NEW YORK STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW (SEQR) POSITIVE DECLARATION FOR AN UNLISTED ACTION

Notice of Intent to Prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) and Determination of Significance

Dated: February 6, 2007
Project No. 41-06  

This notice is issued pursuant to Part 617 of the Implementing regulations pertaining to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review) of the Environmental Conservation Law.

The Lead Agency has determined that the proposed action described below may have a significant effect on the environment and that a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared.

Lead Agency: The Lead Agency for the Proposed action is the Town of Cortlandt Planning Board, Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, New York 10567.  For further information contact Mr. Kenneth Verschoor, Deputy Director, Planning Division, Department of Technical Services, same address as stated above, telephone No. (914) 734-1080.

Description of the Action: Application (PB 41-06) of V.S. Construction for Preliminary Plat Approval, Site Development Plan Approval and for Wetland, Steep Slope and Tree Removal Permits for a proposed 70,000 sq. ft., 2-1/2 story commercial building and a 5 lot residential subdivision on 8.35 acres as shown on a drawing entitled proposed Site Plan for Watch Hill Plaza” prepared by Edmond Gemmola, R.A. dated December 29, 2006.

The subject application is submitted pursuant to Chapter 307, Article XII (Site Development Plan Approval), Chapter 265 (Subdivision of Land) and for permits pursuant to Chapter 179  (Freshwater Wetlands, Water Bodies and Watercourses), Chapter 259 (Steep Slopes), and Chapter 283 (Tree Removal) of the Town of Cortlandt Code.

Location of Proposed Action: The proposed action is located on 8.35 acres on the east side of New York and Albany Post Road (Route 9A) at the intersection of Old Post Road (South) and on the south side of Watch Hill Road. The subject property is located in two zoning districts; HC/9A, Highway Commercial/Multi Family (approximately 2.734 acres) for 200 feet in from New York and Albany Post Road; and R-40, Single Family Residential (approximately 5.616 acres) for the remainder of the property.  The subject property is designated on the Town of Cortlandt Tax Maps as Section 55.18, Block 1, Lots 5 and 10.

Reasons in Support of the Determination: This determination is based on Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Full Environmental Assessment form prepared for the proposed action as shown on the above mentioned drawings submitted with this application.  Pursuant to Section 617.7 of the SEQR Regulations the Planning Board considered the magnitude and importance of each impact which may be reasonably expected to result from the proposed action and finds that: (1) The proposed action may significantly impact existing air quality, surface water quality and quantity, including impacts on steep slopes, traffic and noise levels and may result in a substantial increase in potential for erosion, flooding and drainage problems. (2) The proposed action will result in the removal and destruction of large quantities of vegetation and may substantially interfere with  visual quality and neighborhood character. (3) The proposed action will result in the attracting of a large number of people to a place compared to the number of people who would come to such a place absent the action. (4) The proposed action will result in a demand for additional community services such as schools, police, fire, ambulance, sanitation, roadway maintenance and an additional demand on the Town’s water supply and sanitary sewer systems.  (5) The subject project is located within the emergency evacuation area for the Indian Point Nuclear plants.  (6) When considered with other development in the area, cumulative effects on the above mentioned items (1) – (5) may also be significant.

A Public Hearing on the Scope for a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be conducted by the Town of Cortlandt Planning Board on Wednesday, April 11, 2007 at 8:00 P.M. at the Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor, New York.

This Positive Declaration was adopted by the Town of Cortlandt Planning Board on February 6, 2007.