Barnes Rd. Development - Is it an Environmental Disaster

I have been involved with a group of concerned residents in the Town of Ossining, since we learned that Zappico had applied to the Planning Board for a subdivision on the Brann Farm on Barnes Rd. The process began in March 2013 with the 1st presentation at the Planning Board meeting. There were 40+ residents who expressed great concern about development of wetlands.

The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to the Planning Board, issued an extensive report, on 9/19/13, based on a review of the Environmental Assessment Form (EAF), submitted by Zappico. The deemed it incomplete and inaccurate.  It is important to note that the EAC representatives were refused permission to visit the site (the 1st time this has ever occurred). In their summary they stated "...it's hard to imagine that the costs and impact from this development will not significantly, adversely impact open space, water quality and flooding, the cost of which will very likely exceed any benefits the Town could expect from the subdivision.  At the very least, we recommend a complete reassessment of the responses submitted in this EAF." In November they followed up with a wetlands report and ended with a quote from the code of Ossining, Environmental Quality Review, Chapter 85-3-B, “we, including the Planning and town boards and the EAC, are charged as agencies of the Town to 'conduct affairs with an awareness that (we) have an obligation to protect the environment for the use and enjoyment of this and future generations."

Despite this report and testimony from area residents that are already experiencing water problems, David Stolman of Frederick P. Clark Associates and planning consultant to the board, in his report of 12/13/13, stated, "We do not believe that this is an action under SEQRA which must be preceded by a determination of significance."  SEQRA, is the NYS environmental quality review.  This is the process that promises a thorough review of all environmental issues. 

At the last Planning Board meeting on 4/9/14, Mr. Stolman was asked by the Chair of the EAC, why the SEQRA process has not begun.  The response was that it was not required.  I appealed to the board  to not think of what was required, but what was right. 

This property is filled with steep slopes (including a 40 ft. slope which is the highest in the Town) that sits above existing residences.  The applicant's conventional plan, before the board now, shows roadways and basins placed in this slope as well as basins in other slopes.  

The applicant needs approval of this plan to move on to his ultimate plan of cluster housing.  Mr. Stolman suggests that this conventional sketch plan be approved and that the proposed 24 houses will just be a number that is "floated" out there for negotiation later.

According to the Planning Board minutes from the 4/10/13 meeting, Chairman Weeks reported, "...Reports are presented to Mr. Zappi outlining modifications, corrections and a determination as to whether or not this is a viable plan for number of lots shown. ...Then the next steps of the process begin. "  That doesn't sound like floating a number out there.  We have had this plan looked at by an environmental engineer who has found many issues that make the viability of 24 lots, questionable. 

The next meeting is to be held on April 23rd.  This property borders on Ryder Park.  Anyone who uses the park for soccer, baseball or town camp, is aware of water issues that already exist.  Disrupting the steep slopes that the wetlands drain into, could affect the park also. You are invited to attend. Just go to www.townofossining.com to find out the location.  Meetings usually begin at 7:30 pm. 

Wendy Masserman     

Ossining