Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_09_17 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes adhac C C 9 Town of Mamaroneck RECEIVED 1\) Conservation Advisory Commissidri DEC 4 41987 • PATRICIAA. oce MAIM tERea Code 914 740 West Boston Post Road 4$1'NY381-6133 Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 a 0 MINUTES A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, September 17, 1987, at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Road, Mamaro- neck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:10 P.M. Members present: Robert Funicello, Acting Chairman Charles Bernstein Suzanne Carpenter Elinor Fredston Steven Goldstein Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus Irma Volk Others present: Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant P. Thomas Leddy, Beautification Director R.M. & Mimi Livingston, Residents - 3 Hilltop Road Howard Sloane, Resident - 8 Oak Lane Frederick A. Lewis, Recording Secretary Administrative Matters Minutes - No action was taken with regard to the approval of the minutes for July 16, 1987. The minutes of August 20, 1987, were approved. However, Mrs. Fredston suggested that the fourth sentence in the sixth paragraph on Page 3 be re-worded. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for Thursday, October 15, at 8:00 P.M. Submissions - Mrs. Carpenter questioned the time element involved in getting materials to the CAC especially prior to meetings. Mrs. Johnson indicated that Ms. Ng is overwhelmed with work. Mr. Goldstein questioned whether material can be delivered to members but it was indicated that .this would add further responsibilities on Ms. Ng. Development Projects Westchester Religious Institute Athletic Field - Mr. Bernstein submitted a report containing an environmental assessment; a report on drainage; and a proms posed drainage plan for the field. He advised that he had discussed the matter with school officials and the lawyer representing the school. Their main com- plaints appear to be noise and parking. Because there would be a screen of vegetation between the playing field and Bleeker Avenue, Mr. Bernstein did not think the other complaints were valid and that the CAC should be concerned with fertilization and pesticiding of the area. He further indicated that one more CAC Minutes - 9/17/87 environmental review will be necessary. Mrs. Johnson suggested that the CAC send a letter to the Village of Mamaroneck applauding their efforts and indicate the CAC's concern for the monitoring of the screen and pesticiding. However, concern was expressed that the letter may step on toes. Mr. Bernstein further advised that he read in the newspaper that the Village was holding up approval of the project because of one problem. However, there was no mention of the problem. It was the concensus of the CAC that the letter suggested by Mrs. Johnson be prepared and sent to the Village and Mrs. Johnson recommended that Mr. Bernstein draft the letter. He agreed to do so. Communications to Commission Request by Mr. Mrs. Livingston Regarding Conservation Area at Hilltop Road - In consideration of their time, it was decided that Mr. & Mrs. Livingston would be allowed to make their presentation at this point of the meeting. Copies of their correspondence to the Town Supervisor were distributed by both the Recording Secre- tary and the Livingstons. Mr. Livingston complained about the poor maintenance of the conservation area including the tremendous growth of poison ivy on the road and climbing up trees. He indicated that he had cleared a great deal of the poison ivy by pulling down vines and spraying the area. He further indicated that his gardeners had gathered up huge amounts of debris such as beer cans, bottles, masonery, etc. The dumping, however, continues. Mr. Livingston further indicated that almost all of the small trees in the area were dead and it was necessary to cut them down. He also mentioned that there are new vines growing with thorns and they will have to be pulled down. Mrs. Livingston indicated their interest in re- storing the area and outlined their plans for doing so. She also expressed their 48.1) interest in researching the site for evidence of Indian habitation. This included the digging and turning up of stones. The Livingstons further advised that there are no small animals in the area with the exception of a few raccoons and that they were willing to plant trees which would bring birds and other wildlife into the area. They indicated that they are planting such trees and shrubbery on their pro- perty and would like to do so in the conservation area, respecting conservation regulations governing such planting. Mr. Livingston also indicated that there is a badly rotted tree which may fall on the road or possibly on their house. They have telephoned the Highway Department five times with regard to this tree. Mr. Leddy indicated that he has not received any calls concerning the tree. Mr. Leddy stated that he has visited the