Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-SMC-1997 SIX MILE CREEK STUDY COMMITTEE REPORT Summary of Comments at Public Informational Meeting - 4/2/84 At least 100 people attended the public informational meeting at which the • Six Mile Creek Study Committee presented its report. Questions and comments were received for 2} hours. Then, the Committee met briefly to summarize the primary concerns, which are presented below. The Committee did not choose to modify its recommendations. The Committee tried to respond to all comments, but due to space and time limitations, the responses are not presented here; most are contained in the "Supporting Statements" section of our report. Many comments were received on the "Public Access" recommendation (#1). There appeared to be general misunderstanding of the present status of the area - namely, that most of it is currently closed to the public, and has been for decades. the public perceived that the Committee was trying to impose new, "blanket prohibitions," rather than actually expanding public access. Several people protested the prohibition of access to the Upper Reservoir area, arguing that the health hazard posed by hikers and/or their pets was trivial compared to pollution caused by runoff. An employee of the City's Filtration Plant presented statistics showing that bacteria count in the Upper Reservoir is ten times higher from October to April than from May to September. Some thought that access should be allowed from Slaterville Road along the present City access path, and a request for access after sunset was made (perhaps until 10 PM as in City parks). By far, the most questions and comments concerned swimming (#3). Many felt the City should allow "unstructured" swimming (ie., without development of new roads and structures, and presumably without restrictions on swimming area or attire). Many said specifically that there should be a natural, "clothing-optional" swimming area. Some said the Committee was not diligent or creative enough in exploring the feasibility of legal, "at your own risk" swimming, claiming that such examples exist elsewhere. Many argued that preoccupation with liability and elimination of risks • imposed unacceptable restrictions on personal freedom and "quality of life;" and that parents, not government, should take responsibility for protecting or educating their children. A few said the City should post the necessary warning signs, then follow the historical policy of "benign neglect" (ie., sporadic enforcement). There appeared to be a general lack of understanding of the City's actual liability and vulnerability to lawsuits. Some speakers strongly endorsed the pro- hibition on swimming, for safety purposes, and called for stronger enforcement. The Gorge Ranger proposal (#4) provoked a number of comments. Some expressed a fear that the cost of such protection was too open-ended and would expand into an expensive program that would be a burden to taxpayers. Some feared that without arrest power the ranger would be ineffective in stopping dangerous activities. Some complained that the ranger would add an undesirable "Big Brother" element to the • gorge area. Some responded to the suggestion to explore alternative swimming areas (#12) by saying that no other area could match the most attractive features of Six Mile Creek: its unique, natural, remote character and its unstructured recreational opportunities. A highly developed, conventional park serves different needs. Several people felt the prohibition on skiing (#3) was unreasonable; cross- country skiing is allowed on many other public lands in the area, even though trails are not maintained for skiing needs; the most appropriate trails could be marked for skiing. There were few comments on other "Prohibited Activities" (#3); the ex- planations offered by the Committee seemed to be satisfactory. One person ques- tioned the propriety of having the police firing range (and late-evening clambakes) in a restricted area. The Committee had not considered this. Representation of swimming advocates on the Overseer Committee (#5) was sug- gested. One person hoped that Cirtical Environmental Area Designation (#7) would provide greater regulation of herbicide/pesticide use on adjacent farmland. The proposed limit of six official entrances (#2) was questioned, but the Committee rationale seemed satisfactory. The recommendations for Circle Greenway (#6), Conservation Zoning (#8), Maintenance (#9). Master Plan (#10), Education (#11), Property Acquisition (#13). and Signage (#14) did not provoke any criticism. In general statements, several people commended the Committee for its work and endorsed its environmental recommendations, to protect the quality of the watershed. Another speaker argued that "some personal freedoms must be given up to meet the larger goal of preserving the naturalness of the area." TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 May 1, 1984 i 4617 • Honorable John C. Gutenberger Mayor City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear John: I note the agenda for the May 2, 1984 Cc mon Council meeting includes a resolution establishing as policy, the first five recamendations of the Six Mile Creek Study Ccnmittee. The Town of Ithaca respectfully requests that City of Ithaca action to adopt reccuuendaticns 1, 2, and 3 erred until the SER process, as indicated in my letter to you dated April 6, is capleted. As you can appreciate, the .