Butterfield Project Receives Approvals in Cold Spring

By Neal Rentz

After several years of review, the proposed Butterfield mixed use project received two major boosts by the Cold Spring Planning Board on April 1.

The board voted 4-1 to provide final site plan approval and unanimously provide preliminary plan approval for the project, which is being proposed by Butterfield Realty. The planning board will hold a joint meeting with the village board of trustees at a date to be announced to review the project’s proposed recreation easements. The planning board will also be required to provide final subdivision approval before the project can proceed.

Previously, the parcel of land where the project is set to be constructed was changed to B4A zoning and an environmental review was completed that indicated there were no significant adverse affects. The mixed-use site plan expects to bring a healthcare facility, commercial and retail space, office space, senior housing and three single-family residential lots. There are 207 parking spaces planned.

Prior to last week’s votes, the planning board reviewed the language of the two resolutions and a memorandum from

Charles Voss, a consultant hired by the village to review the Butterfield project. Voss said the applicant answered most of his questions. “The applicant has done a pretty good job,” he said. The only questions that still needed to be addressed by the applicant are about storm water related issues, Voss said.

Following the votes, applicant Paul Guillaro thanked the planning board. “I just want to thank the board,” he said, adding “a lot of hard work” has been done on his project.

Putnam County Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra also praised the planning board. “You clearly have done your due diligence. You worked so hard. I’m thrilled,” she said.

Arne Saari was the only planning board member who voted against final site plan approval. Butterfield has several positive aspects, including the creation of a senior center, stores, a post office and county services that could be housed at the development, he said. “There are many good aspects to the project,” he said. However, there are also downsides to Butterfield, including inadequate parking, Saari said.