Architect Bernard Lanza, Counsel John Kirkpatrick, Commissioner Fred Scheier, Chairman Anthony Olenick
October 24, 2008
by Gene Nadel
The months-long battle within the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners over how big a firehouse to propose to taxpayers ended in September with three commissioners voting to go to the planning board for permit approval for a new firehouse of a size they favored. The two opposing commissioners warned that the documentation supporting the plan was inadequate and would never pass muster with the planning board. They were proved right twice this week.
First, at an informal hearing before the planning board on Tuesday, October 21, New Castle Town Planner Lincoln Daley, speaking for the town staff who conducted the review of the proposal’s draft environmental impact statement, termed that document “totally inadequate.” Daley’s executive summary of the “Millwood DEIS – Draft Comments” read, “Based on our substantive review ..., we conclude that the DEIS is incomplete and deficient…. We further assert that the prepared document is poorly organized and does not adequately support its conclusions”.
Two nights later, in the fire commissioners’ own public hearing on the same document, Millwood Task Force Chair Dianne Kleinmann led the way with a blistering list of criticisms followed by a dozen residents. All objected to the overall quality of the DEIS, citing numerous specific omissions or shortfalls.
Daley, appearing again on behalf of the Town, followed up on his remarks before the planning board two evenings earlier. Sara Brewster, a former Planning Board and MTF chair, described the DEIS as one of the worst she had ever seen. Sheila Crespi, League of Women Voters president, expressed the League’s dissatisfaction with it. On behalf of the West End Neighborhood Taxpayer group, WENT Firehouse Chair Kurt Kleinmann submitted preliminary plans for a firehouse with far fewer environmental impacts than the Board of Fire Commissioners’ preferred alternative described in the DEIS.
Complaints ranged from omissions or alleged incomplete data regarding blasting, financial transparency, tree removal, storm water retention plans, noise and traffic considerations, steep slopes and a host of other items.
A major complaint involved the necessity of constructing a massive retaining wall in some places twenty feet in height about which resident Dick Henzel evoked one of the evening’s few laughs. Henzel said that there were only two walls that high in Westchester - one at Croton Dam (to keep water out) and one at Sing Sing Prison (to keep prisoners in).
The commissioners did not respond to questions at the hearing. They will, however, be responsible for providing written replies to all questions in the final environmental impact statement. The public has until November 3rd to submit additional written questions and comments. Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or write Millwood FD, P.O. Box 140, Millwood, N.Y. 10546. To view the DEIS, click here.
Fire District Elections - Just Around the Corner - Nominee(s) Needed
It is not too early to remind Fire District residents that one member of the five person Board of Fire Commissioners is elected annually to serve a five year term. This year’s election will take place on Tuesday, December 9th. The deadline for submitting names of candidates for this office is Tuesday, November 19th.
Commissioner Doug Mead reaches the end of his current term this year and has not indicated any desire to run again. As of this time, your reporter is unaware of any resident seeking the post. With many vital decisions to be made in upcoming months, it is important to have the seat filled by a competent individual. Please give the matter some serious thought and see if we can promote an outstanding candidate.
A Fond Farewell to a Dedicated Pair
In our Letters To The Editor column you will see a notice from the Millwood Board of Fire Commissioners announcing the retirement of the Board’s Treasurer, Urban Santone, and Secretary, Virginia Carey. This pair has served so long in their positions that they had practically become permanent fixtures. They can indeed be proud of the examples they set in loyalty and devotion in their service to the Fire District. We wish them well in all their future endeavors.
This does lead to other consequences:
Help Wanted - Part Time Positions Available
The following is the gist of a notice posted on the Millwood Fire District web site:
NOTICE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR EMPLOYMENT
Individuals who may be interested in the position of Secretary and/or Treasurer of the Millwood Fire District are requested to please contact the Millwoood Fire District at P.O. Box 140, Millwood, NY, 10546 or by e-mail, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Compensation for these part-time jobs would be commensurate with experience and training.
Preference will be afforded to individuals who are residents of the Millwood Fire District.
Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting
The November monthly meeting of the Millwood Board of Fire Commission will take place on Monday, October 27th at 7:30 pm at Firehouse #2 on Route 134. Public discussion may include further comments and questions concerning last night’s DEIS hearing.
BOFC Chairman Olenick has indicated that the report from the structural engineer looking at Station #1 is expected to be ready sometime next week.
Millwood residents waiting for planning board meeting to begin
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