-••le of the Town of IE ca hav- a 1-.. _• • to an opportunity to participate in the environmental `review process on these matters. The environmental review process can be exsedited by the canpletion of Town of Ithaca Environmental Assessment Forms. We are also interested in knowing whether or not the City endorses the concept of a joint effort in the development of a Six Mile Creek Master Plan. The Ithaca Town Board is in favor of considering such a concept. Very truly yours, Z -e,e4L.AL Noel Desch Supervisor ND/js cc: Town Planning Board Town Staff Town Board -oy ITtj,QC. -•∎ amj` Sa `ffr• rY >17 ": " ="ad's 1 4p�p� NO; -/=f fi l ;rte 1 46 X12 CITY OF ITHACA '�� �=�a �f St ` J ` 108 EAST GREEN STREET ):\ P ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF O PHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO: Common Council FROM: Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: May 29, 1984 SUBJECT: Six Mile Creek Study Committee Recommendations I offer the following proposed agreement for your review and comments in the hopes that this will speed up implementation of items 1-6 and 14. It would be helpful if it were passed by the Town Board at its June 4th meeting and by the City at its June 6th meeting. ATTACH. CC: Noel Desch, Supervisor Richard Stumbar Jerry Schickel An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" AGREEMENT The City of Ithaca and the Town of Ithaca agree that the City will be the lead agency and the Town will be an involved agency on recommendations numbered 1 through 6 and number 14 (attached) . Recommendations numbered 7 through 13 have not been addressed at this time as to lead agency status. It is agreed by the City and the Town that the City lead agency designation on recommendations numbered 1 through 6 and number 14, does not prejudice the Town's position as to determination of lead agency designation on items numbered 7 through 13. Nor does it create any presumption, that the City will be the lead agency in relation to further environmental studies regarding the Six Mile Creek Watershed area. John C. Gutenberger, Mayor Dated: City of Ithaca Noel Desch, Supervisor Dated: Town of Ithaca SIX MILL CRELI: :iiUDY ( lemlIII I SUMMARY Of UL COMM tWAt i1W wttEREnS, Six Jti It Crc uk .r natural me a cif clrc .il I 14c•.4• Io rc .ids nt i:il nuic+hhc1ncoocl•, , and WHEREAS, part of this area is the City of ithac.i water pply , and WHEREAS , the area already has Wildflower t retiervc• designation , and WHEREAS, human impact on the area must be controlled , THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED, That the Six MiIc Creek Study Committee recommends that the City of Ithaca institute a Six Mile Creek management program which includes the following: 1 . PUBLIC ACCESS. The City should permit public access to the Six Mile Gorge for walking and nature study between Aurora Street and the sixty foot dam only on marked paths specified for such purposes . Access to the reservoir area above the sixty foot dam and the surround Ho shore area should be prohibited except by special permit from the Department of -Public Works for scientific studies . No access should be permitted between sunset and sunrise. 2. PUBLIC ENTRANCES. The Committee recommends that there be only six entrances , all to be marked: Hudson Street at Renzetti Place , Giles Street at Columbia at the present stairway, Giles Street into the Indian Camp Ground (west of bridge) , Giles Street to VanNatta ' s Dam Pond (east of bridge) , Giles Street just below East State Street , Slaterville Road (Route 79) as near Honness Lane as possible. (to be selected by Circle Greenway in consultation with the Town of Ithaca.) Public parking for gorge use should be maintained only at VanNatta' s Dam Pond just south of Giles Street bridge. 3. PROHIBITED ACTIVITIES. The City should prohibit the following activities throughout the gorge area: . Swimming Boating Ice skating Camping Littering Amplified sound Wood cutting Trapping Rock climbing and ranching incg Hunting , shooting and carrying arms Motorized vehicle and bicycle riding Plant digging _ ( 1nc-ref- picking Cun-,umpl inn of .ilehol is I>c`ver.ratc•ti Ii rc•- 01 ,rny kind Skiing a(1r' ie Creek Study Committee Summary of Recommendations 4. GORGE RANGER. The position of Six Mile Creek Gorge Ranger should be established to advise users of regulations governing Six Mile Creek and to demonstrate the City' s intention of protecting such a unique natural area. The Ranger should be provided with adequate communication equipment to communicate readily with law enforcement agencies. The Ranger will work under the direction of the Superintendent of Public Works and will serve as liaison with the Overseer Committee and Circle Greenway. 5. OVERSEER COMMITTEE. The Mayor should restructure the current committee as the Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee for a period extending through June 1985. This committee will continue to work on the long-range plan for the Gorge and monitor the results of the recommendations accepted by the City. Changes to the Six Mile Creek Master Plan or Map should be reviewed by the Overseer Committee prior to implementgtion by the Board of Public Works. 6. CIRCLE GREENWAY. The City' s Circle Greenway should continue to maintain trails and the Wildflower Preserve within the Gorge and should work closely with the Department of Public Works in these matters. It will explore and open new trails in accordance with the Master Plan or Map. It will provide certain educational services. 7. CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREA DESIGNATION. The designation of the Six Mile Creek as a Critical Environmental Area (CEA) pursuant to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) would serve the best interests of the City of Ithaca. a. The Planning and Development Committee should begin consideration of CEA designation for the section of Six Mile Creek from Aurora Street to the City limits. b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning the possibility and the specifics of CEA designation for the Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek. 8. CONSERVATION ZONING. a. Specific boundaries are recommended to form a Conservation Zone within City limits that would further enhance existinr zoning by creating new construction guidelines. b. The Planning and Development Committee should initiate discussion with the Town of Ithaca Town Board concerning the development of guidelines for a Conservation Zone for the Town of Ithaca section of Six Mile Creek. 