YORKTOWN, N.Y. A recycling center at Navajo Road is now possible following a unanimous decision by the Yorktown Town Board last week to amend a local law.
The board amended Chapter 300 Article X to allow recycling as a permitted manufacturing use in the I-1 Planned Light Industrial District. Attorney Al Capellini said Front Street and Navajo Road are the only two places in Yorktown classified in the district.
This law has a very limited applicability, he said.
Capellini is representing Brian DAmico, a resident who hopes to establish a recycling business for metal, plastic, paper, wood and cardboard in two buildings at the Osceola Industrial Park.
Quite frankly, something like this would have been unheard of 20 years ago, said Town Supervisor Michael Grace. But, at this point in time, these facilities are going to become more commonplace. And the way theyre run is completely different than what would be the old dumps.
Resident Howard Frank questioned the amendment and said the town should set up strict guidelines for noise, smell, sorting and more before approving any zoning changes.
Youre looking at a real dirty type of operation, Frank said. Youre opening up a can of worms, and Im surprised that none of the neighbors from across the road in those $500,000 and up houses are not coming to the public hearing.
Capellini said the boards decision was simply a textual change to an existing zoning code and any proposed recycling center would be subject to a strict planning process and environmental review.
I think that when the appropriate time occurs, an actual plan is put forward, all those issues would be addressed by the appropriate boards, said Capellini, who called it a sorely needed use.
Council member Nick Bianco said he was originally opposed to the idea but changed hsi position when no major concerns were raised by the towns advisory boards or by Westchester County.
I just didnt like recycling, but the supervisors correct, this is the wave of the future, Bianco said. Weve got to do something with our garbage.
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