HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_07_28 Coastal Zone Management Commission Minutes TT1 M ( (c
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_II ` __ COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT COMvk S� j a.E �0
MAMARONECK
N.Y.
MINUTES
A regular meeting of the Coastal Zone Management Commission (CZMC) was held
on Tuesday, July 28, 1987, at the Town Center, 740 West Boston Post Road,
Mamaroneck, New York. The meeting commenced at 8:05 P.M.
Members present: Robert Schoenberger, Chairman
Bruce Allen
Wallace Irwin, Jr.
Larry Lowy
C. Alan Mason
Howard McMichael
Shirley Tolley
Phyllis Wittner
Others present: Stephen V. Altieri, Town Administrator
Gary Trachtman, Consultant Engineer, Malcolm Pirnie,
Inc.
Joseph T. Maloney, home owner, 7 Evergreen Lane
William Maker, Jr. , attorney for Joseph Maloney
John Coughlin, Coughlin Group
Monte Pruzan, N. P. Associates, Inc.
Tom McEvoy, Engineer 'for N.P. Associates, Inc.
Elaine Price, Chairwoman of the Town Zoning Board
Howard Sloane, Hommocks Property Owners Assocn.
Claudia Ng, Environmental Coordinator
Maria Mora, Recording Secretary
Approval of Minutes - Minutes were handed in for corrections.
Gardens Lake Dredging Project
Mr. Altieri stated that he has received the copy of the final report by
Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. , dated July 1978. He, along with Gary Trachtman,
offered to answer any questions. Mr. Schoenberger asked Mr. Altieri to give
a brief overview of what had been said at the last meeting because everyone
had not been present. Mr. Altieri explained the current status of the
dredging project. He stated that Malcolm Pirnie proposed that 6,000 yards of
material from the lake be dredged to obtain a uniform depth of 4 feet. He
stated that a sediment analysis had been conducted and the sediment was
determined to be very fine. Mr. Altieri said that the one alternative that
seems most cost effective is the method of excavating cavities in Hommocks
410 Field in the shape of an egg carton. The dredge spoils would be placed in
these cavities, covered with fiberous material and then capped with the
excavated soil with breaks in the berm to allow for surface drainage.
Address Correspondence to CZM Commission, 740 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, NY 10543 (Phone 914-381-6133)
CZMC minutes - 7/28/87
Mr. Trachtman added that another alternative considered was pumping the
sediment down the Sheldrake River to the Rockland-Thruway Pocket, but he
believed it would be too difficult to contain it or remove it from there.
This approach would also harm a number of trees, cause odors, and would not
be conducive towards the drying of the sediments.
Mr. Altieri mentioned that the County landfills will not take the spoils
unless they are dry. The spoils would not be good for construction purposes
even if it were dry because it is too fine. A question was raised as to
whether there was a clause for special consideration to those contractors who
propose to truck the material away. Mr. Trachtman agreed that that was a
great idea, but that he was not planning at this moment for contractors to
come in and take it with no purpose in mind for it.
On request, Mr. Trachtman drew a map to illustrate the proposed use of
the Hommocks as the dump site and explained that 12 1/2 cubic yards (c.y. ) of
material would be trucked away 3 times a day per truck; that is, if there is
6,000 c.y. , it would total approximately 600 truckloads. The map drawn
indicated 4 test pits. He commented that test pit B had one or two logs
pulled out from it, but A, C, and D were fairly clean. He said that they had
started digging these holes about 9:30 a.m. and they got to test pit D about
11:30 a.m. Test pit A was dry, B had stagnant water, C had about a foot or
less, and D had about 4 feet of water.(pit A had been closed immediately due
to its proximity to the school). He commented that at high-tide (C) was
filled with water and (B) had stagnant water at low-tide. It was stated that
the pits are fairly widely-spaced and it is conceivable that we find some
conditions less satisfactory than others. This gives us some flexibility in
the area which could be used for this excavation.
Mr. McMichael raised the question if these contents were going to be
harmful within the next 20 years. Mr. Trachtman responded that that question
has not yet been answered because the only tests that have been done on this
material have been physical tests; that they have not yet done any chemical
testing, such as gases.
Mr. Schoenberger asked Mr. Trachtman about heavy metal contents. Mr.
Trachtman said that the metal contents may only be a problem when they are in
an acidic environment. Mr. Irwin requested additional details to support the
statement that metals are not hazardous to the environment.
Mrs. Price questioned how the intensity between pits A and B and all the
excavating material from the truckloads could affect the flooding and the
freshwater wetlands. Mr. Trachtman replied that there should be no
substantial impact due to its proportion to the rest of the flood plain.
Mr. Irwin suggested lining the pits; not just laying plastic on top of
the spoil. Mr. Trachtman said that the subcontracted firm had advised that it
is would be unnecessary and too expensive.
