2015-07-27 Staff memo on water supply1
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK
938 KING STREET
RYE BROOK, NY 10573
(914) 939-0753 Phone
(914) 939-5801 Fax
VILLAGE OF RYE BROOK ENGINEERING AND PUBLIC WORKS
Memo
To: Mayor Paul S. Rosenberg
The Rye Brook Board of Trustees
Chris Bradbury
From: Michal Nowak
CC: Edward F. Beane, Esq.
Date: 7/27/2015
Re: Sun Homes/Buckingham Partners Water Supply Concerns
A meeting was held on July 14, 2015 attended by representatives for the applicant, Sun
Homes/Buckingham Partners, United Water, The Village of Rye Brook, Dolph Rotfeld’s office and
Keane & Beane, P.C. The topic of discussion was water supply to the proposed Sun Homes
development at 1100 King Street (aka Phase III of the Reckson Executive Park).
At this meeting, the representatives for United Water stated that, based on current water usage in the
area and the projected water usage for the Sun Homes development, there is not enough capacity
within the current system to provide adequate water service to the area during peak demand periods.
Substantial improvements to United Water’s infrastructure would be required for the project to receive
adequate water service for the 110 residential dwelling units and amenities proposed for the site.
Specifically, as explained by United Water, the amount of water needed for the Sun Homes
development during peak periods would lower water pressure within the system to below the
acceptable health department levels of 35 PSI. The affected area includes any service area north of the
Anderson Hill pump station, including Doral Greens, BelleFair and Kingswood. Although there is
currently enough volume for current users during typical conditions, the area already experiences
pressure issues during peak demand periods.
United Water’s representatives also stated that the water flow testing/volume calculations which were
conducted for the proposed office building previously approved for the site, but not constructed, are
void because they were taken over 5 years ago. Since then, service demandin the area has changed
and such tests are not guaranteed for extended periods of time.
United Water’s representatives suggested that the water pressure issue might be resolved by
constructing a water storage tank and pump station. The proposed tank would be used supplement
peak demand water needs within this arterial water system and would fill up during off-peak hours. The
tank would need to be approximately 300,000 gallons in capacity with dual pumps and emergency
power. Proposed tank dimensions would be 60’-0” diameter x 15’-0” high not including pumps, valve
boxes, and generators. The tank would serve the proposed Sun Homes development as well as other
properties in the affected service area. The tank would be located either on Reckson/Sun Homes
property or elsewhere north of the Anderson Hill Road pump station. United Water’s representatives
provided a rough estimate of $2.5 Million for the tank project.
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A second possible solution, which is being explored by Sun Homes engineers, is upsizing of the
Westchester County Joint Water Works water main serving this area. At present, the area is served by
a 12” diameter water main under Anderson Hill road. The main would need to be replaced and upsized
for a few miles and then extended onto the Reckson/Sun Homes property.
Based on the foregoing, it is clear that water supply to the Sun Homes project is not feasible using
United Water’s existing infrastructure. Therefore, the Applicant must provide a clear and feasible plan
to the Board of Trustees explaining how it will provide adequate water service to the development.
Michal J. Nowak
Superintendent of Public Works
Village Engineer