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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes & Information From Meetings in 1984 r STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP ' 6 �'1$ q NAME ADDRESS PHONE ORGANIZATION Andrew Aasen 74 Jerry Smith Rd. 533-4739 (H) Tomp. Co. Federation of Sportsman Lansing, NY Damon Boynton 20132 Wyckoff Avenue 257-6480 (H) Conservation Advisory Council Susan Blumenthal 117 Pearsall Place 272-3931 (H) Planning & Development Board Margo Clynes 306 Elm St. 273-4305 (H) Circle Greenway Charles Dunlop F.L.S.P.C. , Box 283 387-7041 (B) Finger Lakes Park Commission Trumansburg, NY Geoffrey Gyrisco 120 N. Cayuga St. 273-6633 (B) Historic Ithaca 533-7283 (H) Sean Killeen 111 Orchard Place 256-6370 (B) Common Council 273-6615 (H) Ben Nichols 109 Llenroc Court 273-6523 (H) Board of Public Works Richard Pieper 228 Forest Home Drive 273-6633 (B) Landmarks' Preservation Committee 257-0324 (H) Sam Weeks 509 Lake St. , B-2 277-4888 (B) Cayuga Bird Club 272-9164 (H) David Woolley 407 S. Geneva St. .273-5310 (B) Youth Bureau Advisory Board 273-6541 (H) Robert Cutia 1701 N. Cayuga St. 273-8364 (B) City Staff Jack Dougherty 245 Pier Road Ext. 242 City Staff John Gutenberger City Hall Ext. 231 Mayor Jon Meigs City Hall Ext. 222 City Staff May 10, 1984 i5 TLE S STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP NAME ADDRESS PHONE ORGANIZATION Margo Clynes 306 Elm St. 273-4305 (H) Circle Greenway i Tompkins County Sportsmen Federation Sam Weeks 509 Lake St. B-2 277-4888 (B) Cayuga Bird Club 272-9164 (H) Geoffrey Gyrisco 120 N. Cayuga St. 273-6633 (B) Historic Ithaca 533-7283 (H) 0 Charles Dunlop F.L.S.P.C. Box 283 Trumansburg N.Y. 387-7041 (B) Finger Lakes Park Commission Sean Killeen 111 Orchard P1. 256-6370 (B) Common Council 273-6615 (H) / Ben Nichols 109 Llenroc Cr. 273--6523 (H) Board of Public Works .5"1_�)Z- rr3LuMzi✓�r� lanning $ Development Board David Woolley 407 S. Geneva St. 273-5310 (608) 273-6541 (H) Youth Bureau Advisory Board r/John Gutenberger City Hall Ext. 231 Mayor Jack Dougherty, Ch. 245 Pier Road Ext. 242 City Staff Jon Meigs, V. Ch. City Hall Ext. 222 ity Staff V Bob Cutia 1701 N. Cayuga St. 2738364 (B) City Staff />MO'v Conservation�d � Adyi.sory CQunczl February 28, 1984 IT U a3h w! y��gpORAT ED`00 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 F E of DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION C--IN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE. 272-1718 -a ;? TC, -H_ CODE 607 January 30, 1984 Tompkins County Sportsmen Federation Mr. William L. Beck, III, Pres. 45 Kraft Road Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Beck: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. The Tompkins County Sportsmen Federation is one of the organizations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organization in determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, ZZ, John Gutenberger, Maygr ohn A. Doughert "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" IT -- �i - i� ,c�q'°�RA7E0`00 CITY OF ITHACA 1O E >T GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14BSO °"iCE OF DEPARTMEr'�'T OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE. 272-1718 TO. TN_ CODE 607 January 30, 1984 Circle Greenway %Mrs. Elizabeth Mulholland, Chair Bridge Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mrs. Mulholland: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. The Circle Greenway is one of the organizations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organization is determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, John Gutenberger, Mayor Q . J hn A. Dougherty -An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" IT 1`'oa'i Fd11T.. �0 CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 °F DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION — A DG'JGHERTY TELEPHONE 272-1718 - CODE 607 January 30, 1984 Cayuga Bird Club Helen Lapham, Pres. Lab of Ornithology Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853 Dear Mrs. Lapham: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. The Cayuga Bird Club is one of the organizations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organizations in determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, jolin Gutenberger, Mayor 0 T)_al� J hn A. Dougherty "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" OFIT}. i ORATED CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 Oc`lc= °F DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION ,CHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE. 272-1718 AF r;-AN7 u: TSE CODE 607 January 30, 1984 Conservation Advisory Council % Richard Banks, Chair 506 Hudson Street Ithaca NY 14850 Dear Mr. Banks: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. The Conservation Advisory Council is one of the organ- izations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organization in determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, Jdhn Gutenberger, Mayor ' J hn A. ugherty "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" O�ITHq ZA •'uie�Cnl rrt•r C�:�� :� �RA7E� CITY OF ITHACA 106 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS 8 FACILITIES DIVISION OHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE 272-1718 - -n 7.E CODE 607 _. 0;;K6 January 30, 1984 Historic Ithaca %Susan Cummings 120 N. Cayuga St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Ms. Cummings: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. Historic Ithaca is one othe organizations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organization in determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, John Gutenberger, Mayor jo4hn A. ugherty "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" 'IDber!!l.Fi.i ATE� CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFF'CE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE: 272-1718 A:_,S—ANT ,, 'r+E CODE 607 SUPT OF PUP.LiC %%ORKS January 30, 1984 Finger Lakes Parks Commission %Mr. Andrew Mazzella, Commissioner Rice Road Trumansburg, NY 14886 Dear Mr. Mazzella: The City of Ithaca is producing a master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. The Finger Lakes Parks Commission is one of the organ- izations designated by the Board of Public Works to provide community input into this process. Please designate your representative and let me know the name and address of the person by February 8, 1984, if possible. Stewart Park plays a very important role in the Ithaca Community. The help of your organization in determining its future will be appreciated by all area users. We look forward to hearing from you. Very truly yours, John Gutenberger, Mayor hn A. Doughert "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Eff C�N J to ffic I u -FLr fi7 ` l Caboo,se. br K: C. VeISOn � ,w I � ./,•r- (-- ' .