It was said that these pits would look like pyramids and that the total
height above the water would probably be 3 feet. The size would be
determined by the coordination of each truck. The sizes have not yet been
decided. It was said that if it was 8,000 c.y. , it had been planned to be
approximately 5 ft. deep X 70 ft. wide X 630 ft. long. If it was less, it
would be cut down. There were comments on the problems with the displacement
of substrate into the marsh; expecially, if it went any deeper.
Mrs. Price commented on the inconsistency with LWRP as well as with the
recreational facilities. She said this could result in a possible cut-back
in state funding. Residents are very concerned with this situation. She
added that they need to document everything, including alternatives, very
carefully before giving a decision. Mr. Altieri noted that he has sent the
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CZMC minutes - 7/28/87
study to the Soil and Water Board and will meet with New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation on it.
Mr. Irwin expressed his support for other proposed measures in connection
with this project; such as, catch basins, silt traps, and retention. He
cautioned against neglecting the SEQR process and alternatives.
Alternatives of barging are being looked into at prior request. Mr.
Trachtman estimated the capacity of barges to be 2,000-3,500 c.y. and costing
as much as $1,200-1,500 per day for drafts of 10-13 feet. Mr. McMichael
feels that it may be feasible if a smaller barge was used and someone would
be hired to tow and dump it away. Mr. Trachtman mentioned that it varies
because material might not be accepted in the Sound. Also, that it is an
estimated cost of $800 per trip to tow out the material.
Mr. McMichael asked how Gardems Lake will be maintained in the future.
He calculated that approximately 600 c.y. of sediment would have to be
cleaned out of a catch basin for the Lake per year. In other words, the lake
will always serve as the best catch basin since the artificial ones cannot
retain that much. He stated that this process benefits the Village of
Mamaroneck Harbor. Mr. Irwin pointed out that silt traps may be used
instead. However more space would be required.
It was mentioned that the lake was last dredged in 1971 and that the
dredge material had been placed in Hommocks Field. Mrs. Wittner noted that
Hommocks Field is not included in the CEA and therefore other activities for
it may be acceptable. Mr. McMichael suggested the formation of a
subcommittee. Mr. McMichael and Mr. Schoenberger were appointed in charge of
the subcommittee. Mr. Schoenberger stated that this committee will focus on
long term maintenance and the use of the Hommocks as a dumpsite. Mr. Lowy
added that the Town should view this as a recurring problem that needs a
long-term plan. Mr. Altieri said that CZMC should write any suggestions they
may have to the Town Board. Mr. Irwin feels the need for a formal
designation under SEQR and a formal referral since the proposed project is
substantially contiguous to a CEA, and therefore, a Type I action. .
Referrals
Freshwater Wetlands and Water Courses application by Mr. Maloney - Mr.
Maloney and Mr. Maker presented a proposal to pipe the section of stream that
runs from Winged Foot Golf Club, across his property and into a retention
basin at lots 19 and 20 of the Fenbrook Subdivision. The channel is
approximately 40 feet behind the house. The pipe proposed is 30" in diameter
(wheareas Winged Foot has just a 12" drainpipe). Any surface filled will be
inclined toward the retention area. Mr. Scheuer expressed his concern over
the silting up of a culvert at the border of his property. Mr. Maloney
replied that his engineer is designing a screen which would help alleviate
that problem. Mr. McMichael commented that the pipe should have no effect on
the silting of culvert and that the silt probably comes from the disturbed
ground and construction. Mr. Scheuer also noted that water had been diverted
to lots 24 and 25 and cut across to the stream causing the erosion of his
wall and the ground cover there. Dr. Mason commented that the project would
have a negative impact while the ground is still raw, but once there is
seeding it should have a positive impact. The Commission, therefore, gave
its approval to the proposal.
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CZMC minutes - 7/28/87
Five-lot Subdivision application by N.P. Associates, Inc. - Mr. McEvoy, a
surveyor, presented the proposal to subdivide the property at 1160 Old White
Plains Road. He reported that it will drain into the existing storm drain
system that empties into Saxon Woods which leads to the Mamaroneck River.
The Planning hoard designated it as a Type I action because it abuts the
Winged Foot Golf Club, part of a Critical Environmental Area (CEA), and
therefore referred it to the CZMC. It was noted that there would be no
drainage impact to Winged Foot because of its topography. Ms. Ng asked what
they were planning to do with the vegetation in that area; for instance, the
trees. The applicant replied that their plan concerns just the subdivision
for the present, but it was anticipated that some trees would be removed.
Dr. Mason expressed the need for making developers aware of the Town's Tree
Ordinance. Although there would no significant negative impacts of the
subdivision per se, the Commission noted that they would need to see the site
plans in order to make any appropriate comments on the potential impacts.
Mrs. Tolley will write the letter noting the above concern to the Planning
Board.
