MONTROSE-- The Roundtop at Montrose housing development, which is already under construction, will save 78 of 96 trees originally slated for destruction along Route 9A. The developer, William Balter, has agreed to save the trees and institute a long-term care plan by working with the Town of Cortlandt Planning Board.
Balter will leave a total of 92 trees remaining along Route 9A, where construction of the affordable housing complex is taking place. The trees were saved by shifting one building and one parking lot in the original design. John Bernard, vice chairman of the Planning Board, said he thought it was a better plan, as a result.
The Planning Board also requested that the developer institute a long-term management plan for the trees, that they revisit the landscaping plan and that the developer institute a five-year wetland enhancement plan.
Westchester County approved the construction of the Roundtop project in connection with a settlement with the Anti-Discrimination Center, a New York-based anti-discrimination advocacy group. The centers argument was that Westchesters minorities are confined to a short list of urban centers, including, for example, Port Chester and Peekskill. Instead of become embroiled in a likely high-cost lawsuit, the county opted to settle with the advocacy group.
Occupants of the new development would not be allowed to make more than 60 percent of the areas median income, or $123,291. The median income of Westchester County, according to the 2009 census, is $77,057, which is nearly 30 percent, and $22,503, over the median income for New York.
The 92-unit rental complex is likely to be completed near the end of 2012.
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