Nearly 100 neighbors, concerned about the impact of the United Water waterline project, turned out last night (January 22)to voice their concerns at a meeting which I co-cponsored with Councilwoman Dee Barbato. Representatives of United Water as well as the Mayor's office were presnt to brief the homeowners and, more importantly, hear their concerns. Seperate meeting were held earlier the same day with homeowners immediately contiguous to the construction site and with representatives of Annunciation Church and School.
The project, which should begin by March, involves laying new water lines for the United Water Company to serve its customers in New Rochelle. United Water is mandated to do the work by New York State and has the right by law to do the construction necessary in Yonkers. However, as part of an agreement negotiated by the Mayor's office, United Water will also be making a $900,000 contribution to the Yonkers Parks Department as well as contributing $700,000 for and performing the installation of a seperate waterline to serve the Crestwood community ( Of course, this assumes the city portion of the funding is approved. See seperate post below regarding Council President Lesnick and the Capital Budget).
A number of residents expressed concerns over noise, traffic (particularly as it relates to Annunciation School and Church) and whether the construction would disturb rodents and other animal life in the nearby Schultz Field Park
The City Department Heads present and United Water left the meeting with a list of concerns to be addressed and will be scheduling further meetings to brief the community on agreed upon solutions and remediations.
Our office will be continuing to monitor the planning phase and will, of course, relay any concerns and complaints from constituents throughout the project.
