We the undersigned write to express our strong objection to the artificial turf project currently proposed for Nursery Field. We have two major reasons why we believe this project, although well-meaning, is misguided.
First, installing artificial turf at this site would impose a significantly increased burden for taxpayers, both on a regular maintenance and a replacement basis, no matter how much money for construction is promised from a private group. As City expenses for consultants and staff time continue to mount — well north of $100,000 already — we are leaving citizens on the hook for ongoing substantial outlays for a project based on now-dated, conservative estimates by City consultants, in the $1.8 million to $2.3 million range.
Second, after living through Hurricane Ida, do we really think now is the time to put the community at any further risk of flooding? The proposed system calls for retaining walls, holding tanks, and sea walls in this National Wetlands Inventory area and Westchester County storm surge zone, which would substantially increase the probability of flood risk, and where many nearby homes have experienced flooding already.
The safest and most economical way forward is to keep the natural grass field and enhance the flood-mitigating wetlands by introducing cost-effective drainage maintenance landscaping techniques. We stand with the many Rye residents who want to protect taxpayers and homeowners and welcome the opportunity to seek better solutions that benefit the entire community.
Sincerely,
Rodney Brown
Emily Dorin
Sue Drouin
Sara Goddard
Pamela Haas
Linda Lefkowitz
Vanessa Mayo
Danielle Tagger Epstein
Amanda Timchak
Suki van Dijk
David Walker
