John Sorrentino plans to build a 10,000 square foot house on Round Lake Island, which would include a bridge connecting it to the mainland. Local residents oppose the development due to concerns about its impact on the scenic landscape and safety issues with emergency vehicle access. While Sorrentino has modified his plans in response to feedback, eliminating a proposed helipad, residents remain worried about how the large house could pollute the lake and affect their use and enjoyment of it. The fate of the project now rests with the town board, who will decide whether to approve or deny Sorrentino's application and variance requests.

1. Round Lake IslandBy David BerlinerJOUR 2001WDecember 6, 2010

2. The PlanSubmitted in March 2010John Sorrentino plans to build a 10,000-square-foot, single-family house on the 6.6-acre island.It would also include a bridge that extends from a right of way on the shore to the island.

3. Round LakeRound Lake is located in Monroe, NY, about 60 miles north of Manhattan.Island dates from 1707 and originally served as a pasture.

4. Round Lake Island is 6.6 acres.

5. The Original ProposalA six-bedroom house.Includes:A wellA 2,000 gallon septic tankA dock for access by boatsA helicopter padA bridge extending from a right of way to the island.

6. The original plan from March 2010

7. What are the problems?Round Lake residents opposed.Scenic, as well as safety and health concerns.Emergency vehicles.Noise concerns with the helicopter.

8. Outraged CitizensResidents very active in attending town meetingsFacebook page startedSorrentinolater scraps helipad from planPeople are concerned about:Impact the house will have on the scenic value of the areaHealth and safetyPollution

9. The Save Round Lake Island Facebook Page with 2,500 members.

10. Facebook PageStarted by a resident of Round Lake, Dan Sapp.Page is updated often.Contains updates on the project and people’s opinions.

11. Septic TankKathleen Purdy, president of the Round Lake Association, points out problems:Septic TankTree CodeCircumnavigating the lake

12. Septic TankDesigned by Eljen, who produces prefabricated drainage systems.This system barely meets minimum capacity requirementsNot acceptable near lakes since effluent can make its way into the water.

13. Engineer’s plans. The bridge that connects the right of way on the shore to the island is 800-1,000 feet long.

14. Circumnavigating the LakeResidents are disappointed that they may not be able to go around the lake anymore.Sorrentino responded, “This is no less of an intrusion than if you built a home on the side of a mountain or hillside and needed access.”

15. Round Lake. Point “A” represents the location of the right of way.

16. Open Development AreaAn ODA is any public area that lacks a public road for access.Because property does not front on a public road, he would need a variance from the zoning board.Only if this is granted can he get the building permit.The planning board was asked for their advice. Their decision was to not recommend the area for ODA.

17. John SorrentinoA real estate developer Owns 105 acres in a neighboring town, ChesterPurchased the island from Gerard Bell in 2009 for $80,000

18. Round Lake IslandA picture of Round Lake Island taken in April, 2010

19. Right now…The project is awaiting a decision from the town board.If it is approved plans will move forward.If denied, the project will either cease or Sorrentino may sue to have it approved.

20. A summer day at Round LakeView of the lake from the boat rental center on Round Lake