HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-13 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes REGULAR MEETING
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING
VILLAGE HALL, 938 KING STREET
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2009-7:30 P.M.
AGENDA
7:00 PM– Executive Session– Fire Fighter Contract
- Rye City Litigation
- Cell Tower Lease
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
(1) Public Hearing to consider the designation of an Official Map
(2) Public Hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240
of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding Anderson Hill
Road
RESOLUTIONS:
(1) Considering a proposed local law to amend Chapter 240 of the Village
of Rye Brook Village Code regarding Anderson Hill Road
(2) Considering an application for the removal of a significant tree at 19
Woodland Drive
(3) Considering an application for the removal of a significant tree at 1
Paddock Road
(4) Setting a public hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend
Chapter 186 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding
property maintenance
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Pagel
(5) Setting a public hearing to consider a proposed local law establishing an
amnesty program for work performed or completed without a permit
(6) Setting a Public Hearing to consider a proposed local law to amend
Chapter 160 of the Village of Rye Brook Village Code regarding house
renumbering
(7) Authorizing the Village of Rye Brook to enter into an Inter Municipal
Agreement with Westchester County for sharing of Geographical
Information System Data
(8) Reaffirmation of local law #10-2009 regarding sprinklers
(9) Approval of minutes — July 14, 2009; July 15, 2009; July 28, 2009;
August 11, 2009; September 15, 2009
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
(1) Discussion of additional temporary Certificate of Occupancy
regulations
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
(1) Affordable Housing Initiative
(2) Clarification of various issues with the Harkness At Rye Town PUD
amended site plan review process and AHOA communications
ACTION ON NON-AGENDA MATTERS SUBJECT TO THE CONSENT
OF THE TRUSTEES PRESENT AT THE MEETING
THE NEXT REGULAR TRUSTEES MEETINGS: October 27 &November 10, 2009
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 2
BOARD: Mayor Joan L. Feinstein
Trustee Michael S. Brown
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg
Trustee Dean P. Santon
STAFF: Christopher Bradbury, Village Administrator
David Burke, Assistant to the Village Administrator
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel
Gregory Austin, Chief of Police
Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer
Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant
Fred Seifert, Public Access Coordinator
Paula Patafio, Meeting Secretary
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein welcomed everyone to the regular meeting of the Board
of Trustees. She took a moment to thank everyone for the support that she
received when her father passed away a few weeks ago.
Mayor Feinstein noted that the first item on the agenda was a continuation of the
public hearing designating an Official Map. A lot of work has gone into putting
this map together. She asked that the policy decisions to be made to adopt the
map be addressed.
(1) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE DESIGNATION OF
AN OFFICIAL MAP
Mr. Christopher J. Bradbury, Village Administrator, noted that the
Zoning Map has been amended and will become the Village's official
map. The intention is to put this map into the GIS and on the Village's
website. Westchester County must review the map prior to its adoption.
He called upon Ms. Timpone Mohamed, Village Consultant, for a brief
overview of the process.
Ms. Timpone Mohamed noted that there were two major issues. The
first was to add the areas that would be part of the official map to the
zoning map and the second was to correct some errors on the current
map. The map that the Village has been using is based on an older set
of tax lot maps from the 1990s. Over the years, it has been updated in a
very a limited way, and very sporadically.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 3
Trustee Dean Santon reiterated that many of the changes were actually
corrections. He noted that he has provided a paper trail of due
diligence. At this point the map needs a little bit of tweaking. He asked
the Board to review the paper streets and how they would be titled on
the map. Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, stated that the
preference would be to refer to them as Unimproved Streets (no public
access rights). Easements were discussed, and Mr. Beane strongly
recommended that no easements be identified on the map.
Ms. Timpone Mohamed noted that her office would be reviewing the
map again and making minor corrections.
Mr. Bradbury noted that it would be helpful to show where Rye Brook
meets the adjacent municipalities.
Mayor Feinstein called for members of the public wishing to address
this matter. There being no one, she called for a motion to adjourn the
matter to the November 24, 2009 Board of Trustees meeting.
On a motion made by Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano, and seconded
by Trustee Santon, the public hearing was adjourned.
