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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991_07_09 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes • APPROVED C — o Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory Commission 740 West Boston Post Road ON �'�Mamaroneck, NY. 10543 ��• °) 914-381-6133 4 MINUTES O'�NSMp �C� JULY 9, 1991 N A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Tuesday, July 9, 1991, in Conference Room A of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:15 P.M. Members Present: Charles Bernstein Susan Cavalieri Sandy Feldman Edward Hindin Louise Perez Michael Scheffler Others Present: Kathleen O'Flinn, liaison, Town Council Robert Hohberg, Water Monitoring Consultant Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator & recorder Gene Tashoff, Larchmont Gardens Assocn. & ad hoc member Irma Volk, former member ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS New Chairman - Louise Perez was introduced as the new CAC chairperson. Mrs. O'Flinn, however, will chair the next few meetings to allow Mrs. Perez to become acclimated. Approval of Minutes - Several corrections were made on the draft minutes of June 6, 1991. Subject to a clarification of Mr. Ryan's comments, the minutes were approved. Next Meeting - The next regular meeting of the CAC will be on Thursday, September 19, 1991. A special meeting solely for drafting comments on the Town of Mamaroneck's Draft Generic Environmental Impact Statement (DGEIS) was scheduled for Wednesday, July 24, 1991. SALE OF TOWN LANDS Mrs. O'Flinn reported that she had spoken to the Town Supervisor who agreed that a policy should be developed for reviewing the sale of public lands. She explained that no dates have been set yet for the auctioning of the CAC Minutes July 9, 1991 Page 2 Town's properties mentioned at the last meeting. Another lot over near Warren Avenue may also be considered for sale, but she assured that CAC will be given a chance to review the matter before any action is made. Mrs. O'Flinn will lead a visit of the site for CAC members on Thursday, July 18 at 6 p.m. She requested Ms. Ng to notify the neighboring residents who had attended the last CAC meeting of their plans. Ms. Ng will arrange another visit to the site for those CAC members who cannot make it on July 18. DGEIS COMMENTS Many members of the CAC expressed serious doubts regarding the conclusions drawn in the Town's DGEIS for the golf course properties. They found it difficult to believe that even partial residential development would not seriously impact on traffic, the educational system, and drainage and that the DGEIS greatly minimized already existing problems. Mr. Hindin felt that the baseline conditions from which the conclusions are drawn must be inaccurate or not adequately representative of this area. He noted how the traffic was already a problem on Weaver Street. It is a heavily trafficked road which constantly backs up at the Quaker Ridge intersection and he often has trouble getting out of Bonnie Way. Mrs. Johnson added that as far back as 8 years ago, neighbors of the Brook Ridge development had testified in opposition for the very same reason, that they had trouble already getting out onto Weaver Street from their side street. In Mrs. Cavalieri's comments, which were mailed to all members, she also noted that during peak travel hours backups occur all along Weaver Street. With regard to the school system, the DGEIS recognized that there will be a major capacity shortage in the 1990s. However, the consultants estimated a very small number of children that would be added from the residential development on the Bonnie Briar Country Club. Mrs. Feldman questioned the accuracy of their estimate. Mr. Scheffler concurred that it would be an underestimate, noting that most of the people moving into the neighborhood, even the expensive houses, have at least two young children. Mrs. Cavalieri had provided statistics of her neighborhood: out of 18 homes (near the $400,000 cost range) , there were 11 children in preschool, 8 in elementary, 2 in junior high and 2 in high school. The CAC felt that further analysis specific to this area should be done. The drainage issue was also identified as questionable. Again, existing flooding problems exist, so that any addition to that problem would be significant. Furthermore, Mr. Hindin noted that the statement mentioned that upstream development could not be determined and, therefore, was not taken into account. This only emphasized how imprecise this study is and how it may be ignoring very real future impacts. Mrs. Johnson noted that the Town had recently written a great letter to the Village of Scarsdale Planning Department cautioning them of the such potential impacts on our waterways from