safety issues of head-on collisions and poor line-of-sight, as well as the need for turning lanes to facilitate traffic flow and maintain speed through this corridor. The plans also included a number of storm water best practices to control storm water run off into the reservoirs.

Opposition, particularly from the Jerome Park section of the Bronx and other watershed advocacy groups, pressured the DOT to delay this project due to perceived notion that improvements on Route 22 will lead to uncontrolled development. While DOT has continued to make every effort to resolve misunderstandings and misconceptions of this project, state funding for widening the Route 22 could be jeopardized with continued delays.

-Pollution –

Today, after every rain and snowstorm, storm water run-off contaminates the reservoirs unabated. This includes sediment, salt, oil, gasoline and other pollutants that foul the water. The Route 22 plan endorsed by the town is environmentally responsible, as it will treat storm water before it flows into the reservoirs. The DOT estimates that average daily traffic between Route 312 and Milltown Road is about 26,000 or 9.5 million cars per year. The emissions coming from millions of cars sitting in traffic is a contributing factor to the American Lung Association's grading of Putnam's air quality as an `F.' The longer this project is delayed, the more water and air pollution we will have to endure.

-Double Standards-

Throughout the region, roads are being expanded along or in the midst of reservoir property. Look at the bridge widening project at Route 6 and Simpson Road. Where is the outcry'? And yet the Route 22 expansion plan, which has no encroachment on reservoir property, is opposed.

- Commercial Development –

Opponents blame the Route 22 congestion on commercial development between Mill Town Road and Route 312. This is misleading, as the vast majority of traffic is thru traffic coming, from our north and Connecticut. The 26,000 cars that pass through daily are not all pulling into the A&P. If development to our north is an issue, the appropriate strategy is the modification of zoning codes, not perpetuating congestion and polluting the reservoirs. The Town of Southeast has already taken measures to reduce the amount of future residential development and is currently working to enact a new Route 22 overlay zone to ensure that future development on Route 22 is of a lower density. Southeast is the only town in the region which has instituted building moratoriums in commercial areas (Route 6Route 312 and this segment of Route 22) in order to lower the density of development which is more consistent with our rural heritage.

- Safety –

Human beings are being killed and maimed on this dangerous road. In the last seven years, there have been five fatalities and approximately 600 accidents (some estimate that 90 percent occur on clear, dry days) on Route 22 in Southeast because of congestion and the lack of safety improvements.

- Brewster Schools –

Ask any parent in the Brewster School District and they will tell you that having school buses pick up children at 7 a.m. to avoid traffic is a major inconvenience. They will also tell you of their consternation when the school bus in the afternoon is 45 minutes late due to the traffic on Route 22. Will our children have to be picked up at 5 a.m. 10 years from now`? Obviously the Jerome Park section of the Bronx doesn't care.

- Backroads-

The traffic on Route 22 is forcing drivers to take alternative routes, like Minor Road and Brewster Hill Road. These are country roads that were never intended to accommodate congestion and speeding. Improving Route 22 will keep traffic off our local roads and help retain the rural character of these residential areas.

Making Route 22 safer and environmentally friendly is a critical quality of life issue for eastern Putnam that cannot be postponed any longer.

(Paul P. Johnson and Richard B. Honeck are councilmen for the Town of Southeast.)

Hi Paul, I find your article off the wall..Your planning board allowed Route 22 to become what it is today..Some of the fixing should be your responsibility, plus if you need refreshing on why the current DOT plan will not work perhaps you should go back and read the letter from the Watershed Inspector General and a few others who are professionals and know what they are talking about. Your attack of Friends of Jerome Park Reservoir is outrageous. They drink the water we all pee in with our faulty septic systems, inappropriate development and to hell with NYC and it's watershed attitude of local government. Your direct attack on them is an attack on all of us who care about water quality, quality of life and the care of our land. I know it was a political ploy to make residents mad at NYCity, but perhaps the education of residents that if we continue our irresponsible ways we will only further damage the drinking water of New York City, but our drinking water FIRST! But, lets face it, you will never espouse that idea! Get real, friend. Edie

By CARA MATTHEWS
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: January 30, 2004)

People may glimpse more car traffic and activity in addition to horses and open fields as they drive by Tilly Foster Farms in Southeast if a proposal to move some county Health Department employees there comes to fruition.