4 r rage 3 Six Mile Creek Study Committee summary of Recommendations 9. MAINTENANCE a. All DPW maintenance and construction activities in the Six Mile Creek area should be carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner with proper Department of Environmental Conservation permits , with appropriate Town of Ithaca environmental review, and consistent with the City' s water supply needs. b. Regular training of City personnel in environmentally sensitive stream woodland work techniques, and long-range erosion control measures should be developed in cooperation with the DEC. 10. SIX MILE CREEK MASTER PLAN OR MAP. The City should budget for and adopt a Master Plan or Map for Six Mile Creek which includes all present and approved future roads , trails , clearedareas , and structures to be maintained or created. 11 . EDUCATION. The City, acting through the Six Mile Creek Study Committee, should widely publicize, by late April , the new policies and rules for public use of Six Mile Creek Gorge. Circle Greenway should be given the task of overseeing the educational uses of the Gorge. 12. ALTERNATIVE SWIMMING AREAS. In order to relieve pressure for natural swimming in the Gorge, the City should study swimming possibilities at Stewart Park, Beebe Lake and other places. 13;, PROPERTY .' ACQUISITION. The City should consider acquisition of certain properties . now privately owned (or the development rights thereto) , within the Gorge or along its rim, in order to create a buffer zone of more consistent width. The City should also explore the feasibility of developing a joint recreational corridoi , together with the Town of Ithaca, along the south bank of the Gorge. 14. SIGNAGE. The City should direct the DPW in consultation with the SMCSC to provide adequate and attractive signage to alert the public to the rules and regulations covering trails and hazards to the Gorge. TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 .- -. - 7) 4' `- June 12 , 1984 JUN1 `' 1984 CITY CLE1 'S UM tthca,N.Y. 11 -: Honorable John C. Gutenberger Mayor City of Ithaca 108 East Green' Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear John: - The Town of Ithaca will not object to the City' s designation as lead agency on recommendation one and two of the Six Mile Creek report providing the six points described in the en- closed memorandum from Peter Lovi to me dated June 8 , is encorporated into the planning and implementation of the recommendations . I believe we have established an under- standing and working relationship now on this matter, that will help us with the difficult decisions ahead. Very truly yours , Noel Desch Supervisor • ND/j s cc : Peter Lovi encs . MEMORANDUM TO: Noel Desch FROM: Peter Lovi DATE: June 8 , 1984 RE: Circle Greenway Access in the Town of Ithaca This morning I met with Councilwoman Peterson and Mrs. Mulholland of Circle Greenway. We agreed on the following: 1 . The City Attorney should be directed to negotiate with both Mr. Guidy and Mrs . Baker in order to acquire or use an public access easement for one year. Such a trial would allow the continuation of the existing Circle Greenway system with the smallest possible disruption at this time. 2. At such time as an easement has been negotiated, an Town of Ithaca Environmental Assessment Long Form will be completed by the City and reviewed by the Town Planning Board as lead agency. 3. The Town and City would study the effects which opening the gorge actually has on parking and traffic in the Slaterville Road corridor and consider any long-term mitigative measures in the context of the Six Mile Creek Master Plan. 4 . The Department of Public Works will consider the acquisition of additional lands in the Town, specifically the parcel adjacent to Potter ' s Falls, which might be suitable for a trail access. 5. The Department of Public Works maintenance easements over the Commonland property are understood to be also available for use by emergency vehicles, though general pedestrian access is to be actively discouraged. 6. Due to the difficulties in getting emergency vehicles into • the gorge area, the City will consider the placement of emergency first aid supplies in several secure structures accessable by the gorge ranger. cc: Montgomery May Shirley Raffensperger Carolyn Peterson Elizabeth Mulholland Gerald Schickel Richard Stumbar, Esq. OF 1T �;`y� ? CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 TO : Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee FROM: Carolyn Peterson, 272 9/21 RE : Next meeting DATE: August 14,1984 Summary of the August 2 meeting The Committee met with Munna Rubaii for an hour. The ranger position has been working quite satisfactorily on the whole. Several specific areas need to be further addressed . The issue of most concern is the radio system that is now in use . Response from the filter plant sometimes takes as long as five minutes. The City Engineer will check on this problem and may possibly have to set up a remote speaker for those areas of the plant that are difficult to hear from. Additionally, the idea of being on a police band instead of the DPW was again brought up, as was the idea of some sort of beeper system being used for emergencies. The City Engineer suggested that old traffic boxes could be used for first aid storage within the gorge . The City Attorney should be asked about any regulations on their placement and to what extent we should prepare for first aid emergencies. Trail maintenance by the DPVI was a concern. The DPW may clean up the trails in the Fall. In the meantime Circle Greenway is marking trails and is doing some maintenance . The Committee also felt that a partial advertising of hours