Town of Somers

The board held a public hearing regarding a proposed local law to amend the town code to include requirements for fire department access and master key systems in multi-family residential buildings. Discussions focused on the necessity of providing fire personnel with master key access to individual units to facilitate emergency responses, such as gas leaks or welfare checks, while minimizing property damage from forced entries. Key topics included the security of the Knox box system, the proposed timeline for compliance for new and existing buildings, and the establishment of fines for non-compliance.

The meeting covered various initiatives, including the approval of town budget expenditures for mental health awareness materials and a Drug Free Communities grant request for a DWI simulator. Discussions focused on the distribution of school surveys regarding cell phone bans, planning for future guest speakers, and participation in upcoming awareness events. Student assistance reports highlighted recent peer leadership sessions, prom safety efforts, and fall recruitment strategies. Additionally, the committee addressed old business items, such as the Youth Vaping Initiative grant, Narcan training coordination, freshman peer leadership program status, and event partnerships, while introducing new business regarding Adult Mental Health Training and potential scholarship opportunities for graduating seniors.

The Planning Board meeting addressed a 90-day time extension request for the New York Police Headquarters and Somers Fire District subdivision, which was approved. The board also opened and adjourned a public hearing regarding the Veolia Water Company Heritage Hills Water Treatment Plant site plan. Additionally, the board reviewed a site plan application for the installation of a 14-foot gazebo at Meadow Lark Park, ultimately agreeing to waive formal site plan requirements, public hearing, and field walk requirements for the project.

The Board reviewed and approved several sign proposals, including signage for Allstate, Hudson Valley Physicians, and new businesses at 376 Route 202. A proposal for directory signs at Heritage 202 Center was partially approved, with the Board indicating that a variance would be required for a second sign. Additionally, the Board approved a landscape plan for 376 Route 202 and a proposal for a new water treatment plant at 405 Route 202, provided specific design adjustments were made. Cosmetic updates for Somers Commons and Heritage 202 Center were reviewed and approved. Finally, the Board discussed a submission for Honeybee Grove at the request of the Planning Board.

The board discussed the resignation of a member and received a report from the Parks and Recreation Superintendent regarding Day Camp registration and ongoing trail maintenance at Angle Fly Preserve. New business included the approval of a proposal for murals on the Jr. League Field dugouts and a presentation by the Somers Youth Sports Organization concerning a potential scoreboard replacement. Regarding old business, the board provided input for the Reis Park expansion project, specifically requesting a walking path, safe access between park levels, and additional turf on the Pony League Field. Furthermore, the board agreed to revisit renovation proposals for Bailey Park at an upcoming meeting.