Residents turned out in droves on Dec. 10 for Hyde Park’s Town Board meeting to comment on several significant pending issues.
Some residents addressed the board regarding a proposed new law regulating illicit discharge from sump pumps into storm water systems. Many were concerned that homeowners with existing sump pumps would be affected by the new law if it came into effect. Dennis Ritz, a resident of the Greenbush area, told the board that his neighborhood has few operating drains and residents need their sump pumps to control flooding. “During a moderate rain, I lose half my property,” said Ritz.
Town Engineer Pete Setaro clarified the new regulation, noting that the law will prohibit new construction from installing sump pumps, but existing homeowners may continue to use the devices as long as they are not discharging contaminated water. New York State law already prohibits discharge of contaminants from sump pumps, he said, acknowledging that sump pumps are crucial to many area homeowners.
“People have issues and need to have them,” said Setaro.
Outdoor wood-burning furnaces
Other residents were fired up about a proposed resolution to restrict use of outdoor wood-burning furnaces. A resolution under consideration would limit wood-burning fireplaces to properties of 10 acres or more, restrict months of operation and place restrictions on setbacks.
Sharon Lomasney operates a pig farm with her husband in Staatsburg and asked that the board consider a grandfather clause for owners of existing wood-burning furnaces. Danny Green, a Hyde Park resident, questioned the board’s choice of a 10-acre minimum. “There’s not too many residents here that have 10 acres,” he said, and he also suggested the town allow neighboring property owners to decide whether or not they approve of wood-burning furnaces on nearby properties. “Give us a chance to have input from neighbors,” said Green.
Central sewer project
While previous discussions about a central sewer system have been met with general support from community members, Monday’s meeting encountered harsh criticism from numerous residents, including students attending the Culinary Institute of America who live in area apartment buildings. The students held large signs throughout the meeting with statements such as “Support the Students,” referring to the additional costs that owners of apartment buildings will be charged to connect to a central sewer system; these costs may eventually result in higher rental rates. Peter Carrasone, owner of Hyde Park Estates, referred to the students in attendance as he addressed the board. “It will put a lot of these people out on the street,” said Carrasone. “I don’t know where these people would stay … a lot of people would be hurt.”
Vinnie Patel, owner of the Quality Inn in Hyde Park, is opposed to the sewer plan due to costs involved. “I think it will put us out of business,” said Patel, who also questioned the validity of some of the petitions that were signed in support of the plan. Business owner Ruth Mesuda said she supported the sewer plan, but within limits. “I support a sewer system for Hyde Park, but not a cost-prohibitive one,” she said.
Sharon Lomasney, who owns a gym further south on Route 9, wants a sewer, and would like the current plan to proceed. “Not to have water and sewer hinders growth of my business,” said Lomasney. She expressed her disappointment that the sewer line is not planned to extend south of St. Andrews Road, as her business is excluded geographically from the project. “There are quite a few businesses at the south end of Hyde Park,” said Lomasney. “I’m really saddened that the town again has knocked us out.”
Dot Chenevert, owner of Green Oak Florist in the village of Hyde Park, is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and has been trying to recruit new business to the town in an effort to reduce property taxes. “The Chamber recognized that a sewer was crucial to growth in the economic base,” said Chenevert. “Without a bigger economic base we are not going to get a better tax rate.”
Town Supervisor Pompey Delafield (D) acknowledged concerns of residents. “There was a great deal of criticism tonight and it was legitimate,” he said, adding that the creation of a sewer system “was the will of the people of the district.”
“This board, I believe, has the obligation to listen to the majority on this issue,” he said.
While some residents and Town Board members are concerned that a sewer system may bring too many businesses to Hyde Park, Bob Linville (D-1st Ward) noted that a sewer may provide an opportunity to reduce overall taxes. “One of the things people have told us over and over again is that taxes are too high and services are too low,” said Linville. “In order to make real economic change in town, we need to change the equation somehow … a sewer brings that equation,” he said.
Delafield said that the town is in a unique position to save a substantial amount of money on the sewer system, as the sewer treatment plant will be constructed and paid for by developer Pierre Gagne. “We have spent two years on this project, and we have a certain obligation to bring it to a certain point,” said Delafield. “We have a time and this is the time if we’re going to take it,” he said.