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2026-114
2026-114 Determination Of Non -Significance On The ActiResolution Of The Town Board Of The Town Of Wappinger New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (Segra) Determination Of Non -Significance On The Proposed Action To Acquire 326 Acres Of Open Space In Cranberry Hills -Tax Id 135689 6158-04-951382-0000 on To Acquire 326 Acres Of Open Space In Cranberry At a Regular Meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger, Dutchess County, New York, held at Town Hall, 20 Middlebush Road, Wappingers Falls, New York, on April 27, 2026. The meeting was called to order by Joseph D. Cavaccini, Town Supervisor, and upon roll being called, the following was recorded: ✓ Vote Record - Resolution RES -2026-114 Yes/Aye No/Nay Abstain Absent 2 Adopted ❑ Adopted as Amended Joseph D. Cavaccini Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Defeated William H. Beale Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Tabled Heather O'Dell Seconder Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ withdrawn Christopher Phillips Voter Q ❑ ❑ ❑ Al Casella Mover Q ❑ ❑ ❑ The following Resolution was introduced by Casella and seconded by Councilwoman O'Dell. WHEREAS, the Town Board proposes to purchase +/-326 acres of forested open space and wetlands in Cranberry Hills and conserve this property that is located in the Town of Wappinger (Tax ID 135689 6158-04-951382-0000) in order to preserve natural community character and assist orderly growth; and WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger authorized the submission of an application for funding assistance for this land purchase from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Open Space Conservation Grant; WHEREAS, the Town Board assigned the action to purchase this property as a SEQRA Type I action based on regulations under NYCRR 617.4 - Type I Actions, and per subsection 617.4.(b.)(4), as this proposal would encompass the acquisition, sale, lease, annexation or other transfer of 100 or more contiguous acres of land by a State or local agency; and WHEREAS, the Town Board previously declared its interest and intent to serve as the Lead Agency pursuant to SEQRA and its implementing regulations at 6 NYCRR §617.6 (b)(2)(1), with respect to the action to purchase this property; and WHEREAS, the Town Board previously identified its intent to perform a SEQRA coordinated review; and WHEREAS, the Town Board previously caused the circulation of a letter to the other identified SEQRA involved agency, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), notifying the NYSDEC it was undertaking procedures to establish lead agency and perform a coordinated review, and requesting any comments on establishing a lead agency for this action, although no return correspondence has been received to date from the NYSDEC on the proposal for the Town of Wappinger Town Board to undertake the lead agency role; and WHEREAS, the Town Board prepared and reviewed Part 1, 2, and 3 of a Full Environmental Assessment Form ("FEAF") as part of advancing the SEQRA review of this proposed action; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Town Board of the Town of Wappinger in regular session duly convened as follows: 1. The Town of Wappinger Town Board hereby declares itself as the Lead Agency pursuant to SEQRA with respect to the action to purchase +/-326 acres of forested open space and wetlands in Cranberry Hills and conserve this property as open space; and 2. The Town Board upon due deliberation of Parts 1, 2 & 3 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form finds that the potential impacts are generally small or negligible, and the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse environmental effects; and The Town Board, as Lead Agency, hereby issues a Negative Declaration pursuant to the requirements of the SEQRA and authorizes the Supervisor to sign any and all documents as the Responsible Officer under SEQRA; and 4. The Town Board hereby directs that notice of this Negative Declaration be filed, published, and circulated in accordance with applicable law, including filing with the Town Supervisor and in the Office of the Town Clerk. This resolution shall take effect immediately. The foregoing was put to a vote which resulted as follows RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Al Casella, Councilman SECONDER: Heather O'Dell, Councilwoman AYES: Cavaccini, Beale, O'Dell, Phillips, Casella Dated: Wappingers Falls, New York 4/27/2026 The Resolution is hereby duly declared Adopted. JOSVPH P. PAOLONI, TOWN CLERK Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 2 - Identification of Potential Project Impacts Agency Use Only [If applicable] Project: Town of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Lot AEJ Date: April 23, 2026 Part 2 is to be completed by the lead agency. Part 2 is designed to help the lead agency inventory all potential resources that could be affected by a proposed project or action. We recognize that the lead agency's reviewer(s) will not necessarily be environmental professionals. So, the questions are designed to walk a reviewer through the assessment process by providing a series of questions that can be answered using the information found in Part 1. To further assist the lead agency in completing Part 2, the form identifies the most relevant questions in Part 1 that will provide the information needed to answer the Part 2 question. When Part 2 is completed, the lead agency will have identified the relevant environmental areas that may be impacted by the proposed activity. If the lead agency is a state agency and the action is in any Coastal Area, complete the Coastal Assessment Form before proceeding with this assessment. Tips for completing Part 2: • Review all of the information provided in Part 1. • Review any application, maps, supporting materials and the Full EAF Workbook. • Answer each of the 18 questions in Part 2. • If you answer "Yes" to a numbered question, please complete all the questions that follow in that section. • If you answer "No" to a numbered question, move on to the next numbered question. • Check appropriate column to indicate the anticipated size of the impact. • Proposed projects that would exceed a numeric threshold contained in a question should result in the reviewing agency checking the box "Moderate to large impact may occur." • The reviewer is not expected to be an expert in environmental analysis. • If you are not sure or undecided about the size of an impact, it may help to review the sub -questions for the general question and consult the workbook. • When answering a question consider all components of the proposed activity, that is, the "whole action". • Consider the possibility for long-term and cumulative impacts as well as direct impacts. • Answer the question in a reasonable manner considering the scale and context of the project. 