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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-07-17 - Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes i AGENDA VILLAGE BOARD MEETING JULY 17, 1990 £3:00 P.M. i PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ACTION PUBLIC HEARING +i 1. ARROWWOOD OF WESTCHESTER ANDERSON HILL ROAD PUD DEVELOPMENT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL RESOLUTIONS 2. AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR LANDSCAPING AT A.J.P. CENTER 3. APPOINTMENT RE: PLANNING BOARD vu 4. APPOINTMENT TO AMBULANCE CORP. HOARD OF DIRECTORS il 5. APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER 6. CHECK REGISTER WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 7. LETTER FROM ROSALIND & BERNARD KLEM RE: RESIGNATIONS -------- -.. - 8. LETTER FROM JOHN WILDERMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF ARROWWOOD RE: SPACE SHUTTLE RADIO EXPERIMENT NEXT MEETING DATE REGULAR MEETING - AUGUST 14, 1990 t� t a 001660 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK VILLAGE OFFICES 90 SOUTH RIDGE STREET RYE BROOK, NEW YORK JULY 17, 1990 CONVENE MEETING The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Mayor Cresenzi at 8:00 P.M. in the Meeting Room and the Pledge of Allegiance followed. I i Present were the following members of the Board: Mayor Salvatore M. Cresenzi Trustee Francis L. Filipowski Trustee Michele R. Mendicino Trustee Robert J. Ravich Trustee Jane Saffir Smith Also Present were: Christopher J. Russo, Village Administrator Edward Beane, Village Attorney Lori Ann DeMarco, Asst. to the Village Administrator Elizabeth Czajkowski, Secretary to the Village Board Rocco V. Circosta, the Director of Public Works, and Joseph Cortese, the Village Treasurer, were not in attendance for this meeting. i UJA1r. T.1 is 7 July 17, 1990 Prior to the commencement of the Public Hearing, the Mayor welcomed newly appointed Police Officer, Steven Goralick, to the Village of Rye Brook and read the following Resolution: On motion made by Trustee Filipowski, seconded by Trustee Smith, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following Resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT OF POLICE OFFICER RESOLVED, that Mr. Steven Goralick of 39 Davenport Ave. , New Rochelle, be hereby appointed to the probationary position of Police Officer with the Rye Brook Police Department; and be it FURTHER RESOLVED, that the probationary period for the position shall be one - year effective on the commencement date of July 6, 1990. PUBLIC HEARING 1. ARROWWOOD OF WESTCHESTER ANDERSON HILL ROAD PUD DEVELOPMENT AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL Mayor Cresenzi declared the Public Hearing on the Arrowwood PUD Development and Site Plan Approval open at 5:10 p.m. William Null, a member of the Law Firm Cuddy and Feder, stated that he was here on behalf of Carol Management in connection with the Arrowwood PUD Public Hearing. Mr. Null introduced the following consultants associated with this project: David Kaskel of Carol Management, David Coby of The Berkus Group, Edmund Wilson from the Hillier Group, Kelly Moran from the Von Hagge Associates (the Golf Course architect in connection with the project) , Bruce Hawkins from Paulus, Sokolowski & Sarter Inc. and Susan Wifniewsky, of Deborah Nevins Associates & Landscape Designers. Mr. Null stated that since they last appeared before the Board, the plans have been modified slightly. Initially, the number of units for the residential portion was 144 but is now 142 units. There has been a reconfiguration of the site primarily to preserve trees and to provide a better development layout. -2- 001672 July 17, 1990 Mr. Null then introduced Ed Wilson of the Hillier Group to discuss the modifications of the Conference Center plan. Mr. Wilson explained that several additions to both the Conference Center and the Conference Center site have been proposed. Among them, the construction of a new Health Club Facility, between the existing Conference Center and Anderson Hill Road. In addition to the Health Club Facility, a bi-level structure which would contain Raquetball Courts, exercise rooms, and an enclosed walkway connecting the Health Club to the existing Conference Center, which would provide easy access in inclement weather is also proposed. In addition, a new Golf Club House close to the existing Conference Center entrance is also proposed. Adjacent to the Club House is a small "turn around drop off area" designed specifically for golfers with more than one golf bag. Also, a new maintenance building located near the Suny Purchase line will be used for storing maintenance equipment, tables and chairs. A new Tennis Bubble, which will cover