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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989_08_22 Coastal Zone Management Commission Minutes (2) Town of Mamaroneck Village of `Larchmont NOV 6 1989 PATRICIA A fICIOCCIO COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 22, 1989 Approved } A regular meeting of the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC) was held on Tuesday, August 22, 1989, in Conference Room A of the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:05 P.M. Members Present: Phyllis Wittner, Chairman Elinor Fredston C. Alan Mason Howard McMichael Robert Schoenberger Shirley Tolley Others Present: Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator Ann Schmitt, Staff, Site Design Associates Jerry Donatelli, Resident, 23 Bonnie Briar Lane Tom Webler Diane A. Keane, County Legislator Cheryl Lewy, Trustee, Larchmont John G. Hock, P.E. , Manager, Westchester Joint Water Works Martha Gershun, Larchmont Resident Rene' Rathschmidt, Recording Secretary ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Approval of Minutes - The minutes of July 25, 1989 were approved pending minor corrections. REFERRALS TOWN Freshwater Wetland and Water Courses Application - 23 Bonnie Briar Lane - Mr. Donatelli, owner of 23 Bonnie Briar Lane, is seeking a permit to relocate a small wooden bridge over the Sheldrake River. Shirley Tolley commented upon the fact that an existing bridge will be relocated to a place Address Correspondence to C'7,M Commission, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543, (Phone 914-381-6133) CZMC Minutes - 8/22/89 upstream of its original site. Mr. Donatelli commented that the proposed new location is a more natural site for the bridge, therefore making it more aesthetic to the area. Mr. Mason agreed and stated that just relocating the bridge would not further interfere with the stream bed since that had already been done by the previous resident when they had first constructed the bridge. Ms. Tolley cautioned Mr. Donatelli about not letting any debris from the reconstruction be let to fall into the stream. Mr. Donatelli agreed that it would not. The Commission found that the application neither advances nor is inconsistent with the Local Waterfront Revitalization Plan (LWRP) . They stated that the repairs that would be done to the gazebo are appropriate. Freshwater Wetand and Water Courses Application - 35 Sheldrake Avenue - Mr. Webler, resident of 35 Sheldrake Avenue, stated that the permit he seeks is for a 350 square foot addition (family room) . Mr. Mason stated that the addition does not contain a basement. It will be constructed on pillars and would be left open, therefore, it would not interfere with the stream flow in times of flooding. Mr. Webler stated that there has been some flooding of his basement but, it had never reached the first floor; therefore he felt there would not be a problem with the addition because of its height. Mr. Webler also stated if flooding occured he could plant a garden and line it with railroad ties in order for the excess water to be absorbed more naturally. Ms. Ng questioned Mr. Webler as to what happened to the large tree that had been located at the corner of the property. Mr. Webler responded that he had had it removed a little over a year ago because it had been struck by lighting. He has and will continue to plant other trees property. The Commission found that the application neither advances nor is inconsistent with the LWRP. Referral from the Town Building Inspector - Westchester Joint Water Works-Addition of Caustic Feed System - Mr. Hock, Manager, Westchester Water Works, distributed a written paper concerning the project. The paper included a brief summary of what the Joint Water Works actually is and then continued on with a description of the proposed project. Mr. Hock gave a brief oral presentation and showed aerial maps. He stated that the project is on the September 13, 1989 agenda of the Town Planning Board and is pending approval of the County Health Department. During the presentation Mr. McMichael interjected that the Friends of the Reservoir had expressed concern over the project and that he thought it would be a good idea to contact them. Ms Ng stated that Wallace Irwin, Jr. , President of the Friends of the Reservoir had just written Mr. Hock with their concerns. Ms. Wittner stated that since this project also involves New Rochelle that it is a prime example of what should be an inter-municipal or County Designated Critical Environmental Area (CEA) . Mr. Mason expressed concern over whether or not the project would necessitate electrical interruption and if so asked Mr. Hock to give advance notice because the Reservior valve is hooked up to the same electrical panel as the Water Works. Prior notification of electrical changes would prevent interruption of the working of the valve. Elinor Fredston stated that she would like to see the use of best management practices in regard to the trucks and the mud they generate when leaving the construction site and entering the roadway. Mr. Mason also wanted to know -2- CZMC Minutes - 8/22/89 where the storm grate would drain and Mr. Hock responded the lower Reservoir. Ms. Ng inquired as to whether or not the existing shrubbery would be disturbed. Mr. Hock responded that only the small shrubbery beyond the edge of paving would be affected. Mr. McMichael also expressed concern over whether or not the access path to the dam would be blocked, and Mr. Hock said it would be only during construction. Ms. Wittner thanked Mr. Hock for addressing the CZMC's concerns. Comments will be written to the Building Inspector. CHAIRMAN REPORTS TOWN Town Council Meeting - 8/16/89 - Ms. Wittner stated that the Town Council has passed the local Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) Law and it will now be sent to the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for approval. Ms. Wittner expressed the Commission's thanks to Shirley Tolley and Clauida Ng for all the work they had done on the project. Ms. Wittner then continued reporting the events of the meeting. She said that Mr. Mason was commended once again for his personal "flood damage prevention" work during the past storms. Ms. Wittner noted that Steven Goldstein, Chairman of the Conservation Advisory