Millwood Matters

February 12, 2010

Update on Millwood and West End
Excerpts from the Millwood Task Force Minutes for January 7, 2009

• Gene Nadel resigns from MTF
• MTF expresses disappointment at town decision to build second field at Amsterdam
• Stone for A&P wall the wrong color, sent back

The monthly meeting of the Millwood Task Force was held on Thursday, January 7, 2010 at Millwood Firehouse #2, Route 134, Millwood. Present were the following MTF Members: Dianne Kleinmann, Chairperson; Jordan Schiffman, Lou Russo, June Farnham and Michael Hafitz. Attending the meeting were Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard and Tom Auchterlonie. The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Dianne Kleinmann.

RESIGNATION OF GENE NADEL

Chair Dianne Kleinmann began the meeting by reading MTF Member Gene Nadel’s statement of resignation from the Millwood Task Force. Town Supervisor Gerrard commented that the Town has accepted his resignation with much regret. MTF Member Michael Hafitz made a motion to acknowledge Gene’s longstanding, tireless commitment and dedication to the Millwood Task Force, the Hamlet of Millwood and to the Town of New Castle. He stated that Gene’s even-handed approach to dealing with the myriad of issues facing Millwood will be missed. The motion was unanimously accepted.

AMSTERDAM FIELDS

The Millwood Task Force Members expressed their disappointment in reading that a second field will be built on the Amsterdam property. The issue as presented by Member June Farnham and Jordan Schiffman was not simply whether the field should be built but with the way the decision was made. At the last meeting of the MTF in December, Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard and Administrator Jerry Faiella notified the MTF that the Town was looking at building a second field at Amsterdam. As Jordan stated, all of a sudden, an announcement was made. Town Supervisor Gerrard stated that the Town could not find any other place for the field. She also mentioned that the second field will be taken into account when the issue of the mosque again arises and in any case both fields will not be used at the same time. June expressed her disappointment in the Town Board for not consulting with the MTF as the MTF has previously expressed a clear position with respect to the second field. The MTF’s position was not to build a second field and that position was ignored by the Town Board. Town Supervisor Gerrard said the Town held the line for two years but that there is no option. Finally, June stated that the Town Board’s responsibility is to the entire community, not certain segments of the community.

TOWN PLANNER

Town Supervisor Gerrard notified the MTF that an offer has been made to a candidate for the position of Town Planner. The MTF expressed its view that the new town planner becomes actively involved in the “visioning” program for downtown Millwood.

PROPOSED FIREHOUSE

Dianne reported that DEP materials were forwarded to the MTF Members.

REAL PROPERTY REVALUATION IN NEW CASTLE

Town Supervisor Barbara Gerrard indicated to the MTF that Thomas Fry’s initial report on the efficacy of revaluation in New Castle is expected in February.

ROUTE 120/133 INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENT

Work will go out to bid in March with an estimated completion date of November 2010.

A&P WALL RECONSTRUCTION

Town Supervisor Gerrard reported that there was a problem with the materials which were delivered for the project—the color of the stone was not what was approved. A new stone sample will now have to go through the approval process.

MISCELLANEOUS

* MTF Member Lou Russo advised the MTF that Ernest Vesce has expressed an interest in meeting with the MTF and/or the Town officials but only under certain conditions as he is fearful of physical harm. Town Supervisor Gerrard suggested that a meeting take place at the Town offices during the day since the police are present.

* MTF Member Lou Russo advised the MTF that as a licensed insurance broker, he has a duty to report violations of permitted used of real property. He reported that the company operating the crane business in Millwood is operating in violation of the site plan. He stated that the Town inspected the property on December 29, 2009 and logged a violation.

* Dianne asked Town Supervisor Gerrard about a new tree ordinance which is more restrictive than the one presently on the books. Town Supervisor Gerrard said that it is not in final form at this time.

* A discussion took place among the Members as to how to best cover the Town meetings and other meetings of interest to the residents of the Millwood area.

* Dianne advised the MTF that Westchester County Legislator Mike Kaplowitz has expressed interest in attending a Millwood Task Force meeting. All Members enthusiastically expressed their support for his attendance.

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Hafitz