� � �i .� 1 •,��` ; ! t �- e 'Y .��• 'tet � r i Y'` .��s. k�C• ,,,r-Y t .�y 'K..�r� G,mei_ 'i^' �. This is the sparse interior of a Chicago and North 9estern Railwav caboose. The conduc- ment spelling doom for the Little Red to the engineer up front, by radio,is Change comes slowly to the Caboose,one of the last holdovers of Too expensive for leaned-down bud- for attends to paperwork while the brakeman waches the freight cars ahead for possible Caboose. A small box on the end of another. So are the computers that railroad—but it does come. First we the golden age of railroading. gets in the battle with the trucking in- whteel problems. the train that measures the air pres- relieve the freight conductor of much lost steam locomotives, Pullmans, In an era of space shuttles and bul- dustry for freight dollars. sure in the train's braking system and of his paperwork burden. smalltown railroad depots and their let trains,the little lookout post at the Progress has gobbled up another constantly transmits the information (Continued on page 11) telegraphers. Now the caboose soon end of the train seems destined to victim. Witness this scene from the will be kaput. clickety-clack into the sunset. The pages of the mid-1980s: It's not that the railroad's most in- In today's topsy-turvy world,noth- faithful caboose, railroad manage- A Chicago and North Western dividualistic piece of rolling stock will ing is sacred.Not even the Little Red ment says,is archaic and outmoded. Railway dispatcher at an office in be here one day and gone the next. The Caboose. suburban Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Phase-out of the nation's 10,000 t n. cabooses has been piecemeal, affect- A Century-Old Tradition studies a computer printout. Via P !ri telephone wires,information streams ing selected runs here and there.The I� \ i 'hl c� ' in from a heat-sensing device sta- process is relentless nonetheless. 3• tioned beside the railroad tracks 22 During the next few years you'll see 1i strange-sounding word, caboose. It comes from the Dutch 4 3 miles away at Mapleton. fewer and fewer cabooses clicking word,kabuis, which means cabin house. I love the blue-collar sound 7 6 5 As a main-line North Western through rail crossings in your town. to the word, plain and unpretentious, conjuring up images of lunch /if „' freight train rumbles through the lit- A friendly wave to the conductor or pails,work boots and blue jeans. The word fits. .. tie town,the detector hunts for"hot brakeman in the caboose,as the pro- The origin of the caboose goes back to the 1840s. Nat Williams,a boxes"—heat buildups in the wheels. cession of freight cars thunders conductor on the old Auburn R Syracuse line in New York State,set The culprit may be a hung-up brake through the crossing,will become an up shop in the last boxcar of a freight train. There he stored flags, _ "`+• or a wheel bearing going bad. These experience of the past. lanterns and tools, and wrote his reports seated on a wooden box, g upended barrel as a desk.,+ The caboose is a slice of Americana using an u are problems that, down the track, might trigger a derailment. that seldom fails to bring twinges of Not a bad idea,railroaders decided.Other conductors followed his the dispatcher sees an nostalgia. To ride in a caboose is a example,or erected shanties on flatcars at the end of the train.Hum- Suddenly oversize blip in the printout.Quickly fantasy that takes root as a child and ble,to be sure,as the steam locomotives spewed smoke and cinders— "'¢ `� = he pinpoints the location and calls the often lingers even when gray hairs tell but workable. train engineer via radio. the world that surely you must be By the 1870s, the caboose had evolved into the bay-window and ? ' _ "Inspect No. 26 head car, trailing grown up by now. cupola shapes familiar today.The caboose became a little house on l of truck," he says. "Lead wheel, eastFor me,wanderlust strikes anytime wheels, a rolling dormitory complete with office, kitchen and, on r side.You've got a problem." I hear the diesel's lonesome wail and many trains, bunk beds. A heap'o living took place there. 6. Overheated journals lead to broken see a caboose trailing a string of Conductors developed a proprietary interest in their stubby guar- ` axles or sheared wheels, and soon freight cars.I know better,of course, ters.Many kept them shipshape.After all,they spent more time in the thereafter torn-up track, overturned but—subconsciously at least—my caboose than in their own homes. They worked,ate and slept there. \' ! boxcars and thousands of dollars in job, my existence, looks pitifully The crew would decorate the caboose with all the adornments of a damage and inconvenience. mundane next to the adventure and male getaway: pinup girls like Clara Bow and Betty Grable, family The ailing freight car is set out at a romance of the rail. photos, newspaper clippings, and sometimes even lace curtains and siding to await repairs. A potential A wistful smile crosses my lips as 1 carpeting. derailment has been averted, thanks watch the red marker-lights on the But now the caboose's dormitory role is passe.On layovers,crews to high-tech electronics. A shoebox- caboose disappear around the bend.I sleep in railroad motels,not the caboose.And cabooses are pooled,so sized monitor has handled a job once shake my head, sigh, and head back no longer does an individual caboose become a conductor's ^r exclusively the domain of the brake- to the routineness of everyday life. showpiece. A train dispatcher examines a heat-sensing detector printout.The device measures heat buildups in man and conductor who ride the The 35-pound black box of track- Time marches on. the wheels of freight cars that could lead to derailment. caboose. side electronics isn't the only instru- 6 THE ELKS MAGAZINE MARCH 1986 THE ELKS MAGAZINE MARCH 1986 Caboose . . . You're not locked into eight hours. 1 (Continued from page 7J like the fact, too, that 1 am trusted. Like today,I've got the responsibility Relief from of taking a million-dollar train to Illi- But how can one become nostalgic nois. The railroad trusts me to do it over hunks of metal that go about and do it well." Respiratory their work unblinkingly? Efficient, The other part of the caboose Disorders Yslclan perhaps, but colorful and exciting? team,brakeman Robert Moore of St. Diagnosed No wayl Francis, sits across from Hanna and Or Breathing ••• peers out the protruding bay window. Dreams do come true,even if they For reasons of visibility, the North Problems take as long as 40 years.My boyhood Western prefers the bay-window style fantasy,hitching a ride in a caboose, to the old-fashioned cupola on top of Or your money back t. is soon to be realized. Just west of the caboose, which is still found on Milwaukee, a North Western freight some lines. 