HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995_03_02 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes I
C,aC
Town of Mamaroneck
Conservation Advisory Commission
740 West Boston Post Road
Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 914-381-7845
MINUTES
March 2, 1995
A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was
held on Thursday, March 2 , 1995, in Conference Room A of the Town
Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The
meeting was called to order at 8: 11 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Louise Perez
Martha Kaufman
OTHERS PRESENT: Nancy Sterbenz-CZMC
Eve Nudelman-Environmental Coordinator
Kathleen O'Flinn-Town Board Liaison
Mary Anne Johnson-CAC Emeritus
1. Administrative Matters
A. Approval of Minutes - The approval of the minutes of
1/5/95 and 2/2/95 were tabled until the 4/6/95 meeting as
there was not a quorum.
2 . New Business
A. Proposal for Phragmites Control and Enhancement of
Hommocks Marsh.
Tony Belcher submitted a proposal to the CAC for Phragmites removal
at Hommocks Marsh. Chuck Neider, a NYSDEC Tidal Wetland Specialist
reviewed the proposal and recommended that the CAC not go forward
with the project proposed at this time. (see attached letter)
Although well intentioned, the CAC decided that Mr. Belcher does
not have the educational background or technical expertise to
supervise a project of this nature. L. Perez to write a letter to
Mr. Belcher informing him of CAC's decision.
Village of Larchmont • Unincorporated area of the Town of Mamaroneck • Village of Mamaroneck
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Printed on Recycled Paper
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CAC Minutes - 3/2/95
B. Discussion - Removal of Non-native, invasive tree species
from Conservation Areas.
E. Nudelman explained that currently, the Highway Department tree
crews will remove only dead/fallen trees that are blocking the
paths in the Conservation Areas. However, there are invasive
species (ex. Ailanthus) that, while healthy, are out-competing
native planf—spec a and reducing the productivity and native
biological diversity of the Conservation Areas. By removing the
non-natives and planting native species, an improvement in the
habitats of the Conservation Areas could be expected.
Members voiced concerns over the manpower that would be needed for
this kind of effort and that it hasn't been budgeted for this year.
Additionally, the tree crews may not know what these species look
like. Mary Anne Johnson said that about two years ago the
Ailanthus at Woodbine park were tagged for removal by the Larchmont
Highway crews but they never took them down.
Smaller Ailanthus, Japanese Knottweed and others can be marked for
removal by the Summer Conservation Corps but the trees of larger
diameters have to be removed by tree crews. This would involve a
time commitment of Highway staff.
The CAC needs to decide if this is a project that they should
pursue. The CAC would pick a section, mark it and every year do
another section. Eve Nudelman to ask the Town Administrator if
it's possible for the Town Highway crews to begin this type of
removal. Update to follow at April meeting.
3. Continuing Business
A. Update - Leatherstockinq Trail Tree Planting
Recommendations Regarding the Unauthorized Removal of
Trees by Homeowner, Leatherstocking Trail, adjacent to 11
Althea.
On Friday, February 24 , Nancy Sterbenz, Mary, nne Johnson, Eve
Nudelman, and William Jakubowski, Building nspector met with
homeowners and discussed a mutually acceptable plan for replacement
trees and shrubs. The homeowners were then sent list of plants
from which to choose the replacement trees. The homeowner
indicated that they would submit a plan to the Building Inspector
shortly.
Nancy Sterbenz will work with Eve Nudelman drafting a letter
recalling the discussions that took place (the planting
recommendation and the removal or chipping of the stumps) between
the homeowners, Town and CAC. The letter should also state that
any encroachment, especially when it involves the removal of trees
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CAC Minutes - 3/2/95
from a Conservation Area, the CAC takes quite seriously. The CAC
is responsible for insuring that the Conservation Areas are
protected and maintained. Additionally, state the CAC's approval
of the recommendations made to the homeowner in the previous memo
and in the discussions with the homeowners. Lastly, that the CAC
would like to approve the completed plan and submit an advisory
opinion to the Building Inspector. Letter to go to homeowner and
Building Inspector. (see attached memo)
B. Update - Conservation Area Encroachment Letters
Regarding the Conservation Area encroachment letters submitted by
Steve Scarangella, K. O'Flinn and Eve Nudelman finalized the
wording and sited specific sections of the Town Law where
applicable. The general letter will be hand delivered to
homeowners whoc properties border on the Leatherstocking Trail by
the Mamaroneck High School Environmental Club. Site specific
letters will be sent by mail to homeowners where specific Town
violations of encroachment such as alarm signs on trees and garden
dumping have been observed. E. Nudelman to contact Dan Vorsity of
the Environmental Club to arrange training session and provide
maps. Environmental Club members will be assigned specific areas
with instructions on how to proceed.
C. Update - 1994 Annual Report
All members have submitted written contributions covering the scope
of work the CAC accomplished in 1994 for inclusion in the Annual
Report. Eve Nudelman to compile. Must be submitted to NYSDEC by
March 31. Should be sent to Larchmont and the newspapers.
4 . Announcements/Correspondence
Correspondence:
From:
- Chuck Nieder, Marine Resource Specialist I re: Proposal for
Phragmites control & enhancement of Hommocks Marsh. Comment
on Proposal submitted by Tony Belcher, 2/2/95.
- LIFELINE, February 1995.
- Pollution Prevention Bulletin, Winter 1994/95.
Environmental Planning Bulletin, February 1995.
- The Conservationist, February 1995.
- Resource Recycling, January 1995.
Village of Mamaroneck - Planning Board Agenda, February 23 ,
1995.
- William E. Jakubowski, Building Inspector re: Lourie Property
Tree Removal for Tennis Court, 2/16/95.
- Mamaroneck Historical Society re: Historical Cemeteries,
2/16/95.
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CAC Minutes - 3/2/95
- Westchester Environment, Federated Conservationists of
Westchester County, March-April, 1995.
- Remediation Review, Fall-Winter 1994 .
Long Island Sound Taskforce - Interim 1994 Adopt-A-Harbor
Report, 2/23/95.
Wild in New York, Division of Fish and Wildlife Newsletter,
NYSDEC.
- Cooperative Connections, Winter 1995.
Letter from Dennis Tamborelli responding to letter from K.
O'Flinn opposing LEAP funding cuts. The funding for the EMC's
have been cut from Governor's 1995 budget.
To:
- Mr. Jeremy D. Henderson, 13 Althea Drive re: Leatherstocking
Trail Conservation Area Tree Recommendations, 2/10/95.
- George Latimer, County Legislator re: top three environmental
issues facing county, 2/10/95.
- Town Board and Town Attorney re: Conservation Area
Encroachment Letters.
Donald March, President Mamaroneck Historical Society re:
Historical Cemeteries, 2/17/95.
Announcements:
- Federated Conservationists of Westchester County presents "The
Future of Transportation in Westchester County" - 3/6/95,
4/3/95, 5/1/95, 7 : 30 p.m. Westchester Community College.
- New York Releaf - Symposium: Our Regional Forest - Setting
the Agenda, Thursday April 6, Westchester County Center.
- Targeting and Prioritizing Water Quality Problems for Nonpoint
Source Pollution Control-Satellite Teleconference, 2/14/95.
New York Power Authority to provide 44 Crab Apple, Ash and
Spruce trees to Mamaroneck Town for $1000.
B. Colleary drafted a letter to John Scheaffer, Executive
Director NYS Thruway Authority re: tree planting proposal at
Thruway entrance.
The meeting was adjourned at 9 : 22 p.m. .
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