Site Plan Re-submittal by Couglin Realty Corp. - Ms. Ng reported on the
resubmission of site plans for an office building at 178 Myrtle Blvd. and a
parking lot across the street by Coughlin Realty Corp. Mrs. Wittner
explained that two parking lot alternatives had been presented to the
Planning Board. It was noted by Mr. Schoenberger that the office building
proposal had already been commented on in a prior letter to the Planning
Board. Ms. Ng explained in detail how each of the 2 proposals for the
parking lot would function. The Commission expressed their approval of the
stormwater treatment system. Mr. Coughlin requested the CZMC to notify the
Planning Board before August 12th.
Inter-municipal Matters
Tri-municipal Study on the Weaver Street Corridor - Mr. Altieri
introduced the study on the Weaver Street Corridor. He commented that the
guidelines for the study are still being developed but that it emphasizes
mainly on traffic, although water and land use will also be looked at. The
strip in question is from Boston Post Road to Heathcote Road. A series of
traffic concerns on this road will be addressed. Mr. Altieri thinks that
widening the street is not the answer because it will just encourage more
traffic. Mr. McMichael suggested digging in Briarcliff and inserting the
pipe there for the upstream project and this would reduce traffic (?). Mr.
Altieri agreed that it was a good suggestion but that another extensive
development is being proposed along Weaver Street.
The possibility of a generic impact was mentioned. Also, a method for
the three communities to stay in contact with each other when there is an
impact was discussed. Scarsdale's major concern is the traffic. New
Rochelle is concerned about the traffic, but since they also receive some
downstream effects, they are also concerned partly with the water aspects.
The Town of Mamaroneck is very concerned with both traffic and water.
Dr. Mason commented that if widening the road were ever to be taken into
consideration, there would be a need to pipe water directly out to sea,
because the Bonnie Briar Country Club property flushes out a lot of water
after a rain as it is.
The plans to build the cloverleaf intersection for the Hutchinson Parkway
and Weaver Street are already in progress.
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CZMC minutes - 7/28/87
The County Soil and Water Board have already reviewed this study. They
questioned whether any other studies existed that should be incorporated.
Mr. Altieri stated that he will keep CZMC updated.
Davids Island Project - The inclusion of Davids Island in the New
Rochelle sewer district is being considered. Also, it was suggested that the
bridge be raised to 65 feet.
Army Corps of Engineers proposed flume
Mr. Altieri introduced the project and reported that it had been scaled
down significantly from their initial proposal. The cement flume will be
approximately 1,800 feet long with a levee at the beginning and a stilling
basin at the end. He said that we are still eligible for a funding by the
federal government. He noted that a masonry flume may not be effective
enough for federal standards. There were concerns about the downstream
effects from the project as proposed, but Mr. Altieri reported that in the
Corps' opinion, the impacts immediately downstream would be insignificant.
He further indicated that beyond Gardens Lake, the Corps is planning to pipe
the entire Sheldrake River straightway to the Sound. The state would own the
flume and would repair any major problems with it. The Town will be
responsible for routine maintenance only. Any liability will be split
between the State and the Town.
Mr. Irwin mentioned two LWRP projects which recommended use of more
natural measures. Dr. Mason commnented that the portion proposed is already
very unnatural. Mr. Altieri reported that the Town Board has reviewed the
4( proposal and questioned whether better Reservoir control would be
sufficient. Dr. Mason feels that this needs all the help it can get because
of continuing development and continuing loss of Reservoir capacity due to
siltation. Mr. Irwin felt that this would be just a quick fix and does not
really address the whole flooding problem. Mr. Altieri explained that any
work that we put into this project could be credited to our share of the
funding. Dr. Mason will write the pros and cons of this project and hand
them over to Ms. Ng for circulation before the next meeting.
LWRP Projects
Premium Habitat Designation - Mrs. Wittner reported that the Premium
Marsh Complex has been accepted for possible designation as a significant
fish and wildlife habitat. The next step is a public hearing, which will be
held on August 18, 1987 at 7:00 p.m. at the White Plains Public Library.
Preliminary Proposals for 1988 - Ms. Ng reported that she had sent the
preliminary list of proposed projects to Randy Lanza of the State. She will
send out copies to each CZMC member in the the next mailing.
Annual Report
Mr. Irwin handed out a preliminary outline for CZMC's annual report. He
will send out a draft for review and comments in the near future.
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CZMC minutes - 7/28/87
Other Business
Larchmont Planning Commission - Mr. Irwin reported that four applications
had been submitted to the Planning Board for their approval:
1) an application from Collins Bros. , Inc. , to build a warehouse;
2) an application for a 3-lot subdivision near East Creek;
3) an application for a new greenhouse at Tony's Nursery;
4) an application for an minor extension of an office building.
He predicted that only two would be referred.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
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