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Dover Knolls Environment Study Passes Muster
07.07.2006
By Oren Phillips
Staff Reporter - Harlem Valley Times
The Knolls of Dover housing development took another step forward, as the town board passed a resolution to adopt the State Environment Quality Review Act's (SEQRA) final scope of the property the project would be built on.
A scope is a study that investigates any adverse environmental impacts a project would have on the area.
The housing development is located on the grounds of the former Harlem Valley Psychiatric Center off Route 22 in Wingdale.
"We have reviewed all available information for the application," said Supervisor Jill Way during the June 28 town board meeting.
The developers' plan would have 85% of the homes on the west side of Route 22 and 90% on the east side, all within a half mile of the railroad station.
The town would like the developer to keep 90% of the land half a mile from the railroad station as open space.
In April, it was announced there would be both positive and negative impacts of the development, which will occupy almost 883 acres, including 1,300 residential units.
The estimated cost of the project is $400 million. The negatives include the destruction of some of the environment and more traffic, and the positives are the creation of more jobs in the area.
The scoping document will now be sent to the state, while The Dover Knolls Development Co. will work to create a comprehensive document, for both the board and the public can make comments on.
In other business, progress is being made in Boyce Park as construction continues in the creation of basketball and tennis courts, as well as a skateboard park.
"The highway department has brought in fill, and the two basketball courts are ready to be paved," said Councilman Brian Kelly.
"They are going to be regulation size basketball and tennis courts. The only problem is the weather has slowed things down," he said about the rain.
The board is hoping to have the project done quickly so the area can be used during the summer.
It was also announced that the Department of Public Works is still deciding how to repair the bridge near Webutuck Craft Village.
One thing they would like to have on the bridge are four ornamental light fixtures on the railing, but the town would have to assume responsibility for providing electricity for them.
One idea is to see if the area falls into the Wingdale light district or to see about solar panels to provide energy.
There will be construction on Route 22 through town through July 12, and the Ketcham Hose Co. parade will take place on July 14 at 7 p.m.
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