"Development must meet the region's needs without compromising the needs of future generations," says Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano. "We want to have a strong economy, but we must protect our environment and precious quality of life. This is where good planning comes in."

The hearings, which will begin with a session tonight at the Peekskill Library, will focus on suburban sprawl issues in the areas of routes 203, 35 and 6 and the Bear Mountain Parkway Corridors. The other hearings to be held later this month will be on Nov. 14, at the Yorktown Town Hall Board Room at 363 Underhill Ave., and on Nov. 16 at the Cortlandt Town Hall Meeting Room. All sessions will begin at 7 p.m.

Spano encouraged concerned residents to become involved in the 202-35-6 Bear Mountain Parkway Sustainable Development Study. This study will look at ways to balance the economy, environment and quality of life through effective transportation and land use policies. The community's input is being encouraged to shape these policies, which should help lead to ways to create more livable neighborhoods, protection of natural resources and enhancement of the region's long-term economic vitality, he relates.