Commssion (CAC) had resigned from that position and was now appointed to the Planning Board. Also discussed at the meeting was the issue of the leaf composting site located at Taylors Lane. It was reported that the Town is currently paying 60% of the costs, based on tonnage, and would like to have a long term commitment from the Village of Mamaroneck because of the huge dollar amounts that will most likely have to be expended for clean-up. VILLAGE Bay Constable Program - Ms. Wittner reported that she has a meeting arranged for September 8, 1989 with the Police Chiefs to discuss the project. She also stated that Bruce Allen reported that he has been appointed as the Coordinator of the project but, this was uncomfirmed. Robert Schoenberger had a copy of an article from the New York Times which pertained to the topic and requested that it be copied and sent to all members in the next mailing. Ms. Wittner noted that there is still opposition to the program. She also noted that if a contract were approved by the Village, she would submit it to the State for review. Waterfront Area Land Use Study - Ms. Wittner reported that the contract with Dan Shuster Associates was signed on August 16, 1989. TOWN AND VILLAGE Critical Environmental Hazard Area (CEHA) - Ms. Wittner stated that the Town and Village received notification from the Department of Environmental Conservation on August 1, 1989 that they have given Westchester County a six month opportunity to regulate CEHAs in the Town and Village. She noted that if the County does not the State will. -3- CZMC Minutes - 8/22/89 Critical Environmental Area Designations - Westchester County - Ms. Wittner stated that the CZMC's main reccommendation concerned the Long Island Sound and the Larchmont Reservoir. She stated that the original boundaries were 500 feet from the Sound and that they have been changed to "cultural and roadway boundaries". Diane Keane stated that she would send a map of what has been proposed. She also mentioned the areas around the Premium Marsh, the Edith Read Bird Sanctuary, and the James Johnson Conservatory as some of those which are included. She also noted that the law would be passed within the next month or so and would have a time period of six months for changes. Ms. Wittner stated that she will draft the Commissions questions and recommendations in a letter to Ms. Keane. MONTHLY CORRESPONDENCE Larchmont Historical Society - Ms. Wittner received a letter from the Larchmont Historical Society requesting monies to aid in repairs of structures, landscapes and vistas in the park, restoration of "The Mermaid's Cradle" in Fountain Square, also the property of the Manor Park Society, and increasing the capital fund to at least $300,000. SoundWatch Newsletter - August-September 1989. (Advocates for a Clean Long Island Sound) Ms. Wittner outlined the Newsletter and expressed her thought that the CZMC should lend support to this group. Elinor Fredston questioned what the Committee on the Sound, which was set up by the County Executive, was meant to do. Ms. Wittner stated that it is a committee mainly composed of businessman to watch the sound and place signs, etc. . . Ms. Fredston suggested that they should also know about the work SoundWatch is doing. Davids Island Fund-raiser - Ms. Wittner informed the Commission that the fund-raiser had raised over $10,000 to protect Davids Island and that they were seeking more if anyone was interested they are still accepting pledges. She also noted that they have retained Berle, Kass and Case as Attorneys for protection of the Island. MEMBER REPORTS East Creek/Hommocks Complex - Shirley Tolley reported to the Commission that the LWRP does recommend installation of silt traps at East Creek at the Hommocks outfall. She also noted while inspecting the area, with Phyllis Wittner, they had noted little dumping and debris, and lush growth from the recent rainfall. Ms. Tolley also said that Tom Leddy has seen some oil on the surface from time to time. She also stated that Mr. Leddy had said that the Creek had been dredged about three years ago and at that time proved to be a difficult task. She also said that Mr. Leddy recommended that if they did place a silt trap at the Creek that it must remain accessable and • suggested having a trap specially designed for that location. Robert Schoenberger noted that the Pine Brook boom has been collecting large amounts of debris and suggested looking into whether or not one would be needed at East Creek. Elinor Fredston suggested calling in a consultant to evaluate what will be actually needed. All concurred and voted to have the consultant, Jack Taylor, look into the problem. -4- CZMC Minutes - 8/22/89 Water Quality - Phyllis Wittner asked C. Alan Mason as to whether or not it might be feasible to institute a program, like River Watch, for both the Town and Village. Mr. Mason responded that yes he thought it might be good and Elinor Fredston interjected that she thought Mr. Mason should contact Bob Funicello for coordination of the project. Ms. Martha Gershun distributed copies of the NYPIRG Report. Local and State Laws - re: Petroleum related Products - No Update. National Beach Clean Up Day - Elinor Fredston informed the Commission that September 24, 1989 has been designated as National Beach Clean Up Day. She stated that Manor and Dog Beach have been slated for clean up. Ms. Fredston also said that some of the inlets will be cleaned as well. Ms. Fredston asked all those interested to volunteer about 3 hours for the project. Ms. Fredston will report results of the clean up to the Commission. ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR REPORTS Erosion and Sediment Control - No Update. NEW OR OTHER BUSINESS LIST - Announcement of "Man and the Sound" Seminars. If anyone is interested please contact Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator, at 381-6133. LIFE - Ms. Wittner stated that the Life Center will be the gathering place for Coasts Week activities. Budget Items - Ms. Wittner outline the proposed 1990 budget for the CZMC. Letters - Ms. Wittner read drafts of the following letters which were subsequently approved: 1. Letter to Mr. Robert Matarazzo dated 8/17/89. 2. Letter to Fred Kellogg re: retirement. Next Meeting - The next meeting was scheduled for September 26, 1989. -5-