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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987_09_29 Town Board Special Minutes 301 MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF MAMARONECK HELD ON THE 29TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1987 IN THE COURT ROOM OF THE TOWN III CENTER, 740 WEST BOSTON POST ROAD MAMARONECK, NEW YORK 10543 CONVENE SPECIAL MEETING Supervisor Battalia called the meeting to order at 8:15 p.m. in the Court Room. Present were the following members of the Board: Supervisor Dolores A. Battalia Councilman Thomas R. Amlicke Councilwoman Caroline Silverstone Councilman Lawrence A. Lerman Councilman Stephen C. Chapin Also present was: Patricia A. DiCioccio, Town Clerk III Supervisor Battalia explained that the reason for this meeting was to discuss the flume project, and that the Amy Corp of Engineers had contacted the Town about the project last week. She further explained that the Amy Corp of Engineers was called in to study the Town's flooding problem during the '70's, at which time they recommended a gigantic project that would have cost millions of dollars. She went on to say that a few years later the project was removed from the eligibility list and, for all intents, and purposes, appeared to be a dead issue insofar as the federal government was concerned. The Supervisor stated that recently the Town was contacted by the Corp and told that the project was again placed on the eligibility list. She noted that the project has been reviewed by the Conservation Advisory Committee and the Coastal Zone Management Commission, and the Board believed it imperative to bring this to the attention of Town residents. Supervisor Battalia then asked if she could have first any written comments that anyone may have. A resident remarked that notification was not given to everyone affected and for those who had received notification, there had not been ample time to prepare written statements. Supervisor Battalia responded that every effort had been made by the Town staff to reach all affected residents and if it is the consensus that they have not accomplished this, the Board will hold another meeting. She commented that the Coastal Zone Management Commission has the flume project on their agenda and has notified residents who would be directly affected. She further commented that this meeting was scheduled to find out whether this project is feasible and whether or not the community wants it, since during the 1970's there was a substantial outpouring of opposition to the project. 302 Supervisor Battalia asked Dr. Alan Mason if he would explain the technical aspects of the project and mentioned that Dr. Mason had been a strong opponent of the project but would still lend his expertise. Following a brief presentation, Dr. Mason stated that the cost of the project in 1977 was to be 1.6 million, in 1987 the estimated cost would be 3.3 million. Councilman Chapin pointed out that the Town's share would be 12.5%. At this time Supervisor Battalia asked for comments, and said that she prefer they be broken into goupings. She then requested proponents directly affected to speak first; followed by opponents directly affected, and finally proponents not directly affected, followed by opponents not directly affected. She reported that there are 38 properties directly affected by this project, and asked if there was anyone in this category that wished to speak in favor of the project. Angela Signorella of Weaver Street stated that this project would relieve a major flooding problem for her home and other homes in that area. The Supervisor asked how many floods they have had in the past year and Ms. Signorella replied that flooding has been somewhat alleviated since the release valve was installed at the Larchmont Reservoir. Mr. Reisman of Sheldrake Avenue stated that in the past three years the flooding has lessened because of the valve installation but, even now there are problems, a lot of erosion has occurred and he felt the flume project seemed a viable solution, yet there is constant fear in his neighborhood. Another resident advised that she wished to read a petition signed by 85 people in her neighborhood. She read the following: We are requested the Board's support for the flume project to control flooding from the Sheldrake River. It is impossible to convey in words the horror, danger and stress the flooding causes us. We watch the water encircle the banks and move toward our homes damaging everything in its path. The destructive river then enters our basement rooms damaging furniture, equipment, walls and everything else in its way. When the water finally recedes we are faced with draining, cleaning, disinfecting and replacing. What is worse, is that for everytime there is an actual flood, there have been more times that we've come close to flooding. However, the anticipa;tion of flooding brings enormous anxiety and concern along with the burden of flood preparation. Certainly this flooding has reduced the quality of our lives in this wonderful community. We appreciate the aesthetic value of the river for those living downstream. When they look at the water they see beauty. When we look at it we see potential danger, destruction and bodily harm. It the flooding is controlled we could have the same level of appreciation of beauty as they do. It segos distinctly unfair to us to have to suffer danger so others can appreciate the scenery. 