011E.NS train bound for Waukegan, Illinois, At curves, Moore can see many of RESPT IRAORY a PASSAGL•S. / takes on a journalist passenger. It's the freight cars ahead. He's looking BREATHIN(r IS PA me,scrambling aboard the back plat- for smoke and dust, indicators that EASED IN TENform of a yellow and green North something is awry. MINUTES.Western caboose decorated with a "You'll see lots of curves on ourr painted American flag. runs," Hanna explains. "The rail- '►tilt The caboose sways as it clatters road put them in purposely,for better Medicare�j down the track and I step into what, observation." Approveds f 7 ' 4 in my imagination,should resemble a He stares outside, cap tilted down 0411►y� j palace. Well, it's not quite that.The to shade his eyes. anatomy of a caboose, as you might "The railroad pays us good money [ y guess,is spartan at best. to look out the window, so that's A first glance takes in a round- what we do,"he says,grinning. , 77 bellied, oil-burning stove, several Annual incomes of $30,000 to ^J r 7 cushioned high-back chairs, a small $40,000 aren't unusual, he says. r refrigerator,jackets on wall hangers, "That'll put groceries on the � O a metal sink, a toilet that you don't table...." The UNIQUE want to get downwind from,racks of When a freight train whooshes past r ! signaling devices—fusees (colored in the other direction, Moore hustles RFISA1R/ZeR r flares) and torpedoes (explosive car- out to the rear platform. It's the Provides fast relief for bronchial lridges)—and not much else.It's real- brakeman's job to eyeball the wheels congestion, sinus symptoms and I ly a steel shell,hot in summer,drafty and doors of the passing freight cars. nasal irritation. After 15 years of in winter and noisy all the time. If everything looks intact,he gives the research, this patented break- i through for treatment of many i Gordon Hanna of Kenosha is the highball wave to the brakeman of the respiratory disorders is purchased 1 conductor and,as such,the on-board other train—the sign that all is well. by the U.S.Government and in use boss. He's seated at his table,check- As the North Western train chugs by doctors and thousands of ing out today's cargo,which includes through the greenery of southern satisfied people.A unique natural roofing granules and felt, powdered Wisconsin, the talk swings to what soothing vapor penetrates nasal milk, scrap iron and some empty the caboose team calls "combat and resplrntory passages,loosens r cars. zones." Working a caboose, I learn, thickened phlegm in many cases "Gotta watch the slack action," isn't as idyllic as one might think. and breathing is eased Safe & Hanna warns. "We take some pretty Kids lie in the weeds and heave easy to use.ONLY 5229.001)elivered good jolts sometimes. Guys have boulders at you," Hanna says. "We ORDER TOLL-FREE 800-242-3476 been hurt back here." get rocked most every run. I've even RFSPIRIZER CO.DEPT.E He smiles. "You bounce around so been shot at." 474 BOYD'S SCHOOL ROAD much you learn to write on the down- "That's why we have bulletproof GETTYSBURG,PA 17325(717)334-1478 stroke." glass in the bay windows," Moore Hanna holds a college degree in chips in. "We've been storied more MAIL OR CALL chemistry,but the life of a laboratory times than we'd care to think about. I understand I may use the nespirizer for 30 chemist was not for him. "1 grew up They even throw bricks and chunks days and return it for full refund less 109b if beside railroad yards in Milwaukee," of steel. Maybe we should ask for not satisfie& he says, "and I guess it got to be a combat pay." Send Check,Visa,or Mastercard No. part of me." The conversation shifts. What Card No. He gravitated into railroading 20 about the growing movement to My Card Expires years ago and he's never left. "It's a abolish the caboose? Nwo darn nice way of life," he says. "It "I say, 'Keep the caboose,'" grows on you. answers Moore, a 32-year veteran of ndmess "The railroad's a unique industry. the railroad. A freight train, he says, City ------ You do your job and then you're needs eyes and ears at both ends. Slate __ zip _ finished. You get a full day's pay, Some trains stretch a mile or more,he even if you get done in a few hours. (Continued on page 34) THE ELKS MAGAZINE MARCH 1986 21 ' r i i- Program. gracics, directly and Iii The first step should be to make a parents and teachers. Tell them who additional coluntccl presentation to the entire lodge. An the local experts are who will be in- elements of your program, such as excellent l6rimm film describing the volved with the program. Tell them coordination of your speakers bu- i Elks program is available from your what events and actions are planned. reau.They can also provide valuable district deputy.It should be shown at Consider the makeup of your mem- contacts with women's organizations a well-attended lodge function to the bership; who are doctors, parents, in the community. i members and their wives and children. teachers,editors?When they are fully Our next article will describe site- The film includes messages from informed about the program, tell cessful Drug Awareness Education President Reagan and First Lady them how they can help.Ask them to Programs already in operation in Nancy Reagan;a talk by Dr.Carlton bring up the subject of drug use when Elks lodges throughout the court- Turner,special assistant to the Presi- talking to their friends and business try. ■ eye-popping to see the endless patio- have changed. We've gut to cut the Caboose . . , rama of backyards and back sides of fat if we're going to survive." (Continued from page 11) towns. It's fun to wave at the kids, Railroads claim they can save at too. least $4W million a year by eliminat- The day's run ends much too ing fire last car on the train. quickly. The 25-to 30-ton cabooses cost 92 notes. It's comforting to know there * "• cents a mile to operate, the Santa Fe are crew members at the back as well The caboose was handed its ticket Railroad figures. What's more, they as the front to handle emergencies. to oblivion in a union-management last only 10 to 25 years,then must be Hanna's feelings are mixed. Ile agreement forged in 1982.That called rebuilt or extensively repaired. I he says he sees both union and manage- for a gradual cutback in cabooses,on cost: more than $20,M), about a i ment sides of the argument. a train-by-train basis.The agreement fourth of the $80,000 outlay needed "Riding the caboose a while ago, I includes local trains, trains making to acquire a new one. saved the company lots of money," deliveries within urban areas, and 'today, as fire caboose heads into he recalls. "1 saw dust kick up way about a quarter of the cross-country history, Americana buffs and cullec- ahead and 1 figured it had to be cont- freight hauls. tors aren't about to be caught asleep ing from freight cars jumping the Since then,the United Transporfa- at the switch. track. 