LINKS SUBDIVISION DEFEAT CREDITED TO CONCERNED RESIDENTS’ VIGILANCE

Carmel’s Planning Board’s rejection of the Links Subdivision application to build 100 residential units adjacent to the Centennial Golf Course and Kelly Ridge is a victory for the Concerned Residents of Carmel–Mahopac (CRCM) and everyone who is fed up with the over development.

Paul Carmarda, of Hudson Valley Realty Corp., has stated that he intends to resubmit his application. We respond by promising that we will continue to oppose the project.

Mr. Carmarda seeks to "cluster" 100 residential units on only 15 acres of land. The proposed access road to the subdivision will either cross State designated wetlands or build an extension to Kelly Ridge Road that will endanger the safety of the residents in that well established community.

When the Centennial Golf Course project was proposed we questioned what the developer intended to do with the undeveloped parcel where the Links is proposed. We were told not be concerned because the property was too steep and contained too many wetlands for it to be significantly developed. The consultant for the Town of Southeast stated that a maximum of 3 to 4 homes could be built on the property. The Environmental Impact Statement states that only 8 houses could be built, and that "under a worst case scenario a total of 18 single-family house lots can be developed. "

Now Paul Carmarda states there must have been a "misunderstanding" because no one ever stated that only a small number of home could be built. (Journal News Dec. 1998)

If there is a misunderstanding, it is Mr. Carmada’s. He may not understand that Carmel Residents are intelligent and well informed. We attend Planning Board meetings, we research the facts, and we spread the truth to our neighbors.

Actual excerpts from the Carmel Planning Departments files regarding the Links Subdivision can be seen at carmelresident.org. Please visit the website and attend CRCM’s January 26th meeting at the Carmel High School at 7:00P.M. to get the facts.

Laura Colella
January 5, 1999