I am a resident of the City of White Plains in the Rosedale neighborhood and I am familiar with the proposal to develop the property located at 1 Sycamore Lane.

I strongly urge the White Plains Zoning Board of Appeals to deny the applicants requested zoning variances and to deny the applicant’s request to build within the wetlands setback.

The size and scope of the development will have a negative impact on the character of the community and will further deteriorate the fragile wetlands which will cause additional flooding.

1 SYCAMORE LANE (corner property on Rosedale Ave) is being CONVERTED from a SINGLE FAMILY HOME to a BUDDHIST TEMPLE COMPLEX

New 12,000 sf TEMPLE
4,500 sf RECTORY
1,600 sf ARTIFACTS BUILDING w/souvenir shop
30’ TALL PAGODA
A PAVILION w/UNKNOWN BUILDING
ANOTHER 20’ LONG STRUCTURE
PARKING LOT for AT LEAST 49 CARS

THIS IS ON AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE SITE WITH PROTECTED WETLANDS, A STREAM THAT FLOWS DIRECTLY INTO THE MAMARONECK RIVER AND NUMEROUS ROCK OUTCROPPINGS
 

The Applicant has applied to the Zoning Board of Appeals for numerous zoning variances, the granting of which risk FLOODING, INCREASED TRAFFIC, & ENVIRONMENTAL DEVASTATION to our Community.
 

Wetlands setback variance – Over half of the property is made up of a stream, designated wetlands and a wetlands buffer.  The plan calls for building the Temple, the large Artifacts  building and the parking lot IN THE WETLANDS BUFFER meant to protect wetlands for all of us.
 
Zoning variances – To build all of these structures the applicant must obtain numerous ginormous variances which would put the half acre big parking lot within 10’ of the street, and allow the side of the building to be only 21 feet away from the lot line instead of over 50 feet as required.
 
Pagoda – The 30’ tall Pagoda that is proposed on bedrock on the peak point of the property will be visible to all of the neighborhood as it is meant to welcome the public to the Complex.

The applicant purchased this property with the intent of converting it to a Buddhist temple.  While religious facilities are permitted and welcome on this property and in our neighborhood, it knowingly purchased this property with the current zoning and environmental constraints and now wants to develop this property without any regard to the zoning and environmental rules that protect our quality of life and the character of our neighborhood and which we all abide by on our own properties.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS ARE SIGNIFICANT:

Flooding & Widespread Impacts to Wetlands - With at least ¾ of an acre of new impervious surface area (the plans indicate it will be much, much more), both uphill and downhill properties that border the stream risk increased flooding in White Plains as well as the Town of Mamaroneck. 
Increased Pollution to the Mamaroneck River and Long Island Sound from Runoff.
Traffic Nightmare - With over 22,000 SF of new facilities open to the public 7 days/week, the traffic impact will be significant along Rosedale Avenue.  
A Square Peg in a Round Hole - As neighbors, we welcome everyone and have no objection to a temple on this property, but the proposed development is just too big for this property.  

We Are Asking That They Build The Temple In Conformity With Existing Laws To Protect Our Community.