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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991_12_05 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes Cc *, SUP✓. - C . LUI'/ts��r.. T m, G�LX'K /0, CI OCCZO -�` V, , c L4m - L , v&AftilS '? u C C ✓�L, Gc L.1'K (, F.rA✓.✓ Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory Commission 740 West Boston Post Road Mamaroneck, N.Y. 10543 MINUTES 914-381-7845 DECEMBER 5, 1991 A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Ccetmtission (CAC) was held on Thursday, December 5, 1991 in Conference Room A of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:10 p.m. Members Present: Louise Perez, Chairperson Charles Bernstein Susan Cavalieri RECEIVED Sandy Feldman JAP9 21 1992 Edward M. Hindin PATRICIA A.DiCIOCCI0 Michael A. Scheffler TOWN ERK Others Present: Mary Ann Johnson, Emeritus Kt Angel Martin, CZMC Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator Kathleen Tracy O'Flinn, Liaison, Town Council Gladys Sherak, Emeritus John Varvayanis, Westchester Greenway Coordinator Ellen Morse, Recorder ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Minutes - The minutes of November 7, 1991 were approved after minor changes were made. Next Meeting - January 9, 1991 OLD BUSINESS Greenway Trail - Mr. Varvayanis distributed a sketch map to the Commission members. This map shows the various trails which link up Wand Acres Park in New Rochelle to Weinberg Nature Center in Scarsdale and back. When all the trails are connected together, they make up an 8 mile trail - 95% in wooded areas and 5% street crossings. This Greenway Trail is the only one in southern Westchester County. Mr. Varvayanis next distributed pertinent pages from the Hudson River Valley and National Park Service promoting "Greenway Trails" booklet. He pointed out on the sketch map the problem between the I atherstocking Trail and Saxon Woods where it states "Private Property - stay on trail". This sign is located on Rockridge Road. Originally, oral permission was obtained from the owner of Lot 6, Mr. & Mrs. Robertson, to cut through the far end of their backyard. However, because people began cutting across the middle of their lawn, they rescinded permission, thus creating a break in the link. Mr. Varvayanis discussed possible solutions and gave these options: (1) Offer incentives to try and retrieve permission to go through the Robertson's property. (2) Move the fence back 3 feet and use the right-of-way of the NYS Thruway. Village of Larchmont • Unincorporated area of the Town of Mamaroneck • Village of Mamaroneck Printori nn Racvcleri Paner © CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 2 (3) Obtain permission to go through the private driveway known as Rockridge Road which is an offshoot of the main Rockridge Road. So far, only Mr. Lipton on Lot 4 gave written permission, but it is unclear whether all five owners must give permission. (4) Investigate whether this road can be declared public since it was used by the public for at least twenty years without any posted signs. (The road now has a sign stating it is private after Mr. Varvayanis began inquiring about the use of the road.) or, (5) Have a sidewalk put in along White Plains Road. This is considered the least favorable option because it is a narrow winding road which the County would pay for as stated by Mr. John Fava, Dir. of Park Facilities of Westchester County. However, Mr. Fava told Mr. Varvayanis in a phone conversation that the County could sponsor this project or moving the fence as stated in Option #2. Mr. Varvayanis distributed copies of a letter to him fon former Asst. Village Manager of Mamaroneck, Mrs. Angela Grillo, along with written approval frau Mr. Lipton and an area map of Rockridge Rd. He also distributed copies of a letter from the NYS Thruway to him dated June 4, 1991 disapproving moving the fence. Also distributed were copies of letters between Mr. Varvayanis as representative of the Appalachian Mt. Club and Mr. Fava, granting permission to blaze a trail frau Saxon Woods Park to Pine Brook Boulevard. Unfortunately, there was no written mention that the County would help pay the cost of options (2) or (5) . Mr. Hindin motioned that the CAC agree and make a statement that the connection between the Leatherstocking Trail and Saxon Woods should be completed with a request from the Village of Mamaroneck to work with CAC in solving this problem. Also, that Trustee Kate Weingarten be contacted and apprised of the problem. The members concurred. Mr. Scheffler asked to see a copy of the easement document to these properties to see if he can help decipher the legalities. Mr. Bernstein said he would speak to the Liptons, who are friends of his, and ask them to help by speaking to the Robertsons. Mr. Varvayanis invited the members to join the Friends of the Tarchmont Reservoir on a walking tour of the Greenway Trail on February 2, 1992 starting at 10:00 a.m. at the Potting Shed. This group will go on hikes each first Sunday of the month. Also, on Sunday, January 5, 1992 they are going to Bald Mt. leaving at 10:00 ( a.m. from the Potting Shed. Mr. Varvayanis described the trail they will take frau Bald Mt. , which is currently in danger of being sold to developers. CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 3 Nauralist Tour Report - Chairperson Perez reported on the local tour taken with Mr. Coleman, a naturalist who CZMC is thinking of retaining to provide expert opinions and advice on improvement projects, and some of the CAC and CZMC members on Monday, December 