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Politics & Government

Quarry Site Sparks Affordable Housing Discussion

A stop-work order at Lake Street's Quarry leads to unfounded concerns of affordable housing

The affordable housing debate is an issue that sparks strong resident concern and heated opposition from some Harrison resident groups.

This concern arose again recently following an unfounded reference to the possibility of affordable housing on the quarry site on Lake Street in West Harrison. The discussion followed the , amidst concerns over potential permit irregularities.

Lawrence Barrego, owner of the quarry, subsequently took the issue to court. But the stop-work order raised the issue of what would be done on the site if the existing use was, for any reason, discontinued.

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The site's owner indicated that in the event mining was discontinued on-site, he may look at selling the land for development purposes. The possibility of affordable housing on the site was raised at that time, with the inference that Councilman Joe Cannella was supportive.

Cannella has since made clear that this is not the case.

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"This could not be further from the truth," Cannella said. "At no time did I discuss affordable housing for this site. Further, I do not support high density housing anywhere in Harrison."

The land on which the quarry is situated is currently zoned R1 residential, which allows for one-acre, single-family homes. The quarry is a pre-existing non-conforming use. The non-conforming use exemption would be discontinued in the event the existing quarrying business stopped operation on the site. At that time, the only usage possible under its current zoning, remains single family homes unless the zoning was changed.

Councilman Cannella is well aware of resident concerns over useage of the site and the environmental impacts attached to that land.

"This site is a difficult one for many reasons," Cannella said. "It is situated on a busy road, will have site-specific issues due to its current mining usage and any development on the site could impact Silver Lake."

Cannella did indicate that he would not be opposed to looking at alternate zoning for the site if it ever came up for review, but reiterated that he would not support any zoning that allowed for high-density development.

"If there were ever any time when the quarrying stopped on the site, then alternate zoning options could be looked at if necessary," said Cannella. "However, that discussion would be based on the best usage options and a full environmental review. "

Cannella's statement will come as a relief to some of Harrison's resident groups, which have clearly stated their opposition to high density housing of any type in Harrison.

But, at this point, we will wait and see what the results of the continued quarry debate on Lake Street.

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