Millwood Matters

MINUTES OF THE JULY, 2010
MEETING OF THE MILLWOOD TASK FORCE

The monthly meeting of the Millwood Task Force took place on Thursday, July 8, 2010 at Millwood Firehouse #2, Route 134, Millwood. Present were the following MTF Members: Dianne Kleinmann, Chairperson, Lou Russo, Phil Rice, Connie Knapp, June Farnham, Jordan Schiffman, Don Weisstuch and Michael Hafitz. Members of the community attending the meeting included Sara Brewster, Bill McGovern, Tom Auchterlone, Michael Dorio, Michael Stern, Town Administrator Gerry Fiaella and others. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dianne Kleinmann.

NEW TOWN PLANNER APPOINTED

David Brito has been appointed Town Planner by the Town of New Castle.

BRANN PROPERTY

Scheduled for Planning Board September 7th.

WETLANDS PERMIT APPLICATION FOR AMSTERDAM BALL FIELD #2

Sara Brewster submitted written comments to the Town Planning Board. Dianne stated that it is important for the MTF members to appear at the next Planning Board meeting to present the MTF position on the proposed second field. Sara stated that in the full environmental impact statement from 2004, references to the fields were only to two “multi-purpose” fields, not two regulation fields. She believes that any applicant wishing to expand on the size of the second field must amend the Environmental Assessment Form and look into traffic and wetland impact issues. Any applicant must amend this form since the form is not accurate in connection with the present proposed use. Sara stated that Town Board Member Wolfensohn was extremely disrespectful to her and to the MTF when he stated that neither she nor the MTF were interested in environmental concerns and “like it or not” you will get the regulation-sized field. He was asked questions concerning the environmental impact regarding trees and cost and could not answer the questions.

Town Administrator Jerry Fiaella stated that he was going through all of the comments previously made to the Town Planning Board. He stated that the Town residents currently have access to 10 fields with some in double use, 1000 residents are enrolled in baseball, 1500 in soccer, and 275 in lacrosse. He said that he would put together a list of the comments and reflected that activity and participation are very high in the community. MTF Member Connie Knapp inquired as to who proposed the regulation field. Jerry responded, stating that he initially raised the issue at the February, 2010 Town Board meeting.

Sara asked who authorized the work for the Town engineer to design plan for the larger field and wondered why the Planning Board seemed so surprised that a wider field was being proposed.

MTF Member Phil Rice questioned why the water line is being used as a reason for a larger field. MTF Member Jordan Schiffman stated that the Town already has a plan for two fields that has been approved. Since certain groups want a regulation field, why isn’t the Town asking these groups to raise funds privately to cover the extra cost? Sara declared that this matter has been nothing other than a cesspool of misunderstandings with the Town moving forward without sensitivity.

MTF Member Don Weisstuch summarized the position of the MTF: When the Town Board initially takes up a matter that has some bearing on Millwood, the MTF must be notified. Jerry agreed and stated that this is something the Town Board should be doing.

With respect to the building on the property, Jerry reported that the Habitat for Humanity has been in contact with the Town and may partner with the Town to rehabilitate the structure. The Town has hired Clarke Associates to get lead and asbestos removed. The Town is also dealing with the Westchester County Board of Health on septic issues.

MILLWOOD FIRE DISTRICT ISSUES

Alan Schapiro notified the MTF that on July 13th and again on July 20th the BOFC will present schematic drawings of the proposed firehouse. He also mentioned receipt of $20,000 in FEMA monies out of approximately $160,000 promised the district. He believed that construction will begin in June 2011 assuming referendum passes in November/December.

A&P WALL RECONSTRUCTION

Project is completed.

COUNTY TRAILWAYS PARKING LOT

Worst of holes have been repaired.

PINESBRIDGE ROAD RESURFACING

Progressing.

MILLWOOD COMMONS GAS STATION:

Station closed and work to start next week.

CAMPFIRE GUN CLUB

Jerry contacted gun club and spoke with Tom Fisher. Fisher explained how they used sound baffling and the hours of operation. Certain limited hours are available for shooting. As Jerry stated, if the noise is affecting quality of life for certain residents, the next step will be to see if noise is heard outside of the prescribed times.

MISCELLANEOUS

The June Minutes of the MTF were approved.

Next MTF Meeting is September 2, 2010.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Hafitz