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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2010-04-12Gty o f Ithac� Na tu,Ya.G Areas GoHtWVYYtow April 12, 2010 Present: Alison Fromme (Chair) Joe McMahon (Vice Chair), Gerry Cox, Anna Stalter, Robert Wesley, Todd Miner, Sarah Steuteville, Jon Meigs. Absent: Ron Herring Also Attending: Dan Hoffman, City Attorney; Roxy Johnson, Watershed Coordinator; Jon Novarr, Collegetown Terrace; Kim Michaels, Trowbridge and Wolfe. Minutes from March meeting approved. Announcements: Sarah gave a report on the progress at the Ithaca Falls /Gun Hill site. The developer and others will meet soon to discuss next steps. The tarps have been off the debris pile for some time. Todd Bittner from Cornell Plantations is eager to talk about developing a trail. Anna announced that a group of students from the New Roots Charter School would begin volunteering each Wednesday at Six Mile. They will pick up trash and pull garlic mustard. Roxy announced there are new water treatment pilot plants in place for testing and she will arrange a tour for NAC members if desired. She will be taking a group of Environmental Engineering students from IC on Wednesday to tour the natural area from the Common Land access to the Wildflower Preserve. Roxy also announced that in conjunction with Drinking Water Week, she will be tabling at the Farmer's Market on May 16, from 10 -3, and invited the NAC to join in. Dan reminded the NAC that the city's anti - smoking ordinance, which affects the Natural Areas, becomes effective Aug. 1. New lists of prohibited activities will be posted in the natural areas and the NAC should review. A question was posed about dredging spoils from the Inlet. Options now include the Southwest Natural Area, Treman Marina, and the golf course. NEW BUSINESS Collegetown Terrace: A presentation was given by Jon Novarr, developer for the proposed Collegetown Terrace project, and Kim Michaels of Trowbridge and Wolf, Architects. Jon and Kim described the project and answered questions about the plans for developing the site. Jon gave background history of the site and remarked that the new development, although adding 625 beds, would result in less net pavement, more open space and native plantings. A forested buffer would be maintained between the property and the natural area (also Tompkins County Unique Natural Area 156). Any upgrades to utilities will be underground. Most parking will be underground, with an allotment of 2 spaces /3 residents. Bioretention basins will be used to manage runoff; overall there is an expectation that there will be less runoff because of the decrease in pavement and roof area. The dEIS has been submitted to the Planning Board and if approval is granted, public review will follow at the end of the month. Six Mile Creek: Anna reported that Hemlock Woolly Adelgid monitoring was beginning at Six Mile Creek, and more volunteers are needed. Anna also announced that the "Explore Your Watershed" series of natural history walks would commence in early May with a Spring Flora walk given by Robert Wesley. Other walks in the series include: Geology and Geomorphology (Dan Karig); Birds (Meena Haribal); Big Trees (Joe McMahon). A full schedule will be posted on the Friends of Six Mile Creek website and announcements sent to the local media. Anna asked that at least one NAC member be in attendance at each walk to give a brief overview of the NAC. Fall Creek: Jon Meigs represented the NAC at a Fall Creek Watershed Committee public information meeting. The committee is looking for more volunteers. A management plan is in preparation and they are seeking input from the public. There are funds available through the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization. More meetings are planned in May. Other announcements: Rick Manning will attend a future NAC meeting to discuss plans for a Fall Creek trail. Alison announced that she will step down as chair in September, but continue to serve on NAC.