HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.11.2020 T. Marrow CommentsDear Hon. Mayor Rosenberg and Honorable Members of the Board of Trustees,
After reviewing the latest submission of the pFEIS, attached are areas of concern
relative to the proposed project at 900 King Street, as I understand it, for your
consideration:
I do not understand why the number of unit reduction percentage for the IL
building is calculated as though there are three projects. There are three
components within the one project. Aren’t village services, resources, and
infrastructure measured by the total number of people using them? Does the latest
plan adequately address the size and density concerns and is it in keeping with the
spirit of the 2014 Comprehensive Plan?
The new proposed crosswalk on Arbor Drive poses a significant safety issue. The
crosswalk is depicted without any traffic signals and is situated close to where
Arbor Drive narrows. As there is already a crosswalk and associated traffic light
approximately 100 ft away, what is the purpose of this new crosswalk? The
pathway adjacent to Harkness Park that the crosswalk is connecting to is not on
level ground and has a significant incline which would not provide a stable footing
appropriate for senior citizens. Students crossing for access to the school would be
much safer using the existing walkway with existing traffic signals.
The developer is not willing to provide a noise barrier for reasons which contradict
the Village’s professional recommendations. Considering the size, scope and
length of construction times, the absence of such a noise barrier would create an
additional hardship on the surrounding neighbors; Blind Brook MS/HS, Harkness
Park, Village offices and The Arbors. In the new age of quarantine and social
distancing, more people are working from home and therefore spending more
hours in a day at their homes.
The developer has also stated that they are not providing for two ways in and out
of the underground parking garage which has also been flagged as a significant
safety concern by the Village’s consultants.
The developer has suggested a revision to Village code for construction start times.
This would, however, create an unnecessary burden on the neighbors at the Arbors
who have no other way in or out. This would add an extra hour every day to the
construction activities that will take place for at least three years. There are many
residents of the village who are out early recreating and would now be doing so
with additional construction and noise that may cause increased safety issues.
The plan proposes two entrances/exits with both allowing for in and out which
creates a second left hand turn onto Arbor Drive from the proposed development.
This also poses a safety issue. This creates a very “busy” intersection on the
second access point which did not exist before. Cars exiting will now have to
navigate cars coming in both directions, pedestrians, bicycle riders, all on a narrow
road.
In consideration of the current COVID health emergency of the world in which we
now live, is a 2017 Marketing Analysis still valid today? Due to the change of
circumstances, are plan revisions necessary?
While many of these issues will have an impact on all of the residents of the
Village, the Arbors proximity to the project and the sharing of Arbor Drive create
the opportunity for additional adverse effects just for those of us who live in the
Arbors. We have no other way in or out and therefore cannot avoid the site, and
would be negatively impacted if any emergency, road blockage, and/or disruption
in utilities occurred due to and at the development site. A smaller project would be
less impactful.
I sincerely appreciate the time and effort put forth by the Village in reviewing this
proposal As we are now in year three, I am personally frustrated by the
developer’s protracted responses to the clearly articulated concerns/comments
posed early on. I can only imagine that others are also frustrated, and I hope that
this does not take away from the scrutiny that is still required to review the project
in its entirety and in consideration of what has changed in the world.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to review my concerns.
Respectfully submitted,
Toby Marrow