The "park district" proposal for Lake Shenorock in Somers, NY is entering its next phase, but not without opposition. The agenda for Town Board meeting for Thursday, October 7 includes formal acceptance of the petition requesting the special district and scheduling an informational meeting for October 21.
As reported here in the Somers Spectator in July, Lake Shenorock was once a focal point for family recreation for the Shenorock community of about 650 homes. The lake then fell into decline and disuse for a variety of reasons. Hoping to rejuvenate the lake for recreation, the United Owners Association of Shenorock (UOA) wants to rebuild the beach area and dredge part of the lake for swimming. That takes money, estimated at $1.3 million. The UOA wants to create a park district so that Shenorock homes can be specially taxed to cover the cost. Since at least June, the UOA has led the petition drive to collect signatures of homeowners who hold 51% of the assessed value in order to put the issue before the Town Board. UOA has a Facebook page
Opponents say that the project will cost much more than estimated, resulting in bigger tax bills and that the beach project mostly favors those who live near the lake. There is a blog -- No to Shenorock Park District. Several residents spoke against the park district during public comment at recent Town Board meetings. The opponents have gained traction. As many as 16 households withdrew support for the park district causing the UOA to collect additional signatures for the petition.
What happens next? Once the petition is submitted, the Town must determine whether the petitions satisfies the legal niceties. Then, the Town is required to hold a public hearing. To declare a park district, State law says the Town Board must “find” that all the property owners within the proposed district are benefitted by the proposal. Most councilmen seem to favor holding an informational session before convening the formal public hearing. As noted by Supervisor Murphy at the September Town Board meeting, the Town will "continue to have a dialogue about it until everyone is satisfied that the issues are properly vetted." Whether the Board adopts this course will be decided on Thursday.
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