2nd which started at the Reservoir and went to Bonnie Briar and then the Leatherstocking Trail. Chairperson Perez finds Mr. Coleman very knowledgeable and feels he could be of service to CAC. When Chairperson Perez spoke to Martha Kaufman who was also on the tour, Martha agreed with her assessment. It was agreed that CAC should exhaust the services of volunteers and naturalists from the LIFE Center first. The group approved hiring his services on an as-needed basis. Harbor Island Report - Charles Bernstein stated that the purpose of the Village of Mamaroneck meeting was to allocate various playing fields to different organizations and recondition the fields. He brought up the question of pesticides, herbicides and the fact that they weren't considering the harbor, swimming and playing fields as one unit but separate. Mr. Bernstein suggested that the condition of the water is just as important as the fields. As to the use of pesticides and herbicides, the Village Board reported that a minimal amount is used. As for fertilizers, they are helpless because of the geese. He felt his ccarments were well received. Hammocks & Premium Conservation Areas - (1) Hammocks: Mr. Scheffler's field trip on Saturday, November 23rd to the Hammocks area was precipitated by two letters from Phyllis Gaughran to Supervisor Caroline Silverstone. The first letter relates to balls coming over to Mrs. Gaughran's property one of which broke a windowpane, and the second letter dated March 24, 1991 refers to the encroachment of Hammocks' playing field on the conservation area that abuts it. Mr. Scheffler told Mr. & Mrs. Gaughran that the issue of the balls is not within CAC's purview and should be taken up with the school. As for the encroachment issue - the playing field had been widened to accommodate bleachers in a section which is considered conservation area. It is difficult to tell where the conservation area begins and the playing field ends. Ms. Ng commented that according to Tran Leddy the former owner, Mr. Burger, gave all the property, the approximate northern boundary being from Eagle Knolls Rd. to the corner of the skating rink, to the Tann for open space use. Because there might be future encroachment, it was suggested that Ms. Ng find out who was responsible for adding the bleachers and who has jurisdiction aver that area. It was also suggested that Steve Altieri be contacted first to find out the responsible parties, contact them and inform them of the existence of the conservation area and to notify CAC in the case of future disposition of land. CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 4 A side issue brought up was whether the Gaughran's would act as monitors/liaisons for the conservation area. Chairperson Perez informed the Commission members that there is someone presently on Hammocks Rd. who monitors the area. It was suggested that Chairperson Perez write a letter to each person who presently monitors various areas in the community appointing them as ad hoc members which will give them recognition and help CAC keep abreast of troubled areas. Those mentioned were Dr. Gillman for the Premium Area, Jackie Plun z for the Leatherstocking Trail around Locust Ridge Rd. , and Edward Brawn for the Old Mill site on Hilltop Road. Also, Eugene Tashoff should be officially recognized as a faithful participant. (2) Premium: Mr. Scheffler reported that after he visited the area and saw what work had been done, recaarnnendations were made for rectifying the work which should eliminate future flooding, prevent the logs from floating when water is present, and beautify the area. He will draft a letter which will be sent to the residents of Pheasant Run regarding the problem of garden dumping. He will ask them to speak to their gardners as monitors for CAC and also point out to any perpetrators that they are in violation of a dumping code within a conservation area. It was reported to Chairperson Perez that there has also been a lot of garden dumping in the Hammocks area. Mr. Scheffler said he will draft a letter to be sent out to the Hammocks area residents as well. Advantages and disadvantages were discussed for installing a catwalk in the Premium area. In summary, a local group should be organized that will help in maintaining the area, a sign should be erected, and the public informed of work done and future plans for a catwalk. Bald Mt. - Copies were distributed of a letter from the Director of Federated Conservation of Westchester County encouraging CAC and other member organizations to write their legislators requesting that the County buy Bald Mt. Chairperson Perez asked if the commission would like to write individually or as a group. Liaison O'Flinn suggested the members take home and read the letter first. Ms. Ng was directed to mail copies to all the members. CORRESPONDENCES (1) Letter from Dr. Coico to Steve Altieri regarding flooding in the Premium area. (2) Letter from Chairperson Perez to the Village of Mamaroneck regarding debris in the Sheldrake. Has not received a reply. (3) Letter from Human Rights requesting a nominee. None was given. (4) EMC's policy on water quality. Commission members did not receive copies. To be distributed to them and discussed at the next meeting. CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 5 CONSULTANT/LIAISON REPORTS Councilwoman O'Flinn reported that she spoke to Mary Landrigan who said they traced the high coliform count in the East Creek to Nassau Rd. The County notified the Village of Larchmont of a sewer leak at Nassau and Forest Park