Monroe approves Mill Pond weed control, considers village zoning for cluster housing

MONROE-The Village of Monroe will spend $4,995 for aquatic weed control in Mill Pond. The Village Board approved a contract at its Feb. 15 meeting with Natureworks Clear Water Associates Inc. of Lake Ariel. Pa. The company will use chemicals for weed and algae control, chemicals that Mayor Joseph C. Mancuso said are safe and suitable for use in a reservoir. Meanwhile, James Sweeney, the attorney representing the Smith Farm subdivision, a 181-unit project on Gilbert Street, asked the board to approve a cluster plan for the project. Cluster planning permits housing units to be built in groups arranged to provide for increased green space between the clustered groups and construction of amenities such as swimming pools or tennis courts. This design does not allow for any additional units than was originally approved. The Village Board must adopt a new local law allowing such zoning before the Village Planning Board can act. In other business before the board: • Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc., representatives Fred Clark and Kimberly Campbell presented a revised route for a proposed 16 inch gas pipeline. The new pipeline is required to supply the increased demand in the Monroe area and is planned to cross Crane Park closer toward the north side of Mill Pond than originally proposed. The project is scheduled to begin immediately after the July 4 weekend, continuing for two weeks in Crane Park and completing six weeks later at Orange & Rockland Road. The board was in favor of the revised plan and will continue to review the proposal. • The Monroe Joint Park Recreation Commission notified the board of their bid evaluation for an addition to the Smith's Clove Park Program Room that would double its size. The board approved funding $148,949 to be spent equally between the town and village with funds to be taken from parkland fees. In a addition to other activities, the expansion will support the 650 to 700 children enrolled in the six week summer day camp.