44°
YORKTOWN, N.Y. A conceptual design to develop the Bear Mountain Triangle with commercial and retail use was presented Tuesday night during a Yorktown Town Board work session.
The Bear Mountain Triangle is the informal name for the space between Route 202 and the Bear Mountain Parkway Extension, just west of the Taconic State Parkway. Yorktown resident and former town engineer Dan Ciarcia, on behalf of Mandalay Builders, proposed an idea for the nearly 10 undeveloped acres along Route 202.
There are things happening in the neighborhood that would warrant taking a fresh look at it, Ciarcia said, referring to a proposal that would bring a Costco into the area. Its not just what we represent, its just the point and time to look at that area.
The idea to rezone the area was first proposed by the Town Board in 1989. The change called for commercial use on the perimeter and residential elsewhere, to accommodate light industrial uses.
Ciarcias conceptual design has 68 1,800 square-foot townhouses on 9 acres of land, and would include several ancillary commercial uses. Ciarcia said some of the housing would be set aside for workforce housing.
Council member Nick Bianco did not like the idea of bringing more residential development into the town, saying it would bring more children into the school district and raise school taxes.
Youre talking about a lot of people, youre talking about a lot of kids, youre talking about higher taxes, Bianco said. If this was for seniors, perhaps thats a concept I could live with.
Supervisor Michael Grace disagreed and said the mixed use design is in line what many residents have been calling for in terms of "smart growth." He also said more students in the school district wouldnt necessarily mean higher taxes.
People spend more money on their kids and things for their kids than anything, Grace said. Our local economy here is driven by families and kids. They add money to school district, but the bottom line is theyre driving the economy.
The board agreed to refer the design to its volunteer boards by a 4 to 1 vote. Bianco was the only council member who voted no.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Yorktown and receive free news updates.
