RESOLUTION
BY COUNCIL PRESIDENT COLLINS-BELLAMY, MAJORITY LEADER RUBBO, MAJORITY WHIP ROBINSON, MINORITY LEADER BREEN, COUNCILMEMBERS PINEDA-ISAAC, DIAZ, AND HODGES:
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A RESOLUTION TO DECLARE THE CITY COUNCIL’S INTENTION TO SEEK LEAD AGENCY STATUS FOR THE PURPOSES OF SEQRA REVIEW FOR THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO WASHINGTON PARK
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WHEREAS, The City of Yonkers aims to replace the deteriorated former Yonkers Health Center (87 Nepperhan Ave.) with a vibrant green space within historic Washington Park featuring a winding path, water elements, cherry trees, and creating an accessible link between City Hall and the Sawmill River Daylighting project; and
WHEREAS, the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law) and the regulations (the “SEQRA Regulations”) issued thereunder by the New York State Commissioner of Environmental Conservation (such legislation and regulations being hereinafter referred to collectively as “SEQRA”) require the City to consider all environmental factors associated with the proposed Washington Park project prior to further action being taken; and
WHEREAS, the City Council previously made a determination of no significance relating to the demolition of the former Yonkers Health Center; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Washington Park project is an “Unlisted Action” pursuant to SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish itself as Lead Agency in accordance with the provisions of 6 NYCRR Part 617 (SEQRA), in order to initiate a review process for the proposed Washington Park project.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Yonkers City Council that, the City Council declares its intention to seek Lead Agency status, for purposes of the environmental review of the above project, and will assume Lead Agency of the project in accordance with Part 627 (6 NYCRR Part 627) of the SEQRA regulations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is hereby directed, on behalf of this Council, to initiate Lead Agency notification and coordinated review with all other involved agencies in this action. If no other involved agency seeks to be Lead Agency within 30 days of the effective date of notice, the City Council shall assume Lead Agency status for purposes of review of this matter; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall take effect immediately.