Nyack Red Cross: To Renovate, We Need Waiver

Nyack's Red Cross is aiming to subdivide its North Broadway property in order to raise money for renovations, but a $5,000 subdivision fee is hindering their goal.

Bob Silarski, an architect who works with the Red Cross pro bono, noted the non-profit has several structural issues.

"The building is in need of thousands of dollars of maintenance," Silarski explained. "There's an asbestos problem, a chimney problem and no handicap entrance. It needs a major cash infusion to remain viable."

But dividing up the property and selling it for profit would be impeded by the charge, Silarski said.

"The subdivision fee is inequitable," he added. "We're asking for a waiver."

When asked about the project's time line, Silarski noted sooner was better. He also noted subdividing the lot would produce another tax lot for the village, which could make up for the waived fee over a period of years.

Village trustee noted granting a waiver to any organization can lead to a ripple effect. Never before has the village ceded the fee.

"If you grant a waiver to the Red Cross, you'll have to grant it to others," explained Walter Sevastian, the village attorney. Sevastian noted it is hard to differentiate one waiver from another, even when a charitable organization is involved.

"The best course of action is to change the law," Sevastian added.

Trustees agreed, noting the fee is oftentimes "onerous." The village has lessened the fee in the past, taking it from $10,000 to the current $5,000. Some nearby villages, like Piermont, have no fee on top of the basic application cost.

Trustees have set a public hearing for the next village board meeting, set for Jan. 13, 2011.

"At that time we'll have new language and a proposed fee," said trustee Steve Knowlton.