Millwood Matters
October 31, 2008
by Gene Nadel
+ Oct. 27 Board of Fire Commissioners’ meeting
+ Recap of last week’s hearings on DEIS
+ Fire District’s budget
+ Election fire commissioner Dec. 9, nomination deadline Nov. 19
+ Turkey Night Raffle Saturday, Nov. 8
+ Millwood Task Force meeting Thursday, Nov. 6
+ State DOT meeting Nov. 6 to discuss Rte.120 & 133
Monday’s Board of Fire Commissioners’ meeting
Reacting sharply to the torrent of community criticism concerning its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the proposed new firehouse #1, the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners devoted substantial time at Monday’s regular monthly meeting to discussing the most prudent means of picking up the pieces and moving forward in the most constructive manner.
The Board were impressed by statements made by the Town, WENT, the Millwood Task Force and others criticizing the document. They will continue to receive comments until November 3rd.
As a direct result of this public hearing the Commissioners have decided to seek additional advice and will hire both a construction management firm and a highly respected, multi-disciplinary provider of environmental engineering and planning to help move the SEQR process forward. They will also continue to discuss the possibility of examining additional alternatives that could both move the structure away from steep slopes and provide for a smaller building.
Naturally, the objective will be to come up with a plan for a structure fully adequate for the needs of our volunteer fire company but of a size and cost that taxpayers can bear.
Last week’s hearings on DEIS
For any readers who may have missed last week’s column, at two hearings last week (October 21 before the planning board and October 23 before the Fire Commissioners), Lincoln Daley, the town’s new planner who coordinated the town’s review of the DEIS, was critical of the DEIS the fire commissioners had submitted. In his draft comments, he declared the document “incomplete and deficient.” At the October 23 hearing, further objections were offered by a host of individual residents as well as the Millwood Task Force, the League of Women Voters and the WENT Firehouse Committee.
For League of Women Voters’ comments, click here: League of Women Voters Comments on Millwood Firehouse DEIS
MTF PDF MTF_Comments.pdf
TOWN’S DRAFT COMMENTS PDF 2008_10_20_Millwood_DEIS_Staff_Review.pdf
The Great Wall of Millwood
One of the most egregious features of the firehouse plan drew emphatic objections at the hearing: the need for construction of a retaining wall of as much as 20 feet in height, estimated to cost between $500,000 and $2 million dollars.
While the Commissioners made no oral responses at the hearing, the applicable statute requires that written replies to all questions be provided in the final environmental impact statement. The public has until November 3rd to submit additional written questions and comments. Email
or write: Millwood FD, P.O. Box 140, Millwood, NY 10546. To view the DEIS, click here.
Earlier in the meeting, final approval was given to next year’s Fire District budget. Unfortunately the last minute court decision resolving an assessment valuation suit brought against the Town by Pheasant Run condominium development means that it will cost the MFD approximately $20,000 more next year than originally anticipated. This means that the originally hoped for slight decrease in tax rate for the fire district will be eliminated and the rate will be close to the same as this current year.
Reminder - The annual election of one Fire Commissioner (of the five member Board) for a five year term will take place on Tuesday, December 9th, but nominations must be submitted by November 19th.
Clearly, this is an important public service that carries major responsibility. Nominations should be submitted in writing addressed to the Board at P.O. Box 140, Millwood, NY 10546
Over 20 Frozen Turkeys - plus baskets with all the trimmings for Thanksgiving Dinner - are to be raffled of at Turkey Night, sponsored by the Millwood Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary on Saturday evening, November 8th. The festivities will take place at Millwood Fire House, Station 1, Route 100 and 120 with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Calling will begin at 7:00 p.m.
The public is welcome at this gala event which should be great fun for all!
MILLWOOD TASK FORCE - NOVEMBER MEETING - THURSDAY, 11/6
The regular monthly meeting of the Millwood Task Force is scheduled to take place at 8:00 pm, this coming Thursday evening, November 6th at Firehouse #2 on Rte 134. Due to the unfortunate conflict with the DOT meeting regarding possible changes at the Rte 120/133 triangle intersection (See below),
prospective MTF meeting attendees should check (where?) to determine if there are any changes in the time
or location of the MTF meeting.
In addition to updates on the various ongoing local issues, the agenda is expected to include a meaningful discussion on what constructive role the MTF can play to assist the BOFC to press forward toward the long sought goal of a new firehouse of the right size at the right cost.
As always, the public is invited to attend and participate in MTF meetings which regularly take place on the first Thursday of each month.
The New York State Dept of Transportation (DOT) held a Public Scoping Workshop on Oct. 6th where, according to DOT, members of its design staff met with various Town representatives and community residents to explain the project needs, objectives, budget and schedule and to gather community concerns and input on the safety and traffic operations at this intersection.
Public Workshop II is scheduled for Thursday, November 6, 2008 from 7:30-9:00 pm at the Westorchard
Elementary School Cafetorium, 25 Granite Road, Chappaqua. At this workshop, DOT will present conceptual feasible alternatives for improvements at this intersection based on the project needs and objectives and comments collected from the community at the first Public Workshop. The community will have the opportunity to provide additional comments and concerns regarding the conceptual feasible alternatives.
The workshop will be informal and interactive and DOT encourages community participation. Questions can be directed to Theresa Dewey, Project Public Involvement Coordinator, at (845) 431-5917 or
; or Ken Forness, Project Engineer, at (845) 431-7914 or
.
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