when the gorge ranger would be on the job could have some benefit. The following committees were formed . -?ECREATICN* David Reuther, Bud Gerkin, Dick Fischer * Review rapelling, cross- country skiing, trails, etc. 7:ASTER YAP* Peter Lovi, Carolyn Peterson, Joel Rabinowitz * Create master map, review entrances , develop Criti- cal environmental area designation, etc. ;TAT R ?ESOURCES* Beth Eulholland * Sixty Foot dam improvements, siltation ponds , hydro, etc. I;_rGISLATIVE* ? - 0,mhzz4.Co.. - ��,, * Land purchases, fines,�z8.ni Tie next meeting is September 4 at 7 :30 n .m. in the third floor conference room. Agenda includes committee reports and ranger report. • \ y J . FINAL REPORT :: \ :1 k # \1 SIX MILE CREEK GORGE 'RANGER r, - VITY ei 0984 ° 12 Munna Rubaii 5 �taea September 25, 1984 ANY, +<\ / It is usually difficult to analyze the success or failure w N of a program after only three months. In this case, however, I feel justified in calling the Six' Mile Creek Gorge Ranger po- sition a successful one. During the summer, I had no major problems. I know that there was originally some concern as to the advisability of having a single individual patrol the area. I felt very comfort- able being "out there" alone. There were always other people in the area, and after the first few weeks I knew the regular users well enough to ask for help had it been necessary. I spent most of my days walking along the Giles St. side of the creek, between Van Natta Dam and the 60 foot Dam. Approx- imately once a week I walked along the other side of the creek, usually only as far as the 30 foot Dam. I tried to keep accurate records regarding the types of people using the area and their activities. This was difficult,, however, because my presence influenced the users ' activities (i.e. people got out of the water or off their bicycles when they saw me comming) . Generally I found people to be very cooperative and willing to abide by the rules. Use of the area was heaviest during the month of July. Sun- days and Tuesdays seemed to be the busiest days, followed by Saturdays and Thursdays. During September, few people seem to use the area during the week, although many people are still swimming on the weekends. Thus, after Labor Day, the ranger is probably needed only on Saturdays and Sundays . Now that the position is established, I would also suggest that the ranger begin working much earlier in the summer, preferably in late May or early June. The only real problem I experienced this summer was the weak transmitting power of the portable radio I carried. We have discussed this problem often, and have failed to discover an adequate and feasible solution. Nonetheless, I did not feel that I could rely on the radio in the event of an emergency. With respect to prohibited activities, it is clear that people are still swimming at the reservoir above the 30 foot Dam, below Van Natta Dam, and at Potter 's Palls . Only rarely, however, are people jumping off the cliffs at the 30 foot Dam or out of the old buildings at Van Natta Dam. Thus, although swimming still occurs, the overall amount is much less than in past years and much of the hazardous swimming has been essentially stopped . I only rarely saw groups of people with entire coolers of beer. More frequently, people had one or two cans of beer, and simply did not know that alcohol was prohibited.. Most of the drinkers were willing to carry their bottles out of the area. Thus I did not often find bottles littering the trails. Neither did I find great amounts of paper litter. I can only recall two times when I carried trash out of the area. In the parking area at Van Natta Dam people did use the trash cans . Occasionally, however, I found racoon tracks lead- -2- ing into the cans and "paper tracks" leading out of the cans. This was not a particularly notable problem this summer, but could grow into a major nuisance if the racoons discover a good food source in the cans . If this becomes a problem in the future, it may be necessary to secure lids onto the garbage cans . Bicycle riding seemed to be very heavy below the 30 foot Dam and along the ridge between Giles St. and the top of the 30 foot Dam. People either were not willing to leave their valuable bicycles at the entrances or were not willing to take the time to walk all the way into the reservoir. I did not, however, see much evidence of motorcycles/dirt bikes . Although virtually everyone entering the gorge knows that swimming is prohibited, many people do not know that drinking alcoholic beverages or riding bicycles are not allowed. Hope- fully we will see less of these activities occurring once signs listing the prohibited activities are posted. Parking at Van Natta Dam may be a problem in the future. For most of the summer, there were two sections available for parking, and them was, therefor, no problem. When one area was Ci,►'� sectioned off to create a picnic area, however, parking became Gor4/ r much more limited. I believe that there is enough area in the N remaining section for all the cars that may be there on a peak day. The problem arises, however, when people park haphazardly, taking two or more spots for one car. Perhaps the parking lot will need to be marked in some way to indicate proper parking spots . Many people still park on Rte. 79 and enter the area from the top of the 60 foot Dam. I am not sure how many people -3- used to park there in past years, but I frequently saw ten or twelve cars parked on Rte. 79 . None of the issues I have discussed here were major problems during the summer. They are, however, areas that should be considered in future years. As I have previously stated, I feel that the Gorge Ranger position was very successful and I believe that it should be continued in the future. • -4- = pro 1-,1 b±4-ed ac+%v%4,_,./ w/chi ter; --- - ' ( ;Jc,oJ ! Aa c) 1hGS ' biG4de/ 1 -)c,.','/Iic.:,f- Cr Wr.1k !