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Violations Put Yorktown Sports Complex On A Short Leash

YORKTOWN, N.Y. – A stop-work order for the Yorktown Sports Complex at Navajo Fields has been lifted, but town officials have made it clear that any further construction violations will not be tolerated.

Navajo Fields representatives have been asked to have any changes approved by the town before carrying out construction in Yorktown.

Navajo Fields representatives have been asked to have any changes approved by the town before carrying out construction in Yorktown.

Photo Credit: File

Supervisor Michael Grace signed off on a revised site plan map Tuesday night and approved a resolution amending the wetlands and excavation permits, which were violated when unapproved changes were made at the Navajo Street site.

“Notwithstanding what your impression is, I’m going to tell you right now our staff has worked overtime to help you as much as they possibly can,” Grace told owner C.J. Diven.  “You’ve got to cut it out. These guys are working extra hard.”

Town Board members said they did not take issue with the changes, but asked that they not be made without town approval. Grace called the project a “moving target” that is “driving my staff nuts.”

“No additional amendments will be permitted,” Grace said. “I shouldn’t have to say that. If you’re going to do something that’s not on these plans – don’t.”

One area of concern was how to delineate the “limit of disturbance” into the wetlands. While the revised map shows a combination of silt fencing and stakes at different parts of the site, environmental consultant Bruce Barber said the original plan, approved in April 2011, called for silt fencing over the entire area. He expressed concern that wooden stakes can be moved or knocked down.

In response, Grace told Diven it was his responsibility to maintain the stakes; otherwise, he would be in violation of the permit.

“If my environmental inspector goes up there and the stakes are not there, he can issue a stop-work order,” said Grace.

Despite the town’s approval, Grace acknowledged that the Department of Environmental Conservation might want Diven to mitigate even more of the wetland disturbance. Grace recommended having another location plan for the two greenhouses just in case.

Yorktown officials will make site trips to make sure the permit is not being violated. Diven and his Navajo Fields colleagues will also return in 180 days for a compliance review.

“Good luck,” said Council Member Dave Paganelli. “Make us proud up there.”

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