Letters threatening owners of parcels in the City Park area were sent by the City saying eminent domain might be used to purchase their property. This was the first notice that the City Council was considering the use of these parcels for a new City Yard.
How did this happen? The Development Commissioner at the next City Council meeting in July held up a drawing for a proposed City Yard in this targeted City Park area. Commissioner Luiz Aragon stated owners of several parcels had been sent letters. These letters were apparently approved at an executive session of City Council. Whether or not this is legally correct is only one issue. No financial data on the costs to taxpayers was provided.
More important, why was there no public notice or even a hint of an announcement to New Rochelle taxpayers that this site was being considered? Apparently this site is still smaller than the present City Yard as is true of the Beechwood parcel.
New York State is a freedom of information state so why were residents the last to know what transpired?
City Council, in fairness, has to clarify why they are acting secretively when taxpayer dollar are at stake.