1 pulled the air brake right lion Union,which represents conduc- The end-of-the-train rates as fish- above me, called the engineer, and tors and brakemen, has had second ionable decor these(lays.It's popping the train stopped real quick—before thoughts. The union is seeking legis- up in a nnlltiotdc of new roles. ('a- any cars overturned. lation to require cabooses on longer boosts are being remodeled into "That could have been a nasty trains, for reasons of safety. banks, restaurants, stores, hunting one." Several states, including Virginia, lodges, playhouses, guesthouses, ice He's a union nman,.the veteran con- Oregon, Nebraska and Montana, cream parlors and real estate offices. ductor says, and he thinks the ca- have passed mandatory caboose bills. lint buy a caboose at sahage isn't boose gives crews better control of But court tests loom.And the nation- cheap; it might cost anywhere fron) the train. "But we can't live in the al trend seems to be highballing, as $6,000 to $10,0IA), plus tramp„rtn- past,"he adds."We've gotta stream- railroaders would say, in the other tion. Irct they're not out of financial line and innovate if we're going to direction. Railroads universally seem reach for many.An Illinois man says compete." anxious to unhitch their cabooses. he'd like to buy 32 for his nxhtel. As the Wisconsin countryside rolls Dan Shudak, a North Western 'the Red Caboose Lodge in Stras- past, the pungent smells of summer trainmaster,says candidly: "All nos- burg, Pennsylvania, sums up matters waft into the caboose. Standing on talgia aside, the caboose is a carry- in its business slogan. "The end of the back platform, one gets an ever- over from the past;an expense gee can the train,"the lodge says,"is just the changing window on the world. It's do without. Times and fechnology beginning for us." ■ 74 THE ELKS MAGAZINE MAnCH 1986 h , A n 1_ e a e �I I d COLLECTION OF JOHN C.I RUE.Ji. The flag emblem as shown on caboose No.95054 was uncommon the car which indicates that the caboose is equipped with a fuel on Lehigh Valley cars. Note the fuel oil filler plug on the right side of oil heater. Interior Lehigh Valley caboose r= i - � 3 RAILROAD MODEL CRAFTSMAN 81 r { C&G No. 42 f _.. .,,� ,...... ,_.,.._.�.,.,._.,..;..,q.e,.•:,..., -..,-+r,..�s. ,.,. .r,._.w.-> cvsw,w c;L,^`£ y'i -""°''- .5;'__"`dr".:"� - -.rr.,:rerq,�.- from the ICG. At that time the Whit- 1 combs were returned to Columbus, where they sat for a few years before be- ing sold for scrap.At least two common carriers still op- . erate these unique engines. The Laona .•y & Northern, in upper Wisconsin, and the Maryland Midland in Maryland^ each have one on their roster. c :I _' lV 1 1 9� > , � J oo JIM BOYD JULY,1968 JIM BOYD MARCH,1911 v x sr, ... �N MAI . k i ly W � ti;ycrr" 54 AUGUST 1982 R Columbus & Greenville" 65 ton Whitcomb No. 42 s � A - ' gali� rr� t 1 , , I SIMI�i= r� ��11•IIl.!I,OI�!��II,�, �� � -- -- �i�i•IIl�!I,�IQII�: Iil , IL�I� IN M, i iii�l� moi/ iii C 9 "Make Safety a Habit", appeared in bow of colors:Cornell red, tuscan red, with"A"signified cars assigned to pool black lettering on a yellow rectangle caboose red, white, PC green, and a or run-through service.These were seen neat to the right-hand side window red-white-blue bicentennial. The rar- on the Apollo and Mercury run- pairs. During the sixties, as with loco- est of these were 95032 and 95054 in the throughs with the N&W, another crea- motives, railings and ladders were "Snowbird" scheme, and 95085 as bi- tion of the mid-sixties. painted orange. Then, in the mid- centennial 1776.Because of the contem- Despite the varied, handsome color sixties, the increasingly drab character porary nature of the colorful era,photo- schemes,Valley cars received few latter of Lehigh Valley locomotives and rolling graphs of individual cars are easy to day upgrades.Many cars received an oil stock underwent a renaissance, and obtain. heater,which can be determined by the much of the caboose fleet spent the final LV cabooses were strictly assigned to presence of a filler plug near the right years of the railroad in a veritable rain- divisions. Those with number prefixed end of the stove side. Most cars were Lehigh Valley caboose End view .. AN: ............ - -- U ark z v STEWART PARK PROJECT R MINUTES OF THE STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP (SPAG) MEETING FEBRUARY 2, 1984 Attending were: Mayor Guttenberger Ben Nichols Jack Dougherty Jon,Meigs Thys Van Cort Bob Cutia Jim Glavin n Tom Niederkorn C 1. Review Several minutes were spent acquainting those who had not attend the previous meeting with the work that has been done to date. 2. . Golf Course Layout At the previous meeting of the group it was demonstrated that an 18 hole golf course could be achieved if both the bird sanctuary and the biological field station were made available for development. The course which was created as a result of using these two natural areas was felt to be inferior and substandard in terms of acreage, yardage, par, and general layout. , In addition, the costs for achieving an 18 hole course and the impact of such a layout on the rest of the park area were considered to be unjustifiable and not supported by the benefits to be gained. At the previous meeting it was decided that an improved 9 hole course should be the planning objective. At the February 2 meeting additional sketches of the 9 hole layout were presented to the committee. These included some modifications of earlier sketches which incorporated a driving range and some additional natural features like ponds and planting. Use of the biological field station is required for these layouts to be successful. The major design recommendation involves moving No. 9 fairway to a point farther away from Cayuga Inlet. This involves abandonment of No. 9 groan and the use of the existing No. 4 green as the final hole. This shift opens up a strip approximately 200' deep along the Inlet which could be used for more intensive water-related activity such as a marina or housing or some type of commercial use; also, improved parking for the golf course would be possible. After discussion, this solution to the future golf course layout was approved in concept ,by the group. 