Village wonders, what’s going on with the Altamont Ave. property

Residents from the Village of Sea Cliff appeared to all have the same concern during Tuesday’s public hearing at the village courtroom. Almost every resident who made a public comment questioned what the village board would do if they acquire the property on 98 Altamont Ave. for municipal purposes.

John Canning, an attorney, said that the industrialization of this property would go against the ideals of the village. He believes that the board would take a step back in regards to the village’s efforts of providing a greener environment. “If this proposal leads to the expansion of the Department of Public Works space it could possibly destroy open land and it could possibly lead to cutting down trees,” he said. Canning strongly urged the board to consider other options.

The property sits between two areas that are owned by the village — a building that’s used by the DPW and undeveloped land filled with trees and shrubbery. Carol Pohrille, who lives on the same street as the proposed property, said she and her husband, Martin are worried that the area may become industrialized.

But Kevin McGilloway, a trustee, said the board has no plans at this point. He said that whatever happens to the space, there’s going to be a lot of strategy involved.

Former mayor Claudia Moyne said she is “skeptical” about the possibility of expanding the village’s industrial space. “I just think that it’s not necessary for the village to purchase this land,” she said. “This is something that can really impact our neighborhood so we really have to think about it.”

Trustee Robin Maynard said that everyone who is concerned have only focused on the negative ways that the property can be used instead looking toward the positives. “What if everyone agreed to use this property as a green space,” she asked. “I think everyone could agree on that.”

The property has been on the market for several years and it is currently listed at $355,000.

Lieberman closed the discussion by explaining that the village board has made no decision yet. He said it’s “uncharacteristic” for the board to make any rash decisions on subjects that may affect the community. “We feel it’s important to receive the public’s input before making decisions on anything we do,” he said. “That’s part of our process. As you can see, this is not an easy task.”