The lead agenda item for the July 21, 2009, Cold Spring Village Board meeting was a presentation by Scenic Hudson about their plans for the West Point Foundry Preserve. Of specific concern was their desire to use composting toilets, which do not require running water or a sewer connection. Three of these fixtures are proposed, with a combined capacity of 400 uses a week. Waste would be collected for distribution to composting sites in the area.

At issue is the village code requirement that any sanitary facility (toilet) within 150 feet of a sewer line is required to tie into that line and the location of the proposed toilets falls within this radius. Scenic Hudson attorney George Rodenhausen, of Rapport Meyers Whitbeck Shaw & Rodenhausen, told the board that composting toilets have been successfully used at other parks operated by Scenic Hudson and that they "have no odor . . . and will not damage the site." He further acknowledged that this is "an alternate way to deal with sewage," but one that is consistent with "the message of the site."

The conflict with village code arose during an earlier presentation made to the Cold Spring Planning Board. According to Rodenhausen, the Planning Board agrees in theory with Scenic Hudson's arguments, but cannot move until the code issue is resolved. The Department of Health, Rodenhausen said, has given its "unofficial blessing" to the project. For planned events, where large numbers of people are expected, additional conventional portable toilets would be used. "If the sewer department signs off," asked Mr. Rodenhausen, "can the board consider this?" He concluded his arguments by offering to assist the Board in writing an "amendment to the code," if they chose to move in that direction, and also stipulated that Scenic Hudson would pay any required sewer fees.

The board had many questions and comments about the entire scope of the park, likely primed by experiences from the recent Community Day festivities. Mayor Gallagher asked whether the Planning Board had "okayed the lack of running water." He also raised questions about cleaning and hand washing. Scenic Hudson Director of Parks Rita Shaheen responded that the issue "is still under discussion," and that "water would be brought in" for cleaning and "hand sanitizers" would be available. Trustee Lynn Miller asked, "How often would they be maintained?" Ms. Shaheen said that Scenic Hudson plans to "hire a company" to come every two to three months to remove waste. Daily cleanup would be handled by part-time staff and volunteers. She went on to say that "Scenic Hudson runs twelve parks" in a similar manner. Trustee Miller expressed the sense of the board saying, "If you put up a public bathroom it has got to be maintained properly and frequently."

Mr. Gallagher expressed a desire to see a water fountain in the preserve. Trustee Ralph Falloon mentioned that there is a water line to the existing building fire hydrant, but its working status is undetermined. Ms. Shaheen raised the issue of possible vandalism to the fountains, but the mayor was not dissuaded, saying "they have them in parks . . . and they would not necessarily require a sewer hookup for drainage." Trustee Miller enquired about fire protection. Trustee Falloon reported that Scenic Hudson has met with the fire department, which "feels the nature of the proposed structures can be handled with existing fire department equipment." Returning to the possibility of vandalism, Gallagher asked whether the toilets would be open at all times. Ms. Shaheen replied that they would be "open during hours of operation and locked during other times."

Bus and car parking was a concern for Trustee Bruce Campbell. Shaheen responded that there will be on-site parking for cars and that "buses will be given specific parking directions." She continued, saying, "discussions are underway with Boscobel" for possible bus parking. Mayor Gallagher offered use of the town garage on weekends and suggested that weekend use of the Metro-North parking lot might be possible.

Throughout the discussion the board appeared amenable to the use of the composting toilets and Scenic Hudson's plans for the preserve in general. Trustee Falloon, referring to the code issue, noted that in "past practice a flat (sewer) rate was charged," and indicated he would like to proceed with the project. Mayor Gallagher agreed, saying that this "would preserve the integrity of the sewer district." Although no specific decision was made to resolve the code conflict, the mayor asked Scenic Hudson to submit a proposal for the board's review.

Additional information about the West Point Foundry Preserve may be found at www.scenichudson.org.