Planning commission declares lead agency and issues negative declaration for proposed indoor soccer center; flags parking cleanup

The commission declared itself lead agency and issued a SEQR negative declaration for a proposed indoor soccer training center at 1 Highland Industrial Park (tenant: Westchester Sports Arena LLC). Attorney Jeff Gasparo and tenant representatives described a tenant fit‑out of an existing industrial building formerly used as a beverage distributor; the change in use to an indoor sports/amusement use requires a council special permit and subsequent site plan review.

Commissioners expressed concern about debris and conditions in the rear parking area and discussed making lease or site‑plan conditions requiring the landlord to clear and stripe the parking spaces designated for the tenant. The applicants said the landlord has committed in writing to allocate 100 spaces in lease terms and that they will coordinate cleanup once permits are issued; the commission indicated it may condition final site plan approval on demonstrable clearing of designated tenant spaces before issuing a certificate of occupancy.

The commission approved two motions: to declare lead agency for coordinated environmental review and to issue a negative declaration under SEQR, allowing the application to proceed to the Common Council for a required special permit. Commissioners advised applicants to provide a parking demarcation plan and suggested the final site plan review include explicit lease or signage commitments to ensure spaces are kept clear for patrons and staff.