1. Impact on Land Proposed action may involve construction on, or physical alteration of, ®NO ❑ YES the land surface of the proposed site. (See Part 1. D.1) I "Yes'; answer questions a -. I "No", move on to Section 2. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may involve construction on land where depth to water table is E2d ❑ ❑ less than 3 feet. b. The proposed action may involve construction on slopes of 15% or greater. E2f ❑ ❑ c. The proposed action may involve construction on land where bedrock is exposed, or E2a ❑ ❑ generally within 5 feet of existing ground surface. d. The proposed action may involve the excavation and removal of more than 1,000 tons D2a ❑ ❑ of natural material. e. The proposed action may involve construction that continues for more than one year Dle ❑ ❑ or in multiple phases. f. The proposed action may result in increased erosion, whether from physical D2e, D2q ❑ ❑ disturbance or vegetation removal (including from treatment by herbicides). g. The proposed action is, or may be, located within a Coastal Erosion hazard area. Bli ❑ ❑ h. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ Page 1 of 10 2. Impact on Geological Features The proposed action may result in the modification or destruction of, or inhibit access to, any unique or unusual land forms on the site (e.g., cliffs, dunes, ®NO ❑ YES minerals, fossils, caves). (See Part 1. E.2.g) I "Yes'; answer questions a - c. ff "No ", move on to Section 3. Relevant Relevant No, or Moderate Part I Part I small to large Question(s) Question(s) impact impact may may occur may occur occur a. Identify the specific land form(s) attached: E2g ❑ ❑ D2b b. The proposed action may affect or is adjacent to a geological feature listed as a E3c ❑ ❑ registered National Natural Landmark. c. The proposed action may involve dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material D2a Specific feature: ❑ from a wetland or water body. c. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ ❑ 3. Impacts on Surface Water The proposed action may affect one or more wetlands or other surface water ®NO ❑ YES bodies (e.g., streams, rivers, ponds or lakes). (See Part 1. D.2, E.21) I "Yes' , answer questions a - 1. I "No ", move on to Section 4. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may create a new water body. D2b, Dlh ❑ ❑ b. The proposed action may result in an increase or decrease of over 10% or more than a D2b ❑ ❑ 10 acre increase or decrease in the surface area of any body of water. c. The proposed action may involve dredging more than 100 cubic yards of material D2a ❑ ❑ from a wetland or water body. d. The proposed action may involve construction within or adjoining a freshwater or E2h ❑ ❑ tidal wetland, or in the bed or banks of any other water body. e. The proposed action may create turbidity in a waterbody, either from upland erosion, D2a, D2h ❑ ❑ runoff or by disturbing bottom sediments. f. The proposed action may include construction of one or more intake(s) for withdrawal D2c ❑ ❑ of water from surface water. g. The proposed action may include construction of one or more outfall(s) for discharge D2d ❑ ❑ of wastewater to surface water(s). h. The proposed action may cause soil erosion, or otherwise create a source of D2e ❑ ❑ stormwater discharge that may lead to siltation or other degradation of receiving water bodies. i. The proposed action may affect the water quality of any water bodies within or E2h ❑ ❑ downstream of the site of the proposed action. j. The proposed action may involve the application of pesticides or herbicides in or D2q, E2h ❑ ❑ around any water body. k. The proposed action may require the construction of new, or expansion of existing, Dla, D2d ❑ ❑ wastewater treatment facilities. Page 2 of 10 1. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ 4. Impact on groundwater The proposed action may result in new or additional use of ground water, or ©NO ❑ YES may have the potential to introduce contaminants to ground water or an aquifer. (See Part 1. D.2.a, D.2.c, D.2.d, D.2.p, D.2.q, D.2.t) If "Yes'; answer questions a - h. If `No'; move on to Section 5. Relevant Relevant No, or Moderate Part I Part I small to large Question(s) Question(s) impact impact may may occur may occur occur a. The proposed action may require new water supply wells, or create additional demand D2c ❑ ❑ on supplies from existing water supply wells. ❑ ❑ c. The proposed action may result in development within a 500 year floodplain. b. Water supply demand from the proposed action may exceed safe and sustainable D2c ❑ ❑ withdrawal capacity rate of the local supply or aquifer. ❑ ❑ patterns. Cite Source: e. The proposed action may change flood water flows that contribute to flooding. c. The proposed action may allow or result in residential uses in areas without water and Dl a, D2c ❑ ❑ sewer services. f. If there is a dam located on the site of the proposed action, is the dam in need of repair, d. The proposed action may include or require wastewater discharged to groundwater. D2d, E21 ❑ ❑ e. The proposed action may result in the construction of water supply wells in locations D2c, Elf, ❑ ❑ where groundwater is, or is suspected to be, contaminated. Elg, Elh f. The proposed action may require the bulk storage of petroleum or chemical products D2p, E21 ❑ ❑ over ground water or an aquifer. g. The proposed action may involve the commercial application of pesticides within 100 E2h, D2q, ❑ ❑ feet of potable drinking water or irrigation sources. E21, D2c h. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ 5. Impact on Flooding The proposed action may result in development on lands subject to flooding. NO ❑ YES (See Part 1. E.2) I "Yes'; answer questions a - g. I `No'; move on to Section 6. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may result in development in a designated floodway. E2i ❑ ❑ b. The proposed action may result in development within a 100 year floodplain. E2j ❑ ❑ c. The proposed action may result in development within a 500 year floodplain. E2k ❑ ❑ d. The proposed action may result in, or require, modification of existing drainage D2b, D2e ❑ ❑ patterns. e. The proposed action may change flood water flows that contribute to flooding. D2b, E2i, ❑ ❑ E2', E2k f. If there is a dam located on the site of the proposed action, is the dam in need of repair, El e ❑ ❑ or upgrade? Page 3 of 10 g. Other impacts: 6. Impacts on Air The proposed action may include a state regulated air emission source. ©NO ❑ YES (See Part 1. D.2.f., D.2.h, D.2.g) If "Yes'; answer questions a - f. If "No'; move on to Section 7. Relevant 6. Impacts on Air The proposed action may include a state regulated air emission source. ©NO ❑ YES (See Part 1. D.2.f., D.2.h, D.2.g) If "Yes'; answer questions a - f. If "No'; move on to Section 7. Relevant Relevant No, or Moderate Part I Part I small to large Question(s) Question(s) impact impact may may occur may occur occur a. If the proposed action requires federal or state air emission permits, the action may ❑ ❑ threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the Federal also emit one or more greenhouse gases at or above the following levels: government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. i. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide (CO2) D2g ❑ ❑ ii. More than 3.5 tons/year of nitrous oxide (N20) D2g ❑ ❑ iii. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon equivalent of perfluorocarbons (PFCs) D2g ❑ ❑ iv. More than .045 tons/year of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) D2g ❑ ❑ v. More than 1000 tons/year of carbon dioxide equivalent of D2g ❑ ❑ hydrochloroflourocarbons (HFCs) emissions Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. vi. 43 tons/year or more of methane D2h ❑ ❑ b. The proposed action may generate 10 tons/year or more of any one designated D2g ❑ ❑ hazardous air pollutant, or 25 tons/year or more of any combination of such hazardous the Federal government. air pollutants. c. The proposed action may require a state air registration, or may produce an emissions D2f, D2g ❑ ❑ rate of total contaminants that may exceed 5 lbs. per hour, or may include a heat source capable of producing more than 10 million BTU's per hour. d. The proposed action may reach 50% of any of the thresholds in "a" through "c", D2g ❑ ❑ above. e. The proposed action may result in the combustion or thermal treatment of more than 1 D2s ❑ ❑ ton of refuse per hour. f. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ 7. Impact on Plants and Animals The proposed action may result in a loss of flora or fauna. (See Part 1. E.2. m. -q.) W]NO ❑YES I "Yes'; answer questions a -. I "No", move on to Section 8. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may cause reduction in population or loss of individuals of any E2o ❑ ❑ threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. b. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by E2o ❑ ❑ any rare, threatened or endangered species, as listed by New York State or the federal government. c. The proposed action may cause reduction in population, or loss of individuals, of any E2p ❑ ❑ species of special concern or conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government, that use the site, or are found on, over, or near the site. d. The proposed action may result in a reduction or degradation of any habitat used by E2p ❑ ❑ any species of special concern and conservation need, as listed by New York State or the Federal government. Page 4 of 10 e. The proposed action may diminish the capacity of a registered National Natural Landmark to support the biological community it was established to protect. E3c ❑ ❑ f. The proposed action may result in the removal of, or ground disturbance in, any portion of a designated significant natural community. Source: E2n ❑ ❑ Part I g. The proposed action may substantially interfere with nesting/breeding, foraging, or over -wintering habitat for the predominant species that occupy or use the project site. E2m ❑ ❑ h. The proposed action requires the conversion of more than 10 acres of forest, grassland or any other regionally or locally important habitat. Habitat type & information source: Elb ❑ ❑ i. Proposed action (commercial, industrial or recreational projects, only) involves use of herbicides or pesticides. D2q ❑ ❑ j. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ ❑ 8. Impact on Agricultural Resources The proposed action may impact agricultural resources. (See Part 1. E.3.a. and b.) WINO ❑ YES I "Yes'; answer questions a - h. ff "No'; move on to Section 9. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may impact soil classified within soil group 1 through 4 of the E2c, E3b ❑ ❑ NYS Land Classification System. b. The proposed action may sever, cross or otherwise limit access to agricultural land El a, Elb ❑ ❑ (includes cropland, hayfields, pasture, vineyard, orchard, etc). c. The proposed action may result in the excavation or compaction of the soil profile of E3b ❑ ❑ active agricultural land. d. The proposed action may irreversibly convert agricultural land to non-agricultural Elb, E3a ❑ ❑ uses, either more than 2.5 acres if located in an Agricultural District, or more than 10 acres if not within an Agricultural District. e. The proposed action may disrupt or prevent installation of an agricultural land El a, Elb ❑ ❑ management system. f. The proposed action may result, directly or indirectly, in increased development C2c, C3, ❑ ❑ potential or pressure on farmland. 