Petition to the Village of Sloatsburg Planning and Zoning Board

Subject: Request for Reevaluation of Development Proposal Due to Omissions in the Environmental Impact Assessment and Concerns over Loss of Community Recreational Space and Community Safety

We, the undersigned residents of the Village of Sloatsburg, respectfully petition the Planning and Zoning Board to reconsider the proposed development project for the extension Aspen Road. Our request is based on several critical concerns.

The current Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed development appears to have significant omissions. Firstly, the proposal lacks a comprehensive assessment of potential risks to surrounding homes. The impact on the structural integrity of adjacent properties as well as the risk of potential rockfalls has not been addressed.

Secondly, the area in question is a valuable recreational space for our community, used for activities such as hiking, nature observation, and other outdoor pursuits. The current proposal fails to address the use of this area as recreational space by local residents.

Additionally, the development area is known to be habitat for protected and critically endangered species. This situation warrants closer scrutiny and a more thorough environmental review to ensure these species are properly protected.

Another pressing issue is the narrow width of Aspen Road, which is inadequate for accommodating construction vehicles, especially given the scale of the proposed development. The road's limited width also raises serious concerns about emergency egress, as the area is served by only one egress route, posing severe risks in emergency situations.

We urge the Planning and Zoning Board to carefully review these concerns and take appropriate actions to address them. The well-being of our community, the preservation of recreational spaces, the protection of endangered species, and the safety of our homes and residents should be the highest priorities in evaluating this development proposal.

Risk Assessment for Surrounding Homes:

Our concerns regarding the proposed development are grounded in the unique and potentially hazardous geographical features of the area, specifically the steep incline and the presence of massive rocks on the slope. We believe that if approved, this development could pose several significant risks to nearby homes and properties. We urge the Planning and Zoning Board to consider the following critical points before proceeding with development approval:

1. Risk of Rockfall and Landslides: The steep incline and the large rocks near neighboring properties significantly increase the risk of rockfall or landslides. Construction activities, particularly those involving excavation or heavy machinery, could destabilize these rocks, leading to potential damage to surrounding homes. The possibility of rocks rolling down the incline during construction presents a serious safety hazard, threatening both structural integrity and personal safety.
2. History of Rockfall Incidents: The area has a concerning history of rockfalls. For example, a previous rockfall resulted in a large rock crashing through a house, causing significant damage. Fortunately, the house was unoccupied at the time, and no injuries occurred. This incident highlights the critical need for a comprehensive risk assessment to prevent similar events in the future.
3. Structural Safety: The nearby houses are situated in a location that may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of nearby construction. We are concerned that the proposed development could compromise the structural safety of this properties, potentially leading to costly repairs and safety hazards.
4. Request for Comprehensive Impact Assessment: We respectfully request that a comprehensive environmental and structural impact assessment be conducted to evaluate the potential risks associated with the proposed development. This assessment should include a detailed analysis of rock stability, vibration impacts, and the overall safety of the incline. It is essential to thoroughly understand and address all potential risks to safeguard the surrounding properties.

Loss of Recreational Space

Our primary concern is that the environmental assessment did not fully consider the extensive recreational use of the area, as highlighted on page 10, item E.1.c. of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). This area, currently under consideration for development, serves as a crucial recreational space for both residents and visitors. Specifically, it is actively used for:

• Hiking
• Mountain Biking
• Bird Watching
• Wildlife Observation
• Photography
• Recreational Vehicle Use

The environmental assessment for this development overlooked these essential recreational activities, leading to a significant oversight regarding the impact on community recreation. The potential loss of this area would have several negative consequences, including:

• Reduction in Community Recreational Opportunities: The loss of this cherished recreational space would deprive residents of a beloved venue for outdoor activities and community engagement.
• Impact on Local Wildlife: The development would disrupt the habitat of local wildlife, including critically endangered species, which forms an integral part of the recreational experience for bird watchers and photographers.
• Decrease in Property Value and Community Appeal: The reduction in available recreational areas could lead to a decline in property values and overall community appeal.

In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that the Planning and Zoning Board:

• Require a Revised Environmental Assessment: Conduct a thorough environmental assessment that evaluates the recreational uses of the area and the potential impacts of development on these activities.
• Engage with the Community: Hold public forums or meetings to gather input from residents about the significance of the recreational space and the consequences of its potential loss.
• Consider Alternatives: Explore alternative development plans or modifications that would minimize or avoid the loss of this valuable recreational area.

Impact on Protected Species

The development site is known to be home to several protected and critically endangered species, including:

• Northern Long-Eared Bat (Myotis septentrionalis): This species, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), relies on the area for crucial roosting and foraging.
• Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii): As a critically endangered species, the bog turtle's habitat is highly sensitive and requires specific wetland conditions.
• Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): This protected species depends on the unique habitat of the area for its survival.

The proposed development poses a direct threat to these species by disrupting their habitats, potentially leading to further declines in their populations and jeopardizing their chances of recovery.

The preservation of these species is not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of our community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation.

