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TOWN OF ORANGETOWN
RPC – INFORMAL MEETING
TUESDAY, APRIL 3, 2012
The Town Board held a general informal meeting with Saccardi and Schiff, the Town’s Comprehensive Planning Consultants, and department heads to discuss the future plans for the Rockland Psychiatric Center property (RPC).
Present were: Councilman Denis Troy
Councilman Thomas Morr (arrived 7:35 pm)
Councilman Paul Valentine
Supervisor Andrew Stewart
Absent: Councilman Thomas Diviny
Also present:
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Teresa Accetta-Pugh, Deputy Town Clerk
Allan Ryff, Deputy Supervisor
Suzanne Barclay, Deputy Supervisor of Operations
John Edwards, Town Attorney
Teresa Kenny, First Deputy Town Attorney
Charles Richardson, Director of Finance
Brian Kenney, Assessor
Joseph Moran, Commissioner of DEME
John Giardiello, Director of OBZPAE
Aric Gorton, Superintendent of Parks-Rec & Building Maint.
Supervisor Stewart explained that redevelopment of the RPC property is one of the largest issues facing the Town. He indicated that this meeting was only an introduction to further discussions regarding the RPC property.
John Saccardi advised it would be appropriate to develop a new plan for RPC, especially if the State decides to sell the Children’s Center, Staff Court, and the power plant and in view of the current economic conditions. It is important for the Town to own Staff Court, in order to make that area more attractive to developers. The Town will need help from the State for acquisition of the additional pieces, and funding for demolition, asbestos and led paint removal. A new plan would provide basis for the Town’s negotiations with the State and future developer proposals. He recommended hiring a real estate consultant to do a market study.
A discussion took place in regards to purchasing the additional pieces, designating open space and recreation areas, whether to rezone, and whether to sell large or small pieces (future discussions may take place to market small pieces rather than go after a huge developer, to make it easier to sell or control what would be developed). They also discussed whether to get an extension or have the Parkland restrictions lifted.
Councilman Troy stated, the Town has to buy the Children’s Center, Staff Court and the power plant, as protection of our quality of life.
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Teresa Accetta-Pugh, Deputy Town Clerk