Mr. David Burke, Assistant Village Administrator, called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
2) PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW
TO AMEND CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
VILLAGE CODE REGARDING ANDERSON HILL ROAD
Mr. Bradbury gave a brief overview of the proposed changes to the
Village's Code, noting that the amendments codifiy the changes to the local
law, and clean up the Code.
On a motion made by Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano, and seconded by
Trustee Michael S. Brown, the public hearing was opened.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 4
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Mayor Feinstein called for comments or questions from the Board and
members of the public. There being none, Mayor Feinstein called for a
motion to close the public hearing.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Michael S. Brown, the public hearing was closed.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
RESOLUTIONS:
(1) CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO AMEND
CHAPTER 240 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE
CODE REGARDING ANDERSON HILL ROAD
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING A PROPOSED LOCAL LAW TO CHAPTER 240 OF THE
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING ANDERSON
HILL ROAD
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering amendments to
Chapter 240 of the Code of the Village of Rye Brook regarding Anderson
Hill Road; and
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 5
WHEREAS, on October 13, 2009 the Board of Trustees opened a
public hearing on the subject Local Law and at which time all persons
interested were given an opportunity to speak on behalf of or in opposition
to said Local Law and the public hearing was closed on October 13, 2009.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees hereby approves the amendments to Chapter 240 of the Code as
proposed regarding Anderson Hill Road.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders
Romano, the public hearing was closed.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
(2) CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 19 WOODLAND DRIVE
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 19 WOODLAND DRIVE
WHEREAS, David Swerdloff the owner of 19 Woodland Drive,
Rye Brook applied for a Tree Removal Permit for a thirty (30) inch
diameter, fifty (50) foot high Tulip Significant Tree at said property on
April 9, 2009; and
WHEREAS, located within three feet and sharing a root system
with the Tulip is a twenty-one (21) inch, fifty (50) foot high Sweetgum; and
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 6
WHEREAS, under section 235-21 of the Village of Rye Brook
Village Code no Significant Tree shall be removed without the approval of
the Village Board of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, a thirty (30) inch diameter, fifty (50) foot high Tulip
on said property is considered a Significant Tree; and
WHEREAS, as the Tulip and Sweetgum tree share a root system,
both trees would have to be removed simultaneously.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Rye Brook hereby approves the Tree Removal Application
made by David Swerdloff for a thirty (30) inch diameter, fifty (50) foot
high Tulip at 19 Woodland Drive; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook requires a
replanting plan as follows:
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Santon, the resolution opened for discussion.
Mr. David Swerdloff of 19 Woodland Drive addressed the Board. He noted
that he has resided in this home for 35 years, and the trees were there when
he moved in. Several years ago the roots of the trees, which are very close
to the house, lifted up the side of the garage, which resulted in repair work.
The roots are now lifting up the side of the garage again. At this time he
was requesting permission to remove the trees. He noted that there are
twelve to fourteen significant trees on his property.
Mr. Michal Nowak, Acting Village Engineer, addressed the Board. He
noted that these are two trees of a significant size. Both trees grow a
significant amount per year, and are located approximately 2' from the
garage. In time these trees will lift up the foundation, which already has
cracking. They are beautiful trees, but they are too close to the house.
Mr. Nowak noted that this property is heavily vegetated, but replacement
trees could be planted in the rear yard, near the property line. It was noted
that the Sweetgum tree needs to be replaced under the Village's Code.
Trustee Santon stated that the applicant could donate two (2) trees to be
planted elsewhere in the Village, and be directed to plant one (1) tree on his
property.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 7
Mayor Feinstein stated that the Board of Trustees has the authority to
dictate what types of trees are to be replanted; however, she felt that the
applicant should have input. Another issue is to decide where the trees
should be placed.