132c, D2d g. The proposed project is not consistent with the adopted municipal Farmland C2c ❑ ❑ Protection Plan. h. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ Page 5 of 10 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources The land use of the proposed action are obviously different from, or are in NO ❑ YES sharp contrast to, current land use patterns between the proposed project and a scenic or aesthetic resource. (Part 1. E.l.a, E.l.b, E.31.) I "Yes'; answer questions a - g. ff `No'; go to Section 10. Relevant Relevant No, or Moderate Part I Part I small to large Question(s) Question(s) impact impact may m r may occur occur a. Proposed action may be visible from any officially designated federal, state, or local E3h ❑ ❑ scenic or aesthetic resource. of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for b. The proposed action may result in the obstruction, elimination or significant E3h, C2b ❑ ❑ screening of one or more officially designated scenic views. b. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous c. The proposed action may be visible from publicly accessible vantage points: E3h ❑ to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic i. Seasonally (e.g., screened by summer foliage, but visible during other seasons) ❑ ❑ ii. Year round ❑ ❑ d. The situation or activity in which viewers are engaged while viewing the proposed E3h ❑ to, an archaeological site not included on the NY SHPO inventory. action is: E2q, Source: i. Routine travel by residents, including travel to and from work ❑ ❑ ii. Recreational or tourism based activities Elc ❑ ❑ e. The proposed action may cause a diminishment of the public enjoyment and E3h ❑ ❑ appreciation of the designated aesthetic resource. f. There are similar projects visible within the following distance of the proposed Dla, Ela, ❑ ❑ project: Dlf, Dlg 0-1/2 mile '/2 -3 mile 3-5 mile 5+ mile g. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ 10. Impact on Historic and Archeological Resources The proposed action may occur in or adjacent to a historic or archaeological QNO ❑ YES resource. (Part 1. E.3.e, f. and g.) If "Yes'; answer questions a - e. If "No", go to Section 11. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may m r r a. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous to, any buildings, archaeological site or district which is listed on the National or E3e ❑ ❑ State Register of Historical Places, or that has been determined by the Commissioner of the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to be eligible for listing on the State Register of Historic Places. b. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous E3f ❑ ❑ to, an area designated as sensitive for archaeological sites on the NY State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) archaeological site inventory. c. The proposed action may occur wholly or partially within, or substantially contiguous E39 ❑ ❑ to, an archaeological site not included on the NY SHPO inventory. Source: Page 6 of 10 d. Other impacts: The proposed action may result in a loss of recreational opportunities or a F,/]NO ❑ YES ❑ ❑ (See Part 1. C.2.c, E.l.c., E.2.q.) If any of the above (a -d) are answered "Moderate to large impact may Moderate Relevant No, or e. occur", continue with the following questions to help support conclusions in Part 3: to large Part I small i. The proposed action may result in the destruction or alteration of all or part E3e, E3g, ❑ ❑ of the site or property. E3f a. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or may occur ii. The proposed action may result in the alteration of the property's setting or E3e, E3f, ❑ ❑ integrity. E3g, Ela, E21r, EM ❑ Elb E2m, E2o, iii. The proposed action may result in the introduction of visual elements which are out of character with the site or property, or may alter its setting. E3e, E3f, E3g, E31r, ❑ ❑ ❑ C2, C3 C2a, Elc, ❑ 11. Impact on Open Space and Recreation The proposed action may result in a loss of recreational opportunities or a F,/]NO ❑ YES reduction of an open space resource as designated in any adopted municipal open space plan. (See Part 1. C.2.c, E.l.c., E.2.q.) I "Yes"; answer questions a - e. ff "No", go to Section 12. Moderate Relevant No, or Moderate to large Part I small to large impact may Question(s) impact impact may occur a. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or may occur occur a. The proposed action may result in an impairment of natural functions, or "ecosystem D2e, Elb ❑ ❑ services", provided by an undeveloped area, including but not limited to stormwater E21r, EM ❑ storage, nutrient cycling, wildlife habitat. E2m, E2o, E2n, E2 ❑ b. The proposed action may result in the loss of a current or future recreational resource. C2a, Elc, ❑ ❑ C2c, E2 c. The proposed action may eliminate open space or recreational resource in an area C2a, C2c ❑ ❑ with few such resources. Elc, E2q d. The proposed action may result in loss of an area now used informally by the C2c, Elc ❑ ❑ community as an open space resource. e. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ 12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas The proposed action may be located within or adjacent to a critical ❑✓ NO ❑ YES environmental area (CEA). (See Part 1. E.3.d) I "Yes"; answer questions a - c. ff "No", go to Section 13. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quantity of the resource or EM ❑ ❑ characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. b. The proposed action may result in a reduction in the quality of the resource or EM ❑ ❑ characteristic which was the basis for designation of the CEA. c. