May 16, 2005

 

MYERS PUSHES DAVIDS ISLAND TO
FRONT OF COUNTY'S AGENDA

--- New Sound Shore legislator and ardent environmentalist revitalizes County's plan to purchase unique 78-acre island by identifying way to move issue from back burner;
will present specifics of proposal for discussion and go-ahead by Board Committees---

Who: Legislator Judy A. Myers (D-Mamaroneck) to present a proposal that will move the County closer to its goal of acquiring Davids Island as parkland.

What: Joint meeting of the County Board of Legislators Committees on Parks & Recreation; Budget; and Environment

Where: Committee Meeting Room, Michaelian Office Bldg., 8th Floor

When: Monday, May 16 at 10:00 AM

Why: After the announcement in 2001 by County Legislator Vito Pinto (D,I,WF-New Rochelle, Eastchester), Tim Idoni, Mayor of New Rochelle, and County Executive Andy Spano that the County intended to buy Davids Island from the City of New Rochelle for $6.5 million, the initiative was saddled with obstacles. First, there was the necessity of securing State legislation, ultimately enacted in 2002, that would allow the City of New Rochelle to convey the property to the County. Then, the County learned it would cost $12 million to do the environmental cleanup necessary before the County could take title. This revelation temporarily idled the project and put it on the back burner while the County searched for remediation funding sources. Legislator Myers will announce and ask support for a plan that resolves this issue and puts the County back on track toward realizing its vision of purchasing Davids Island as County parkland.