Developer wants to build rentals instead
By Ginny Privitar
CHESTER — Developer John Sorrentino cited the poor economy as his reason for requesting a zoning change for his proposed Meadow Hill subdivision.
The site, on Route 94, is zoned for single-family homes. Sorrentino told village trustees Monday that he wants to build multiple-unit rentals instead.
Trustees referred Sorrentino back to the planning board. After the planning board weighs in, the village board will do its review.
Mayor Philip Valastro said he wants to see rental units for senior citizens included at Meadow Hill. Preference should be given to handicapped seniors in renting ground-floor apartments, he said. And he'd like to see seniors from the village given preference for these more accessible apartments, followed by seniors from the town, and finally from the county.
Businesses challenge assessments
Some businesses in the Village of Chester are challenging their property tax assessments, Valastro said Monday.
The village and town will defend against the tax certiorari jointly. Village trustees agreed to split the cost of legal fees and disbursements with the Town of Chester, which was the assessing authority at the time. The Albany-based law firm Mazzotta, Siegel & Vagianelis, P.C., will represent the village.
The treasurer has started work on next year’s budget. A tentative budget will be filled with the clerk’s office by March 20.
Fence completed on dangerous overpass
The overpass fence on State Route 94 is completed. Valastro said recent suicides from falls off the overpass, and the petition by the mother of one victim, spurred the village to erect the protective fence as soon as possible.
Police Chief Pete Graziano and Mayor Valastro were instrumental in getting the state transportation department to install the fence.
“The chief really helped a lot," Valastro said. "More credit is due to him — he really kept on top of it.”
The village is also working on getting signs for the overpass displaying a helpline number.
Skoufis to open Chester office
On Feb. 1 James Skoufis, newly elected to the state assembly, will open an office at 11 Main St. in Chester.
“We’re looking forward to being a part of the community and our neighbors, too," his chief of staff, Laurie Tautel, told trustees.
She said Skoufis’ office will be in touch with the state transportation department about downed highway signs, which the state will put out to bid. The state does not have the equipment needed, she said, and many signs were downed during Hurricane Sandy.
She said the office is also working on removing graffiti from the Route 17 overpass over Route 94. A member of the audience mentioned seeing gang insignia on the overpass walls. Mayor Valastro said they are more likely by “wannabe” gang members.
In other business
Building inspector John Orr reported that construction is almost complete at Chester Collision at 63 Brookside Avenue.
Police Patrol Officer Anthony Vicaretti was promoted to detective.
A citizen sent an email thanking Sgt. McGuire and Officers Grzywaczewski and Courtenay for their assistance.
The police department wants to replace an outdated Automated External Defibrillator, a device carried in patrol cars to shock a person’s heart back to a normal rhythm during a heart attack.
The street department was called out three times in December to de-ice roads and clear snow. Residents are reminded to not place snow in the street.
The last day for Christmas tree pick-up is Jan. 28. Receptacles should be removed from the street after every garbage pickup.
Water service lines were repaired at 1939 Kings Highway, Ricky Lane, 24 Main Street, and behind the Quickway Plaza, water commissioner Tom Becker reported. Routine maintenance continues at the filtration plant. Becker is awaiting the cost of renewing technical support at the plant.
Orange County has abandoned its previous proposal to put a $3 million sewage plant on Black Meadow Road, Mayor Valastro said. After his input at a county meeting, the county decided instead to expand the Harriman Treatment Plant’s capacity from 6 million gallons to 9 million through new technology and upgraded equipment.
The Kiwanis’ annual Hambletonian 5K race will be held on Main Street in the village from 8:45 a.m. to noon on May 25.
About a dozen Whispering Hills residents discussed their concern about the pump failure over Thanksgiving weekend, which caused some raw sewage in the streets. An inspection of the pump showed it was clogged with wipes. Although sometimes labeled “flushable," these items do not degrade. See related story: “Wipes and pipes don’t mix.”