2018_01_11 S_ and J_ Walsh CommentsFrom: Shawn Walsh [mailto:swalsh09@gmail.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 11, 2018 8:43 PM
To: Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg; Christopher Bradbury; Susan R. Epstein; David M. Heiser; Jason A. Klein;
j.rednick@verizon.net
Subject: 900 King Street Development
Dear Honorable Mayor Rosenberg and Honorable Members of the Board of Trustees,
We are writing today with concerns about the proposed project at 900 King Street. We moved to
The Arbors a year and half ago because Rye Brook seemed like the perfect place to start a
family. The top-notch school system and safety of the area were the main reasons why we
bought a house here. We are worried the proposed project will adversely affect the area and
have a number of concerns that applicant has failed to address.
Schools
The applicant wants to build a very large development of 269 units and reduce the existing age
restriction on the senor living facilities from 62 to 55. The combination of a large complex and
younger population will lead to more children being enrolled in the school system. There will be
school aged children living in the proposed development as families have children later in life
these days and it’s common for a student to have a parent who is 55 years old. This will lead to
larger class size and may negatively affect allocation of budget resources. The applicant has not
addressed their reason for reducing the age restriction nor have they addressed the impact on
schools.
Construction
This project is expected to last 3 years and demolition and construction in such close proximity
will have a negative impact on not only the Arbors, but on the students, the staff and the
educational process of the middle/high schools. There are numerous construction issues that
have not been addressed:
- During the construction period there will be blasting and asbestos removal, what is the plan to
protect Arbors residents and school children?
- What safety precautions will be necessary during blasting, and will they be sufficient, due to the
proximity of the Tennessee Gas lines
- What is the plan to ensure that there is no interruption of utility services to the Arbors residents
during construction, as all utility lines come in through King Street?
- What will be done to ensure the safety of middle and high school children and Arbors residents
as they walk around and on Arbor Drive?
Consideration should be given to the alternative of repurposing the current building for the
residential uses planned by the applicant.
Traffic
The proposed development will lead to an increase in traffic. A development of 269 units, along
with the various workers to be employed in functions such as food service, recreation, and care
of residents with memory related conditions, will obviously lead to greater traffic congestion
along King Street, along Arbor Drive, and near the Blind Brook MS/HS, Fire Station, and Village
Hall. Alternatives need to be considered that will generate less traffic and which will not
negatively impact the existing traffic flow that the Arbors experiences.
Home Values
A long period of construction/demolition combined with a very large senior and memory care
facility may lower values of homes in The Arbors and on nearby streets. If this lowers the home
values in the Arbors, is that factored in to the revenue calculations presented by the developer
in their proposal.
Thank you for listening to our concerns and we hope you give them serious consideration.
Regards,
Shawn and Jennifer Walsh
52 Greenway Lane