Grant Eyed for Route 9D Sidewalks

Upfront costs pose a challenge
Philipstown and Cold Spring are pursuing state funding to build sidewalks on the east and west sides of Route 9D between the village, the Gateway Trail at Little Stony Point and the Washburn parking lot.
But they must first find the money required by the state's Transportation Alternatives Program, which has a pre-application deadline of Thursday (Jan. 15), with finalized applications due by March 15, said Supervisor John Van Tassel during the Town Board meeting this past Thursday (Jan. 8).
Philipstown would apply jointly with Cold Spring for the stretch between Mayor's Park in the village and the Gateway Trail at Little Stony Point, a project that will cost an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million, said Van Tassel. The town is also seeking a grant for a sidewalk along the east side of Route 9D from the village border to Washburn, a $3 million project.
The Transportation Alternatives Program reimburses 80 percent of the costs, but the state refuses to waive a requirement that municipalities first spend their own money, said Van Tassel. "Somewhere between Jan. 15 and March 15, we need to have the money secured, or another route to finance the two sidewalks," he said.
Van Tassel said he asked Putnam County if it was willing to guarantee the 80 percent outlay, but the county could not because it would need approval from the full Legislature, which is not scheduled to meet again until Feb. 3, after the pre-application deadline. The county did offer to help with engineering and the application process, said Van Tassel.
The town also approached Hudson Highlands Fjord Trail Inc. for help, he said. "So far, the answer is not 'No,' " said Van Tassel. "They need to explore more, and I understand that. They're really willing to work with us."
While funding is uncertain, the Town Board approved a resolution requesting that Putnam relinquish a 0.17-acre strip on Fair Street that is part of the area where the westside sidewalk would go.
Depot Theater
The board approved a 99-year lease for land at the Recreation Department property where The Depot Theater wants to build a "backstage" building for props, rehearsals and classes for students interested in lighting, set construction and sound.

The Depot is seeking a state grant to construct the building, which will be given to the town and leased by the theater. Philipstown has already approved a lease for the building but needed a ground lease because of the state's concern "that there wasn't an immediate possessory right to the land," said Stephen Gaba, the town attorney.
"It's one of the considerations that the state has in deciding whether or not to award the funds," he said.
Gas station restrictions
The Town Board approved laws restricting businesses that store petroleum products from opening north of Route 301.
The laws confine new gas stations and "hybrid petroleum storage facilities" — such as home heating oil companies and truck depots — that store up to 25,000 gallons of fuel between Route 301 and Philipstown's southern border on Route 9, as well as a stretch of Route 301 between Route 9 and the Nelsonville border.
The changes were spurred by fears that an oil spill could contaminate the aquifer that homeowners and businesses rely on for drinking water. Philipstown also approved a townwide ban on businesses that store large amounts of petroleum products.
Conservation subdivisions
Philipstown set a public hearing for March 5 to hear feedback on proposed amendments to its conservation subdivision zoning, which allows developers to build at a higher density in exchange for preserving as open space portions of their properties with features such as forests, scenic views and wetlands.
Under the zoning code, developers proposing four or more housing units must submit a conservation analysis to the Planning Board. If the Planning Board determines that the project may adversely affect Philipstown's rural character, it has the option of requiring that the devel...