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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_01_15 Conservation Advisory Commission Minutes QorreGPd -Noe- C C Town of Mamaroneck Conservation Advisory Commission MEETING MINUTES Area Code 914 740 West Boston Post Road 44101.111111 Mamaroneck, N. Y. 10543 iYPillilii A regular meeting of the Conservation Advisory Commission (CAC) was held on Thursday, January 15, 1987, at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road. The meeting commenced at 8:05 P.M. Members present: Gloria Allen Charles Bernstein Robert Funicello Mary Anne Johnson, Emeritus James Santos Also present: James I. Anderson, liaison, Village Board Cliff Emanuelson, Conservation Consultant P. Thomas Leddy, Beautification Director Irma Volk, liaison, Environmental Management Council Claudia Ng, Environmental Assistant and recorder Administrative Matters Acting Chairman - Charles Bernstein was chosen to chair this meeting because Robert Komitor was not present. Minutes - Approval of last month's minutes were suspended to the following meeting so that Elinor Fredston could be available to clarify a particular section regarding the Premium oil spill. Next Meeting - The next regular meeting was scheduled for the fourth Thursday, February 26, on account of school vacation occuring the third week of February. It was agreed, however, that regular meetings should continue to be held normally on the third Thursday of each month. New Staff Assistance - Mr. Emanuelson announced the appointment of Claudia Ng as a new, full-time staff assistant who would be responsible for coordinating the proposal review process among the various agencies, providing staff support to CAC and the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC), and following his retirement, the duties of the conservation consultant. Environment Premium Oil Spill - Treatment of the oil spill is trailing off now. The MacLeay site has been cleaned up. The boons in the river have essentially been removed. However, refuse from the cleanup are still along the bank. Mrs. Johnson reported that she noticed some oil remnants by the bridge still. Mr. Leddy will contact the Coast Guard to find out what else they are planning to do. CAC minutes - 1/15/87 Development Projects Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center - Mr. Emanuelson raised the question of the proposed detention basin's effectiveness in controlling the excess oil that would result from the increased parking and warns of the lack of provisions for maintenance. Ms. Ng will ask Stephen Altieri, the Town Administrator to write a letter to the Village of Scarsdale noting the Town's concerns over the proposed development. Fenbrook Subdivision - The third catch basin has not yet been installed since construction has not yet begun in that area. Mr. Emanuelson reported that although the road is through a wetland, it has not yet flooded, indicating that the drains have been functioning well. Armour Subdivision - Mrs. Johnson mentioned that she had raised the suggestion of providing drainage for a large swale on the property by connecting it into a street drain at Boulder Circle. However, she does not know whether or not they have incorporated her suggestion. Larchmont Professional Center - Mrs. Johnson informed the CAC that CZMC has recommended the approval of the proposal following the incorporation of an elaborate filter system. However, the proposal now faces some opposition from the traffic committee as a result of the numerous exits that will exist in close proximity. Coughlin Office Building - A two story office building is proposed for 178 Myrtle Boulevard. In addition to underground parking below the building, they propose the development of a parking lot across the street from the site, which they would allow the Town to use for overnight parking. Mr. Leddy noted that that area of town is in serious need of extra night parking spaces and that lots of rocks would have to be blasted if it was to be develped into a parking lot. This parcel was previously Town land which the Town Board has authorized to be sold. There was some discussion about the legal number of cars allowed for this building. However, the CAC recognized that this concern was in the jurisdiction of another agency. Since this site falls within the Pine Brook drainage system, Mr. Emanuelson recommends the installation of two oil traps, one for each parking lot. Also, he advises that a maintenance agreement be established to ensure proper future protection. It was noted that aesthetically the development would be an improvement to the site. Since the customary procedure for recommendations is for the Chairman to send a letter to the Planning Board, Mr. Emanuelson and Ms. Ng will draft a letter to the Planning Board for Mr. Komitor to sign. Rocconi Subdivision - The Rocconi property lies on the New Rochelle-Town of Mamaroneck border at 3 Gaillard Place. Mr. and Mrs. Rocconi proposes to divide their property into two and to construct another house on the left (towards Dillon Road). Mr. Emanuelson inspected the area and reported that the site was primarily woodland and rock; it was not in the wetland. The main comment that he had was that proper drainage provisions be submitted. There was a question regarding the ownership of Gaillard Place, which is presently just a "paper street," privately owned by Mr. Rocconi. Mr. Funicello noted that the street would have to be reviewed and meet appropriate specifications before a new house could be sold. -2- CAC minutes - 1/15/87 Emerson Point Estates - The draft environmental impact statement (D.E.I.S. ) for the Emerson Point Estates subdivision has been accepted and a public hearing on it will be held on February 3rd. Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Emanuelson described the area as a woodland and having many wetland species. Part of the site falls in the flood hazard zone. It was noted that Mr. Rocconi's property was very close to this development. Winged Foot Golf Club - A 20 ft. x 40 ft. storage shed was proposed to be adjoined to a larger maintenance building. Although this site is situated in a designated Critical Environmental Area, Mr. Emanuelson does not forsee it to be a significant issue. He will check the site next week. Bonnie Briar Country Club - Mr. Funicello explained the status of the country club. The country club's lease will expire in 10 years and the club hopes to preserve its use of the property. Mr. Funicello stated that he had been retained by the club as their attorney in connection with the possible development of the club property in the future. Garfield Property - When asked why a chain link fence was erected, Mr. Leddy replied that it was for security purposes. He also mentioned that plantings will be made; however, it would not be comparable to all that they are taking out. Water Courses and Water Bodies Gardens Lake Dredging Project - The feasibility study has been completed. A report will be presented at the next meeting. EMC Water Resources Workshop - Mrs. Volk met with the Water Resources Committee today and they asked her to convey their comments and requests. They would like to hold the workshop on Saturday, April 25. They hope to have knowledgeble experts and will undertake finding the speakers. Next week, County official Susan Gallion will arrange a preliminary tour of the area, which includes the Duck Pond, the river behind Blood Bros. , the Sheldrake Conservation Area, the area near the Larchmont Reservoir which always gets flooded, and the river behind the stores along Mamaroneck Avenue. They may include Phillips Park, because it is a good example of proper management although it is federally funded, and they may display aerial photographs of Sheldrake Reservoir. A local Mamaroneck committee is needed to help county officials as soon as possible, because they need to start planning. Mr. Funicello and Mr. Bernstein agreed to help. Water quality consultant, Robert Hohberg, was suggested as well. Dr. Barbara Dexter of Riverwatch was then suggested as a possible speaker for the workshop. Ms. Ng will check whether the Town Hall Court Room is available for April 25th and whether the Senior Citizens Center could be used for the luncheon in case of rain. Coordination with Riverwatch - Robert Hohberg met with Dr. Barbara Dexter at Mamaroneck High School on January 12, 1987. Ms. Ng handed out copies of Mr. Hohberg's report (copy appended). A discussion of some possible sources ® of pollution to the streams and reservoir followed. Mrs. Johnson noted that Dr. Dexter had toured Larchmont Reservoir with James Johnson, Jr. of the Friends of the Reservoir. -3- CAC minutes - 1/15/87 Solid Waste Disposal Leaf Composting - Mr. Leddy reported that they were finished with the pick up for this year. County level - Susan Amlicke reported through Mrs. Johnson that the County budget for refuse disposal was reduced from approximately $73 million to $50 million. State hearings will be held soon. Historic Preservation Archeological Studies of Emerson Point Estates - Mrs. Johnson informed the Commission that the developer had consulted the New York State Museum Division of Culture and Anthropology to determine if this area had possible archeological interest. A Westchester archeological consulting firm commented that the appropriate agency for this information is New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. It was recommended that CAC write a letter to New Rochelle stating some historically important items connected to this property. Coastal areas here are considered as archeologically sensitive areas. There might even be a question as to whether the person who filled the land way back in the 1920s had a permit to do so as was required by an 1899 law. This area may contain items of prehistoric significance as well as historic, Mrs. Johnson added. New or Other Business Annual Report - Cliff distributed a report on printing options and costs for this year's annual report (copy appended). Last year's cost of printing came out to be around $900. Multiple folds are not economically feasible. Most members expressed that double sided printing was best to limit the number of extra paper it would require. Steve Goldstein had agreed to help coordinate the publication. Mr. Emanuelson will contribute the articles that he had written for last year's report. Mrs. Allen volunteered to do an article on recycling. Mr. Funicello said that he will help Elinor Fredston update her article on water courses an wetlands. Mrs. Johnson and Jane Moss will submit a report on environmental education and the L.I.F.E. Center and on the formation of the Premium River-Pine Brook Preservation Association. Ms. Ng will make any additional appointments for other necessary articles. Drafts must be ready by next month's meeting. Mr. Emanuelson reminded the Commission that the report needs to be completed before April 1st to obtain state funding aid. An editor is still needed. CAC accepted the idea of keeping their annual report separate from the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC). Recycling Figures - Mr. Emanuelson reported on the Comptroller's recycling accounts for 1986. He and Mr. Leddy will review the costs and revenues. It appears that there was a gain in revenues of approximately $4,000 from last year. Recycling Flyer - Mrs. Allen wanted to know from where a recycling flyer was issued. Mr. Leddy informed her that the flyers came from Fred Kellogg of the Village of Larchmont Engineering Department. -4- CAC minutes - 1/15/87 Communications to Commission Inter-agency Coordination - It was established that a courtesy copy will automatically be sent to the respective chairman between the CAC and the CZMC. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. -5-