two existing outdoor Tennis Courts and a new outdoor Exhibition Court including a small viewing area is also proposed. Lastly, a Rest Station is also included in the development plan. The plan was last submitted to the Board in the Fall of 1990. Some items have been eliminated from the plan. So as not to destroy a number of trees, after consulting with the Planning Board, a parking structure has been eliminated from the plan. It was replaced with a parking lot and another next to the Tennis Bubbles, also, 94 guest rooms which enclosed an interior courtyard was proposed. There were some concerns about fire safety related to this guest room wing but this area has been eliminated from that plan. The original health club facility was larger than it is now, and the architecture of the facility did not match that of the Conference Center. A 3 court and 2 conference facilities were previously proposed. All of the above have been eliminated from the plan. The plan is now proposing a lower intensity development with less impact to the site. In conclusion, Mr. Wilson offered to answer any questions the Board or anyone else may have. Mr. Null stated that there was a great need to get under way with the project as promptly as possible. Timing issues related to the construction of the golf course with respect to the transplantation of trees need to be considered. The golf course will need to rest for a season after construction before it is actually playable, and there are certain times of the year when trees can be transplanted without significant risk of loss. For theses reasons, an expedited review by the Board in connection with the project was requested. Mr. Null then proceeded to introduce the Director of Planning, David Coby of the Burkus Group to discuss the residential portion of the site. -3- 001673 fJuly 17, 1990 I Mr. Coby stated that last fall the Planning Board expressed their concern over the loss of trees on the site and asked his architects to go back and restudy their plans and maximize the extent to which they could preserve existing trees. As a result of regrading the area they have been able to come up with a plan that has saved 125 to 150 more trees than originally. Every house is being designed to either overview the fairways or the pawns that provide the facilities. Everyone in the community will either have a golf course view or be directly on the water. In addition, one of the buildings on the site has changed from a three dwelling unit to a two dwelling unit building. At the same time, the buildings are smaller and more flexible thus creating further tree preservation. Another concern expressed by the Planning Board was that some of the access roads on Anderson Hill Road were too close to the road itself. The roads were moved in, and in addition, several layers of plant material were created along Anderson Hill Road to preserve its' character. He also stated that the houses are the size of a large single family home. There is a two unit dwelling building that occurs in the lower valley portion of the site and a six dwelling unit building that occurs on the ridge. Mr. Coby pointed out that the four units and the two buildings were recommended to be either eliminated or relocated by the Planning Board in connection with their June 14th recommendation. The are of particular value to the site given that this is a Golf Course Community, people would be looking to locate in the community for use of the golf course. By being located on the Tees would provide that sort of connection to the Golf course activity. The units would be secluded through landscape towards the tee areas which make them very desirable. Mr. Coby then introduced Kelly Moran of Von Hagge Associates to describe the Golf course design. He stated that in creating this community they tried to give every residential unit a view of the golf course. The units, being on the Golf course, have a long view of each of the golf holes. This provides a diversity and a choice for the people coming to live in this community as to where they want to live. The Planning Board did look favorably upon the Golf Course and approved it. Mr. Moran concluded his production stressing the importance of allowing them to start construction of the Golf Course by the end of August or first of September. Mr. Null introduced Jack Hill from Steve Clark Associates, who was obtained by David Kaskel to assist with the preservation of the trees on the site. An existing tree survey was provided to evaluate the trees on the site. -4- 001674 July 17, 1990 He also stressed that since they will be relocating many trees on the site which may take a while, it is imperitive that development occur as soon as possible. Mr. Null then introduced Susan