-ADdor o 5ur.frbc,4i, �jl�t✓n i sk ._. mi-01'4.:4 le. _ :��r.'` y_ J aw/ a (4 t - 6-/2`-6 I.q 4---,/o Ca z 144 _ ? L1 3w/ y a 1 iz,..../ 5 U ✓-, 41/ 5_. t-c.,)/c.) - - _ i 3 , _ --... s— 1..)/ y cam/ 1 1 ut,:.r! 'Y-/ I/ /E.: .. i 3 .L /0 3_._ ..-_' _ .__42 3 ccl,,, . • tom,/ 3 Lr)/ ,..t-i. 7/774 3o r,-,l0 V - _ — f ) Li I_. ,/ . a h.)/ 1--(..) % '._._ /ate S 1u�3 I __ - -- - i- __; —__. - 3 to y (.4'l s liwl T h L.r c -/ ;._ 1 S Lv f J a O wJ D �T — D wl Jaw/ . F t .-/'i3 ►,6 L, c) 3 1 /c , a g. — D, (,>/ i S c.*J 5 /// a 0 L•-./© D_. 3 c.t../ y S ` 1 w/ aO w/ 1 / f Ci %, 7.,;-../i7--,/ i Lo ,)/D , 5 ! '4. , — _ — 1 w i )u.,/ ., CcJ� I --r--,,,_.„-..; -Z//, ( i a Guf c�I ,' ' 3 L�.3/Q I ) 1 v I k=1 d,..) __ vole:. cl .4∎..cs' ' b,coc_le� j I r -- 1 t:�U�k w�pC3� )r �' ( )ry. ._.'_1-`_gt_. -S I • f•n . . .. ` t t -. ' -,;•. '1 i Sf �(1'+O�c?rLL�(�i Q M• ' t ' w/__ � f7w) 1 - -/a o a 3 L--,/ D 3 s �/o . T1 D. 4/.-� r 3S �1a a `4- co/ o 5 S - �)--) . -/a a ea l ,....)/0` 3 1 1 wJo ` .... a y .,tee c., 7-/::Z `j .i — l_ o Lk)/ 0 _ S _ 1 __ _----_-_�_ ._ -_____- _. _ _ -L .. . __________J_-_ -- -_ 5 w/ ,JCcI 4l� I LA.,)01 -- 1--/ i4-)/ a _ Li — -})y..,," S . -/.21:1" ' 1 L41°i (.1) I _ - j — 3 (.4.-/ — 1 7/,.) ..�. ) ..-cam/O I -- - -- — ■ 0 `,-)) i I w 1 i I 1 m i Ca `' ;.�V c 1 11 cv/ j.,u r,,, S/, 1 2 s w/ 3 J t /J i a — I 1w1 I . r0 • i - - - 0! -1 ' 3 E-/ w/O i w/0 i L- -_ /p 4.o/ ( I 10 40 i r-> l ` ' r- 2 c.t�f s- /�,,/ I . . ,,4...,1 s w/ — _ 1 ``. 1 - 3 ``i/ C..?I � t, ; !C r t-0/D 41? Lv/C7. t -7 I I t 4 , �� 1/4,0 yi 4 J j • el .. ic-1 ( 6 s pi Cc '' C.- n, C s 1 v , IM { I I01 ` • fr'l S le,, r (� I C�/c 'Cj i 11 ti r�1 L f f� r_ j r rr II Hi 1 I ( I ' 0 rc,•, ( .0 u ;c,,,, 6 9, ' f' -�n I. i i . (('.1 1 l(-el 9 O c) 1 �:o a fey? c .r, (' 1 ,-,,, C,1 r F. e 1 lr ( f i ., I -r. i " t f '] /0, l i (---7 1 r r. ! 1M 1 If I t J C i n-7 o f `(7: 0 i: r C" - .C. f:,(Q y2,0 1 { !c-v1 0( _ c (NI 1- I: C/r, 6 rr:z '3Q!_ 1 jci Of ((-n c -___-- --__ (X] _ i-_._ .._--__ ;i _ J-- -- I P;fry. ; ;; t 1I a.t )C-,... Ii - I I_.)7 h fi — Irv, 6 i, —Q∎'∎ t f Iri'1 ( /ri1 f1 C''I6.C.9 1 i__. i�i c�; �7 l _ i 0,1 r,-,, tec: //. I i -- -- — ,— i C/cam c� I`� -t I , o, {Dan? t /01 0 Im 1 . L /` 1 1 _. _ — j v/ . . . _ I _ "..-4:k.1-6-- •a rj_ 5,}TC+NA (15 t-t- -�q..,�c i 1'{ty,=1•,r'r it iC%C Pi,o(,-,,, 1 1-,, f-,,,, I -� I/?1--,`.,,q ,,,..-,, c,(,. I li,,•c\-�tM �j1�t I j , w;ocl.aC� t-.:1a r1 rc; i�r^ r lot(yGlE'. - r I t7�r 1I w/ S w) I ` a 3 c)/ a 3 z w/ D I (a 3 .- 1(c ct.,) 1 c c.,.,/ u ' 9w) , I kJ/ -. r I 0 i a i Col -cr 'S ,--1 9l`, _ a3 4J'3, Q3 ,-0/0 ! 1 inS:-.c • 1 1 Y j / • . ,- ._.. : & I _,:, / '-',' / — L. //-e:-.- , . . . e . S S • { 6 ( ; r di ; 0 / 1 • ; , , 1 1 (h) 4 , . . .. . , 1 i 11 • f" --S ( 1 I • E. , ,,......„.„, ; i . i i , 4 , i. • ; , • , C'r?) ... ...._..... ... , -..... 6 ! , • 1 . . , 1 c ) f i; ci// Cant • 1 , , .. . , , . c'2 0) ‘ 't , ! s&ft cins 4 ! i . . •;,(h) ,. i I I s 1 _ . . . . ... : 1, , ,4 ; 2,../t.. .4- (-• t . .. 1 .‘ . . .• (.17 ! ' : . , ) . t i I i „--, I 1 _ ; -1 1 1 . i -1,, ■ i i Li.;1-,..) h i i 1 ; 1 1 t ..._ ! 1. t ■ _ ; ".:„)!1.4.4,n y I 't C I • 1 t f'? --... i /1 I*•-• i ., 1 . . ■ . . , , I ) , r-- • • tU c...1 t u4•,.";Cn..,)L;4 I i i 6-)3 6- 1 I I I., _ Z 1 ,I. - -/C- / 1 - i ii1z1..•.-)S/...1-4 r.r-.±.',.S..„,I". —..._ ..1 1 1 4 1 i ! 1 -i 1 ; (c2) t • , , . LI,. .-).1 -1 E- "■.: ! I 1 I , °) c- ,.., C ! I ; ; 1 .T? s J n u__ L., c , ,...., 1 1 , , , , , 1 i . I. . ; , I 1 4--7-.7-_-;...-,--.-.-- I ......., i ___. , , 7 I -t.r(r) p 7cr? ■ -±_ i ...... 'e_. — 1 ,,)•S.k4,,..I ,...../ 1 . ! 1 . ,Ef 1.t...D•re"I i• - + I ftC:i•C, f i •+0 17 t: i.-- ' /, ,. s --,:. I.-. +007 tp C''... .57-• --C. Z 6-1- 6_5-sz,...Q 1 . ,. i, - /-7 z-02/ Ls2. i c:.?./ 787 I , „-,-'t cr..)j 7,./....,,„ ; .V105 Q/if\-.6-Cd I 1 . ..- ,,, , ./ ::'\''. --i 9', 'c j -.... cy 71 ... • . i• ; :.rJo ,-- r -- 17 -5 '(... l G -- CE) ■ : L Ic 1 ; Jj /.1. �",'za a-k I I 1 l 2 '1 i CE). i • i uur5 -. ' j ... _ ; _- 1 f S 5 — — -- 7 is t i CS,Z) r - t. -�°�+ r� — I a C�._) runs I - �_ a -4 � . C 7 r,y;�?AO ! t /., .._ t L . ' ! / ( Q( -C ,,-. QS , } C C' 7) i,vu, S R !` ,.. ,. r s ,,..,,5 A / i 1 (ail- h�aa- . q _ .._ - .. if 17 { -1:�4 },-;?� 1 'C. I. i 'f'•-• ,t, I +C ? ,Q G. 'x _,7 `R //� ( v � it 7r 'x ! .`.., , '-''. ! J D k ,-, ; j I 0-`/ 1 LAC. : t„ '....i;;-1 G J ' 4. 1 'I..!: 4/ /: ',I 3 :21. - '`J ', j 23— ��-9 1 v' 0 lJ 0' 1 i") Uj C,'1--P r (L^) •ro1. (,0- .CI // -- - 1 -� - ` .. a '/ ;, , 1 h U) L(J �0- /) l 1 v fL.:auY;r i ; r ( ) h.....8,1(-■ 1 �✓ 4. •(y-) l,am (3) jvnn:., J• `.mod Sf3 3 l_ .._ 1 i..5. �l_..__� r,o'r (L ) V u S n� I I 7H u r 5 _ - J 2 - ! i ; i,v/,,,,c{ 1 0.4,, S,) - f 1urniCl --- �y Li fiGOI, �r i $�/i� 1 mC / love rCG�S 1 C�) — 3` '�c-C:�S S� //y — i i - ' "" l - i I i OIiPiG: humiG i. O isL.r„� H T I - 33il � , (_ -) (Co1S) �S / C C,.� � :_00 I Fri' :7/1 T - ,j — 1 J� / { ~ �C' avr rCC, rte---- _ q 'J s€ i - Day f7Dctr&; 0-?L- lCo ? 4-Il c-'�Iv f_1 3 /67_2. lI a�25-s'9 ` 25'_s-9 1 Za'.7 oo; 9 f�o'� To-rc. / to ea .he.r Sea 7 5 /45 — Z 1 1 J 5 C_ ' Go i...0 e,r,.., ( j vn `d-//2 1 a a y /l `� / I / / r4in (3) ! _ �. _ Tomes 5/z j 1 !0_,. - ----_._.___. j J 1 y_____ —_-----. ` '_ 2 haf-''�• (Co) �i i SLnnvj w-e d a/z 2. I - ► s 1 -9- y � �- y h� crrS V2.3 !u oL i 1 S.-- .% ) /6 , e �—__ 1 a 1 I I S. I. ) 3 5 l+h ry'v . 5/2 / ---— _...._ -_. ' bree (q) SLnr,�. sue+ 1?s ; – 9 3 y a s wQ.,-;, (�) ' I I• ;C• 11 al2.co 3 a a s 1q j j I Z 1 � -- -- ' .2-0 $Vnn - C 3 Overcc�s¢ _ d I � $/29 - - � Z3 y � � ;� - - t 3 s �Sore_ -_..__ ..____ ______1.____ __�_. .._..._ Cyr r______. ___._..t._.________.___ _. ___ __.__ h��.,;d, G.)A-rte Sunni, Irv' f V3 1 3 1 ) 3 S- i 3 ) 0 I — 1-/ (, s,ISh1"breteg WCtrr... 5c 5 / 3 -- a _q . 4 __J° _S c/5 nY ee z+J --}-- T GCE rcGt;L . (7� i ; , Sin 9/� a a y 9 19 I a a i. ; ; cal , ,(- .) I f 5 n-J ,F r-)' 9 i _ .1 ; f 3 i , °,,,7,.� • • A r.V Y• I ✓• � «C. . Cam? t•j r. 