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ Page 7 of 10 13. Impact on Transportation The proposed action may result in a change to existing transportation systems. W] NO ❑ YES (See Part 1. D.2 j) I "Yes'; answer questions a - f ff "No'; go to Section 14. I "Yes' , answer questions a -.f I "No ", go to Section 16. Relevant No, or Moderate Moderate Part I small to large to large Question(s) impact impact may impact may may occur occur a. Projected traffic increase may exceed capacity of existing road network. D2j ❑ ❑ b. The proposed action may result in the construction of paved parking area for 500 or D2j ❑ ❑ more vehicles. Dlq, D2k D2m, Eld ❑ c. The proposed action will degrade existing transit access. D2j ❑ ❑ d. The proposed action will degrade existing pedestrian or bicycle accommodations. D2j ❑ ❑ e. The proposed action may alter the present pattern of movement of people or goods. D2j ❑ ❑ f. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ E01her Impacts: 14. Impact on Energy The proposed action may cause an increase in the use of any form of energy. NO YES (See Part 1. D.21) I "Yes'; answer questions a - e. I "No", go to Section 15. I "Yes' , answer questions a -.f I "No ", go to Section 16. Relevant No, or Moderate Moderate Part I small to large to large Question(s) impact impact may impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action will require a new, or an upgrade to an existing, substation. D2k ❑ ❑ b. The proposed action will require the creation or extension of an energy transmission Dlf, ❑ ❑ or supply system to serve more than 50 single or two-family residences or to serve a Dlq, D2k D2m, Eld ❑ commercial or industrial use. hospital, school, licensed day care center, or nursing home. c. The proposed action may utilize more than 2,500 MWhrs per year of electricity. D2k ❑ ❑ d. The proposed action may involve heating and/or cooling of more than 100,000 square Dlg ❑ ❑ feet of building area when completed. E01her Impacts: 15. Impact on Noise, Odor, and Light The proposed action may result in an increase in noise, odors, or outdoor lighting. QNO ❑YES (See Part 1. D.2.m., n., and o.) I "Yes' , answer questions a -.f I "No ", go to Section 16. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may produce sound above noise levels established by local D2m ❑ ❑ regulation. b. The proposed action may result in blasting within 1,500 feet of any residence, D2m, Eld ❑ ❑ hospital, school, licensed day care center, or nursing home. c. The proposed action may result in routine odors for more than one hour per day. D2o ❑ ❑ Page 8 of 10 d. The proposed action may result in light shining onto adjoining properties. D2n ❑ ❑ e. The proposed action may result in lighting creating sky -glow brighter than existing area conditions. 132n, Ela ❑ ❑ f. Other impacts: small ❑ ❑ Question(s) 16. Impact on Human Health The proposed action may have an impact on human health from exposure © NO ❑ YES to new or existing sources of contaminants. (See Part 1.D.2.q., E.1. d. f. g. and h.) I "Yes'; answer questions a - m. I "No'; go to Section 17. Relevant No,or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may cccur occur a. The proposed action is located within 1500 feet of a school, hospital, licensed day Eld ❑ ❑ care center, group home, nursing home or retirement community. b. The site of the proposed action is currently undergoing remediation. Elg, Elh ❑ ❑ c. There is a completed emergency spill remediation, or a completed environmental site Elg, Elh ❑ ❑ remediation on, or adjacent to, the site of the proposed action. d. The site of the action is subject to an institutional control limiting the use of the Elg, Elh ❑ ❑ property (e.g., easement or deed restriction). e. The proposed action may affect institutional control measures that were put in place Elg, Elh ❑ ❑ to ensure that the site remains protective of the environment and human health. f. The proposed action has adequate control measures in place to ensure that future D2t ❑ ❑ generation, treatment and/or disposal of hazardous wastes will be protective of the environment and human health. g. The proposed action involves construction or modification of a solid waste D2q, Elf ❑ ❑ management facility. h. The proposed action may result in the unearthing of solid or hazardous waste. D2q, Elf ❑ ❑ i. The proposed action may result in an increase in the rate of disposal, or processing, of 132r, D2s ❑ ❑ solid waste. j. The proposed action may result in excavation or other disturbance within 2000 feet of Elf, Elg ❑ ❑ a site used for the disposal of solid or hazardous waste. Elh k. The proposed action may result in the migration of explosive gases from a landfill Elf, Elg ❑ ❑ site to adjacent off site structures. 1. The proposed action may result in the release of contaminated leachate from the 132s, Elf, ❑ ❑ project site. D2r in. Other impacts: Page 9 of 10 17. Consistency with Community Plans The proposed action is not consistent with adopted land use plans. W]NO YES (See Part 1. C.1, C.2. and C.3.) If "Yes'; answer questions a - h. If `No'; go to Section 18. I "Yes'; answer questions a - g. ff "No ", proceed to Part 3. Relevant No, or Moderate Moderate Part I small to large to large Question(s) impact impact may impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action's land use components may be different from, or in sharp C2, C3, Dla ❑ ❑ contrast to, current surrounding land use pattern(s). Ela, Elb b. The proposed action will cause the permanent population of the city, town or village C2 ❑ ❑ in which the project is located to grow by more than 5%. schools, police and fire) c. The proposed action is inconsistent with local land use plans or zoning regulations. C2, C2, C3 ❑ ❑ d. The proposed action is inconsistent with any County plans, or other regional land use C2, C2 ❑ ❑ plans. d. The proposed action may interfere with the use or enjoyment of officially recognized C2, E3 ❑ e. The proposed action may cause a change in the density of development that is not C3, Dlc, ❑ ❑ supported by existing infrastructure or is distant from existing infrastructure. Dld, Dlf, C2, C3 ❑ ❑ Dld, Elb f. The proposed action is located in an area characterized by low density development C4, D2c, D2d ❑ ❑ that will require new or expanded public infrastructure. D2j Ela, Elb g. The proposed action may induce secondary development impacts (e.g., residential or