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SOMERS, N.Y. - Assemblyman Steve Katz (R, I/Yorktown), Yorktown Councilman Dr. Terrence Murphy and Somers Supervisor Mary Beth Murphy convened at Lake Shenorock on Tuesday to announce plans to study improvements to the lake.
Katz spoke of his involvement with the Mid-Hudson Economic Development Council and the East of Hudson Water Quality Fund and said he believed funds can be found to make badly needed improvements to Lake Shenorock without raising anyones taxes.
There are existing funds we will go after. More than $1.3 million is available, he said, adding improving the lake quality will bring economic vitality to the area and raise property values.
Councilman Murphy talked about his experiences in Yorktown, where runoff water has become a health issue."
"I support [Assemblyman Katzs] plan 100%. We can have a better quality of life without new taxes. We are already the highest taxed county in the country, he said.
Supervisor Murphy said she would be happy to coordinate with Katz, and help decide how the various resources could be used most effectively. Somers already has $100,000 from the East of Hudson Fund to study conditions at Lake Shenorock and get information, she said.
Two Lake Shenorock residents spoke on behalf of the community. Frank Dalton, an 11-year resident, called Katzs proposal fabulous.
This is a privately owned lake. We used to have a United Owners Association but now its in limbo. Some of us think this should be a Somers park district. We want the town to take it over, but not everyone agrees, Dalton said.
Anita Krusko, a resident for more than 30 years, explained Shenorock started out as a summer community of 300 homes.
"They had summer septics. Now there are over 900 year-round homes. The lake has become a drainage ditch," Krusko said. "We want to refresh the water and sustain the wildlife habitat, but its still a privately owned lake and we hope this is not an attempt to take it over.
Dalton responded, Anita and I want the same thing in the end. We just approach things differently.
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