a proposed chipping range at Quaker Ridge Golf Club. On the flip side, Ms. Ng reported that the Village of Mamaroneck Coastal Zone Management Commission had written comments to the Town stating its concern that the study did not encompass the impacts that would occur further downstream in the Village of Mamaroneck, where it often floods. Mrs. Volk added that it is imperative but often difficult to ensure that proposed mitigating facilities are maintained or enforced. Mr. Scheffler further commented that water retention in new developments are never as effective as planned. The CAC CAC Minutes July 9, 1991 Page 3 discussed the possibility of asking for an analysis of the potential impacts should the estimated retention capability be off. Mr. Bernstein commented on water quality control, stating that the DGEIS did not adequately address controls for erosion and sedimentation during and after construction. He suggested submitting NYS guidelines, dated April 1991, along with CAC's comments. Mr. Scheffler distributed a list of his comments at the meeting. He noted that some of these comments were from others that spoke at one of the public hearings he had attended. The additional issues (thus far not mentioned) are as follows: 1. Dislocation of Wildlife - Mrs. Johnson added that developing the golf courses would disrupt the ecological chain as well as change the habitat of downstream conservation areas. A bird survey over the past 15-20 years is available for reference. 2. Air Resources - Additional traffic would contribute to air pollution. Mrs. Cavalieri's comments included that idling cars stalled in traffic along Weaver Street would result in increased pollution of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxoide, of which the latter two lead to the formation of acid rain. In addition, the excess traffic along with paving areas over with black- top and building housing would increase the ambient temperature. Trees and grass not only keep the temperature lower but help purify the air and convert carbon dioxide to oxygen. Mr. Scheffler noted that air quality levels were not actually monitored in the DGEIS. 3. Feasibility of a Nine-hole Golf Course - Since a nine-hole golf course is not very attractive, the result may be that it will lose money, thereby creating more pressure in the future to develop the entire property. 4. Public Facility Alternative - Mr. Scheffler expressed his opinion that this alternative was given perfunctory treatment. The projected purchase price seemed too high, but the underlying assumptions for the price were not provided in the DGEIS. The Commission agreed that these estimates should be explained. 5. Aesthetics & open space - The importance of open space in making a community attractive was brought out by comments comparing Larchmont with Greenwich. Less open space makes Larchmont/Mamaroneck less attractive to live in as an alternative to other communities, such as Greenwich. 6. Noise Control - Bonnie Briar acts as a noise buffer. The commission decided to stay away from two other issues brought up by Mr. Scheffler because they are not within the CAC's purview. One was in regard to lower house prices due to increased density and the other was about fiscal impacts in that new developments generally seem to have negative effects on local government finances. CAC Minutes July 9, 1991 Page 4 The point was raised that although there will be some degree of impact from virtually all of the possible changes being considered, to leave it at present zoning would certainly have the greatest negative impact. In response to a query, Councilwoman O'Flinn explained that the Town Board chose the Conservation-Recreation Zoning scenario as its proposal essentially just for the purposes of conducting the SEQRA process. The Board has not yet decided on which scenario it will ultimately propose. Mrs. Johnson noted that the proposed new zoning category for conservation or recreation purposes may be similar to the new marina zoning established by the Village of Mamaroneck, which was upheld in the courts. Mr. Hindin cautioned that the information provided in the DGEIS, although generic, must be accurate enough to avoid potential future entanglements, because any developer will be able to use this document in support of his actions. Mr. Hohberg commented that in his studies the portion of the West branch of the Sheldrake River which cuts through the southern part of Bonnie Briar acts as a recovery area, where any pollution and oxygenation are greatly improved. A special meeting was set for Wednesday, July 24, at 8 p.m. for the CAC to draft its response to the Town Board. CONSULTANT/LIAISON REPORTS Water Testing - Mr. Hohberg told the Commission that the main reasons for having a certified lab is to allow him