Putnam County Executive Robert Bondi said the Health Department is one of several that is overcrowded, and there are unused buildings on the 199-acre farm on Route 312.

"There are many buildings over there, and they're all available for county administration," he said.

Legislator Arne Nordstrom, R-Kent, mentioned what Bondi's proposal at a recent legislative meeting, and the idea has sparked some opposition.

"To the average taxpayer who supported the purchase of Tilly Foster Farm, when they ride by those buildings and barns, they want to see horses, cows and sheep, not human bodies and cars," Legislator Tony Hay, R-Southeast, said yesterday.

The county bought Tilly Foster Farms in October 2002 for $3.9 million. The property is named for Tillingham Foster, a 19th-century farmer who owned most of the land in that area. It is a former dairy and thoroughbred horse-breeding farm.

Legislators adopted a resolution last year requiring Bondi to consult them for approval to assure that anything he wants to use Tilly Foster for conforms to the property's whole farm plan. They were reacting to his moving a handful of Putnam Family and Community Services workers there a year ago.

The employees, who work for a private agency that contracts with Putnam, moved into a small building renovated by the county Department of Highways and Facilities. The move is temporary until the county finishes revamping a building next to Putnam Family and Community Services' main offices on Route 6. Completion is expected later this year.

Bondi said yesterday that the whole farm plan, completed this month, states the conference center building and houses on the property were excepted from the plan. That means they can be used for office space, he said.

In a Jan. 21 memo to Bondi, Hay asked him to reconsider.

Nordstrom said he's willing to discuss whatever proposal Bondi comes up with. Moving anything else to the farm would not likely happen until the mental health workers are gone, he said.

"It's not a done deal," Nordstrom said yesterday. "We'll wait for his proposal."

Besides, Nordstrom said, Bondi has the authority to "move anything anywhere."

Bondi said one of his responsibilities is to ensure all employees have adequate work space. So far, he has asked the Health Department for a recommendation on what could be transferred to the farm. He said he had not received one as of yesterday.

On Tuesday, legislators are expected to approve the appointment of Dr. Eugene Schwartz as public health commissioner. This will mark the first time a physician has occupied the county post.

The Tilly Foster Farms and Conservation Area Advisory Board does not want to see more offices on the property, said Legislator Vincent Tamagna, R-Philipstown, a nonvoting member of the panel.

Ann Fanizzi of Southeast, another board member, said the county didn't buy Tilly Foster Farms with the intention of putting offices there. The county's intention was to prevent development of the pristine property.

"Tilly is to be maintained and preserved as open space," she said.

Putting more offices at Tilly Foster would take Putnam a step back, Fanizzi said, especially in light of the Preserve America Award the county recently received from first lady Laura Bush. Putnam was recognized for its efforts to safeguard the cultural and natural heritage of the Hudson Valley.

"Is this what we're going to show President Bush and Laura (Bush) as the model of Preserve America?" Fanizzi asked.

Legislator Sam Oliverio, D-Putnam Valley, said he would agree only to moving certain offices there temporarily. He said more space should open up in the county after the planned $18.5 million courthouse is built. Bondi said he didn't think there would be enough extra space at the county office building on Route 52 in Carmel to accommodate the Health Department.

"This was never purchased to supplement office space for the county, and Bob (Bondi) knew that," Oliverio said.

Send email to Cara M

January 27, 2004

Letter to the Editor or OP-ED Piece

The first thing we need to do is stop delusional thinking as exhibited in the Councilmen Johnson and Honeck OP-ED piece “Perspectives on Route 22.” Rural Southeast is no more. We have full-blown case “Suburanitis, the primary symptom of which is traffic congestion, infecting the entire Rt. 22 corridor from Southeast to Dover.

