DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. Development projects were a top story in 2011, with plans for a proposed Walgreens and the Rivertowns Square moving ahead.
Walgreens was granted site plan approval in November for the 19,000 square foot project that would be placed at 11-17 Ashford Ave. The Board of Trustee voted unanimously to approve the projects site plan as it continues to take shape in the village. Dobbs Ferry Mayor Hartley Connett said projects like this would bring new life to a dilapidated business district in a recent message to residents.
Rivertowns Square is a much larger project and the Board of Trustees recently accepted its draft environmental impact statement as complete. The board opened the project up to public comments as well and local residents filled Village Hall to voice their opinion on the project. While most comments were against the project, some residents point out that those in favor of the project dont need to attend the hearings.
It would be a mistake to assume that the people who have concerns and who come to these meeting represent the feelings of the entire community, said Dobbs Ferry resident Paddy Steinschneider.
In a recent poll posted on our website, 56 percent of those who participated said they don't think the project is worth the trouble it will cause. Another 28 percent said theyd be open to the project if it were scaled back while 17 percent said the project will help the village in the long run.
Additional public hearings were set by the board for Jan. 9 and Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. in Village Hall. The additional meetings will allow further presentations from the representatives of Rivertowns Square along with more comments from residents.
This will also allow the public to better prepare for the meetings and to encourage focus and thoughtful comments and input, Connett said about the hearings in his message.
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