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Comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Terravest Phase II and III Developments in the Town of Southeast. Individuals Organizations
Government Agencies
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STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
4 BURNETT BOULEVARD POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. 12603 Robert Dennison III, P.E.
November 4, 2002 Mr. George J. Rohrman Planning Board Chairman Town of Southeast 67 Main Street Brewster, New York 10509 RE: State Environmental Quality Review Draft Environmental Impact Statement Terravest Corporate Park Town of Southeast, Putnam County Dear Mr. Rohrman: We have completed our review of the referenced proposal in connection with the traffic impacts on the neighboring State highway system. The methodology utilized in the traffic impact study is acceptable. In general , the existing traffic volumes at several intersection along State Highways are comparable with our counts. However; we have the following comments to offer: The combined volumes are developed for the year 2002. Is it the year in which the facility will be fully operational? If not, the combined volumes and associated impacts would be evaluated for the year the facility will be fully operational. Signal warrant analyses should be performed to justify whether North Brewster road and Zimmer road intersections with Route 312 requires a traffic signal or not. The Department is pursuing a safety improvements project (PIN 880668) in the vicinity of the referenced project, along Route 312, and scheduled for letting in the year of 2003. We recommend that our design group (project manager) should be contacted prior to any final site plan approvals for their review and comments. The DEIS proposes mitigations at several intersections to alleviate impacts due to the additional traffic generated by the proposed development. However, even with the recommended improvements, a number of intersections would still have approaches/intersections operating at LOS E. Considering the existing congestion at a number of locations within the vicinity of the proposed project and the traffic volumes generated by the proposed development, we are concerned that additional delays will remain, even with the recommended highway improvements. We would suggest that the Town and the developer working together with the Department take a more comprehensive look at the recommended highway improvements. We would like to remind you that a State Highway Work Permit will be required for any curb cuts, drainage works or any other proposed construction with the state road right-of-way. An application and final site plans should be forwarded to this Department's local residency office, as soon as possible, to initiate the review process. We further like to remind you that the proposed mitigation and safety related issues would be reviewed by our Traffic Engineering and Safety Group as part of Highway Work Permit review process. If you have any questions, or need any information, we can be reached at (845) 431-5793. Very truly yours, Akhter A. Shareef |
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