3Sewer outfall Discussion then centered on the proposed location of the new 48" sewer outfall. At present the design indicates the outfall running along the existing roadway which parallels the Inlet. This location precludes, or to a large extent, limits the opportunity for more intensive use of the shoreline adjacent to the Inlet. It was suggested that the outfall be located to a position roughly between the present No. 9 and No. 4 fairway and go directly north to Pier Road extension. Such location would straighten out the alignment of the outfall and eliminate a number of bends in the present alignment. After discussion it was determined that the Mayor would present his request for a change of location to the design engineers for the sewer plant to get a response and to affect this change if it was possible to do so. 4. Lakeshore Configuration A number of alternative lakeshore configurations were presented to the group. This was a repeat of the presentation made at the prevous meeting for the new members present. No determination was made as to which of several alternatives would be most effective in modifying the existing wind and current patterns in the lake. Several of the various configuration types will be tested by the hydrologist, Jim Liggett. The hope is to create additional parkland, have a spoil deposit location and, possibly, help clear up turbidity problems. 5. The Tin Can A possible realignment for Route 34 as it passes around the Tin Can was explored. It was determined that such a realignment would be possible but would require the moving of a portion of the existing Tin Can building. Discussion centered on what was to be gained by having the road in a new location and included consideration of a maintenance building, a caretaker's apartment and some additional space for the Tin Can itself. There was no determination on this issue and more consideration will be given .to it. 6. Meeting with the Advisory Committee The Mayor reported that letters of invitation had been sent out to a number of local groups which have expressed interest in becoming involved in the discussion of the. Stewart Park plan. A response to these letters was requested by the 6th of February. It was determined that there should be a meeting of the advisory committee sometime before the end of February and another SPAG meeting within the next several weeks. Tom is to contact the Mayor or Jack Dougherty in the next several days to set up a specific time for the advisory meeting which is to be held in the Common Council Chambers of City Hall. Thys suggested that -a premeeting briefing. be given to the press, particularly the Journal, so that information could be imparted to them in some detail prior to the meeting. 2 7. Matrix Tom presented two matrices to the group which offered an opportunity to evaluate the desirable and undesirable characteristics of various land uses and the compatibility of various land uses. A number of the committee members agreed that they would take the time to complete these matrices and return the information to Tom. Copies are included with these minutes. MEETING ADJOURNED AT APPROXIMATELY 3:30. r ,1 3 f �UiTRIX 1: USE CHARACTERISTICS OF LAND USE ACTIVITIES PRIMARY IMPORTANCE ' W o SECONDARY IMPORTANCE 0 W41 b UNDESIRABLE OR NOT APPLICABLE H )4 a) O •rl U •ri to a) a) F+ C+ I H a) P •H " a) •rl 44 ;D y •rl a) O O W .0 a +W cd t+ a) P 44 44 +W cn a•+ -+ M a) H p. 'C cd 1j O P O 44 cd >% •rl a) JJ W 0 1J to P4 N a -W q aW O 41 0 P " >, r-1 U m o P M :D w a) u o N G v cd •u cd P H •rl •rl u O U (D -W m H U cd 0 O a) •r♦ P cd a) H m •rl U Q'i U G G N b C) cd a •N 0 •H P v l a W G G O cd O a) a) P G aP�7! cn Qi o N N RI •rl . 4J (D Cd "a I.1 r-q o a) C7 r-1 b r-I P q •u r-1 1-1 W a) O cd P $4 O a) U " CO cd :3 4J H 0 cd :J z O O C4 U O O •rl > •ri cd a) P U O H •rt U '�" r. H O 1 O b W •rl r-I P O O I rl a) ,O U "-4 A a) a) O P W •d +W W W .n •r♦ •rl •u o ,c rd o0 3 a .0 3 10 D 4J O cd cn a d cd u o >w O cd m W a) •_i o M a) o •rt to a) W LAND USE ACTIVITIES H O w 44 a a z z z P. w x a to DA W a 3 cn >+ 1. Public Parking Area ❑ ❑ F-1 EI 01FIFIE30 ❑ F1 13111111310 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 2. Public Boat Docking ❑ n ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ 0 C] ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 3. Boat Rental ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ M ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 111111 ❑ ❑, 4. Private Boat Club ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑10 ❑ ❑ C]IMI 17111 ❑ 177113 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 110 ❑ 5. Marina ❑ ❑ ❑ El ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 6. Swimming 110 Q El 1:1 ❑ El. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 7. Fishing ❑ 171 ❑ ❑ 00 ❑ 1113E3LJ17117111 ❑ 110 ❑ ❑ 1311 8. Promenade ❑ ❑ E111❑ ❑ [l 17113 ❑ ❑ ❑ 17113 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 9. Family Picnic ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ C] ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 10. Group Picnic ❑ ❑ ❑ r-110 ❑ [] ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 11. Children's Games ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 110 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 12. Adult Active Sports ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1:11111:1 ❑ ❑ ❑ 1710 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1771171110 13. Fitness Course ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1110 ❑ 14. Tennis • ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑In 15.^Bicycle Trail ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 171110 ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ [] ❑ 0 16. Nature Trail ❑ 1:10 ❑ 0 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 17. Bird Watching ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ t❑----11 ❑ ❑ F1ElEl El18. -Hiking 171 In 11 El 1111:113 F1 1:1171 El ❑ 13in ❑ 010 1:1 El 19. Ice Skating 13 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 20. X-Country Skiing [] ❑ 000 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1300 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 21. Wildlife Display (zoo) ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ [3 ❑ ❑ ❑ D ■ ❑ _❑ 22. Museum El ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑_ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ FM El ❑ ❑ ❑ E) ❑ 23. Interpretive Center ❑ 110 ❑ ❑ 0 ❑ LJ ❑ ❑ 0131301300 r-110010 24. Tourist Info. Center ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1111 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1111 ❑ ❑ Q 25. Cafe 1:11:10 1:11:1 ❑ o ❑ ❑ ❑ oo a ❑ ❑ ❑ [326. Restaurant/Bar ❑ ❑ 1711771 ❑ ❑ ❑ 11 M1 ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ F1 13 ❑ ❑ n ❑ .271., Band Shell ❑ ❑ ❑ 1:111131:30001111 ❑ 00C] 0 ❑ 1:100 28. Youth Bureau ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1710 Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ 1:1171 ❑ ❑ ❑ 29. Park Maintenance ❑ _ 30 Housing. ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Q ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ I ■ io■n■n■■m■■■■mn�rrm■r■■�r�r�r■■�r� sono■■■■■■a■■■�■■�■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ oz 5 FA K 4q ioa�0000»moo■■■■■■■■■■■■a■■■■■■■■■■■ Of 1�0�700�D�pD��nG■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ WWII nnnnnWIN nrnnnn■■■■NN■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ i00000000000Qo�oo■a■■■s■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ �000000aooaDoo�000■■■■®■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ nnonr•�aoo®an• . r•�nno■■■■■a■■■■s■■■■■■■ io��000aoaaooa000r�oo■■®■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ iaa0000000■ ■���oo�oo■■r■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ia■nnnno. . .nonnono��o■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ io©noon•non0000nnnan�no�■■■��■�■�■■■■ - iooa��000a�■ ■�oaoo•,�ao�a�o■■■■■■■■■■■■■ ioaoa000a�■ ■oa0000r•�000�oa■■■■■■■■■■■■ , :. ioonna0000• •onnoonnoanonoo■■■■■■■■■■■ i0000naoaa• ■an000nan�n��ona■■■■■■■■■■ i00000000■ . ■nannnnnann:■■o�oo■■■■■■■■■ . � � iaaoa000n• • •nnonnoa»�o►�©■■oo■■■■■■■■ 000a000nr•�n• ■ norm nnnnrnnnn711nnorm nrilroilWO■■■■■■ - �oononoaao• •anoc•�nc•�nn�o®nnanonno■■■■■■ ir•�00000aaQoa000©00000raa©00000000■■■■■ 4i000000�oo■an�onnoao©oanonnn• • oo■■■■ inoonnnnnn ■oo©00000aao MINIM WERNIaao■■■ i0000Q0000■ ■aac■�0000aoc■aaac•�a000r aao■■ i0000aoo�oQn0000a000000a■a■aooaoaooa■ iaoa000000. .nQ�oo©oo�oaogo�aa000000�o a V / a l�l O LL New York State Office of Paries, Recreation and Historic Preservation O NEW YORK STATE Finger Lakes Region—Box 283, RD 3, Trumansburg, New York 14886 607-387-7041 Commission Chairman: Orin Lehman, Commissioner John R.Battersby Commission Members: Andrew R. Mazzella, Regional Manager Mrs.John C.Clynes g Robert R.Reynolds George G.Souhan Robert C.Watkins James I.Wyckoff February 7, 1 0184 RECEIVEE) FEB 8 5: ; Honorable John Gutenberger City of Ithaca 100 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger: Thank you for the opportunity to designate a representative to work on the master plan for the Revitalization of Stewart Park. Mr. Charles Dunlap, Landscape Architect for the Finger Lakes State Park Region, will represent the State Parks Commission. Mr. Dunlap has years of invaluable experience in planning and park facilities, and I am confident he will be an asset to your group. Mr. Dunlap may be contacted at the above address. Good luck on your ambitious endeavor. [lost sincerely, FINGER LAKES STATE PARK, RECREATION AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION REGIO! Andrew P,. r1a ell a Regional Director ARM:ts P.S. Incidently, may we hear from you soon on the activities regarding the Allan H. Treman/Cass Park development. An Equal opportunity Employer ITS..T • r ycO�poR CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 Februarnl 7, 1984 mr. Thomas Niederkorn 310 I9. State Street Ithaca, New York 14850 hear Tom: Attached please find a copy of a letter received today from Noel Desch in regard to our request on the relocation of the outfall for your information. Noel has suggested that we attend the meeting on the 21st. 10iat do you think? Please o,ix*e me a call. Test regards. Sincerely, John C. Gutenberger Mayor ATTACH. "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" ._ TOWN OF ITHACA 126 EAST SENECA STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 February 7, 1984 Honorable John C. Gutenberger Mayor City of Ithaca 108 East Green Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear John: Thanks for your note on the matter of the possible relocation of the outfall. I did not bring it to the SJS because there are too many unanswered questions that came to my mind as I looked at the proposal. As you know, the present design is one of four alternatives that were considered as part of the Facilities Plan. The selected alternative was favored by the City and was carefully routed to avoid interference with the Golf Course. Here are the problems and considerations that must be dealt with to bring about what could be a worthwhile change. (1) The design, at long last, has been approved and any change would also have to stand a similar test. You may recall that the outfall is a contact chamber and any reduction in length means less contact. (2) Any redesign would be ineligible for federal and state reimbursement and thereby totally a local (City) cost. (3) The timing of the golf course project, in relation to the outfall project, would be critical. The outfall probably will be built between mid '84 and mid '85. This on the new route would mean loss of the golf course for part, if not most, of two seasons unless the golf course construction were dovetailed for the same period. (4) The problem of access for maintenance of the new pipe. We would not want the pipe under any part of the golf course, present or future. May I suggest that you and Tom Niederkorn attend part of our February 21 Progress Meeting to layout the proposal in more detail with Stearns & Wheler in attendance. Stearns & Wheler would then be asked to determine the feasibility of the alternate route and its design cost. There is one ace we may be able to play and that is the AT review requirement for dechlorination. I do not know if there is any way these considerations could be combined and it may work against what you want to do because a small building will have to be built near the edge of the golf course. If you wish, I would be glad to meet with you, Don and Tom before February 21. Very truly yours, oel Desch Chairman SJS ND/js cc: D. Kinsella D. Cafferillo L. Fabbroni P.S. Another thing we should avoid is "disturbing" the Johnson Boat Yard easements. �.F1T �9 �Rp�RATEO CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 148SO OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO: Jack Dougherty, Assist. Supt. of Public Works FROM: Mayor John C. Gutenberger " DATE: March 6, 1984 SUBJECT: Stewart Park Advisory Group Attached hereto please find a copy of a letter received from the Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council with their suggestion for a Fitness Trail for vour attention. ATTACH. CC: Thomas Niederkorn "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" A � THE TOMPKINS COUNTY SENIOR CITIZENS' COUNCIL, INC. 213 South Geneva Street, Ithaca,New York 14850 Telephone 607%273-1511 March 5, 1984 Mayor John Gutenberger City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850. Dear Mayor Gutenberger, The Health Committee of the Senior Citizens' Council would like to recommend that renovations to Stewart Park include a Fitness Trail . Such a trail should be built with both the young and old in mind. The Health Committee is aware of the need to promote good health and believes that exercise is an important part of maintaining good health. A Fitness Trail would offer Ithaca residents and others an opportunity to exercise on a regular basis, it would also display the City's concern for the health of its residents. It is hoped that this suggestion will be given serious consideration when the plans for Stewart Park are being drawn up. Sincerely, COVA, Marilyn, ' rey County Wide Activities