Environmental Review Required Before Novartis Site Can Be Used for Warehousing

by M. C. Millman

The Village of Suffern is requiring the former Novartis site to undergo an environmental assessment to study traffic, noise, traffic and transit, hazardous materials, noise, and air quality, stormwater management, and effects on the local ecology, environment, and natural resources, before the property can be turned into a warehousing complex. 

The New York's State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) will ensure that changing the property to a  state-of-the-art warehousing/distribution facility won't adversely impact the quality of life and how it impacts the community.

The location of the property is within the Suffern's PLI (Planned Light Industrial) Zoning District, where warehousing use is permitted.

The developer plans to construct three Class "A" industrial warehouse/wholesale distribution facilities, which will total 1,221,800 square feet. The plans include loading bays, trailer storage spaces, and parking.

County and state agencies will participate in the process and will have to issue approvals before the warehouse can proceed. The Suffern Planning Board, Zoning Board, Department of Public Works, and the Board of Trustees will be required to weigh in as well.

Photo: Lohud