August 18, 2017

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Harrison REVIEW THE

August 18, 2017 | Vol. 5, Number 33 | www.harrisonreview.com

County to choose among 3 airport operators By JAMES PERO Staff Writer

Lights, camera, action!

In 2016, Westchester County brought in $30 million in film and TV production revenue. The county airport has been one of the popular filming locations for TV shows, including CBS’ “Madam Secretary.” For story, see page 6. Photo courtesy westchestergov.com

Platinum Mile development construction underway By FRANCO FINO Staff Writer Developers have started to break ground on the town’s first mixed-use development along the Platinum Mile, after securing approval for the project almost one year ago. Normandy Real Estate Partners and Toll Brothers, a publicly owned home development company, are constructing a 421-unit rental complex at 103-105 Corporate Park Drive, which is the

former site of a commercial office building. The mixed-use development, known as “Carraway,” will include a five-story rental apartment building that features studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Additionally, the development will feature 5,000 square feet of space for a restaurant and other commercial expansions, as well as 10,000 square feet of recreational amenity space such as courtyards, a gym, a bike lounge, a pet spa and a swimming pool.

There will also be 752 indoor and outdoor parking spaces on site. After efforts by former town Councilman Joe Stout, a Democrat, to include affordable housing at the site, Carraway will also offer 42 units at market-rate costs. That affordable housing plan will accommodate 21 units for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income— about $52,000 for a family of two—and 21 units for couples earning up to 80 percent of the

area median income, approximately $69,000. In addition to Stout’s emphasis on affordable housing at the Corporate Park Drive location, the idea was met with support a year prior from several county housing organizations such as the Habitat for Humanity for Westchester and Community Housing Innovations Inc., which spoke before the Harrison Planning Board to advocate for affordable housing. PLATINUM continued on page 11

A search for a new private manager of the Westchester County Airport will be finalized between three potential operators being reviewed after a request for proposals was wrapped up last week. According to an announcement made by County Executive Rob Astorino, a Republican, on Aug. 10, the county will choose between three proposals submitted by the firms FerroStar Westchester Airport Partners, HPN Aviation Group LLC and MIC Airports LLC, with the goal of ironing out an agreement for a 40-year period. Not included in the list of potential operators is the airport’s current manager, AvPORTS, which had previously stated that it would submit a bid. “We’re pleased with the level of expertise, experience and professionalism that each of these respondents brings to the table,” Astorino said. “This is about smart government working to position a vital county asset for a strong future.” The conclusion of a request for proposals, RFP, which was sent out in April, will mark the first steps toward a move to privatize the county’s airport announced earlier this year during the county’s budgeting process. By processing the county’s plan through an FAA-run privatization program, county officials hope to utilize revenue from the airport for general fund budgeting purposes; a use not currently permitted under federal law without FAA approval. A task force consisting of

three county lawmakers and three administration officials will now review proposals from the three firms, and make a recommendation to the Board of Legislators before the end of the year. According to a statement from Astorino’s office, a lease agreement is expected to be drafted and voted on before the adoption of the county’s 2018 budget in December. While lawmakers eye the repurposing of revenue from the county airport to help the county’s constrained budget and waning sales tax revenue, the proposal has not gone without its critics. Last month, Legislator David Gelfarb, a Rye Brook Republican, denounced the plan citing concerns over the move’s potential to adversely affect surrounding neighborhoods as well as its lengthy timeline. “I recognize the possibility of many unforeseeable events during that long a period of time, which can make it difficult to prepare a lease that will fully protect the county,” he said in a statement. “I intend to continue to fight to protect my constituents and all county residents to ensure the airport remains a viable asset to our community without potentially disastrous results.” Legislator Catherine Parker, a Rye Democrat, also said last month that she would also oppose any move to privatize. Passage of any potential lease would require a supermajority vote—12 of the 17 members— of the Board of Legislators. AIRPORT continued on page 8


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August 18, 2017 by The Harrison Review - Issuu