Coordinator. ��gp�RAT ti0`�0 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK -14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 March 8, 1984 Ms. Marilyn Grey County Wide Activities Coordinator Tompkins County Senior Citizens Council, Inc. 213 South Geneva Street Ithaca, New York 14850 Dear FIs. Grey: Thank you for your letter of March 5th recommending that renovations to Stewart Park include a Fitness .Trail for both the young and old in mind. I have referred your suggestion to the Stewart Park Advisory Group as well as to Mr. Thomas Niederkorn, the design consultant for their consideration. I think a Fitness Trail would be a fantastic addition and know that the Advisory Group and Design Consultant will look into the possibility. Best regards. Sincerely, John C. Gutenberger Mayor "An Equal OPPOrtumiy E^;--,-r N r..in Alhrmal-:e Action Program' 1,r f 9 I 11 Y RATf�o CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 ITHACA LANDMARKS TELEPHONE: 272-1713 PRESERVATION COMMISSION CODE 607 February 23, 1984 Mayor John Gatenberger City Hall Dear Mayor: At its February meeting, the Commission briefly discussed the Stewart Park Improvement Project, and took special note of the potential impacts wfilcE certain actions under consideration could have on the historic resources in the park. For example, proposals relating to treatment of the existing structures need input from a qualified expert in order to insure that the integrity of those resources is maintained, whether they are rehabilitated and/or relocated. The Commission feels that it can provide this expertise, in the person of Architectural Conservator, Richard Pieper. Accordingly, it is respectfully requested that Mr. Pieper be app in- ` t-�, to the Stewart Park Advisory Group in this capacity. Please let me know if you have any questions on this matter. Very truly yours, J C. Meigs S cretary, ILPC JCM:jv cc: J. Dougherty R. Pieper R. diPasquale "An Equal Opportunity Employer w4;an Affirmative Action Program" -- � ti ,� w.�� 0v��.`� �� BSN�. �,G _. ! •• ! j �//(. 'd __,,� ��,�ir�' a emu !1r-�.v✓I r{' IrWISP �s-tm�"ro1! ®�, ��Mwd.1eUt srdz ` R3'o�0 v; o5yi p x WP% me rip :yi �`y��p �f�-e $_ — _ �y �II..,�' �'ll,. •r.a' ry r"�'� �. - ^ ~q'���, �.�'' �• y >z�. �p,��p'IM �1' n Q ���'� • • �. "W. --SIP AMC,v fir- .1 ® .- a'a4 i r `'y'- iiY*r�7�11 0 S • WII lig I _�a .'��1P,.^�•�'j+. �•��eo All 34' l ,II r i � s - Ha1�NMIA �' r,.r..*��• �,,, - �1� ��s tb� m I�r'1 ���� . °�pil � �, OrW' i7E �.1� � MORS 5-w �� G11 � �7�r� �'i . `�i'�' �jit�J�� ` ��,�+n.�+� �I�a.y per. .+rii� ����� ,i",• A' �I -1��. 3161 �3 �� yN^ID r+m �� �' T.$� ID���YQ1 G�/ q��f♦m��4���u■��'.�wf��'fL"y0+flm: '�����r ���,n(q�'��1 ,��f. �� ^�2,Jr�"�►. n. �ryv;1 ir�` tB Rp•i�' �dry�o' ����;�.�� —c(�.�i'' � ,TiD ��'�'•�,�,T,1" .A.•f 3��"'...•�,— e;n: � U r 911 °d�gj,. • �, lis, ;m; �� -F..' I 0 i a®: :I, .i®pip"�`�,�• m�� �'.%.� )��.? I V .•/lllq'��; / •. ' • na110f _. f��pC,,•��s �'� r;,� Tril s7�!f w X11/ ;,�[ � '`l C �' .�:� °o��„� - �a �� � � ,• �,. � � ,+ 1: • 1 1 • • 1 • • 1• I • a r g a x - s i li SIJ - I r —ax z a - - " 1 --awn O�ITl�gO � �RpakATE�� =F—k Y OF ITHACA 106 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 C'-F TELEPHONE 272-1713 .'F CODE 607 March 12, 1984 Mrs. Robert E. McDowell 113 Brandon Place Ithaca, New York 14850 r Dear Tors. McDowell: Thank you for your letter of March 10, 1984 in regard to the revitalization of Stewart Park and your hope of swimming there once again. I have forwarded your copy onto the design consultant, Thomas Niederkorn, as well as the Stewart Park Advisory Group for their review and consideration. Again, thank you for taking time out to make your views knot%n to me and for the best wishes you so graciously extended to me. Best regards. Sincerely 117,%John C. Gutenberger Mayor CC: Jack Dougherty, SPAG Thomas Niederkorn -An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Mrs. Robert E. McDowell 113 Brandon Place Ithaca, New York 14850v,", A �t � CA -76 r v� �oqh do 1 CITY ®F ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE: 272-1718 ASSISTANT TO THE CODE 607 SUPT OF PUBLIC WORKS N O T I C E March 15, 1984 Mayor John Gutenberger 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor: A meeting of the , Stewart. Park Advisory. Group, will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 19. 84 at 7:30 PM . . . . , . . . . . . in the , Common Council Chambers at City. Hall . . Your attendance is requested. C air 'An Equal Opporau ity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP FIRST MEETING 28 February 1984 MINUTES PRESENT: Margo Clynes, Ben Nichols, Geoffrey Gyrisco, John Gutenberger, Bob Cutia, Jack Dougherty, Jon Meigs, Sean Killeen, Frank Gardner, Leonard Mankowski and Tom Niederkorn 1. Long-range development objectives being considered were shown in graphic form and briefly explained. Included were: Extension of the shoreline Expand and improve the golf course area Waterway connection between the golf course area and the Cass Park area Increase development potential of the shoreline adjacent to the No. 9 fairway Maintain and enhance the natural habitat of the bird sanctuary Revise parking and traffic plan in the park Enhance family picnic opportunities Restore boathouse Restore and develop historical potential of pavilion area Improve public access to the waterfront and lake 2. Each of the development objectives was discussed individually to the extent that current thinking allowed this to happen. An 18 hole design possibility for the golf course was discussed and reasons offered why this was not considered to be satisfactory. It would not produce a. satisfactory layout and the environmental costs would be too high. The idea of improving the golf course but at the same time maintaining the buffering and habitat qualities of bird sanctuary was well received. 3. The theory behind extending the shoreline was presented as were several of the alternative configurations which have been considered. Interest in this development possibility was high and Margo expressed a hope that swimming could be reintroduced in some form in the Stewart Park area. Swimming in Fall Creek, near its mouth, might be an acceptable alternative if this were a more feasible solution to the turbidity problems. 4. Use of the biological field station as part of the revised golf course was considered and discussed in some detail. Gyrisco inquired as to whether there might be better uses for the field station, given its natural environment, than a golf course. Possibilities were to be considered. 5. The idea of having a small ferry of some type running between the golf course and Cass Park was discussed with enthusiasm. Apparent difficulties with this include the need to have special insurance and perhaps a licensed captain to run such a vehicle. 