The usual disclaimers apply. I am not speaking for the School Board, I am speaking as an individual. (Refrigerate after opening. Shake well before each use. Your mileage may vary. Past performance means bupkis.)
I had the chance to briefly review the report put out by "FACTS". My first impression was that Paul DeMay had a lot of guts staking his firm's reputation and future business on the numbers he used and the tone he took.
On closer review, DeMay has several "inconsistencies" with the submissions by both the developer and the Chappaqua School Board to DEIS and FEIS. It is not surprising to me that the Town's demographer came up with the numbers it did nor is it surprising to me that the developer came up with their number. The school district has hired counsel who in turn has hired experts to come up with its own projections.
I have never expected all the experts to be in concurrance. These projections are based on numerous asumptions and estimates. The concern was and is, what if the developer and now the town's numbers are wrong? I believe the risk of the estimates being wrong is great, while, at the same time, the outcome is financially significant.
I believe the appropriate party to take the risk is the developer, NOT the Chappaqua or New Castle taxpayer. As noted the other night, the developer must also believe the risk to be great as its lawyer stated they would not be willing to assume it. No monies would be put in escrow he said. As another speaker said at the town hall meeting, put your money where your mouth is.
That leads me to one question. Why should the taxpayers assume the risk if the developer won't?
22:41
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