Shallow Creek Golf Course Property



July 1, 2008
Supervisor Peters asked former Yorktown Planning Director Ray Arnold to discuss planning for the 12 acre Shallow Creek property on Route 6 that the town acquired in 2007 for $1.00.

Mr. Arnold explained that the Par 3 golf course was located in a flood plain and that its design in the early 1960s utilized the site as a retention basin during heavy floods. He is currently working with another town resident, Tony Grasso, who has experience in landscaping and golf course management to gather information for future uses for the site so that the board can make an informed decision on the future use of the property.

During and after the Courtesy of the Floor section of the agenda, several people commented on the site. Highway Superintendent Eric DiBartolo suggested that the site could accommodate two multi purpose fields and picnic areas in the wooded portion of the site, uses, he said, that would be preferable to a golf course that required the use of pesticides.

Councilman Metz agreed with Mr. DiBartolo that there was a desperate need for additional fields and he did not consider the flood plain issue to be that significant.

Paul Moskowitz also supported the concept of athletic fields and suggested that any additional cleared space not used for athletic fields be reforested as trees absorbed more water than grass.

Linda Miller suggested a pavilion similar to the one at Downing Park that residents could use for outdoor functions.

Councilman Bianco, who was instrumental in acquiring the site for the town, said his vision for the property was to basically leave it alone with some possible picnic tables, adding that it did not flood all the time. He saw the property as “an oasis” that should not be disturbed. He said he hoped that the town would be able to fix up the building on the site. He also noted that if the town had not acquired the site and it had been developed, it would not have helped taxpayers in the Lakeland School District.

August 12, 2008, work session
Yorktown resident Ray Arnold presented a report to the board outlining possible uses for the site that was acquired by the town last year. He noted that the town had been doing an excellent job of maintaining the property since it had been acquired and urged the board not to “let the property go.” He added, though, that the stream running through the property needed to be cleaned. In general he called the site a “beautiful piece of property that has problems” but which he thought the town should be able to use. He urged the board to put a single person in charge of overseeing plans for the site and who would be responsible for shepherding through any improvements.

The two major problems with the site are its poor access to Route 6 and the nature of its soils (see below). When the site was originally developed in the 1960s, it was designed to flood during heavy storms and prevent flooding in the Shrub Oak area. Part of the site is a wetland regulated by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.

Potential uses, with their advantages and disadvantages included
1. A new Par 3 golf course. Mr. Arnold ruled this out as an unlikely option, citing the need to renovate the existing site, the expense, and noting that if the previous owner couldn't run it successfully, he didn't see any financial prospects for a renovated course.

2. Great Lawn. Using the area around the first hole as a “great lawn” for passive recreation, picnicking, etc. with the possibility of maintaining about 5 or 6 holes for practice shots.

3. A teen center. Because of the site's lack of visibility from any road, this presented security problems and was not a recommended use

4. Tourist center, possibly highlighting some of Yorktown history.

5. Erecting solar panels along the periphery of site and selling power back to Con Ed.

After Mr. Arnold's presentation, a member of the Recreation Commission told the board that his group had looked at the site and thought that it could be used for smaller soccer fields that could be used by younger children, plus some picnicking in the first hole area and a concession stand in the existing building.

Director of Labor Operations Eric DiBartolo said that he could construct two large multi-purpose fields on the site with a minimal amount of work and money that would avoid the existing wetlands on the site. He noted that additional athletic fields were desperately needed.

Yorktown resident Tony Grasso, who worked with Mr. Arnold on the plan and who has a background in golf course management, explained to the board that one of the problems with using the site for athletic fields is the underlying soil and the general instability of the mucky soils; while the surface could be leveled and made acceptable initially, he didn't know if the improvements would last.

It was also noted that as part of any improvements to the site, the board should consider the impact the improvements would have on flooding in the Shrub Oak area, especially if the site's water retention capabilities were changed.

Recreation Superintendent Jennifer Fava said that she had visited the site several days after a rain storm and that it remained wet and soggy for several days. Those conditions, she said, would mean that any new athletic fields on the site couldn't be counted on. She was also concerned about the traffic situation. She did add, however, that the building had potential for use for some of the department's programs and for general meeting space.

The discussion ended with no decisions made or “next steps” outlined.

 

January 26, 2010

The Yorktown Chamber of Commerce has expressed an interest in leasing the Shallow Creek building from the Town to use as a meeting and office facility.  Since the park was designed in a flood plain it is not suitable for most active recreation, such as for ball fields.

 

In order to utilize the property, Joe Visconti is suggesting that it be used in partnership with the Town.  The building is in need of repair and it was proposed that the Chamber hold a 10 year lease on 200 square feet of the 700 sq ft building for an executive office, meeting room and bathrooms.  It would be locked at night.  The office would be located upstairs, an d because of the condition of the stairs (too expensive to replace or upgrade) would be off limits to any Town/public use.  He suggested that the town could use the remaining part of the building as a Welcome/Information Center.  Additionally, the grounds around the building could be tented and be used for events.  The Chamber is willing to pay up front to repair and improve the building ($75 – 100,000) but wants a 10 year lease at a minimal rate to recoup the outlay of expenses.  Before going ahead with this plan, they want to know if the Board and Parks & Recreation Commission would be on board with this plan.

 

Jim Martorano asked about the concept of a golf course for seniors.  An RFP was discussed to gage interest, but was never sent, so we don’t know if there is any interest.  Terrence asked if there was potential to use the site for an energy project.

 

After a brief discussion of who would be responsible for what, undecided outside of lease negotiations, it was agreed a resolution to approve the concept of a joint venture between the Chamber of Commerce would be presented at the next Board meeting.  However, it is not yet clear that this use would be acceptable under the terms of the gift to the Town, the Attorney is looking at that question.

 

February 9, 2010

Councilman Terrence Murphy recused himself from participation in this discussion and left the room.

Sean Murphy made a presentation to the Board for his proposal to take over the golf course and develop it as a Par 3 course for use by youth leagues and seniors with a clubhouse and Café.  He believes this is a viable opportunity and is willing to work with the Chamber of Commerce so they can also be accommodated.  (The Chamber’s lease will be up in September so there are time constraints.) Sean indicated he has private funds to do the entire project, which he estimates will cost $500,000.  He was asked if his operation would be for profit or not for profit and he said that can be discussed.  Obviously his investors will want to see a return on their investment, but after that Sean is willing to look at whatever the Town wants. The Rec Commission will meet with Sean since there is a Parkland Conservation Easement on the property.  The Rec Commission will put Sean on the agenda as soon as possible.  Sean was asked how much of the planning is ready, and he answered he knows the greens and sand traps need to be redone, but that the fairways are ok.  He will need about 1 year to repair the course.  The Town reiterated this must still be park land.

           

Sean will provide Jen Fava with copies of his proposal and he will be put on the Rec Commission agenda for the March meeting (first Thursday).

 

 

 

 

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