to run tests for Westchester Joint Water Works who would pay for the service and to be able to extend lead testing to residents. Finding a place for the lab is the biggest obstacle right now. Mr. Hohberg reported that six students are working on water testing projects under his supervision this year. With regard to his own water monitoring project of the East Creek, he has completed 8 out of 19 stations. Last year's water monitoring study of the Sheldrake River between Larchmont Reservoir and Gardens Lake had been mailed to the CAC. Councilwoman O'Flinn inquired about the fecal problems exhibited in the report. Mr. Hohberg explained that Gardens Lake serves as a collecting point. However, with the new County sewer line installed nearby, the water showed a marked improvement. Mr. Hohberg was mostly concerned over the drop in dissolved oxygen levels. He stated that we should be working on salvaging the flora which helps reoxygenate the water and requiring any devloper to prevent siltation and to maintain the waterbody. Mr. Hindin stated that the data needs to be translated into specific recommendations for Town implementation. Mr. Hohberg replied that as a next step, water depth measurements need to be taken. Discussion was postponed to future meeting. ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR REPORTS Conservation Areas/Work Plan - Upon Councilwoman O'Flinn's request, the Town Administrator provided the CAC with a memorandum, dated July 8, 1991, CAC Minutes July 9, 1991 Page 5 outlining what has been accomplished with respect to CAC's recommendations for the Conservation Areas and when the rest of the proposed projects will he scheduled for completion (see attached) . In the memo, he suggests that in the early fall the CAC should discuss what projects they would like to accomplish so that it can be included in the budgeting for 1992. The CAC, therefore, needs to do some research on project costs. Village of Larchmont Centenniel - Sandy Feldman reported that Mary Feldtmose of the Coastal Zone Management Commission is asking for the CAC to participate with them in the Larchmont's centenniel celebration on September 28. The parade will provide 44-foot floats for participants. One idea for the float is to show the fauna and flora of our area. Mrs. Johnson noted that Martha Kaufman is working for the L.I.F.E. Center now and she will ask her whether she will participate. Waterfront Environmental Fair - Ms. Ng told the Commission thatshe had received an invitation for the CAC to participate in an environmental fair in the Village of Mamaroneck. The fair will be from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, (with Sunday raindate) at Harbor Island Park. Ms. Ng suggested that the CAC man a booth on open space, since the subject of recycling will be taken care of by the Village's own recycling committee. The members needed more time to decide whether they could participate and asked Ms. Ng to see if we could reply next month. Conservation Area Signs - Ms. Ng presented the signs that the Hommocks Service Club made for the marsh area. There are three identical signs, picturing a heron in shallow water with cattails and fish, beautifully ingraved on scalloped mahogany wood. Unfortunately the signs are somewhat small and the design calls for them to be hung, which makes it easy for someone to steal. All it says is "Protect this area." Ms. Ng felt it would be better if it had the name of the conservation area as well as an acknowledgement to the service club who made the sign. It is possible for additional words to be added below as an attachment. The CAC asked Ms. Ng to check with the Town Administrator to determine the best way of installing the signs. Ms. Ng will try to arrange in the fall for the press to take a picture of an installed sign at the Hommocks with the students who made it. TASKFORCE REPORTS Landscape/Maintenance Pamphlet - Mr. Hindin reported that his taskforce met today at 7 p.m. and was able to determine the topics to be discussed as well as assign responsibilities. They will meet again in August. NEXT MEETING - Because of some absences in early September, the next regular meeting of the CAC will be on Thursday, September 19, 1991. It was noted that the agenda should include the budget and the proposed children's guide to the conservation areas. Meeting adjourned at 10:20 P.M. July 8, 1991 MEX) TO: Members of the Conservation Advisory Commission FROM: Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator SUBJECT: Work Project: Premium Conservation Area, Hammocks Conservation Area and Leatherstocking Trail After having discussed your March 29th memorandum regarding work with Councilwoman O'Flinn, the following memorandum will provide to you a status report on the projects in the conservation area. Hammocks Conservation Area The Highway Department has blocked the access along Hammocks Road by use of poles with cross chains and a padlock. This should resolve any further dining in the area. Premium Conservation Area Your March 29th memorandum lists four projects to be completed. 