Debate Over Falcon Ridge Development Heating Up

Expressing concerns over flooding, overdevelopment and a loss of character in their neighborhoods, a group of about 40 residents presented objections to a proposed West Harrison subdivision at a planning board meeting Tuesday night.

The proposal, still in its early stages, has been offered in three different versions. Each would bring some type of residential development to a slope in West Harrison near the intersection of Sherman and Livingston Avenues. The planning board must approve an environmental impact assessment in order for developers to proceed with their application.

But that won't be an easy decision. The proposed development has been a sticking point for neighbors in the area who say any type of development could upset floodplains and damage the aesthetics of the area. Since the project was originally proposed, homeowners in West Harrison and Purchase have fought it every step of the way.

The Falcon Development Group is proposing the development, but representatives from the group did not speak Tuesday. They will respond to written questions before the Harrison Planning Board renders a final decision.

Those speaking against the project focused on three key issues; a change to the traffic pattern in their neighborhoods, overdevelopment of a currently quaint part of town and, most predominantly, flooding.

"The flooding problems are getting worse and worse and worse," said Richard Goldstein, who has lived in the area for more than two decades. "I really feel like this project is going to just exacerbate an existing problem and I'm 100 percent against it."

Flooding in the area, residents said, has always been a problem. But over the last few years, heavy rains have made things worse. The development of an area currently filled with trees and dirt, they say, will eliminate drainage points that slow flooding to the areas beneath the slope.

Niek Veraart, an attorney recently hired by homeowners in the area, said the proposal violates Harrison's steep slope laws, and that if approved would lead to several problems down the line.

"We have so much development, we have a lot of paved areas," he said. "When it rains all the water will go down the roofs and drain very, very, quickly."

He added that more water flowing into the Mamaroneck River could create unforeseen flooding in other parts of town and beyond, an argument that has made people from downtown curious about the project as well. 

Early site plans call for about a dozen properties to be carved out in the area. Each home would be built on a steep slope, with a large amount of space behind them. Veraart said residents are also concerned with the amount of development that will be allowed in the yards behind each home if the project is approved.

"You are trying to shoe-horn a fairly large development on a very sensitive site," he said. "Your trying to build on an area that's not really suitable."

There were some who spoke in favor of the project. Luigi Rogliano told the board that development could be a good thing for the town, especially in this economic climate.

"In a time where the economy has taken a downturn, we should be commending this man for trying to build and give jobs to people and be part of new construction," he said. "It's not often in this economy you see people trying to build houses in such a great town."

Public discussion on the issue was closed Tuesday night, but interested parties can still submit questions and comments to the planning board until Dec. 16. The Planning Board has until mid-January to make a decision about possible environmental impacts of the project.

If this board accepts the proposal, a more specific site plan will be considered and possibly sent to the Harrison Town Board for final approval. If denied, substantial changes must be made before the project can be returned for consideration.

Although many steps remain for the project, board members said the environmental impact study is one of the most substantial steps toward final approval.

Findings will be made public at a future planning board meeting.