area. Mrs. Fredston questioned whether any mainten- ance has been done in the area and Mr. Leddy said no. He admitted that the area is in need of work and that in the near future (before autumn leaf collection) they will get into the area. Mr. Leddy further indicated that on his visit to the area, he observed that the Livingstons had planted expensive shrubbery on Town property and therefore brought the matter to the attention of Town officials. Mr. Goldstein expressed concern about the work done by the Livingstons in the conservation area citing that the spraying, cutting down of plant life, planting and unearthing stones is in violation of conservation laws since the area is meant to be left as a pocket of wildlife. Mr. Goldstein suggested to the Livingstons that they submit a complete proposal to the Town outlining everything they would like to do in the conservation area. In this way their proposal would be given consideration. Mrs. Livinston insisted that their letter outlined their plans and she requested that the CAC visit the site and the Livingstons would be able to elaborate on their plans while making a tour. However, the Livingstons were advised that it would be more helpful to the CAC if they had a laid out plan from them before a visit was made. 44. Mr. Goldstein suggested that the Highway Department clean up the area and place No Dumping signs up. He also warned the Livingstons against doing any further work in the area advising them that encroachment was a serious legal matter. This opinion was shared by the other members. Mrs. Volk noted that the conservation area in- corporated the Old Mill site (Sheldrake Mill) where children were brought to learn - 2 - CAC Minutes - 9/17/87 about poison ivy and other plant life, but since the area has too much poison ivy, she does not recommend children visiting. She further indicated that the area should be preserved as is. Mr. Livingston also complained that every two weeks a load of foam flows down the stream. This matter was discussed and Mr. Hohberg mentioned that some of the foam in streams are natural and not detergent. In conclusion of their presen- tation, Mr. Livingston requested the names of the people present at the meeting and it was agreed that a copy of the attendance sheet would be sent to them. Later in the meeting and after the Livingstons had left, it was requested that the CAC continue the discussion on the Livingstons' request and to make a recommend- dation. Mr. Leddy indicated that the Livingstons have already planted shrubbery on the conservation area costing between $200 - $300 apiece. Mrs. Fredston questioned whether the Livingstons were ever notified by the Town that they could not plant in the area. Mr. Leddy indicated that they were not and cited a similar situation occurring a few years ago. Mrs. Johnson also related to a recent similar situation which was brought to light at the Village of Larchmont Board meeting Monday night. Mrs. Volk and Mr. Goldstein both expressed disbelief in the Livingstons' statement that no animals existed in the area. In conclusion of the discussion, it was agreed that several members of the CAC would visit the area and the Livingstons. The High- way Department would clean up the area and put up signs. The Livingstons will dis- continue any further work in the conservation area, formulate their plans for the area and submit an appropriate proposal to the Town. Water Courses and Water Bodies Water Monitoring - Mr. Hohberg advised that he was working on a report concern- ing Guion Creek and that it would be prepared shortly. Mr. Hohberg further advised that he is preparing an itinerary on trips he would like to take students on pro- vided funding is obtained. He also indicated that the scheduling of trips would depend a great deal upon available transportation (school buses) . Code Enforcement - The question of constable status for Mr. Hohberg while tour- ing was raised. Mr. Goldstein advised that he was pursuing the matter but was ad- vised against it by DEC. Some of the reasons given for disapproval of such action was insurance, trespassing on property, and legal matters. Mrs. Volk complained of the lack of enforcement in conservation areas. (At this point, Mr. Funicello ar- rived at the meeting (9:05) and assumed its chairing.) After further discussion Mr. Funicello asked for a vote on the matter. The CAC voted unanimously that the constable status for Mr. Hohberg should still be pursued. Army Corps of Engineers' Proposed Flume - Mr. Funicello opened the discussion on the proposed flume with skeptic remarks. He indicated that if the project ever were to get underway many people favoring flood control may change their opinions as the impact of the tunnel in its operating stage is anyone's guess. He explained that the culverts would be 12 feet wide, all concrete and probably the same measure- ments in height. Mr. Funicello further indicated that the completed project would end up being a concrete gutter instead of its present