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Springbrook Water Problems Considered at Weekly Workshop of Cold Spring Village Board
Parking issues again discussed with no resolution
by Kevin Foley
The troubles experienced by residents of the Springbrook Condominiums from both natural causes and ageing infrastructure were first on the agenda of the weekly Cold Spring Village Board workshop meeting on Tuesday, September 4, 2007. Led by spokesperson Fran O'Toole, the Springbrook residents sought further understanding of what, if anything, the Village could do to alleviate problems stemming from the erosion caused by the brook that runs through their property as well as the possibility for repair of two broken fire hydrants that are on condominium property. The Springbrook residents had first raised these issues at a Board workshop meeting in May of this year.
Mayor Anthony Phillips acknowledged the difficulties caused by the brook especially during heavy rains in mid-April. He said he had met with representatives of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the New York State Transportation Department but that neither agency thought the issue fell within their guidelines for action. He said he had been referred to the Putnam County District Manager for Sewer and Water Conservation, Laurie Taylor, with whom he was in communication. Phillips also said he was seeking support from State Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and State Senator Vincent Leibell to obtain state grants to fund repair of the brook condition.
The Mayor pointed out that the flooding problem of the sometimes-dry brook at the condominium extended all the way up the brook's path to Cedar Street and was the consequence of increased development in Nelsonville as well building additions to the Haldane School property over more than a ten year period which resulted in a large increase in water flow during storms. The Mayor blamed the state for failing to address this issue when repairs were made to Route 301 several years ago. "I wish had more positive news," said Phillips when pressed by the Springbrook residents about the prospect of state aid. "We've been unsuccessful over the years getting the state involved," he acknowledged.
The residents' hope that the Village would play a role in either repairing or replacing two non-working fire hydrants located on the Springbrook property on the basis of fire safety seem to be foreclosed when the Mayor said the Village fire officials believed the current system for fighting a fire at the development was adequate. "The hydrants are an insurance issue for you, the Village doesn't require them," said the Mayor. Trustee John Teagle pointed out that the hydrants issue is clouded by the apparent absence of the plan drawings necessary to identify the system of pipes beneath the ground and the relationship of the hydrant pipes to the overall water supply to the development. He said efforts to find them among Village records were unsuccessful. The Springbrook residents said their search had been futile as well. Both sides agreed the hydrant system was connected to and apparently needed to maintain the flow and quality of water to the condominiums.
Resident Gloria McVey protested that repair to the hydrants was cost prohibitive because the pipes were deep down in the ground and embedded in concrete. Nevertheless, Trustee Edward Mancari punctuated the discussion by politely pointing out, "it's private property, you have to make the decisions about how to address the hydrant problem."
The Western Putnam Economic Development Committee (WPEDC), an area marketing organization comprised mostly of proprietors from Cold Spring's Main Street, brought several issues before the Trustees for consideration. Problems with the Main Street parking situation dominated the discussion. The Committee, through spokeswoman Marilyn Heberling, owner of Art to Wear on Main St., asked the Board to consider establishing a parking authority to monitor and enforce regulations. In addition, she suggested the introduction of parking meters on Main Street, the cost of which could be recouped in the first year with a new revenue stream for the Village thereafter. While churning traffic more frequently is the Committee's goal, members complained that fellow business owners, Village employees and train commuters park on Main Street all day making it difficult for shoppers to park. They also said that Village parking enforcement was not uniformly applied, allowing people to take advantage of gaps. One member suggested a major change to angled parking by making the sidewalks narrower. Mayor Phillips quickly rejected this idea as far too expensive a project given the need to move streetlights, fire hydrants and benches among other things.
Trustees expressed appreciation of the parking problem but were generally wary of any large-scale solutions. They did agree to look into increasing or staggering enforcement efforts, which presently are concentrated on late weekdays and weekends. They also urged the business people to communicate with other business owners about parking their cars on Main Street and said they would look into any Village employees who do it. Trustee Karen Dunn urged those committee members most interested in the issue to attend meetings of the infrastructure committee of the Comprehensive Planning Special Board.
Complaints from the WPEDC regarding Village police attitudes, including where they park, were met with firm assurances of resolution. "The Mayor and the Board have worked hard on police issues," said Trustee Edward Mancari. "We are working on training," added Karen Dunn.
Next, there was a discussion about trash problems, particularly on weekends when Village crowds are at their peak. Mayor Phillips said the Village was working on increased recycling efforts and would consider putting out more cans and better signage to distinguish recycling bins from regular refuse, but if the merchants wanted a weekend garbage pick-up they would have to pay for it. He estimated the cost at $600 a week. The Mayor pointed out that food merchants were taking it upon themselves to handle overflowed bins and that perhaps other merchants could help out as well. It was generally agreed that plastic garbage bags under any new solution could not be left on the sidewalk.
Finally, the WPEDC raised questions regarding the ability of their members to fully participate in the workings of the Comprehensive Planning Special Board given that the charter for the Special Board requires Village residency for membership. WPEDC member Leonora Burton, owner of the Country Goose, complained that she had been asked to leave a Special Board committee meeting because she wasn't a resident.
Trustees took pains to say that it was always intended that the business community play a significant role in the development of future plans for the Village notwithstanding the requirement to be a resident to be an official member of the Special Board. "You are welcome to offer your views at every meeting of every committee of the Special Board," said Trustee Karen Dunn. Both the chair and the vice chair of the Special Board, Carol Casparian and Z. I. Sanchez, who were in the audience, reiterated that while there may have been some confusion in the early stages, all meetings of the Special Board and its committees are open to the public and that the place and times are posted on the front window of the Village Hall.
Other business before the workshop meeting included mention by Mayor Phillips of upcoming alterations to the Village Hall to accommodate the court hearings held there. There was also a brief discussion about the New York State Parks Department management of the Dockside Park on the Cold Spring waterfront. Both Mayor Phillips and Trustee Dunn complained the state wasn't cooperating with the Village in terms of information flow and security arrangements. Dunn said the park was being rented out for weddings with other visitors turned away without any communication with the Village despite early promises of cooperation. Mayor Phillips said he would be calling the right officials to get a meeting between the state and Village Board regarding the matter.
Finally, the Board briefly discussed the pending sale of the old Butterfield property to Unicorn Contracting, a private developer. Karen Dunn reiterated her call for a moratorium on development calling it "the perfect time for taking a breath to consider all the ramifications of any decisions." She also said it was important the developer be part of the master planning discussion. Trustee John Teagle, referring to rumors that the Village fire company was offered a new firehouse on the Butterfield property in exchange for Village property said "the fire people saw a moratorium as hurting their chances to get a new house." Mayor Phillips urged Board members to be patient and not to give credence to rumors, declaring that he knew nothing about any offers or deals.
The regular monthly meeting of the Village Board will be held on Tuesday, September 11 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.
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