Given the legal protections afforded to these animals, under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). We urge the Planning and Zoning Board to carefully consider the following points before proceeding with any development approvals:

• Critical Habitat: The development area is critical habitat for these endangered species. Disrupting their habitat could further endanger their populations and counteract conservation efforts.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health: The presence of these species indicates a rich, biodiverse ecosystem that contributes to the overall health of the environment. Preserving this area is essential for maintaining ecological balance and the health of other species dependent on the same habitat.
• Proposed Buffers Alone Are Insufficient for Protecting Endangered Species Habitats: While buffers play a vital role in habitat conservation, relying solely on them is insufficient for ensuring the long-term protection and viability of endangered species. Buffers cannot adequately protect endangered species habitats, focusing on their limitations, the complex needs of endangered species, and the broader environmental context :

Limitations of Buffers

• Insufficient Size and Design: Buffers are often based on standard guidelines rather than tailored to the specific needs of the habitat or the species it supports. This can result in buffers that are too narrow or poorly designed to effectively mitigate the impacts of adjacent land use.
• Lack of Connectivity: Buffers frequently fail to address the need for habitat connectivity, which is crucial for species that migrate or require large territories. Buffers alone may not provide the necessary corridors or networks, leading to habitat fragmentation that can isolate populations and hinder genetic diversity.
• Specialized Habitat Requirements: Endangered species often have highly specialized habitat needs that buffers alone cannot meet. For instance, the northern long-eared bat requires specific roosting and foraging conditions that may not be sufficiently protected by a buffer. Similarly, the bog turtle needs very particular wetland conditions, which buffers may not address.

While buffers are an important conservation tool, they are insufficient by themselves to ensure the protection of endangered species habitats. Their limitations highlight the need for a more comprehensive approach to habitat conservation. A more detailed and rigorous assessment is necessary to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws and to mitigate potential harm.

Request for In-Depth Assessment

• Consultation with Wildlife Experts: Engage with wildlife biologists and conservationists to evaluate the potential impacts of the development on these species and to explore feasible alternatives or mitigation strategies.
• Consultation with Federal Agencies: Consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to address concerns related to the protected species.

We urge the Board to conduct a more in-depth assessment of the development proposal. Given that the area is critical habitat for protected and critically endangered species, it is essential to perform a rigorous evaluation to ensure compliance with environmental protection laws and to mitigate potential harm. Protecting these species is not only a legal obligation but also a reflection of our community's commitment to conservation and shared values.

Narrow Street Concerns And Emergency Egress Issues

We kindly request the Planning and Zoning Board to thoroughly reassess the feasibility of the proposed development, considering the narrow street nature of Aspen Road and limited egress issues. This evaluation should include:

1. Issues with Limited Space for Construction Vehicles

• Traffic Congestion: The narrow width of Aspen Road poses a significant challenge for accommodating large construction vehicles, such as bulldozers, cranes, and trucks carrying heavy materials. These vehicles require substantial space to maneuver, and the lack of adequate width can lead to severe traffic congestion. This congestion will greatly disrupt the daily lives of residents .
• Safety Hazards: Construction vehicles operating on a narrow road can create dangerous situations. For example, there is an increased risk of accidents involving these large vehicles and smaller vehicles, as well as pedestrians. The confined space limits visibility and maneuverability, heightening the chances of collisions and potential injuries.
• Damage to Road Infrastructure: Heavy construction equipment and increased traffic can damage the road infrastructure, including its surface and curbs. The wear and tear from large vehicles might necessitate frequent repairs and maintenance, potentially leading to additional financial burdens for the community.

2. Ensuring Legal and Compliance Risks

• High Priority of Safety Standards: Building and construction regulations often require adequate access for emergency services and safe traffic conditions. The narrow width of Aspen Road could potentially violate these standards.

3. Impact on Local Residents

• Disruption of Daily Life: The ongoing construction and limited road width can disrupt daily life for residents. Traffic congestion, noise, and dust from construction activities can reduce the quality of life and impact residents' well-being.
• Property Value Concerns: The challenges associated with a narrow road and construction activities may lead to decreased property values. Potential buyers might be deterred by the inconveniences and risks associated with the area, affecting the real estate market.

4. Limited Emergency Egress

• Emergency Vehicle Access: In emergencies, such as fires, medical crises, or natural disasters, the narrow road width hampers the ability of emergency vehicles to access homes quickly and efficiently. Fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency responders require unobstructed paths to reach those in need.A narrow road, coupled with the presence of heavy machinery for the project, can impede emergency vehicle access, potentially delaying response times and increasing the risk of severe outcomes or even fatalities.
• Evacuation Challenges:With only one egress route, the road’s narrow width can complicate evacuation efforts in the event of an emergency. In combination with heavy machinery and large crews on the construction site, the single route can become severely congested. This congestion can delay the evacuation process, increasing the risk of injury or harm, particularly during large-scale emergencies such as fires or natural disasters.

We urge the Planning and Zoning Board to carefully review these concerns and take appropriate actions to address them. The well-being of our community, the protection of endangered species, the integrity of existing homes and the safety of local residents should be the highest priorities in evaluating this development proposal.

Thank you for your attention to these critical issues.

Sincerely,

Aline Juchem,

Cian Juchem,

And undersigned residents