aesthetic beauty. The Town is being asked to approve the project. However, Mr. Funicello questioned the Com- mission's knowledgeability in making a recommendation on the project. Mr. Leddy indicated that 125 properties would be affected by this project. Mrs. Johnson raised the question of whether the Town's proposed project as described in Project 3 of the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program would serve the same purpose. It was, however, indicated that the Town's proposal would not be eligible for Federal funding. There was some discussion on the possible problems resulting from the proposed flume. Mr. Goldstein questioned whether the affected area is a Federal Flood Hazard Area but no one at the meeting was able to answer the question. The plight of the affected homeowners was discussed and Mr. Funicello advised that while the CAC is not required to come up with a recommendation, it is suggested that they -3 - CAC Minutes - 9/17/87 provide the Town with one. It was further suggested that a letter be sent to the Town expressing the CAC's concern about the impact of the project, the seriousness of flood control, and the plight of the affected homeowners. Although the Commission agreed that something should be done, they felt that they did not have sufficient information to make a proper recommendation on the project. It was unanimously agreed that CAC send a letter to the Town Supervisor outlining these comments. The letter would be prepared by Mr. Funicello and forwarded to the Town Supervisor on behalf of the CAC. Environment Woodchips on Hommocks Field - Mr. Leddy indicated that the woodchips were stored on the field approximately 25 feet from the sea wall. The chips were removed from the parking lot where they were previously stored because of impending development of an adjacent lot. Howard Sloane, a nearby resident, was present at the meeting and voiced his objection to playground land being used as storage space for the wood- chips. He cited the hazard of such storage to the school children and commented that no consideration was given before action was taken. According to Mr. Sloane, about 500 truckloads of the woodchips were dumped on the site. However, Mr. Sloane was unable to offer any solutions to this problem when asked other than the level- ing off of the chips. Mr. Leddy advised that there is no other site available for storage of the chips. The quantity is two years stock which generated from fruit and Christmas trees. The hazard to the school children was again raised and Mr. Leddy indicated that the soccer field has been changed this year. He further ad- vised that the mounds were tested and the chips are solid. There is no chance of a child sinking. Mr. Funicello raised the issue of the playground which is park- land being used as a storage facility. He felt that the CAC should adopt a policy on just how parkland can be utilized. Mr. Leddy indicated that parkland is under the jurisdiction of the Recreation Department. Mr. Leddy and Mrs. Johnson dis- cussed the possibility of mixing the chips with leaves while composting. Mrs. Johnson also indicated that the school field is conservation land as well as a playground. The suggestion was made and adopted that guidelines be established for utilization of conservation areas and playgrounds. It was also agreed that whenever a composting site is located, future storage of woodchips should be placed in the same area. Natural Resources Inventory - Mr. Goldstein informed the CAC that the State mandates a Natural Resources Inventory Series but Ms. Ng has advised him that we do not have it. However, this was disputed by several members whom indicated that Ms. Ng may not be aware of it. It was suggested that the Series be reviewed and updated. Further, a memorandum with regard to the Series should be circulated. New or Other Business New York State Coastmonth - Mrs. Johnson indicated that the Coastmonth was established several years ago to make people aware of coastal plights. She ad- vised them of plans to celebrate the occasion which will take place on October 25. A birdwalk and tour of Lorenzen Park is being planned. They are also considering the use of canoes and rowboats for rides. Mrs. Johnson requested that the CAC participate in the activities and she received the assurance of most of the members present. Mrs. Johnson also mentioned that Ms. Ng suggested including a tour of Hommocks and Mrs. Fredston suggested Manor Park along the rocks. - 4 - 4 r - CAC Minutes - 9/17/87 New or Other Business (Continued) Invitation - Mrs. Volk submitted invitations to the Westchester County Water Management Task Force Forum on Water Management Planning. The Forum is being sponsored by the Westchester County Environmental Management Council and West- chester Water Works Conference. It will be held on Wednesday, October 14, 1987, at the Joint News Center, Westchester County Airport, between the hours of 3:30 - 6:00 P.M. Meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M.