Incubating for almost a half-century since the fateful Federal Department of Transportation decision to connect urban and then rural regions through a vast system of interstates and subsidiary arterials, the resulting 684 interstate and its subsidiary artery, Rt. 22 became a magnet for “competing needs.” Consensus Builders final report (p. 14) states “any proposed redesign must take into account the competing needs of commuters using Rt. 22 as a thru-way, consumers using it as a commercial corridor, and truckers using it as a north-south arterial.” Omitted in the past DOT calculus was the impact on the environment: Rt. 22 “runs through critical environmental areas --- NYC drinking watershed and the Great Swamp -- any expansion plan must take into account and mitigate all environmental impacts.” (p.14)

It is obvious that the unintended and unpredictable consequences of that half-century decision has been a skewing of commercial development away from village centers, concentration of strip mall development run amok without rational planning and coherence in design and unparalleled threat to the region’s water supply and quality. Compounding the DOT’s adventure in road building, has been Town of Southeast officials bias as reflected in commercial and residential land use decisions that “environmental concerns while not unimportant, should be secondary to economic development.” And it is this bias ( Brewster Highlands and Terravest International Corporate Park on Rt. 312, another candidate for widening) that continues to inform present town board members who are reaping the whirlwind of the ill-considered, short-sighted decisions of their predecessors. In the face of their better late than never moratoriums on development, their solution to “expand” Rt. 22, ignores the scientific fact that voids are quickly filled and the lamentable experience of Rt. 9 in Dutchess County and the notorious LIE in Long Island. The estimated 26,000 or 9.5 million cars per year will increase exponentially as will frustration and pollution- inducing and health-threatening idling, the very threats cited by Honeck and Johnson. Widening is not a cure but an attempt to lengthen the prospects of a mortally-ill patient.

However, have we truly diagnosed the disease? Do the symptoms mask other causes?
Hidden within their piece, Messrs. Johnson and Honeck may have hit upon an overlooked phenomenon: the impact of Connecticut commuters on aggravating the traffic congestion on Rt. 22 stating “the vast majority of traffic is thru traffic coming from our north and Connecticut.” Yet, there is no communication between NYS DOT officials and Connecituct officials; no DOT study of exactly what is the percentage of Connecticut commuters using Rt. 22 as a short-cut to 684. While proposing a solution how can this significant variable be ignored.

DOT, town officials in Southeast and points north, we need to look East and truly adopt a regional solution to what is being portrayed as a local problem.

Ann Fanizzi, Chair
Putnam County Coalition to Preserve Open Space
2505 Morgan Drive,
Carmel, N.Y. - 228-4265

Putnam, preserved
(Original publication: January 26, 2004)

"We're thrilled that our incredible history has been nationally recognized."

Recognized indeed: Putnam County is one of only eight communities nationwide to be acknowledged by a presidential award for its efforts in safeguarding America's cultural and natural heritage, specifically the Hudson Valley's.

Among the "thrilled'' are Shannon Risk, executive director of the Putnam County Historical Society and Foundry School Museum in Cold Spring. She reacted in a recent story to news that her facility is one of several in Putnam that helped the county garner an award from the White House's Preserve America program.

The new federal program designates localities that have been especially diligent in preserving local history and, by extension, American history. Equally important, it makes honorees eligible for grants from a $10 million federal preservation fund President Bush has proposed for federal fiscal year 2005.

Joining Putnam as the first Preserve America honorees are Dorchester County, Md.; Augusta, Ga.; Castroville, Texas; Delaware, Ohio; Key West, Fla.; Steam Boat Springs, Colo.; and Versailles, Ky., according to the U.S. Advisory Council on Historic Preservation.

"Preserve America communities demonstrate that they are committed to preserving America's heritage while ensuring a future filled with opportunities for learning and enjoyment," Laura Bush said in a statement. The first lady handed out the awards last Thursday in Washington, D.C.

Accepting were county Legislator Vincent