Wifniewsky, a landscape architect with Deborah Nevins Associates. Ms. Wifniewsky explained that her idea was to create a landscape that was diverse, beautiful and interesting by choosing numerous flowering trees, shrubs and unusual trees. All the plants chosen are very hardy to the area and very resistant to all diseases and pests. To extend the landscape effect from the Fall into the Winter they have a number of evergreens on the site and many plants that have Winter and Fall Berries. These will not only provide ornamental effect but they also will attract wildlife as food. These plants will also provide cover and habitat for various animals. Many of the large trees will be transplanted to the entrance of both the residential area and the conference area which will help create a very established and mature feeling for the entire site when people drive by. The entire planting plans for the site are very effective. Mr. Null, concluding the formal presentation, stated that it is important for Carol Management to move forward with this project as quickly as they can and hope that the Board, given the substantial screening and the setback from Anderson Hill Road, would consider approving the project with 142 Units verses 138. He then offered to answer any questions the Board or anyone else may have. Trustee Mendicino asked specifically when they needed to start. Mr. Coby stated that weather is a big factor for them and they need to proceed as quickly as possible. He stated that they needed to start construction on the Golf Course by September because they need about 8 to 9 months for construction and preparation for planting. There are apporximately 16 trees on the golf course that are going to have to be removed before construction is started. They would like to plant in May and have a full growing season until September 15, 1991 then the Golf course will be prepared to open in 1992 Trustee Filipowski questioned whether a nine hole course was an asset to them as opposed to something with an 18 hole course. Mr. Coby replied that the golf course is an asset to both the residential community and to the conference facility for the simple reason that it is going to be a better designed Golf Course. Mr. Null added that the conference facility would be open to the public and the golf course is an amenity to the Conference facility. Trustee Smith asked if the residents who play golf at Arrowwood currently will still be able to play there after this development. -5- 11016'70' July 17, 1990 David Kaskel stated that the plan was to keep the course operating as it is now. Mr. Null stated that the Village is benefiting in two ways in regard to this development. Arrowwood is offering to preserve 20 acres of the site for recreational purposes which is more than 10% of a 30 acre portion of the site which is utilized for 142 units. They were only required to preserve 3 acres for recreational purposes. Also they are offering to pay $250,000 as voluntary contribution to the Village of Rye Brook Recreational Account. Attorney Beane pointed out that the issue of density was not resolved in the preliminary approvals, and was specifically reserved by this Village Board as well as the Planning Board, so there is significant flexibility within the environmental approvals issued by this Board, based on the Board's preliminary approval resolution. Mr. Null stressed the point that the Environmental determinations that were adopted by the Board did not equivicate with regard to number of units, it was clearly 144 unit development described in the draft of the Environmental Impact statement and the final Environmental Impact statement and on that basis the impacts that were reviewed determined not to have a significant affect on 144 units. To the extent that the Board may determine to reduce the density is a question that involves planning consideration and public health and welfare and safety bureau. Mayor Cresenzi stated that Mr. Null mentioned 210 units at 7 to the acre. He just wanted to point out that 142 was the maximum number and there is flexibility in there. Mr. Stolzar of the Planning Board pointed out that part of their resolution was a recommendation that part of the approval require that the developer indemnify the village against any possible damages that might be created in case of litigation involving the residents injured on the site.