Forum Takes Long-Term Look at Katonah

A standing-room-only audience raised questions for town government and civic leaders about a number of issues, both large—such as the zoning, septic and parking challenges for business owners, and small—including the lack of public bathrooms in town, at a forum hosted by the Katonah Village Improvement Society.

The fourth annual town hall meeting, billed as a session for residents to "share their vision," was held at the Katonah Village Library on May 19 and brought together key officials to speak and hear ideas on the town's future.

The discussion was moderated by Don Scott, KVIS member, and included panelists Lee Roberts, town supervisor; Jennifer Cook, president of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce; Bedford Police Chief Ed Collins; Jeff Osterman, town planning director; Sten Sandlund, who heads up the KVIS government affairs committee, and Kevin Winn, Commissioner of Public Works.

The panelists agreed on what made Katonah unique—it's history, strong schools, and "spiritied and caring individuals."

They also concurred on some of the challenges business owners face related to growth, after local business owner Heather Flournoy said that she was interested in holding a monthly music series in Katonah but businesses told her they have restrictions on parking and sewage flow.

Osterman described a complex, Bermuda Triangle-like intersection of limitations to business expansion, including the environmental regulations around being in the watershed.

"There's the historic zoning boundaries, and the reservoir to the north and south, and the fact that space is at a premium—there's not a lot of room to put new commercial buildings in," he said.

Sewage flow also factors in. Businesses have to space out flow during the day in order to not tax the septic system, he added.

There's no quick fix, according to panelists.

County legislator Peter Harckham (D-Katonah) reported that the county board of health was working on upgrading septic codes. And a recent provision approved by New York City's Department of Environmental Protection enables the town to move forward on building wastewater treatment plant, according to Roberts.

But forming a new sewer district could take up to ten years, said Winn, and will likely not allow for an increase in flow. "We'll need to refine a design, get city and state approvals, have a public vote, and find the funds," said Winn. "We'll also have to tear up every street."

KVIS Co-President Susan Warsaw suggested finding interim solutions, which prompted a discussion of portable toilets, and an introduction to a company representative from a  compostable toilet manufacturer who attended the meeting.

Cook pointed out that businesses had tried staying open later to rejuvenate downtown nightlife, but it seemed at the time that residents preferred to be at home with their families.

She also described the efforts of the Katonah Chamber of Commerce to raise the profile of the town as a weekend destination, which could draw more visitors, which might convince businesses to stay open later,  she said. "It takes money to pay staff to stay open later, and there's some push and pull there," she said.

Other community concerns raised included a need for additional handicapped parking spots in town, and creating events geared toward teens. Nothing was readily available for teens, said Roberts. She suggested looking at nearby Peeksill as an example of a successful teen center.

The "greening" of Bedford was highlighted as well—the climate action plan, sidewalk plan, and efforts to encourage bike-friendly streets.

They may not have walked away with a vision for the future, but KVIS members have been working since the forum on adapting the issues raised for a soon-to-be mailed survey to residents. A long-dormant teen committee will also be revitalized—a "junior" KVIS—to engage young voices in their work, said Warsaw.