HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-NAC-2015-05-05
Natural Areas Commission Minutes
Tuesday, May 5, 2015. 5:30 pm
Third Floor Conference Room, City Hall
Present: Joe McMahon, Ashley Miller, Jeanne Grace, Dan Hoffman, Todd Bittner, Anna Stalter, Josephine
Martell
Absent: Robert Wesley, Jon Meigs
Reports, announcements, updates
Status of work new settling facility? Work stalled on settling facility, but proceeding on water plant.
Josephine reported that the Gorge Safety Task Force met with Pete Tyler and county reps. Two IPD, 2 reps
from Sheriff’s office will patrol SMC on two days in Jun and Jul. A walk through with IPD and Sheriff is
scheduled for Tuesday May 19, 9 am; meet at IPD.
Anna attended the presentation by Miguel Berrios at TCPL. The Renwick Woods/Fuertes invasives
removal/native planting seems ambitious, but there were many in attendance and it appears that there is a lot
of community support. The kick off event is Saturday, May 9.
The Nature Journaling Stream Safari was well attended. Next up is Jeanne Grace leading a tree walk on May
30.
Upcoming walks in the Explore Your Watershed series are BIG TREES (Joe) on May 23, Birds (Meena Haribal)
on June 6 and Watershed Walk (Roxy) on July
401/03 Lake Street Resolution
Largely as a result of the site visit, Common Council members appear to be in favor of keeping land. Attendees
discussed replacing the house with a cafe or kiosk display of the site history, however there is an awareness
that increased visitation of the natural area will exacerbate the parking problem. CC members expressed
resistance in terms of parkland designation, and think more time is needed to weigh options. There seems to
be support for retaining the parcel for one year while discussion continues.
Three major points, and a request to rezone parcel to P1 were added to the draft resolution:
Language from the Comprehensive Plan to preserve natural space
Undeveloped portion of the property lies within a county designated UNA
Ithaca Falls a priority site in Tompkins strategic tourism plan
The amended resolution approved by all present; Dan will send the revised version to all NAC members. Will
present it to PEDC on May 13.
Falls Plunge Pool Sign
CU Plantations will donate a sign to the city for use at Ithaca Falls. The design was reviewed, with one member
(Dan H.) concerned that the warning was too harsh. After Jeanne has the sign the NAC will discuss exact
placement.