'r— z• . , . y C ) __ / r , - C 1 j -- S y ( D — . , .lt. mod, -Z ....., r_ r r t \ I f 7 1t • l�i CITY OF ITHACA 106 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 • TELEPHONE: 272-1713 COMMON COUNCIL CODE 607 TO : Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee FROM: Carolyn - Peterson_ RE : Next meeting DATE : November 16, 1984 The next Six Mile Creek Overseer Committee meeting will be on December 3 at 8:00 (please note time change ), in the third floor conference room. At our October meeting we concentrated on the report from the gorge ranger subcommittee and areview of the goals for the Over- seer Committee . The gorge; ranger subcommittee report was accepted by a concensus of the .six members present( Carolyn, Beth, Edna, Buzz, Peter Lovi, and David ) . On page one of the report, item 6 was amended to include •a reference to the continued need for t support of the County Sheriff 's department because the presence of the ranger does not pre-empt aid from the Sheriff. Other dis- cussion focused on the need for the gorge use tables and how are they used. Beth said that they are effective as a tool to gear programs in the gorge . They are also useful just for information gathering on who uses the gorge and for what purposes, legal or otherwise . In thereview of the committee 's goals several points were raised. Under recreation, the committee had been requested by a Common Council member to relook at cross country skiing. It was felt that most of the skiing occurs on the Lackawanna trail and that this trail is not within City property, therefore it is not in the skiing ban area. The ban would apply to skiing on the desig- nated trail system. Edna stated that the area should be kept as much a wilderness as possible . Some initial discussion took place on the future of the committee beyond 1985 . Choices included keep ing the committee=, allowing DPW to handle the preserve , and form- ing a City Parks Commission. Lastly, there are four issues left from the previous committee that were suggested for further study. The committee decided to deal with them summarily, except for fines because Bud Gerkin is interested in the fine issue and was not present . The other three issues were dealt with in the fol- lo7. _nc manner; 1 : Hydropower- The 6 ,`CCC should be represented on this commission. Beth agreed to serve in this role . 2 . Annexation- The committee generally felt that ex- panding the City 's property would be pereferable to annexation. 3 . Drainage of 30 foot dam- It was felt that drainage would be hard to justify at this time and should be An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 'Ts dropped from consideration. The dam is in stable condition and the gorge ramger was effective in improving the swimming situa- tion. Carolyn will look into the Guidi property, land acquisition, and how Six Mile Creek fits into the City 's Planning Department 's open space and park plans. • • • NOTES OF 12/3/84 MEETING Present : Clausen, Fischer, Peterson, Lovi, Ruether, Novelli, Lavine , Mulholland Pete Novelli reported on the progress of the sludge lagoons . and the structural reviews of 30 and 60 foot dams . There is little concern about 30 foot dam because its base was constructed original- ly to support a 90 foot dam. The results of the study .of : 60, fopt dam are forthcoming. Repairs may be less than anticipated, perhaps about 15% of the gunnite ( ?) surface . The construction staging could be done near the dam. Plans are also upcoming for different layouts for the sludge lagoons with particular attention to the slopes where a bee makes its residence . Both projects are slated for this summer. Beth lulholland reported for Circle Greenway. She related a camping incident in the gorge that further emphasised the need for better sheriff communication. A session on this problem should be held soon , including Chief We Ewen of Cayuga Heights .Signage needs to be completed, Dick brought up replacement of the attractive major entrance sign. I"aps were distributed for different groups to record various features . A graphic scale should be included . Two points were made- land acquisi- tions should be put in priority rankings . The City and Soil Conservation Service could suggest policies for land and agricultural uses above 60 foot dam reservoir. Peter Lovi stated that the grading of Burns Road is not yet completely established . Pete Novelli asked about the planting of evergreens to help block views of the reservoir. The esthet=ics of the bridge were discussed . The gorge ranger report was accepted unanimously. Hvropower Commission The Committee decided unanimously to retain a liaison with the Hydropower Commission through Beth Mulholland rather than to request a new seat for Six Wile Creek Committee . The Committee unanimously dropped land annexation from consideration. Property acquisition is the preferred way of buffering and protecting Six I,"ile gorge lands . It was moved to drop all plans to drain 30 foot reservoir. Passed unanimously. Dave Ruether asked for clarification for the recreation committee in recommending guidelines for permits . THE PRESERVATION OF SIX MILE CREEK GORGE presented by the Six Mile Creek Preservation Committee ********** The Six Mile Creek Preservation Comrr_ittee(6MCPC ) is a group of people who want to preserve and maintain the City-owned portion of Six Mile Creek as the uriquely beautiful and accessible gorge that it still is . The 6MCPC is known by people who frequent the area as volunteer caretakers of the gorge , and, most recently, as an orga- nization that worked very hard to make the Commonland Community in the Town of Ithaca a mote environmentally sound development, both by alerting the City to potential problems with the development and by the 6MCPC 's own valuable input as a group which is very familiar with the area and its fragility. Additionally, the 6MCPC has brougiat to the City 's and the public 's attention the need to move now to preserve the City 's ad its residents interest in the Six Mile Creek Gorge. ************ CURRENT ILLEGAL OR POTENTIALLY HARMFUL USES OF THE GORGE 1 . Heavy foot traffic over two sensitive, eroding current trail sites A.Approximately 500 feet below 60 foot dam, the trail has badly eroded, leaving the pipeline dangerously exposed . ( Estimated foot traffic averages 200 one way trips per day. ) B. Approximately 500 feet upstream from the 1948 landslide area, the cliff over the pipeline is eroding rapidly, about 8 feet in 1982 alone . (Estimated 72 one way trips per day). 