“A slug fest for hours,” said Mark Fry of the special Planning Board work session in which citizens, board members and Toll Brothers officials tried to hammer out Wilson Park development details that .
But things were more civil than that description may depict, as public comments are limited at a work session. The following points were discussed and will be revisited:
- The Planning Board and Toll Brothers are aiming to reach agreement over the extent of drainage needed for the soccer field at Wilson Park. The Village will define the kind of use expected, by local schools and others, which will help determine what additional steps may be appropriate to limit field closures after rain. Also, Toll Brothers will propose safety measures to separate users of the field from the water retention areas on the site.
- The proposed large house on the lot next to the Ice House on Warner Lane was discussed extensively. The Planning Board is concerned over the scale of the building, which - while the floor area is within code - would present over 100 feet of frontage towards the open space of Wilson Park, and stand less than 60 feet from the Ice House. Toll Brothers will see if an alternative configuration can be presented.
- The stone wall proposed to mark the line between Wilson Park and the adjoining Toll Brothers lots will be reconsidered. Its height may be reduced from the 3 feet presently approved to two feet, with gaps to avoid damage to tree roots.
The Tarrytown Lakes Committe agenda items, mainly saving the stone house, didn't get much discussion time in the meeting. Saving the stone house would apparently have to come through a private deal whereby the Historical Society or someone buys the lot from Toll; the Village is out of that one.
A self-described "soccer mom" and resident in attendance at the meeting, Pamela Bennett Louis said, "I was incredibly impressed with this Planning Board’s dedication to making sure that the project is properly constructed and, crucially important in this particular instance, the Tarrytown Planning Board is making sure that the new construction is in keeping with the unique characteristics of the Wilson Park neighborhood and Tarrytown lakes."
Comments? The next public hearing on the development will be continued at Village Hall on Tuesday evening, May 29.
