Briarcliff Eyes Field, Trail at Youth Center Site

A new scenic trail and a recreational field may be in store for Briarcliff Manor residents.

Crews were out at the Briarcliff Manor Youth Center removing trees that came down during Sandy on Friday as part of a general clean-up effort at the site.

"That area got really whomped by the hurricane," said Village Manager Philip Zegarelli. "About 38 trees were knocked down—mostly Norway Spruces."

The "swampy area" behind the Van Lu Van Road building where the trees were growing were no match for the storm's high winds and rain, he said.

"While they grew well, it causes not that great of root depth," Zegarelli explained. "What we ended up having to do is take them down and in the process, clean up all the vegetation."

He noted, "We filed for insurance recovery and we took in about $112,000 for the damage of trees to village property as a whole," also citing the damage Law Memorial Park suffered near the Elm Road intersection.

As part of the cleanup process, the village is "more than obliged" to replant any trees that are taken down, Zegarelli shared.

"We are looking at planting a a whole stand of trees that is of a mixed species, that is, shall I say, water-tolerant and that are native to this part of the country," he said. "That will be done this spring."

Zegarelli said he also has recommended the board consider planting the trees in such a way that they create a buffer along the natural path along the stream behind the youth center.

"We could make it into a nice walking trail that goes back behind the library, "he said. "And, all of a sudden we have this grassy area, that—if the DEC will let us—we could make into what I am calling a 'utility field.'"

This area could be used for residents "to go out and play," but no soccer setups, official equipment or games, he said.

At the same time, crews removed the years-old plantings alongside the building that Zegarelli said were damaging the structure with their moisture.

"We are going to scrape the paint down, re-caulk the windows and repaint the building," he said. "It's sort of several things at the same time."

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