HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997_05_27 Coastal Zone Management Commission Minutes (2) Town of Mamaroneck — Village of Larchmont
COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION
lTOWN CENTER: 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543
t - = 914-381-7845
CZMC MINUTES
May 27, 1997
A regular meeting of the Costal Zone Management Commission (CZMC)was held on May 27, 1997 in
Conference Room A, 740 W. Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting was called to
order at 8:10 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Lili Andrews Co-Chair
William H.. Bailey CZMC
Madelaine Berg CZMC
Ruth Gyure CZMC
C. Alan Mason CZMC
Frank McGahan CZMC
Howard McMichael CZMC
Richard Metzner CZMC
Richard Ward CZMC
OTHERS PRESENT:
James Fleming Architect, 22 Rockwood/ 15 Shadow Lane
Donald T. Meeker Developer/Owner, 22 Rockwood Drive/ 15 Shadow Lane
Nat Bohrer Owner, 237 Griffen Ave. .
Landscape Architect, 2 Beach Avenue project
Phyllis Wittner Liaison, TOM TB
REGRETS:
Nancy Seligson Co-Chair
1. Consistency Referrals:
A. 22 Rockwood Drive/ 15 Shadow Lane (Block 604, Lot 118)- Consideration of 3 lot
subdivision.
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This was referred to us by the Planning Board because it is an unlisted action. Donald
Meeker, the owner of the property, explained how the lot between Shadow Lane and Rockwood
Drive would be subdivided, retaining the original home somewhat in the center of the property
(on a bedrock ridge), and creating two new lots on Shadow Lane. The new lots would be similar
in size to the others on Shadow Lane, and the proposed homes would blend in with the current
"atmosphere" of the neighborhood. According to Mr. Meeker, some paved area (driveways
opening to Shadow Lane) would be removed in order to construct the new homes, resulting in a
net loss of total paved surface. Drainage on the property mostly falls down the slope towards
Rockwood, but a small amount heads down the opposite side of the ridge towards the proposed
new lots.
The Commission determined that at this stage, the project cannot be considered consistent, or
inconsistent. In order to fully assess the impact of the proposed plan, we would have to see
actual building plans for the new properties. Of concern is the fact that some drainage from
the current owner's property would flow onto the new lots. At the present time, this water is
allowed to soak into the proposed development site. If homes are built on this land, this
situation might change.
The commission discussed the general situation of this referral-- with members expressing
concern that although the current plan is not inconsistent with the policies of the LWRP, it
does not include building plans for the new homes to be added to the developed property. When
these plans are submitted, the action will be Type II and will not come before the CZMC for
review. The full impact of the project cannot be assessed without complete information, and
raises some questions about the general mechanism for CZMC review of proposed subdivisions.
The owner assured us that they would minimize the removal of trees, and most of the wooded
portion of the property (facing Rockwood) would remain intact. Overgrowth on the property
would be cleared, and some new groundcover planted to prevent erosion.
B. 237 Griffin Avenue (Block 344, Lot 112) - Freshwater Wetlands and Watercourses Permit
This property was referred by the building department, since the property lies within a
buffer area for the Sheldrake River. The owner proposes to add a second story to an existing
structure. The Commission did not find the proposed project to be inconsistent with LWRP
policies.
2. Advisory Opinions:
A. 1 Pryor Lane - Installation of a tool shed
There was nobody present to act as a representative for this project, and the Commission
members did not receive written information about it before the meeting. Members reviewed a
site plan which showed the proposed location for the shed and gave the dimensions of the
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structure (12' x 18') along with a photograph of the area. There was some discussion as to
how the shed would be viewed from surrounding properties and Long Island Sound, with a
general consensus that it would be barely visible at all. The Commission did not have any
objections to this installation.
B. 2 Beach Avenue - Construction of an inground swimming pool
The landscape architect for this project described the location of the pool, and informed us
that the owners would like it to be a little bigger than originally planned (now 12' x 40').
The pool will be located just inside the wall along Beach Avenue, between the road and the
existing house. This location was chosen so that the pool would have minimal visual impact on
surrounding properties and Long Island Sound. Drainage around the pool would be redirected
to a drywell constructed for that purpose. The Commission agreed that the pool would have
little effect on the appearance of the area, or on drainage since the property slopes towards
and drains directly into Long Island Sound. The Commission reminded the landscape architect
that the pool water an be routed into the sound only after the chlorine has been allowed to
diffuse out.
3. Member Reports:
A. C. Alan Mason reminded other Commission members that Friends of the Reservoir and
L.I.F.E. Center continue to solicit input from architects regarding proposals for the new
nature center.
B. Ruth Gyure and Richard Ward attended a public hearing for the Long Island Sound Habitat
Restoration Project, and reported that three projects were being considered in our area: the
Premium Marsh. Hommocks Marsh, and the Larchmont Reservoir. Projects will be chosen based
upon several criteria used by the project managers. These criteria include: potential of the
site for restoration success, area of the site, available funding for the project, and
benefits for trust species. Public support is important but will not assure selection of a
particular site. New sites will continue to be evaluated and accepted into the program.
4. Other Business:
A. A new Environmental Coordinator has been hired! Mr. James W. Athey will begin his job in
June, replacing Eve Bocca who previously held the position.
B. Ruth Gyure expressed some concern that local nurseries do not routinely stock native
species. Other members expressed agreement and Ruth offered to draft a letter that could be
distributed to nurseries as a means of encouraging them to offer more native plant options.
C. A discussion of the proposed Revision of Local Law#7-1986, Freshwater Wetlands will be
postponed until the June meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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