2 . Extreme littering, especially at : A. Lower Wildflower Garden B. The environs of 30 foot dam Trash is mostly beverage cans, bottles, and food wrappers . 3 . Swimming A. 30 foot dam and its reservoir 200 swimmers on a hot day B. Creek between the dams 100 swimmers on a hot day C . 60 foot dam 15 swimmers on a hot day page two 4 . Boating A. Motorboats on the 60 foot reservoir B. Canoes throughout the area 5 . Motorized vehicles A. Usually on the old railroad grades , off Pearsall , Kendall, Pennsylvania Sts B. Entrance to the 60 foot reservoir from the Burns-Coddington area and down the City 's access road to the dam, approximately 10 round trips per day. 6. Hunting, target shooting, harpooning A. Generally upstream of the 30 foot dam B. Includes BB guns, pellet guns, 22 rifles, large handguns 7 . Open fires 8. Removal and destruction of plantlife A. Cutting down live trees B. Picking wildflowers 9 . Development A. Possible conflicts with City watershed regulatitns regarding build- ing distances from water courses and the Commonland Community. *******- *** CURRENT PROPOSALS WITH POTENTIAL TO AGGRAVATE THE SIX MILE GORGE 1 . Commonland Community This development could stimulate additional such projects around the perimeter of the City-owned lands . There could be a marked increase in foot traffic over the most fragile slopes of the gorge, that is, the stabilized slope of the 1978 landslide and the eroding cliff (*stream of it. Soil expert Dr. Gerry Olson has informed the Town of the highly erosive soil conditions on the Commonland site (see included brochure ) . Some buildings are less than 30 feet from the City 's property lines . 2 . Siltation settling ponds in the lower Wildflower Garden 3. Hydro Development A. Possible effects on the Wildflower Garden B. Possible deleterious effects on the integrity of the 60 foot dam 4 . Natural History Museum A. May include a trail system to the 60 foot reservoir B. Will create a dramatic increase of people on the southwest rim (10, 000-20,000 visitors yearly) page three ' 5 . Straightening of Burns Road A.Currently crosses the creek 1400 feet from the reservoir B. Ithaca Town staff have proposed moving the road to 700- 800 feet from the reservoir, which causes the road to be built in an area 10 feet below its current elevation. C . The road 's current position was created to alleviate flooding problems . D. Bringing the road in closer could make boat and hiker access more prevalent. E. To put distances into perspective , the City entrance road to 60 foot dam is approximately 1500 feet long. ************** GENERAL OBJECTIVES In the White Mountains , there is harmonious dual use of the mountain trails that often follow streams that feed into lowland watershed areas and the land surrounding a municipality 's water system. Granted , these reservoirs are much smaller than Ithaca 's and they serve very small communities . However, by extensive permanent posting of the area(including statement of penalties and fines ) and very clear single access points to the trail system, the trail system is generally adhered to. Ithaca could follow this pattern as well . First and foremost the city-owned land is the City 's water supply and needs some protection. Secondly, the City is fortunate to own and control a unique natural area that may be used for the enjoyment of City and Town residents . The 6 MCPC feels that some public use of the area is compatible with the gorge . The City could create a kind of undeveloped, "forever wild" parkland in the gorge . The 6MCPC does not advocate creating another state park setting in the gorge-- no paved walkways, restrooms , concession stands, and packing for hundreds . Rather, a limited access nature park is desirable . Thirdly, the Wildflower Garden is an asset to the commu- nity and the 6MCPC supports the Circle Greenway in its plans to improve the Garden. ************* SPECIFIC PROPOSALS FOR THE SIX MILE CREEK GORGE 1 . The 60 foot dam reservoirshould remain off limits to the public, if the Board of Public Works desires to follow this policy. The No Trespassing rule would need to be enforced . Over the years , this page four Do-icy has been less and less enforced . This has caused a marked increase in use of the fragile gorge trail downstream of 60 foot Jam. This pedestrian traffic has contributed to the erosion which poses a potential threat to the pipe below. Motorcycle entrance has a lso become common at this entrance . 2 . Badly eroded sites a: d acceptable trails need. stabilizing. 3 . To promote the Wildflower. Garden, improved parking at Giles Street, improved path below 30 foot dam, improved marking of the trails , and a budget for interpretive brochures should be provided . 4 . The city should demand security of the border common with the Common- land development. A framework for doing this is set up in resolutions adopted by the Town Planning Board(2/1 /83 ) and by the Town Board(2/7/83 ) . 5 . To alleviate littering, the City should ban alcoholic beverages and institute spot enforcement at the Giles Street entrance . 6.The City should become informed of the plans and progress of the Natural History Museum and carefully consider the effects of extending the trails of the museum. on to City property. 