Mayor Feinstein asked that the matter be adjourned to the November 10th
meeting. On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee
Sanders Romano, the resolution was adjourned.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
(3) CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 1 PADDOCK ROAD
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
CONSIDERING AN APPLICATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF A
SIGNIFICANT TREE AT 1 PADDOCK ROAD
WHEREAS, Jonathan and Maryna Powell, the owners of 1 Paddock
Road, Rye Brook applied for a Tree Removal Permit for a forty (40) foot
high fifty-four and one half (54.5) diameter Mulberry on said property on
September 14, 2009; and
WHEREAS, under section 235-21 of the Village of Rye Brook
Village Code no Significant Tree shall be removed without the approval of
the Village Board of Trustees; and
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 8
WHEREAS, said forty (40) foot high fifty-four and one half(54.5)
diameter Mulberry on said property is considered a Significant Tree.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Trustees
of the Village of Rye Brook hereby approves the Tree Removal Application
made by Jonathan and Maryna Powell for a forty (40) foot high fifty-four
and one half(54.5) diameter Mulberry at 1 Paddock Road; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, the Village of Rye Brook requires a
replanting plan as follows as indicated on their replanting plan dated
October 9, 2009.
Mr. Powell noted that this is not a tree that they want to take down, but it is
one that needs to be taken down for safety reasons. There are a significant
number of trees on his property, including two (2) large Maple Trees. A
replanting plan has been submitted. It was also noted that two (2) trees in
the Village's right-of-way came down during the last storm.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders
Romano, the resolution was adopted as amended.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
4) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED
LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 186 OF THE VILLAGE OF
RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING PROPERTY
MAINTENANCE
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 9
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 186 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
VILLAGE CODE REGARDING PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering an amendment of
Chapter 186, of the Village Code regarding property maintenance.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, shall hold a public hearing on
October 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye
Brook, New York to consider the proposed local law.
Mr. Bradbury gave a brief overview of this matter. He stated that the
Village's Code needs more direct language when dealing with water flow
that goes from one property to another. The local law has been prepared for
the Board's consideration.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Brown, the resolution was adopted.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
5) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED
LOCAL LAW ESTABLISHING AN AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR
WORK PERFORMED OR COMPLETED WITHOUT A PERMIT
Mr. Bradbury read the resolution:
RESOLUTION
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 10
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW ESTABLISHING AN AMNESTY PROGRAM FOR WORK
PERFORMED OR COMPLETED WITHOUT A PERMIT
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering a proposed local
law establishing an amnesty program for work performed or completed
without a permit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, shall hold a public hearing on
October 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye
Brook, New York to consider the proposed local law.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the intention of the amnesty program is to bring
residents forward so that additions, renovations, decks, etc., constructed
without a permit can be inspected for safety reasons. It was noted that
some of the fees are waived and there is a shorter process under this
program.
Trustee Santon felt that it was good to try and help the residents. However,
he expressed a concern about avoiding the Architectural Review Board as
part of the review process. Trustee Paul Rosenberg noted that it would
reduce the complexity of the review and expense to the applicant. The
Village would like everyone that has done work without a permit to come
in and apply for a building permit. There are underlying safety issues here,
and it is important to educate the public. Sometimes permits are not taken
out and then there is no follow through. The Certificate of Occupancy
(C.O.) is not closed out. Problems arise when people go to sell their homes
and the open C.O.s are found. Mayor Feinstein noted that she was in favor
of amnesty. The Village wants to make sure that the additions, decks, etc.
are safe. The Village needs to be friendly and fair to the residents. It is
equally as important to keep in sight the goal that all improvements have
been safely constructed.
Mr. Nowak, Acting Village Engineer, went through the process for
legalizing a deck or addition constructed without a permit. He noted that
there are legalization and permit fees, and that the applicant is required to
have plans, and an as-built survey must be submitted. The Board discussed
the types and size of projects that would be included in this amnesty
program. Specially discussed were decks constructed within a P.U.D. such
as the Arbors. To legalize a deck the applicant would have to come into the
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 11
Building Department and complete a Building Application and provide
plans created by an architect for the Building Inspector's review. The
matter could then be heard by the Architectural Review Board and a letter
from the Arbors would be required. Permit fees are paid, and then a
Certificate of Completion and an as-built survey would be created.
On a motion made by Trustee Brown, and seconded by Trustee Sanders
Romano, the resolution setting the public hearing was adopted.
Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
6) SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED
LOCAL LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 160 OF THE VILLAGE OF
RYE BROOK VILLAGE CODE REGARDING HOUSE
RENUMBERING
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER A PROPOSED LOCAL
LAW TO AMEND CHAPTER 160 OF THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
VILLAGE CODE REGARDING HOUSE RENUMBERING
WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees is considering an amendment of
Chapter 160, of the Village Code regarding house renumbering.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook, shall hold a public hearing on
October 27, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Hall, 938 King Street, Rye
Brook, New York to consider the proposed local law.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 12
Mr. Bradbury noted that the Director of Public Works and Police Chief
make the decision about re-numbering of homes.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Sanders
Romano, the resolution setting the public hearing was adopted.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
7) AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK TO ENTER
INTO AN INTER MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH
WESTCHESTER COUNTY FOR SHARING OF GEOGRAPHICAL
INFORMATION SYSTEM DATA
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
RESOLUTION
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK TO ENTER INTO AN
INTER-MUNICIPAL AGREEMENT WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY
FOR SHARING OF GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION SYSTEM DATA
WHEREAS, the Village of Rye Brook uses Geographical
Information System (GIS) to provide computerized mapping of properties
and infrastructure within the Village; and
WHEREAS, a major cost associated with GIS is related to the
development and maintenance of the specialized data sets; and
WHEREAS, the County of Westchester offers local municipalities
the opportunity to share data resources to significantly reduce the costs
associated with obtaining data individually.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 13
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of
Trustees of the Village of Rye Brook authorizes the Village to enter into an
inter-municipal agreement with the County of Westchester for GIS data
sharing as described in the attached agreement; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Mayor is authorized to
execute and deliver all necessary documents to the County of Westchester
for the purposes of entering into the subject IMA.
Mr. Bradbury noted that this was standard language for this type of
agreement.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Brown, the resolution was adopted.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
8) REAFFIRMATION OF LOCAL LAW #10-2009 REGARDING
SPRINKLERS
Mr. Bradbury read the following resolution:
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 14
RESOLUTION
REAFFIRMATION OF LOCAL LAW #10-2009 REGARDING
SPRINKLERS
RESOLVED, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Rye
Brook hereby reaffirms local law #10-2009, adopted on August 25, 2009.
On a motion made by Trustee Sanders Romano, and seconded by Trustee
Brown, the resolution was adopted. Mr. Burke called the roll:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
9) Approval of minutes —July 14, 2009; July 15, 2009; July 28, 2009;
August 11, 2009; September 15, 2009
Mayor Feinstein asked that the July 14th, July 15th, and July 28th and the
August 11th summaries be approved. She asked that the September 15th
summary be held in abeyance for comments.
The summaries were approved, as amended on a motion made by Trustee
Sanders Romano, seconded by Trustee Brown.
The roll was called:
Trustee Michael S. Brown Voting Aye
Trustee Patricia Sanders Romano Voting Aye
Trustee Paul S. Rosenberg Voting Aye
Trustee Dean P. Santon Voting Aye
Mayor Joan L. Feinstein Voting Aye
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 15
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT:
Mr. Bradbury noted that the fall leaf collection started the first week of October.
He asked that residents be conscious of what is put into the piles of leaves. All
containments must be removed for the safety of the people doing the job, and to
protect the equipment. The suction on these machines is very strong and when it
kicks back something like a rock, it comes out with great force. Information on
this program can be found on the Village's website. The hope is to have four
trucks out there to ensure that the leaves are picked up before the first snowfall.
Mr. Bradbury announced that the street paving has been done and the curbing,
which is the next step, has started.
The Village has a meeting scheduled with the Postal Service to discuss the
possibility of giving Rye Brook its own Zip Code. This is an issue that has been
discussed over the years. Mr. Bradbury will keep the Board informed of the status
of the discussions.
Mr. Bradbury noted that the Hutchinson Parkway Bridge at King Street is the
"most hit" bridge in the State. A meeting was held with the Department of
Transportation a few weeks ago in an attempt to come up with ways to stop this
from happening. Signage improvement is the first step, and a message board is
being considered. Most of the accidents occur when truckers from out of state
utilizing their navigation systems are directed onto the Hutch. The bridge is too
low and before they realize it they've had an accident. For a long term fix the
county and state are looking at options such as working with GPS companies.
