Council Tables Vote on FASNY Environmental Resolution
The White Plains Common Council vote to adopt the Environmental Findings Resolution (EFS) for a Special Permit application by the French American School of New York (FASNY) to develop a private elementary and secondary school at the site of the former Ridgeway Country Club was tabled at the last minute Monday evening.
Residents out in force and bearing Stop FASNY buttons had gathered in Council Chambers awaiting the outcome.
Talk amongst the crowd was that there would be a mixed vote. What they did not expect was a unanimous decision to postpone.
Mayor Tom Roach told the crowd there had been much back and forth between the Council and city staff regarding questions about the EFS. These questions and associated changes had continued up until about 4 p.m. Monday afternoon.
With little time to distribute and analyze any changes to the 140-page document, it was determined that tabling the vote was the best solution at this point. There was no discussion about the document nor what changes or clarifications had been requested.
The Environmental Findings Resolution marks the end of a long process required by New York State under its SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review) process. If the EFS is accepted by the Council, which is the lead agency for this project, the next step for FASNY is to proceed with the Special Permit and Site Plan approval.
Mayor Roach said the special meeting and vote would likely be rescheduled for next week, however no date has yet been set.
