1) Reviewing local Town and Village subdivision proposals before the Planning Boards in regards to site plan designs and raising awareness on potential environmental impacts.
2) Gathered concerned residents in Chester and Monroe to express concern of possible water contamination to private groundwater wells as a result of a development project's proposed water supply only 100 feet from Monroe's old landfill. Outcome to follow shortly http://www.recordonline.com/archive/2004/09/17/henry17.htm
3) Gathered concerned residents in Chester to the Town Board Meetings to express concern of losing their prized scenic and historic landmark (farmland on Kings Hwy) to a housing project named Broad View Estates. As a result, the residents had the opportunity to vote on the purchase on Election Day.
4) We are following up on public inquiries about Camp Monroe and plan to follow the proposal closely. See "Development Projects" for more details.
5) The local homeowner's assoc. is reviewing the Chester Golf Club proposal. We were interested to see if we could help suggest a better design of open space and horse trails. Therefore, we initiated conversations between the Orange County Land Trust, Trail Conference and Palisades Interstate Park Commission about better management of development patterns and creating a green way and/or hiking paths to other protected land. All parties are also concerned about the preservation of archeology findings and other environmental issues.
6) Researching numerous master plans, local laws and codes for improvement. For instance, we requested that the town adopt local wetland protection laws as well as tree conservation laws. We supplied the town with examples, which are being taken under consideration. Also, we are looking for the creation of a Citizens Advisory Committee and/or Conservation Commission to advise the town about preservation, development, and use of the natural and man-made conditions within Chester. In addition, we are currently following up on improved Top Soil analysis before farmland is developed and other town codes in draft stages i.e. Archeological Phase I Study requirements.