2 September 29, 1987 303 We believe that the flume is our answer to our flooding problem. With the river contained, we can once again use our minds, energy and resources to both enjoy and serve our community. Tarn Presni of Sheldrake Avenue remarked that it is time to stop talking and to begin handling the situation since something must be done as they cannot constantly live with the situation the way it now exists. A resident of 446 Weaver Street stated that she has three small children for whom she is afraid and added that, at one point, she found her boat, which had been stored in her yard, floating in her neighbor's yard along with her car. A resident of 51 Sheldrake Avenue stated that people cannot understand the anguish that one has with this problem, and informed the Board that he and his family went away for three days and returned to total destruction because of a flash flood. Tom Weber of 35 Sheldrake Avenue said that he wants a solution since talks have gone on for 15 years and it is not time to act. Stuart McGregory of 122 East Brookside Drive stated that he wants the Town to do something since this matter is important and it is time for a solution. A resident of 49 Sheldrake stated that although his garage would have to be removed if this project was carried out, he remains in favor. Dr. Alan Mason stated that since 1972 he has had nine major floods reaching his office, which is one the first floor and not in the basement. He commented that this is a panic situation since five inches of rain in a day places everyone in deep trouble. He noted that federal flood insurance is restricted to the point of absurdity and what is needed is away to get the water moving without it going through our houses. Supervisor Battalia then asked for comments from those whose property was affected but who are opposed to the flume project. Mrs. Peron of 5 Rockland Avenue stated that the Army Corp of Engineers has never shown all of her property on the map since, if the Brook is 12 feet wide, her porch would only be 8 1/2 feet from the edge of the Brook. She added that they are proposing taking 105 feet of her property which would be a hardship. She also stated that she had been informed by Town staff that the flume would have a depth of 4 feet, which the study does not show. She questioned the capacity velocity. She noted that she also had a letter from the Division Engineer doing the study dated in 1981, and that he concurred on the study, except for the Town of Mamaroneck project, which should be handled by use and revisions to the storm sewer system. She noted additionally that the map scale and elevations are wrong. 3 September 29, 1987 301 Robert Conkin of East Garden Road stated that the PAY ro of P everyone here is affected and, in view of the nature of this proceeding, they should have had more lead time to prepare for it. He emphasized that adequate and reasonable notice was not given. Supervisor Battalia replied that only information meetings were held last week by the Coastal Zone Management Commission, not by the Town Board, and that every effort was made to inform people of this meeting. Mrs. Haller stated that the decision-making process was very confusing and noted that perhaps the Town should be asking for updated figures and facts on the project, as well as options. She asked whether anything has been said about the technical aspect of the project and noted that this is a sensitive issue and facts need to be ascertained. She concluded that her feeling is that a span of time should be granted in which to study the ramifications and implications of the project. Supervisor Battalia explained again that the reason for the meeting is to hear opinions from concerned residents and emphasized the fact that this is not a Town project but a project of the Army Corp of Engineers. She mentioned that the Army Corp had been unable to attend this meeting, so that technical aspects could not be explained tonight. She mentioned further that the Board would like to have the Corp attend a meeting to explain this project thoroughly and will see if this can be arranged for. Mr. Hart aksed if the project could still be carried out even if the Town Board voted against it, to which Supervisor Battalia responded that it would be unlikely. Ida Mason of Briarcliff Road said that although her basement does not flood, she is very concerned about this project and had been involved in earlier discussions on the flume. She said that her concern was about the environment and she would like two things considered: first, that the foundation of her house is on a ledge and blasting would affect the granite in the foundation, and second, the area would be made into a catch basin causing a rapids like condition. She stated that her main concern about the split rock area a would be the effects of blasting on all hares with granite foundations. Mr. Mueller of 137 West Brookside Drive commented that this project is a waste of time and money. He stated that it is a project of the Army Corp and that fact along should be enough to cause opposition. He went on to say that there must be a way to resolve the flooding problem, but he felt the Town should find this solution among ourselves rather than through the Corps. Chris Gorman of Valley Stream Road stated that cleaning out of the drains and lowering of the Reservoir would not have the negative impact on the area that the flume would cause and asked that we study the storm sewers and find other ways to alleviate the flooding problems. Mrs. O'Reilly stated that there has to be sane solution and asked that all options be listed and compared, adding that she, as an engineer, was not convinced that this project would solve the problem. 