` Mayor Cresenzi stated in reviewing the Planning Board's minutes of June 12, 1990 that on the lower half of page 5 it refers to a continuing golf cart path, and getting information from the Fire Chief Thomas Gallagher. Mayor Cresenzi asked if we had received any correspondence from Chief Gallagher regarding this matter. Mr. Null stated that they have sent a letter to Chief Gallagher in regard to current configuration of the plan. Mr. Wilson added that he met with Chief Gallagher back in the fall when the conference center portion of the plan was much more elaborate than it is today. Chief Gallagher, with some requirements, which the developers met, stated that the plan was satisfactory. Since that time it has been substantially reduced. Mr. Wilson has written a letter to Chief Gallagher describing the reductions, whereas he hasn't gotten a chance to respond but Mr. Wilson stated that he spoke Mr. Circosta, Director of Public Works, who spoke with the Fire Chief and stated that as far as he knew the Chief was perfectly comfortable with the plan. -6- 001676 July 17, 1990 Mayor Cresenzi stated that the reason that he raised this point and he would like Mr. Russo, Mr. Beane and Mr. Gerardi to follow this up with the fire dept. , is that they had complications with the Hilton, which is not related at all to Arrowwood, but if they had input at the time these problems could have been avoided. What he would like from the Fire Chief is a letter stating that he does not have any problems with this project. Mayor Cresenzi questioned that in the approval resolution Mr. Null referred to 46 town houses and 96 villas. Mayor Cresenzi questioned the difference between Villas and Town Houses. Mr. Null stated that the Town house units are two unit villas which are duplexes. The villa units, which are essentially flats, have three units both on the top and the bottom totaling six units per building. They range in size from 1,500 to 3,000 square feet. Ken Heller questioned if the Village was protected against action taken by individuals residing on the site when they discover the proximitey of the airport. Mr. Beane explained that the proposed resolution includes an indemnity which goes beyond golf course safety and basically extends to anything related to the approval process which would include the airport situation. Also the area where the residences are to be constructed is within an acceptable noise level, and has been both certified and verified as such. Mr. Heller also questioned if the association would cover houses being hit by golf balls. Mr. Null stated that the golf course was designed with safety standards to include setbacks off the center line of the fairways and that issue was extensively reviewed by the Planning Board and by Frederick P. Clark Associates in connection with the design of the project. There is a possibility that units may, on occasion, be hit by a golf ball. People who are moving to this site know that it is a golf course community. Beyond that, the same indemnification provision that Attorney Beane mentioned would cover any liability that the Village may be concerned about as far as damage to a residence by golf balls. Mr. Heller stated that it was mentioned earlier that the site may attract wildlife and the residents would have to be cautious of attracting such wildlife because of the diseases that these animals are bringing in now. Mr. Null replied,"If you preserve nature, you have to deal with nature, if you eliminate nature then you get called bad for eliminating nature!" -7- 00167'/- July 0167`®July 17, 1990 James Glover, representing the Blind Brook Golf Club, stated that they strongly object to this proposal. They feel that 140 homes would mean 280 automobiles plus other traffic coming from the golf course. Anderson Hill Road is a dangerous road, having had many accidents in the past. Mr. Pellino stated that in agreement with Mr. Glover, it was important to plan this development properly. This is one of the primary developments in the Rye Brook portion of Anderson Hill Road. He suggested that the Village Board take in consideration the possible need to widen Anderson Hill Road in the future. Mr. Null stated that when this Board was considering amending the PUD ordinance and possibly permitting the rezoning of the Heritage site as part of that overview, a traffic study was conducted and it was determined that 144 units would not generate traffic in a matter that would significantly impact other levels of service on Anderson Hill Road. Mr. Null then pointed out that the Blind Brook Site is zoned R-20 and has a 40 foot front yard set back which the Board classified. The Arrowwood site would provide almost twice that set back from the nearest units on Anderson Hill Road. Not only will they protect these houses with the landscaping they designed but they have offered to triple pane the glass on any of the windows facing Anderson Hill Road. The noise levels are levels well below the to be objectionable.levels that HUD considersJectionable. These units will be both heated and centrally air-conditioned. Therefore, for