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.