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Concern about the Quarry Pond Development
To the editor,
Having attended the July 20th Planning Board (PB) meeting, I would like to raise some concerns about the proposed Quarry Pond Development. Horton Road residents stated concern that their "country home" environment would be diminished. The impact on the quality of life reaches beyond the perimeter of Horton Road and Route 9. Homeowners to the east and west of Route 9, particularly at a higher elevation, will be affected by light pollution from the street lamps. The site developer assured attendees that the impact would be minimal However, the total number of lights to be installed has yet to be determined. Common sense dictates that sufficient lighting is essential to residents' safety but, without knowing how many lights will be installed in a concentrated area, how can assurances be given?
Another concern is traffic. Traffic on Route 9 during rush hour and weekends has been increasing. With additional development in Duchess County and farther north, traffic will only worsen. If each of the 78 units has at least one car and half have 2 the probability of 117 or more cars is likely. The site developer stated because of the 55 and older residency rule traffic would not be impacted during peak times. The requirement is that one person living in the unit must be 55. This would allow someone younger than 55 to also live there. It is an economic reality that for people 55 and older, working full time has become the standard not the exception.
Philipstown will receive tax revenues from this development. But what will be the costs incurred to support this new development and adjacent park? If swimming is going to be allowed (as suggested) what will it cost to make the pond water acceptable for swimming? What is the cost for annual operations of the pond? What costs will Philipstown have to incur before opening the park? With limited parking at this park who will benefit from this park? What will be the effect of increased demands on the Clove Creek aquifer? Tests have been performed and assurance given, but will things still be status quo in ten years? What will be the impact on the environment by the septic system that will be installed on the park portion of the site be? What will be the sale price for these new units? What will be the monthly maintenance fee? What will these townhouses look like? What controls will be put in place to insure the adequate up keep of the development?
I applaud the Board's effort to find an acceptable use of the quarry land. To quote Planning Board Chairman George Cleantis from a previous meeting, "The gem that is Philipstown is something we have on our shoulders to protect and preserve." By putting in 78 units with an average of 2 people per unit (156 people) would create a village all its own. I would hope the board would examine the proposal on the table carefully and think of the immediate and long-term effects of its decision.
Mickey Deneher
Cold Spring
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