Zoning board OKs Leeds Pond proposal

Residents say preservation fight not over

BY KARINA KOVAC

The Village of Plandome Manor zoning board unanimously approved a proposal to place 350 cubic yards of site fill in the backyard of a residential property bordering Leeds Pond at a packed meeting.

The board’s decision was made without comment following an executive session. The board, which did not disclose the reason for the executive session, had earlier told the attendees there would be no public comments.

Neighbor Lou Grassi protested the close of public comment, saying he missed the public comments at the last meeting because of a flight delay.

He said he didn’t want to “be a wise guy” but when he called the village office after missing the last meeting, he was told to come to the July 20 meeting.

“I was told to come to this hearing,” Grassi told the board, “which I came to this hearing tonight. The amount of mud that’s on my property is beyond abysmal. And you should all come, the whole committee should come when it rains, and see how much soot and debris is on my property from this, which you’re approving, which you don’t really

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