The Glen Cove Planning Board held a meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18 to review the scope of the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for the proposed RexCorp Glen Isle mixed-use waterfront development. Before a standing-room-only crowd of 160 people, board President Tom Scott began by stating that under SEQRA (State Environmental Quality Review Act) regulations, a scoping meeting does not need to be presented to the public; however, Mayor Ralph V. Suozzi and Kelly Morris, interim director of the IDA/CDA, requested that a public meeting be held, in the city's spirit of transparency and community involvement. Mr. Scott praised the city for its actions.

The meeting, said Mr. Scott, was not a "question and answer" session; the purpose was to give the public an opportunity to comment, question and offer suggestions as to what should be addressed in the DEIS before the planning board gives its approval.

The subject of traffic impact on Glen Cove, Sea Cliff and other surrounding areas, which has been addressed at numerous meetings, was once again brought up by a number of residents. An issue new to the debate, and one which predominated the meeting, was that of the proximity of the development to Garvies Point Preserve, with the extensive indigenous wildlife and plant life that call the preserve home, the marine life of the creek and harbor, and the migratory paths of birds.

Representatives from the Audubon Society, the Hempstead Harbor Preservation Commission and various other environmental activists questioned the possible negative effects on the preserve, including air, water, noise and light pollution, and the basic intrusion and disruption to the environment, including indigenous soil and the general loss of wildlife habitat. More than 250 different species of bird and animal life have been sighted and recorded in the preserve. Another concern addressed the possibility of the shadow of the residential buildings impacting on tree and plant life. It was remarked that the preserve was not meant to be "a backdrop for high-rise buildings" and that proximity to high-rise buildings is a major cause of avian mortality.

A speaker suggested further examination of the possibility of a new road causing erosion and collapse of hilled areas. There was concern that a road was slated to be built within the boundaries of the preserve, however, Don Monti of RexCorp told this reporter that the concern was unfounded. Garvies Point Preserve is a Nassau County property.

Another environmental concern addressed was that of the land itself, a former Brownfield Superfund site. Pat Tracy suggested that the developers be certain that no groundwater be used for watering grass and plants or in fountains, due to the fact that there is no guarantee the water does not contain toxins. Ms. Tracy pointed out that children playing in grassy park areas could be particularly affected.

A Sea Cliff resident recommended that the development be examined from various locations to see its impact on the character of the area. She stated that Sea Cliff has recently made substantial investments in its boardwalk to bring people to the village's waterfront and consideration should be given to the impact of the new Glen Cove development on the vista from that perspective.

Boaters and fishermen, including members of the Glen Cove Anglers' Club, also took the podium to state concerns as to the size of the turnaround at the end of the creek as well as parking facilities and the space needed to navigate cars with boat trailers.

At the close of the meeting, Mr. Scott complimented the speakers on their well-informed statements. He announced that the public comment period would remain open until Tuesday, Dec. 2 and interested parties should type their suggestions or questions and either mail or hand deliver them to the planning board office on the third floor of city hall. The mailing address is Glen Cove City Hall, 9 Glen Street, Glen Cove NY 11542, Attn: Planning Board. All comments must be received no later than 4 p.m. on Dec. 2, he said, with emphasis on the word "must."

The scoping report can be found on the City of Glen Cove website: www.glencove-li.com. Click on Waterfront Project on the left hand side and follow the links. Paper copies are available at the Glen Cove Public Library and at the city clerk's office in city hall. The RexCorp Glen Isle community information office at 20 Glen Street is open to the public and the developers welcome all residents who have questions or comments to visit.

The next meeting of the Glen Cove Planning Board is Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 8 p.m. in the main chambers of city hall.