Ave. They are to commence work soon and feel that is the sole source of the problem. Councilwoman O'Flinn will mention at the next Board Meeting that it was due to Bob Hohberg's water monitoring that the problem was detected. DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS A proposal letter for an addition to the Westchester Jewish Center was given to the Commission members. It was questioned why CAC was copied as this is not in a conservation area and has no impact on CAC. Ms. Ng stated it was the result of her request to the Village to notify CAC of any Planning Board agendas. No further action needed. TASK FORCE REPORTS Landscaping/Maintenance Articles - Mr. Hindin reported they are ready for a January mailing but are on hold until Ms. Ng informs them of the next newsletter mailing. It was noted that there will only be two mailings next year due to budget cuts. Golf Course Rezoning Study - Awaiting decision on the scope for the supplement to the environmental impact statement. Councilwoman O'Flinn added that the Town Board is working on it, but the cost for the latest extensive outline received from the consultant far exceeds the cost for the original draft. She and Councilwoman Price are working on bringing the cost down by calling on various local experts to provide their expertise thus eliminate scare consultant fees, including consulting with CZMC. They have so far brought down the costs substantially. Mrs. Johnson mentioned Britt Morse, an archeologist who lives in Larchmont, who might be of help. Storm Drain Stenciling - Copies were distributed of two articles in the Daily Times dated November 8, 1991. Councilwoman O'Flinn reported that the Town Board preferred to delete "Don't Dump" from the stencil and just have "Drains to L.I. Sound" in blue lettering. Mrs. Cavalieri reported that the Village of Larchmont wants the entire message "Don't Dump: Drains to L.I. Sound", also in blue. When she attended their Board meeting, they decided to stencil five drains along Chatsworth Ave. between Boston Post Road and Palmer Avenue. After talking with Mayor Currin, it was decided to also include Larchmont Avenue between the same locations, adding another fifteen drains. These were chosen for their high visibility. Ms. Ng stated that after the initial areas are CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 6 completed, she would like to target problem areas, such as, car servicing areas. The initial painting is scheduled for sometime in April or May. It was suggested that cones be borrowed to protect the volunteers from the traffic. Mrs. Cavalieri reported that she had spoken to Fastchester Public Works Dept. who has done it and said there was no problem. ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR REPORTS Status of Town Surplus Lands - Councilwoman O'Flinn asked Steve Altieri to put together a list of excess property awned by the Town but not currently in use. The list is quite extensive with some unclear listings as to location and dimensions. There are a lot of narrow strips of lard between two parcels which may be ideal for auction, or neighboring parcels might make purchases which would then put them back on the tax rolls. Steve Altieri thinks it best to get each piece mapped out and hopes to present it to the Town Board on December 18th. At that time it will be decided what the best procedure will be for CAC's review. Councilwoman O'Flinn hopes to have more to report at the next meeting. NEW OR OTHER BUSINESS Ms. Ng reported that she still has grant money for recycling education. Discussion was tabled until the next meeting. L.I. Sound Monitoring - Chairperson Perez reported that the Long Island Sound Task Force is trying to test the water for hypoxia effects and needs someone with a boat who can regularly pickup samples of water. Rye and Mamaroneck are working together and someone is needed for Iarchmont. Mr. Bernstein stated he can probably get members of the Orienta Yacht Club to volunteer. Mr. Bernstein will review their videotape on the subject. Recycling of Nursery & Landscape Plastics - Chairperson Perez received a magazine clipping on the above topic. She asked if someone would write a letter to the Nurseries in the Tann with a copy of the article attached for their information. Mr. Hindin said he will draft a letter. Town Staff will gather the names and addresses of the nurseries and mail them out. CAC Minutes Dec. 5, 1991 Page 7 Conservation Areas Guide - Martha Kaufman reported to Chairperson Perez that Sandra Marrafinno, formerly of LIFE Center, is interested in putting together a conservation area booklet and would like to know if CAC would be interested. It was agreed that Ms. Marrafinno be invited to the next CAC meeting and bring a copy of a sample booklet which has been written by a group on Staten Island. 1992 Budget - Ms. Ng distributed two pages of the latest draft of the budget (Depts. Community Beautification and Environmental Control) . The general consultant services line has been reduced to zero. Councilwoman O'Flinn commented that most of the expenses for that particular line item would have been notifications to the public for the forums CAC wanted to sponsor. She suggested other means of notifying the public, ie. , the Town Newsletter and local newspaper. Mr. Bernstein suggested posters and advertising in local stores. The general discussion focussed on what line items have been transferred to the Highway Department and haw best to use other line items for necessary projects. Meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m.