Some insurance companies are trying to push incentives for these updates. The
Governor and Department of Transportation have a meeting scheduled to review
these issues. Mr. Bradbury stated that he would give the Board updates after each
meeting.
It was noted that the smoke tests will be continuing. The first run of smoke testing
has been completed and Tuesday starts the second round. Additional information
is available on the Village's website.
Mr. Bradbury noted that information on the Village's Code, regulations, applying
for a permit, and obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy can be found on the
Village's website. In addition, the Village's Board meetings can be viewed on
streaming video.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 16
Mayor Feinstein gave an update of the Village's revenue report, i.e.: mortgage tax,
sales tax, etc. As everyone is aware, the mortgage tax revenue is down, as is sales
tax. Another update will be given in January.
Mayor Feinstein called for the first item under Discussion Items:
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1) AFFORDABLE HOUSING INITIATIVE
Mayor Feinstein stated that it is fair to say that Rye Brook has always
been amendable to affordable housing. Recently the Village has entered
into discussions with Mr. Louis Larizzo, a contractor with an expertise
in building affordable housing. The next step is the implementation of a
plan. The Village needs to be proactive in where they want these units
constructed.
Mr. Bradbury agreed with the Mayor, noting that his staff would like to
identify potential properties. No project is perfect, but the Village is
trying to find the best options. Mr. Bradbury and his staff will work
with Ms. Marilyn Timpone Mohamed, the Village's Consultant, to
collect information from other municipalities about their legislation
governing the construction of affordable housing. In addition, the
county is going to provide some information. The County is looking for
a balance of rental and ownership properties.
Mayor Feinstein called for the second item:
2) CLARIFICATION OF VARIOUS ISSUES WITH THE
HARKNESS AT RYE TOWN PUD AMENDED SITE PLAN
REVIEW PROCESS AND AHOA COMMUNICATIONS.
Trustee Santon noted that there have been meetings held with
representatives from the Arbors. The Arbors PUD has a residential
component of 250 units, an 18 acre office park component, and then
there is Harkness Park. It was noted that each development is different
and each has a different approval process. The Arbors is the oldest
P.U.D. in the Village. The site plans are now being updated. The intent
is to update and move forward. He noted that there was an October 6,
2009 meeting among the Arbors community and there has been a series
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 17
of communications to Arbors residents and he asked that a few issues be
clarified regarding Village documentation and correspondence going
back to May of 2008. The Arbors residents are welcome to attend the
meetings and correspond in whatever way they would like in order to
find out what the issues are. He asked that
Mr. Bradbury give an overview of the current application. Many of the
residents have a false impression of the application and of the process.
The real purpose must be made clear. The goal is to update the Arbors
HOA/PUD. This is the first of three (3) PUDs (Doral and BelleFair) to
be updated.
Mr. Bradbury stated that any resident interested in obtaining
information regarding this issue can make a request under the F.O.I. act.
Edward Beane, Esq., Village Counsel, stated that concerned residents
could also contact his office for additional information.
Regarding the modifications of other PUDs, there have been a series of
PUD modifications over the years. There have been modifications from
900 King Street, BelleFair, Talcott, and Doral Arrowwood.
Mayor Feinstein noted that nothing can be accomplished by looking
backwards and laying blame. It is time to move forward.
Mr. Bradbury noted that in April/May of 2008 a dialogue on these
issues was started. The goal is to update the site plan and add all
changes that have been made such as the addition of patios, decks,
walls, etc. Once an updated version of what exists now is presented, the
Board of Trustees will review it and an updated site plan and PUD plan
will be created. Next a process for going forward will be created so that
people who would like to do smaller projects on their property will not
cause the PUD to need to be modified. An application has been
received from the Arbors. Trustee Santon noted that the Village wants
to make sure that all of the lots are actively reflect in the PUD. As a
homeowner, they should have some ability to have input to make sure
that their property is accurately reflected on the plans.
Mayor Feinstein called for questions or comments from members of the
public. Mr. James Glucksman of 100 Brush Hollow Close, in the
Arbors, addressed the Board. He stated that residents of the Arbors are
worried that there may be a profound impact as a result of this review.