the most part, the windows will be kept closed. Mr. Heller questioned the landscaping. He stated that it appeared that from one point all a golfer would see is a row of houses and no trees. Ms. Wifniewsky stated, in response to his question, that the trees were all angled differently. Between every unit there were at least one or two shade trees and also a flowering tree. Mayor Cresenzi proposed that Mr. Null review the Resolution on the Recreation Fee and get the letter from the Fire Department. He then thanked Mr. Null and Mr. Kaskel for giving a very professional presentation and recommended to the Board that they adjourn the hearing to the August 14, 1990 Meeting. Therefore on Motion made by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Smith with a unanimous vote of the Board, the Public Hearing was adjourned to the Meeting of August 14, 1990. Mr. Null then Pointed out to the Board that most of the Associates having to do with the Arrowwood project have traveled quite a distance. He asked if it were necessary to have them return on the 14th of August. The Mayor agreed that it would be an inconvenience for them to return, and each fully explained what it was the Board needed to know. If need be, written responses may be presented. -8- ®®1678 July 17, 1990 RESOLUTIONS I 2. AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR LANDSCAPING AT A.J.P. CENTER On motion made by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Mendicino, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following Resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PAYMENT FOR LANDSCAPING A.S. POSILLIPO CENTER RESOLVED, that payment for landscaping in the amount of $4990.00 from the Recreational Trust & Agency account be hereby approved, and payment authorized. 3. APPOINTMENT RE: PLANNING BOARD On motion made by Trustee Filipowski, seconded by Trustee Ravich, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following Resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO PLANNING BOARD RESOLVED, that Gene Strum, of Betsy Brown Road be hereby appointed Chairman of the Planning Board for the next ensuing year. 4. APPOINTMENT TO AMBULANCE CORP - BOARD OF DIRECTORS on motion made by Trustee Smith,. seconded by Trustee Filipowski, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following Resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION APPOINTMENT TO AMBULANCE CORP BOARD OF DIRECTORS RESOLVED, that Sidney Braudy, of 344 Betsy Brown Road be hereby appointed to the Port Chester/Rye Volunteer Ambulance Corp Board of Directors. -9- 00.16 71 July 17, 1990 6. CHECK REGISTER On motion made by Trustee Ravich, seconded by Trustee Mendicino, with a unanimous vote of the Board, the following Resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION CHECK REGISTER WHEREAS, the following checks, representing payment for services rendered, have been submitted to the Treasurer's Office for payment and have been certified to by the Village Administrator; On-Line Checks: #00916-01011 Hand Checks: #08342-08345 Payroll Checks: #01829-01954 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that this Board hereby approves payment of the above-mentioned claims and authorizes payment thereof. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS 7. LETTER FROM ROSALIND & BERNARD KLEM RE: RESIGNATIONS Mayor Cresenzi explained that Rosalind is resigning from the Zoning Board and Bernard from the Planning Board. The reason being that they sold their home and will be residing in Wilton, Connecticut. Trustee Ravich stated that he feels the Village of Rye Brook owes a great deal of thanks to both Rosalind and Bernard for the years of service that they contributed to the community. B. LETTER FROM JOHN WILDERMAN, VICE PRESIDENT OF ARROWWOOD RE: SPACE SHUTTLE RADIO EXPERIMENT Mayor Cresenzi informed the Board that the Village was selected by NASA as one of the twenty school districts to communicate with the Shuttle out of seven hundred applicants. In order to be involved in such a project, the Village had to purchase equipment to make this a reality and Arrowwood was a major contributor donating $3,000.00. Administrator Russo read the letter to the Board and the Mayor expressed his gratitude toward Arrowwood. -10- Uri x.680 July 17, 1990 NEXT MEETING DATE Regular Meeting - August 14, 1990 Administrator Russo mentioned that there will only be one meeting in September, an Agenda Meeting to be held on September 18, 1990. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, on motion made by Trustee Filipowski, seconded by Trustee Smith, it was unanimously resolved that the Board adjourn into Executive Session. Respectfully Submitted^,I' Elizabeth Czajkowski Secretary to the Village Board -11-