4 September 29, 1987 30 5 Supervisor Battalia reported that suggestions have been made for alternate proposals, some of which are already in the works. She stated additionally that the Coastal Zone Management plan is directed toward controlling flooding, especially with new development. She noted that the concept of looking at the entire County needs to be done and that there are other ways, the Reservoir patrol, for example, has proven effective. She stated further that her concerns are the following: "Since 1977 we have learned so much more on the delicacy of the environment and I do not think that environmental issues are addressed in the Army Corp project by today's standards. We are also at the whim of federal peonies, and this project would begin in three to five years, after so much time and effort, we could find out that it will not be funded." Supervisor Battalia concluded that she believes a feasibility study should be done on the County project and urges that we study other project. She also said that she was not comfortable with the Army study, but she would ask them to take it back to the drawing board and redo it using today's environmental standards, facts and criteria. Councilman Amlicke stated that he felt we should look into an alternative solution since during the '70's he was adamantly opposed to the flume project. She stated that he was sympathetic to the people whose homes were flooded, but he feels this Board has an opportunity to get rid of the flume project for once and for all and should do so. He felt that a bypass pipe should alleviate most of the flooding and should be looked into. He commented that he has asked Diane Keane to help by looking into the projected County sewer project. Councilwoman Silverstone stated that two years ago a State representative had informed the Town that the Mamaroneck project had been dropped from their agenda. She stated further that she had worked with Senators Moynihan and D'Amato, and Congressman DioGuardi, to have this project reinstated and it was her surprise that the Army Corp would not even help with the dredging. She went on to say that she felt this project is a poor way to spend tax dollars and that there are many things we can do to eliminate flooding without upsetting the tranquility of the community. She commented that she was fascinated by the idea of the piping and sewer project to alleviate flooding and we must immediately begin to look into solutions. We must, she added, look at development and runoff from upper areas in the County. She concluded that if the Board does not vote for the flume, they can always find a more liveable and acceptable solution. Councilman Lerman stated that he completely agreed with the other members of the Council and though flooding is a horror, this flume project is also a horror. He noted that although we are in need of help and information to get this problem solved, the flume will not do it and if we used the proposed dollars to be spent on the flume for other solutions, he was certain we can come up with them. 5 September 29, 1987 306 Councilman Chapin stated that he was committed to helping solve the flood problem and felt we should try to get the Corp to a Town meeting so that they may inform us about the project. He noted that he would vote monies for a feasibility study since he thinks there are alternatives to this project and he does not think the Town should be pressed into the flume project. County Legislator, Diane Keane, stated that it would be a good idea for the Corp to coarse to a meeting and explain the project. She reported that the sewer line will be going out to bid in January. She said that she felt the sanitary sewer would help the problem and noted that a storm drainage sewer had also been proposed to run along side of it. She concluded that a meeting would have to be held for the purpose to discussing the ideas expressed tonight. Supervisor Battalia asked Legislator Keane if she could please have her staff people coarse down for a meeting and told her that we could have Malcolm Pirnie people present. The County Legislator replied that a feasibility study would be necessary and the Town's engineers should be talking to the County engineers, to which Supervisor Battalia informed her that the County engineers appeard to have shown no interest in returning calls and inquiries. Supervisor Battalia stated that she would request the Town Administrator to place and appropriation of funds item on the agenda for Octobe. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to coarse before the Board, on motion duly made and seconded, the Special Meeting was unanimously declared adjourned at 10:40 p.m. Town Clerk Patricia A. DiCioccio 6