C2a ❑ ❑ commercial development not included in the proposed action) g. Other impacts: ❑ h. Other: ❑ ❑ 18. Consistency with Community Character The proposed project is inconsistent with the existing community character. ONO YES (See Part 1. C.2, C.3, D.2, E.3) I "Yes'; answer questions a - g. ff "No ", proceed to Part 3. Relevant No, or Moderate Part I small to large Question(s) impact impact may may occur occur a. The proposed action may replace or eliminate existing facilities, structures, or areas E3e, E3f, E3g ❑ ❑ of historic importance to the community. b. The proposed action may create a demand for additional community services (e.g. C4 ❑ ❑ schools, police and fire) c. The proposed action may displace affordable or low-income housing in an area where C2, C3, Dlf ❑ ❑ there is a shortage of such housing. Dlg, Ela d. The proposed action may interfere with the use or enjoyment of officially recognized C2, E3 ❑ ❑ or designated public resources. e. The proposed action is inconsistent with the predominant architectural scale and C2, C3 ❑ ❑ character. f. Proposed action is inconsistent with the character of the existing natural landscape. C2, C3 ❑ ❑ Ela, Elb E2g, E2h g. Other impacts: ❑ ❑ PRINT FULL FORM Page 10 of 10 Use Project : ITown of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Lot Acq Date: IAoM23.2026 Full Environmental Assessment Form Part 3 - Evaluation of the Magnitude and Importance of Project Impacts and Determination of Significance Part 3 provides the reasons in support of the determination of significance. The lead agency must complete Part 3 for every question in Part 2 where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. Based on the analysis in Part 3, the lead agency must decide whether to require an environmental impact statement to further assess the proposed action or whether available information is sufficient for the lead agency to conclude that the proposed action will not have a significant adverse environmental impact. By completing the certification on the next page, the lead agency can complete its determination of significance. Reasons Supporting This Determination: To complete this section: • Identify the impact based on the Part 2 responses and describe its magnitude. Magnitude considers factors such as severity, size or extent of an impact. • Assess the importance of the impact. Importance relates to the geographic scope, duration, probability of the impact occurring, number of people affected by the impact and any additional environmental consequences if the impact were to occur. • The assessment should take into consideration any design element or project changes. • Repeat this process for each Part 2 question where the impact has been identified as potentially moderate to large or where there is a need to explain why a particular element of the proposed action will not, or may, result in a significant adverse environmental impact. • Provide the reason(s) why the impact may, or will not, result in a significant adverse environmental impact • For Conditional Negative Declarations identify the specific condition(s) imposed that will modify the proposed action so that no significant adverse environmental impacts will result. • Attach additional sheets, as needed. See Exhibit A - Part III Narrative Attachment: Town of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Open Space Acquisition of 326 acres in Cranberry Hills accessed from Quaker Road in Town of Wappinger Tax ID #135689 6158-04-951382-0000 Determination of Significance - Type 1 and Unlisted Actions SEQR Status: © Type I ❑ Unlisted Identify portions of EAF completed for this Project: 0 Part I 0 Part 2 0 Part 3 FEAF 2019 Upon review of the information recorded on this EAF, as noted, plus this additional support information Exhibit A - Part III Narrative Attachment: Town of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Open Space Acquisition of 326 acres in Cranberry Hills accessed from Quaker Road in Town of Wappinger Tax to #135689 6158-04-951382-0000 and considering both the magnitude and importance of each identified potential impact, it is the conclusion of the as lead agency that: A. This project will result in no significant adverse impacts on the environment, and, therefore, an environmental impact statement need not be prepared. Accordingly, this negative declaration is issued. Fj B. Although this project could have a significant adverse impact on the environment, that impact will be avoided or substantially mitigated because of the following conditions which will be required by the lead agency: There will, therefore, be no significant adverse impacts from the project as conditioned, and, therefore, this conditioned negative declaration is issued. A conditioned negative declaration may be used only for UNLISTED actions (see 6 NYCRR 617.7(d)). F-1 C. This Project may result in one or more significant adverse impacts on the environment, and an environmental impact statement must be prepared to further assess the impact(s) and possible mitigation and to explore alternatives to avoid or reduce those impacts. Accordingly, this positive declaration is issued. Name of Action: Town of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Open Space Acquisition of 326 acres in Cranberry Hills accessed from Quaker Road in Town of Name of Lead Agency: Town of Wappinger Town Board Name of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Joseph D. Cavaccini Title of Responsible Officer: Town Supervisor & Town Board Member Signature of Responsible Officer in Lead Agency: Date: Signature of Preparer (if different from Responsible Officer) D Gilmou'r-, AlSen �e, i r Planner, Labarge Group Date: 131 U-4 ai JA \zy For Further Information: Contact Person: Joseph D. CavaCGini, Town of Wappinger Town Supervisor Address: Town of Wappinger Town Hall - 20 Middlebush Road, Wappinger Falls, NY 12590 Telephone Number: (845) 297-2744 E-mail: supervisor@townofwappingerny.gov For Type I Actions and Conditioned Negative Declarations, a copy of this Notice is sent to: Chief Executive Officer of the political subdivision