1. The tow away sign at the entrance to the Premium Conservation is no longer necessary. The Highway Department has reconfigured the entrance way to preclude access by automobiles. This was accom- plished by installing telephone poles along the entrance way as a curb to better designate the entrance way The Highway Department will install a sign at this location utilizing the wording set forth in your memo. 2. Claudia Ng and the Highway Department will be working on the project to install a map, mounted on plexiglass, of the conserva- tion area. This installation of the map will follow reconstruction of the boardwalk. The Highway Department will, this summer, position new boulders to deter motorcycles and bicycles from the conservation area. This project will be completed this summer. 3. At this time, we do not yet know the scope of the project to notify property owners adjacent to the Premium Conservation Area of the problems caused by the gardeners dumping. If there are a minimal number of properties, this project will be accomplished in 1991 prior to the fall. Otherwise, we will be attempting to do this project in the spring of 1992 with the assistance of an administra- tive intern. 4. The Ailanthus trees have not yet been removed. Since there are a number of large Ailanthus tree, the project will be completed during the latter part of 1991 after leaf collection season. -2- There were other projects in the Premium Conservation Area which were identified by the Conservation Advisory mission to Tam Leddy in 1989. Those projects included filling in all of the holes in the entrance way to the Premium Conservation Area with gravel and then to be covered with wood chips. This project is completed. The Highway Department has also cleaned the tidal ditch in the Premium Area and cleaned up the area surrounding the ditch. One other project that was mentioned at that time was the reconstruction of the boardwalk in the Premium Conservation Area. This project will take same time and the expertise of our Highway Department. In view of the current con- straints on the Highway Department's schedule for 1991, we propose this project be completed in the summer of 1992. Leatherstocking Trail For 1989, the Conservation Advisory Commission had identified eight projects to be completed. 1. Reinforcement and replacement of signs on Country Road and Weaver Street -- We are going to look to the school district to assist us with the replacement of the signs. Temporary signs, however, can be put up this summer. 2. CAC follow up to garden dumping violators -- We will have to check our records to determine if we have the addresses of the garden dumping violators. Those addresses would only be available if, indeed, summonses were issued. 3. Construction of new catwalks -- The Highway Department this owner is reconstructing catwalks over those portions of the Leath- erstocking Trail that are known to be the muddiest. In connection with the project, the Highway Department, along with the help of the summer student Conservation crew, is also installing logs with anchors on steeper portions of the trail to prevent erosion. Finally, the Highway Department is completing the repair of the first step of the catwalk on that section of the trail near Old White Plains Road. All of these projects will be completed in 1991. 4. Trail maintenance -- As part of trail maintenance, the Highway Department will this summer be removing graffiti from the boulders located on the trail between Fenimore Road and Avon Road. Addition- ally, more wood chips will be installed along the trail especially between Country Road and Old White Plains Road. -3- I would like to make the following suggestions to the Conservation Advisory Commission regarding future planning of projects in the conser- vation areas and along the trails. Each year in the fall, the Town prepares the budget for the following year and that is by far the best time to review and evaluate new projects because it is at that time that decisions are made on monetary appropriations. We will also have same sense of what the Highway Department's work schedule will be for the following year since we are completing their budget as well. If it is possible, I would like to suggest that either in September or Octo- ber there be a full discussion of proposed projects for 1992. I would be more than happy to attend the meeting to discuss all of the projects and their budget implications. SVA/ct C: Supervisor and Town Board Claudia Ng / I