The Village needs to clarify exactly what they are looking to do. Many
residents have come to the Village and requested permission to build a
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 18
fourth bedroom or a deck. They have Certificates of Occupancy but are
now worried that these projects go against the PUD. Mayor Feinstein
noted that the Village is working with the Arbors to legalize all changes
and to have the PUD updated. No one is trying to alarm the residents.
Mr. Beane, Village's Legal Counsel, noted that before you can begin to
solve a problem you have to know what it is. The Village is trying to
find out what it is and then everyone will look for a way to fix it.
Trustee Santon noted that there are no miscommunications coming from
the Board of Trustees because they speak in public. No one is going to
say you have a garage that is not on the plan, now take it away. A
policy decision must be made, and the PUD must be updated. The result
will be positive and the homeowners will benefit from this.
Mr. Robert Flink, Esq. addressed the Board. He noted that his firm has
been retained by the Arbors, but he did not have an opportunity to
review the documents. He noted that there are many legal issues
involved and a lot to digest. Several of the statements made are based
on loose facts. There is a lot of material to be reviewed. It is important
to clarify what changes have been made.
Trustee Brown noted that the Village is not going to inspect the interior
of the homes, unless there is an application before the Building
Department. No one has asked the Arbors to present a listing of every
home and how many bedrooms are in each. This is not the ultimate
goal for the documents that the Village is now seeking. Trustee Santon
noted that the PUD that is approved has very specific criteria in it. The
number of bedrooms allowed is listed in the PUD. This can be amended
and removed. The applicant/developer and the Town agreed, 30 years
ago, that the units would be no more than 1400 square feet on average—
no more than a maximum of 1600 square feet. There were to be 51 one-
bedroom units and 200 two-bedroom units. This criteria needs to be
amended.
Mayor Feinstein noted that there are issues that will not be solved this
evening. Trustee Brown agreed.
Mr. Flink noted that no one knows when this work was done. He stated
that it would take his firm two weeks to digest the material. He will be
in contact with Mr. Bradbury and with the firm of Keane and Beane.
They intend to be proactive, but this review will take time.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 19
Mr. Beane noted that no one is suggesting that none of the units can be
sold until the new PUD plan is in place. If a unit is being sold, no one
wants to hold up that sale. Mr. Bradbury noted that the Village Board
has an amnesty program. If someone has a deck, patio, wall, etc. and it
needs to be legalized it can go through the Village's building
department.
Mr. Beane noted that this issue has been going on for a long time. It is a
difficult project, but there needs to be a timeline put in place. Everyone
needs to work diligently towards an end. Mr. Flink stated that he would
provide weekly status reports and a timeline without any dates. He
stated that he would have a better handle on the project in two weeks.
Mr. Beane noted that if the timeline doesn't work, an extension can be
granted. Both the Village's Counsel and the Arbors' Counsel will work
together.
Mayor Feinstein called for members of the public wishing to address the Board.
Mr. Ben Miloro of Hillcrest Avenue addressed the Board. He stated that he
watched a prior meeting of the Board of Trustees and heard a discussion about
Jenna Way. He pointed out that Jenna Way is in Rye Brook. Trustee Santon
stated that the Board was aware of this.
Mr. Miloro asked how Mr. Larizzo was chosen to build the affordable housing
units for the Village. Trustee Santon explained that he owns the lots on Ellendale
Avenue and came to the Village with the concept.
Mr. Miloro pointed out that there is a developer interested in putting up 18 story
tower buildings on the United Hospital property in Port Chester. This could result
in an increase to the enrollment in Rye Brook Schools. Mayor Feinstein stated
that the Board is aware of the proposal and the possible impact it may have on the
school districts.
The final item Mr. Miloro discussed was a $400,000.00 grant that the Village
received in order to install sidewalks on Hillcrest Avenue. In following up on this
project he learned that the money was used for other projects. The children that go
to Port Chester High School walk in the street because there are no sidewalks.
The Village needs to install these sidewalks. Mayor Feinstein thanked
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 20
Mr. Miloro for his input. There being no further business before the Board, Mayor
Feinstein called for a motion to adjourn.
On a motion made by Trustee Santon, and seconded by Trustee Brown, the
meeting was adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Board of Trustees Meeting
October 13,2009
Page 21