in which the action will be principally located (e.g., Town 1 City Village of) Other involved agencies (if any) Applicant (if any) Environmental Notice Bulletin: htti)://www.dee.nv.aov/enb/enb,htnil I PRINT FULL FORM Page 2 of 2 Exhibit A Part III Narrative Attachment Town of Wappinger Cranberry Hills Open Space Acquisition of 326 acres in Cranberry Hills accessed from Quaker Road in Town of Wappinger Tax ID #135689 6158-04-951382-0000 Lead Agency: Town of Wayyineer Town Board DATE: APRIL 27, 2026 Introduction The Town of Wappinger Town Board (Town Board,) acting as New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) Lead Agency, reviewed, and considered the environmental impacts of the Proposed Action described herein in accordance with NYCRR Part 617, SEQRA. This document was prepared as a narrative attachment to the Part 3 Environmental Assessment Form. Description of Proposed Action Consistent with municipal growth management efforts and the 2025 Town Comprehensive Plan Amendments to the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, the Town of Wappinger intends on purchasing a +/-326 acre open space, known as the Cranberry Hills parcel. Funding for the purchase will be leveraged by an Open Space Conservation Grant (OSCG) being requested from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). This effort focuses on obtaining sufficient funding to complete this land purchase, while the environmental assessment contemplates the potential effects of conserving these lands in perpetuity. This forested area sits adjacent to and north of the Roy C. Ketcham High School between Myers Corner Road (County Route 93) on the south, Widmer Road on the north, and the site is east of Dorothy Heights on the west, and is located two or more parcels to the west of All Angels Hill Road. This large, forested patch has significant habitat value, and is a prime location for passive recreation, including hiking and nature viewing. Conserving this property that abuts the Village of Wappingers Falls will limit sprawl and preserve an open space core 1/4 mile from Route 9 and the more densely developed commercial areas surrounding it, as well as the higher residential densities in and around the Village. Undertaking this action is in concert with the August 11, 2025 Amendments to the 2010 Town Comprehensive Plan and 2010 prescriptions, paraphrased: to ensure that future development respects existing areas of important natural landscape features, including Cranberry Hills (page 53), and to acquire this site for active and passive recreational uses (pp. 80). This Proposed Action involves the purchase of property for conservation. There is not currently any proposed physical development that is part of the Proposed Action. Any future physical development proposals are subject to SEQRA. Potential Impacts Examined as a Part of this Review Following is a summary of the potential impacts of the Town purchasing this large parcel and preserving it from future residential development (hereinafter referred to as the "Proposed Action"). This narrative follows the sequence of the Part II EAF form that was examined as part of this review. Overall, this effort by the Town to raise funds and purchase this property to conserve it is protective. It will decrease the total physical development potential in the Town. It avoids any future new development onsite and detrimental environmental impacts to various natural features of the property and a surrounding area, including downstream, and any effects to the underlying aquifer. Page 1 of 4 1. Impact on Land Portions of this site have a shallow water table, 15% or greater slopes, and could receive substantial new construction if there was a buildout of new infrastructure and housing onsite. There are +/- 200 acres of upland that could receive new residential development within this current undeveloped open space. Conserving this property will assist townwide growth management and help ensure that significant undesirable impacts on this land from development do not occur, especially when new platted subdivisions include new roads, driveways, and onsite wells or septic systems, or new public water and/or sewer connections. No significant impacts are anticipated to Land Resources from implementing the Proposed Action. 2. Impact on Geological Features The Town of Wappinger's Comprehensive Plan adopted in 2010 has general recommendations for conserving landforms and geological features of the Town. With land conservation, this potential will not change. No significant impacts are anticipated from implementing the Proposed Action. 3. Impact on Surface Water This land conservation is proposed within Wappinger Creek Watershed's Dutchess County Airport and Wappinger Falls' subbasins. There are +/- 112 acres of wetland resources onsite along with multiple streams. These streams are Standard/ Classification C. This land conservation will help ensure a high-quality water environment by eliminating potential for future residential development on the subject parcel, and lowering the total development potential in the broader area in the northern part of Town. This Proposed Action will directly affect the overlain wetlands and the surface water, and conserve water quality downstream from this parcel. By lowering the development yield, demand for extensions or connections to wastewater treatment facilities will be reduced. Based on reduced growth potential there is not expected to be a significant impact on surface water as a result of the Proposed Action. 4. Impact on Groundwater This land conservation proposal is consistent with conserving soils with limited capacities to accommodate new growth. Considering that many surrounding lots are served by public sewers and there is limited public wastewater treatment capacity, this change to protect +/-326 acre will help ensure there is adequate capacity to serve approved developments and support other new growth. This action will help protect the aquifer on and near this site. Since it will conserve recharge capability, it will help ensure that there is a low potential for adverse impacts from new wells and/or septic systems when these are implemented in a broader surrounding area. Overall, no significant impacts to groundwater would occur from implementing protections under this Proposed Action. 