Public hearing on Silo Ridge recreational facility extended amid lighting debate

AMENIA — A public hearing on proposed changes to the Siland Recreational Facility — the private tennis and skating complex associated with the Silo Ridge residential development — will continue Wednesday, March 11, after Planning Board members raised concerns about a potential outdoor lighting proposal.

The board extended the public hearing following low public attendance at the Feb. 25 session and the introduction of a proposal to add exterior lighting for the platform tennis courts to allow evening play.

The Siland Recreational Facility sits south of the Silo Ridge neighborhood along Route 22 near the Metro-North Wassaic train station. The acreage includes tennis and platform tennis facilities and a seasonal ice rink. It functions primarily as a private amenity for Silo Ridge members, though portions have periodically been opened to the broader community through coordination with the Recreation Commission.

Consultant Patrick O’Leary, representing the facility, outlined revisions to the site plan that include reconfiguring the parking area, upgrading drainage and adding landscaping at the site. He said those revisions have been described to the board multiple times at prior meetings.

The discussion centered largely on the possibility of outdoor lighting for the platform tennis courts.

O’Leary presented two options. The first would include no exterior lighting, resulting in no nighttime visual impact.

The second would permit seasonal lighting from November through March, with lights used three evenings per week. Under that scenario, the courts would be open to Silo Ridge members on Fridays and Saturdays, while Tuesday evenings would be made available to the broader community in coordination with the Recreation Commission. O’Leary said a similar arrangement is currently in place for use of the ice rink.

He emphasized that seasonal lighting is not the present intent of facility officials but described it as a potential opportunity to expand community access.

In recent weeks, the facility rewired the site and temporarily turned on the lights to allow the public to observe their effect, O’Leary said. Several board members suggested conducting a site visit.

Board member Nina Peek noted that zoning regulations do not permit exterior lighting for private facilities, a view supported by board member Ken Topolsky, who said the proposal would be contrary to current code. Topolsky asked whether shielding or “boxing” the lighting might reduce its impact.

“I did not intend this to be controversial, just a thought to get something for the community,” O’Leary said.

Board member Foz Bullock said she observed the lighting while driving north on Route 22 near the Wassaic station and found it to be quite bright. She said she would like to hear additional public input.

Topolsky also supported continuing the hearing to March 11 to allow for a site visit and further public comment.

If the site plan moves forward without the proposed lighting, the board could take up a resolution for discussion and possible action at its March 11 meeting. If Siland elects to pursue the lighting proposal, the hearing would likely be continued to March 25.

“We’ll be back on March 11,” O’Leary said.