7 . The City should become informed of plans of the Town Engineering staff to straighten Burns Road and consider the effects this might have on enforcing no trespassing in the upper reservoir and the stability of Burns Road itself. 8. No hunting. ************ OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 1 . Hiring a conservation officer 2 . Deciding who has policing powers in the area 3 . Insurance liability , • PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVED." Tnis provisions substantially as follows : R Fst9 t/Ti PAl o f T o,ati r ,s,+ U v 2 r��r 4s L k AC tCw OC 12 F to^. o�^iS r3Ya 01.0 S. 1. The Project's environmental impact was extensively reviewed. Environmental concerns arose, in large measure, from the proximity of the Project to the City of Ithaca's water supply property. The Town Planning Board rendered its determination as to the Environmental Impact of the Project based on the determination that any adverse impact of the Project would be controlled by the adoption and implementation of mitigating measures which appear or are referred to in Part 3 of the Environmental Assessment Form (see minutes of the Planning Board meeting held on October 5 , 1982) . Among other requirements were that the owners and managers of the Project will exerciseireasonablelcontrol with respect to access to the City of Ithaea' s Water Supply Property by the occupants of Commonland Community and on uses and activities by persons such as those which may lessen the risk of drainage and erosion problems , the control of open fires and other acts which might contaminate or otherwise damage the City' s water supply. While it is the responsibility of the City of Ithaca to prohibit or control the use of and access to the Water Supply Property which it owns , and to enforce all state and local rules and regulations applying to its water supply, the Town Board reserves the right in cooperation with the City of Ithaca to recommend the enactment or adoption of such measures -2- as it deems reasonable to regulate conduct and uses which might have an adverse environmental impact on the City' s Watershed area as well as other properties in the vicinity and to preserve open spaces and to maintain the project and use the land in a manner to preserve it as an attractive community in reasonable harmony and compatible with the topography and to maintain the ambience of this section of the Town of Ithaca as an attractive residential community. A copy of State Regulations governing the City of Ithaca Watershed and Water Supply Property shall be made available to occupants and shall be part of the portfolio of the Resident's Association Board of Directors . 2. The Project required review and approval by the Town of Ithaca Planning Board; final site approval was given on February 1, 1983, subject to the conditions , agreements and findings referred to in the resolution of granting such approval. ADOPTED BY PLANNING BOARD 2/01/83 Page 2 (ra -. AF_ sot. U Teo"' t%AA T/N6 /C/ o r0P''a c!.i L 7 4, .C'O,v'/►1 to N L.+► "/ which, marked Appendix A, is annexed hereto; a synopsis of such density requirements will be included as a part of any Certifi- cate of Occupancy, and 7. the developer agrees to take such reasonable steps, through landscaping, physical barriers, and other means to control or discourage access to adjacent lands of the City of Ithaca Water- shed and will coordinate his efforts with those of the appropri- ate agencies of the City and Town; it is understood nevertheless that it is the obligation of the City in the final sense to control access to the watershed area and to regulate its use, and 8 . the Project will be developed in nine clusters described by the phasing plan submitted by the Developer, dated September 14 , 1982 , and filed in the office of the Town Engineer; a synopsis of the number of structures to be constructed, and the distribution of dwelling units in these structures, are set forth in Appendix B, annexed hereto, and 9. no more than four clusters (of the nine identified) in Appendix B and in said Phasing Plan shall be started and under construction or incomplete at any time, except that the Planning Board may waive this restriction for good cause shown; neverthe- less, any cluster will be completed within three years from the date of commencement of construction, and 10 . a second access road for access southerly to the street labeled "Penny Lane" , adjacent to the lands of Edna Clausen, is shown on the subdivision plat filed on September 14, 1982 in the office of the Town Engineer and the strip of land over which such second road is located shall be kept free and unencumbered for the purpose of providing such second access; such second access may be constructed at a location farther to the east of its present location in a manner satisfactory to the Town Engineer if the developer acquires the title to lands for such purpose, and 11 . the developer has agreed to construct check dams of rock or treated railroad ties and to comply with all other mitigative ,\ measures described in Part III of the Environmental Assessment Form approved by the Planning Board October 5 , 1982 and on file in the office of the Town Engineer as the location or the Town i Engineer requires throughout the project; the seeding recommenda- tions of the Soil Conservation Service, which have been sought, i} shall be implemented for disturbed or unstable vareas,^and 3 12 . the Regional Engineer of the New York State Department of Transportation has approved the design for the entrance of the project with State Route 79 , and 13 . a subdivision map, prepared by a licensed surveyor, showing such details as the Planning Board has required by this approval, approved by the Tompkins County Health Department, signed by the Planning Board Chairman, will be filed within the time prescribed by Town Law in the Office of the County Clerk, and 020183 res CC