5. Impact on Flooding Conserving this land and prohibiting future development on it will avoid the potential for downstream flood risk. The 2010 Plan acknowledges the importance of maintaining environmental functions of areas vulnerable to floods as a way to protect life, property, and water supply. This potential will not change under this Action. There will be a more limited development yield in and by floodplains contiguous with the stream onsite. The Proposed Action will protect land from future development. No significant negative impacts in terms of flooding are anticipated from implementing the Proposed Action. 6. Impact on Air A reduction in development potential will not generate any new or increased impacts on air quality. Page 2 of 4 7. Impact on Plants & Animals The 2010 plan includes recommendations for protecting valuable habitats. This potential is being enhanced through this Proposed Action. No significant impacts are anticipated as a result of implementing the Proposed Action on Plants and Animals. 8. Impact on Agricultural Resources The action would conserve valuable soils including components that are designated as Prime Farmland or Farmland of State Importance. There are no changes proposed to policies regarding farming and agricultural resources. No significant impacts are anticipated on Agricultural Resources. 9. Impact on Aesthetic Resources The conservation of this +/- 326 -acre property will significantly protect open space and the natural and scenic landscape of the Town. It will remove development potential in a location that could detrimentally impact the Town's sense of place and character. No significant impacts are anticipated on community appearance and aesthetics under this Proposed Action. 10. Impact on Historic & Archeological Resources The zoning change will have no effect on historic or archeological resources because it will protect land and avoid physical disturbance of any areas containing sensitive resources. No significant impacts are anticipated on these resource types from implementing land protection under this Proposed Action. 11. Impact on Open Space & Recreation The Proposed Action will conserve one of the largest private open spaces in the Town and nearby surrounding area. It will conserve forests and open space and provide a source for future community recreation. No significant adverse impacts are anticipated as a result of implementing the Proposed Action to protect this land on Open Space and Recreation. 12. Impact on Critical Environmental Areas (CEAs) The 2010 Plan identifies this Cranberry Hills property, between Widmer and Myers Corners Road, as a 325 -acre undeveloped site to consider for designation as a CEA in accordance with SEQRA policy. The proposed land protection covers this property and is a highly protective measure. Preserving this parcel is an acceptable and potentially more protective alternative to a CEA designation. There are no potential detrimental impacts expected under this Proposed Action. 13. Impact on Transportation The Proposed Action will ensure there is not an escalation in trip generation since the land will not be able to be developed for new residential or commercial uses. No significant impacts are expected under this Proposed Action. 14. Impact on Energy There would be no change in energy consumption under the Proposed Action since there will be preservation of currently open land. No significant impacts are anticipated as a result of the Proposed Action on energy use. 15. Impacts on Noise, Odor & Light Taking the Proposed Action would reduce potential future density on the affected site in the Town of Wappinger. There will be protection from new potential sources of Noise, Odor and Light on the land that will be preserved as open space through implementation of the Proposed Action. Page 3 of 4 16. Impact on Human Health The Proposed Action provides for a lower single family housing density in the Town's interior, and it prevents potential for sprawl. This will serve to protect open space and natural resources, including forests, habitat, and surface and ground water, including drinking water supplies. Overall, no significant impacts to Human Health are anticipated as a result of implementing the Proposed Action. 17. Consistency with Community Plans Adopting this land conservation measure is consistent with the 2010 Comprehensive Plan and the August 11, 2025 Amendments to the 2010 Plan. Conserving this site will aid orderly growth, protect valuable habitat and landscape features, and enable community recreation. This land preservation will help ensure that development does not occur at a rate that out paces infrastructure capabilities. Since there is not a comprehensive understanding of the capacity of existing water and sewer systems to accommodate growth, the 2025 Plan Update calls for facilities assessment, ensuring adequate capacity in case of emergencies, and developing an in-depth understanding of the potential build -out of undeveloped lots. During the time the Town is acting to form a full, new comprehensive plan, this land conservation will serve to protect the Town's resource base and ensure that poorly managed or undesired growth does not occur. For the above reasons, the Proposed Action will support growth management and conserve habitat and open space that will benefit the future community environment, consistent with the needs of the Town and its long-range Comprehensive Plan. For More Information Contact: Joseph D. Cavaccim, Town Supervisor & Town Board Member Email: supervisor(a)townof vappingerny.gov Other Involved Agencies: This document is being sent to the following interested and involved agencies: • New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. J:A2024097\ Draft EEAE Part III Narr Attach Cranberry Hills Acquistion 042326.docx Page 4 of 4