A Watershed Decision

Harrison has received an offer from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to purchase a 10 acre parcel of land for $890,000. The land is near the Harrison watershed on Park Lane, between the town garage and the reservoir.

The offer has not been discussed by the board at public meetings because the issue to date has been reserved for executive session.

The offer poses an interesting decision.

The land overlooks the reservoir and therefore has development potential for a small subdivision with water views. In public meetings, however, an overwhelming majority of residents continue to express their desire for the preservation of open spaces and an end to high density development.

If the land is sold to the DEC it would not be developed, but if the town sold to a private group that could potentially pay more, there is a potential for some kind of expansion in the area.

The decision regarding this piece of land will set an important precedent as to whether the current administration is willing to sell land for further development, a move that would be unpopular with many residents.

"The DEC is looking at buying the land in order to preserve the open space and thereby protect the water in the reservoir," said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Joan Walsh. "The offer they have made, however, is significantly under what we believe the town could get for the property, if it was sold to a developer."

The DEC offer for the 10 acres is well below the average land prices in the area.

"The DEC believes the land has little potential for development because of its proximity to the town garage, and the topographical issues with the site, which is located on a steep slope," said Walsh. "Their position is that only four acres of the site are appropriate for development and they valued the land accordingly. I believe that we could still get more for the land if it is sold to a developer."

The mayor remains undecided on her position on the offer.

One supporter of preserving open land is Councilwoman Marlane Amelio, whose campaign platform included environmentalism and the potential establishment of land trusts.

"Before I would vote to approve this sale, I would need a written assurance that there would be no building on the site," Amelio said.

Councilman Joe Cannella declined to comment on the issue and the remainder of the board have not expressed a public position.

It will be up to the residents to watch and see what happens.

It is easy to say you are representing your constituents' wishes, but actions are another thing. The board's decision on this piece of land will test whether the current administration is really listening and whether they are, in this case literally, prepared to "put their money where their mouth is".