Public Road Scenic Alternative Phasing
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Figure 4: Public Road Scenic Alternative Phasing Plan BT Holdings - Chester Development Village of Chester, Town of Chester, Orange County, New York Source: Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, 08/18/11 Scale: As shown File 05009 08/26/11 JS/05009 Tim Miller Associates, Inc.,10 North Street, Cold Spring, New York 10516 (845) 265-4400 Fax (845) 265-4418 Project Description August 18, 2011 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED ACTION COMMENTS AND RESPONSES Comment 2.0-1 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Steven Neuhaus, Town of Chester Town Supervisor): On August 10th, 2009, I sent a letter on behalf of the Town to the Village of Chester regarding our DEIS comments. We feel that there are at least twenty comments that weren't answered as thoroughly, or to our liking. I'd like to suggest or recommend that the BT Holdings engineers and architects or planners sit down with the Town's engineers and consultants, and just go through them item by item, so they are thoroughly explained and looked at. Response 2.0-1: During the course of the environmental review of the BT Holdings project, the Village of Chester circulated a notice of intent to be lead agency which the Town of Chester acknowledged. However, due to the nature of this specific project, the Village of Chester went above and beyond the measures normally taken to insure that a coordinated review of this project was conducted. To that end, in order to have benefit of the Town's comments as early in the process as possible, the Village gave the Town a preliminary working copy of the DEIS prior to its being accepted as complete by the Village. The numerous comments identified by the Town at that time were subsequently addressed during the process of working on the DEIS to achieve the "completeness" required by the Village. Given those changes made to that preliminary working copy, many of the Town’s comments in that memo were no longer relevant due to changes made to the completed DEIS. The Applicant has conducted a series of technical meetings with the Village and its consultants with the objective of reviewing and modifying the project to address comments raised during the environmental review. In a similar manner, the Applicant and his technical team plan to meet with the Town Engineer and consultants to detail the project changes which have been made and to resolve any possible remaining issues identified by the Town. Comment 2.0-2 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Dawn Guevara): At no point did you guys mention how much the units are going to be. Response 2.0-2: As discussed on page 3.8-6 in Section 3.8.3 of the DEIS, the projected sales price of the 2-bedroom units is estimated to be $333,333 and the projected sales price of the 3-bedroom units is estimated to be $455,455. These prices are subject to market conditions at the time of construction. It should be noted, that the tax projections which are the basis of the economic analysis, are based upon the projected assessed values of the units, not the sales price. Assessed values are far less volatile than sales price. Comment 2.0-3 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Matilda Bendix, Hambletonian Avenue): I know there was a lot of things when I was thinking back there -- but really, I just hope the village doesn't annex this thing to us. We have enough that we don't need any more. Response 2.0-3: As indicated by the increase in population, there is a continued need for housing both in the region and in the Town and Village of Chester. Municipal master plans are expressly designed to map out the future growth of the community, locating development in certain areas that can support growth while identifying other areas for preservation of open space and lower intensity development. This specific parcel was identified in the Town's Master Plan as the future site of needed senior and multifamily housing, thus providing a diversity of housing options while enabling preservation of other areas of the community in a more rural land use. BT Holdings / Chester Development FEIS 2-1 Project Description August 18, 2011 Comment 2.0-4 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Clifton Patrick, Town of Chester Historian): I don't see any direct connection between this proposed development and the mall -- I don't even see a sidewalk connecting the two, and I think it would be much better if there was a better connection to where these facilities are, for the residents, for this proposed -- for this processed development. Earlier you talked about sidewalks being on all roads in here. Where do those sidewalks go? Go out to 17M. There is no sidewalks. Response 2.0-4: There are sidewalks and walking trails shown on the conceptual plan to facilitate pedestrian movement within the proposed project. Additionally, as shown on the Public Road Scenic Alternative Site Plan, the Applicant has agreed with the owner of the Chester Mall to provide a direct connection between the BT Holdings property and the Chester Mall. This connection is most practical from the clubhouse area, in the vicinity of the gazebo, connecting with the northern side of the mall in between the Tractor Supply store and the Monro Muffler building. The BT Holdings development will be the closest residential housing to the Chester Mall and the only one directly connected to the mall property via a pedestrian accessway.. The Applicant is also retaining the Oakland Avenue connection from the northeast corner of the BT Holdings site to the Chester Village historic downtown to be used as an emergency access until such time as the public through road is completed. This connection may be retained as a pedestrian connection upon completion of the public through road. Comment 2.0-5 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Steven Neuhaus, Town of Chester Town Supervisor): I'd just like to address something Tracy brought up, about the posting of having the second public hearing last week. There was some confusion on one end or another but it was posted in local newspapers that it would be open, so even if you guys do not have it next week I'd ask that you send out some kind of press release letting the public know that there will be a public comment period and when that period will be. Response 2.0-5: Comment noted. In order to be proactive, the Village reserved the Chester School Auditorium for a second public hearing date, should it be have been necessary or should inclement weather have required the published hearing date to be canceled. Comment 2.0-6 (Public Hearing, January 7, 2010, Phillip Valastro, Mayor of the Village of Chester): Yes. Let me explain that reason why we had two dates. In that public notice it says the 7th. We did have the 14th for a snow date, because we're trying to be proactive for this time of year, because to have it scheduled on the 7th, and then not have it, to do it again maybe would be the end of the month or next month. We're just trying to be proactive. So that's why possibly the 14th was given out, when the Village Hall was called. Response 2.0-6: Comment noted. BT Holdings / Chester Development FEIS 2-2 Project Description August 18, 2011 Comment 2.0-7 (Letter #1, January 6, 2010, Tracy Schuh, The Preservation Collective): Page 1.2 - The DEIS states "This proposal directly responds to community growth goals as set forth in the Town of Chester Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2003". These goals should be referred to as Objectives of the Plan (page 24 attached). Note, there are others that related to this project that need to be considered such as: y to mandate the preservation of ridge lines, wetlands, flood plains, stream corridors, and natural contours of the land which forms the scenic backdrop for most areas of the Town. y To consider, protect, and retain all environmental assets such as groundwater supply, topography, and scenic vistas when reviewing development projects. Response 2.0-7: Refer to Response 3.11-2, 3.11-11, 3.6-8 and 3.6-9. One of the key sensitivities of the community has been the placement of units on the ridge line which overlooks the Talmadge Farm. In an effort to be responsive to this concern, the Applicant has removed buildings 3, 4, 5, and 6 as shown on the Conceptual Site Plan in the DEIS. The revised concept plan which includes the removal of these buildings is entitled the Public Road Scenic Alternative. The net result of the removal of these buildings as well as other changes to the plan has been a reduction of 22 townhomes, from the 358 in the DEIS to the 336 as proposed in the Public Road Scenic Alternative. The vacant area where the 22 units contained in Buildings 3, 4, 5, and 6 were previously located is herein referred to as the "Scenic Area". A revised Conceptual Landscape and Lighting Plan has also been prepared which shows the inclusion of landscaping in the Scenic Area which specifically incorporates deciduous trees with vibrant fall foliage to enhance the natural view of this spot. At the discretion of the Planning Board, this area could include a walking trail and other recreational amenities such as a gazebo and a scenic overlook area. Besides the removal of 22 units from the Scenic Area, implementation of earth tone colors on the building facades, substantial landscaping added along the property line buffer and landscaped groves added at the north end and south ends of the site are additional mitigation measures that have been incorporated into the project which would further serve to preserve the scenic vista and reduce the visibility of any buildings from off-site locations.