HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014_04_28 Coastal Zone Management Commission Minutes CZMC Minutes
April 28, 2014
A regular meeting of the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC) was held on April
28, 2014 in the Mamaroneck Town Center, Conference Room C, 1st Floor, 740 W. Boston Post
Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
C. Alan Mason, Co-Chair
Howard McMichael
Matthew Teitsch
Bill Zelenka
REGRETS:
Marc Godick, Co-Chair
Rita Murray
Pam Michels
OTHERS PRESENT:
Elizabeth Paul, Environmental Planner, Town of Mamaroneck
Peter Fanelli, Liaison, Village of Larchmont
Abby Katz, Liaison, Town of Mamaroneck
Andrew Fineberg, Applicant, 87 Rockland Avenue
Benedict Salanitro, Engineer, 87 Rockland Avenue
Beverley H. Nalven, 91 Rockland Ave., neighbor of 87 Rockland Ave.
Peter Van Dyke, 91 Rockland Ave., neighbor of 87 Rockland Ave.
1. Approval of Minutes
The minutes of January 27, and February 24, 2014 were approved as submitted.
2. Referral 87 Rockland—Wetlands and Watercourses Permit
Benedict Salanitro presented the revised proposal to construct an addition to the single
family house within the buffer zone of the Sheldrake River. The new proposal eliminates
the basement, and instead uses piers to support the new addition. This allows any
floodwaters that may breach the retaining wall to flow underneath the structure. The
stormwater detention system was enlarged to accommodate runoff from a 100-year
storm. Because the channel of the Sheldrake River is lined by a stonewall at this
location, the elevated backyard of the property at 87 Rockland has no wetlands vegetation
or natural river bank to preserve. Small areas with wetlands plants are only located at the
base of the wall at the water's edge. However, it is important to provide water quality
Page 1 of 2
treatment of stormwater before it is discharged into the river and to also ensure that there
will be no increase in flooding downstream of the property. CZMC believes the
proposed stormwater system will achieve these goals and finds the proposal to be
consistent with the policies in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan.
3. CZMC Annual Report
Dr. Mason prepared a few paragraphs to include in the annual report recognizing the
contributions of Phyllis Wittner, who retired this year. CZMC members were asked to
check their appointment dates and give any changes to the report to Elizabeth Paul.
4. Stormwater Management Policies Discussion
CZMC discussed the importance of regulating the building of walls along the banks of
the Sheldrake River. Walls impede the natural flow of water, channelizing the river. A
wall built only on one side has the potential to negatively impact the opposite side of the
river.
As flooding continues, more homes will need to be elevated on piers. The Town and
Village of Larchmont should check their zoning ordinances to determine if the height
restrictions would be too restrictive and should consider what aesthetic impacts this will
have on the community.
The redevelopment of sites provides an opportunity to install infiltrators and other
stormwater controls that were not required when homes were first constructed. Codes
should be evaluated to make sure that when any substantial addition or alterations are
done to an existing home, they also be required to install stormwater controls.
5. Old Business
No old business to discuss.
6. New Business
CZMC discussed the updating of the LWRP. The Town has received a proposal from
Charlie McCaffrey. CZMC would like to have him update the LWRP to comply with the
current rules and we would then like the opportunity to adapt the document to fit the
needs of our communities. The assistance of Phyllis Wittner would be greatly
appreciated if she is willing to help. Elizabeth Paul agreed to provide any maps that are
needed using the Town's GIS system.
CZMC was updated on the status of the replacement of a pedestrian bridge on the
Leatherstocking Trail that crosses the Sheldrake River behind Hilltop Road. The project
is expected to begin during the next month.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Page 2 of 2