6. Leonard discussed some of the current considerations about specific build- ings of the area. At this point he feels that it is highly desirable to restore the boathouse to its original design and condition. There were some questions about the pavilion in that it might be more efficient and effective to build a new foundation elsewhere and move the pavilion rather than trying to restore old existing foundations. The park maintenance function in the dance pavilion should be moved from that part of the park. The possibility of creating a film museum and possibly combining it with other types of museum activities into a fairly substantial structure was considered. The possibility of a natural history and early settlement museum or a geological museum or crafts museum were suggested. There was a great deal of interest in this. Leonard said that the most desirable thing would be to create a facility of enough substance to warrant a full time, year- round person on the premises, for security if no other reason. 7. As regarding historical development, it was suggested that perhaps some semblance of the old trolley or electric street car that once visited this area could be recreated. The h1storical development of the park is largely related to this one transportation mode, There are, however, big obstacles such as use of existing Conrail tracks between the park and, perhaps, the Greyhound bus station, acquiring a suitable trolley and operating the facility. Is the potential appeal and use sufficient to warrant additional consideration? 8. Another idea connected with historical restoration was the opportunity to increase accessibility to the water. The possibility of recreating the long, municipal pier that originally extended out into the lake from the shores of old Renwick Park was mentioned. This pier would extend far out into the lake so that there could be six to seven feet of depth at its end. Suggested was an open pier, on piles, which would not require approval from the DEC, according to their representatives. Again, the question is whether or not such a pier can be justified in terms of the use that it might be given. 9. The location of the proposed sewer outfall line, and its impact on future development along the inlet, was discussed. Possible ways of dealing with anticipated problems were considered. It was felt, particularly by Nichols, that increased boating opportunity and marina facilities along the inlet adjacent to the golf course might not, in the long run, be the most appropriate use for that piece of land. Additional consideration to this objective will be given. 10. There was discussion about the continued Youth Bureau occupancy of the Tin Can. While no determination was forthcoming, it was clear that Bob Cutia prefers a Stewart Park site but feels the Bureau needs a new building. 2 Removable of asbestos from the existing building is a problem that has to be faced whether or not a new building is constructed. It was suggested that the roadway separating the park from the Tin Can might be relocated and that a new building complex might be built in that corner of the park, combining the Youth Bureau, maintenance and, possibly, a supervisor's residence. 11. Other discussion included future of the duck pond and fire training station, enlarging and improving a pedestrian path system in the area, expanding wintertime use potential of the lagoon, and bank protection along Fall Creek. 12. This meeting was introductory in nature and it is hoped more discussion and reaction will come at the second meeting on March 20. 3 STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP NAME ADDRESS PHONE ORGANIZATION Margo Clynes 306 Elm St. 273-4305 (H) ircle Greenway ompkins County Sportsmen Federation Sam Weeks 509 Lake St. B-2 277-4888 (B) ayuga Bird Club 272-9164 (H) Geoffrey Gyrisco 120 N. Cayuga St. 273-6633 (B) Historic Ithaca 533-7283 (H) Charles Dunlop F.L.S.P.C. Box 283 Trumansburg N.Y. 387-7041 (B) Finger Lakes Park Commission Sean Killeen 111 Orchard P1. 256-6370 (B) Common Council 273-6615 (H) Ben Nichols 109 Llenroc Cr. 273-6523 (H) Board of Public Works Susan Blumenthal 117 Pearsall Place 272-3931 (H) Planning $ Development Board David Woolley 407 S. Geneva St. 273-5310 (608) 273 .6541 (H) Youth Bureau Advisory Board John Gutenberger City Hall Ext. 231 4ayor Jack Dougherty, Ch. 245 Pier Road Ext. 242 City Staff .Ion Meigs, V. Ch. City Hall Ext. 222 City Staff Bob Cutia 1701 N. Cayuga St. 273-8364 (B) City Staff Damon Boynton 2012 Wyckoff Ave. 257-6480 (H) Conservation Adyi.$ory CQuncal March 9, 1984 F STEWART PARK PROJECT USE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY 1. The Stewart Park area is an open space and recreation complex which has developed into an attraction of regional importance and appeal and is not limited to local use. The City agrees with this trend. It will support future development of the area in a way which will enhance the opportunity for regional use when such development is compatible with design objectives of the Stewart Park Management Plan. 2. The City wishes to increase the informal picnic use and passive character of the park area. Design and future development of the area will be aimed at enhancing casual use by families and people of all ages for picnicking, fishing, skating, strolling, viewing and similar unstructured activities. 3. Visits to, and use of, the Stewart Park area are expected to in- crease dramatically in the next 20 years. Overcrowding, which presently occurs many times throughout the summer, will increase in magnitude and frequency. To overcome this problem and increase future holding capacity and attractiveness the City intends to work toward expanding the park area by selectively extending the shoreline to the north. Such expansion will be designed and implemented in a way which will enhance the natural habitat of the littoral area. The City intends to work with DEC officials and natural resources experts to achieve this objective. 4. Potential for recreating some of the historic aspects and activities of Stewart Park is compatible with the overall design and use objectives -of the development plana The City intends to capitalize on this potential by restoring existing structures when feasible and reestablishing the turn-of-the-century ambience of the park. Special emphasis will be given to activities which exhibit and demonstrate the early silent film industry in the Ithaca area. Similar pertinent'historic interests and activities will also be considered in the overall development plan. The tourist-generating potential of this policy is recognized and supported. MARCH 30, 1984 r . TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES C A Y U G A L A K E a�e� aGc �'e �I , ��� 5'Hn '9F••^, el. 382 y�Q YOU'T'H BuKEAU � Q40 5 ' •::,. 50" 00' Tf3u R i5T INFO. 2 tt fit J fia 5�0� 5A1 HOu45 ALL.4% k. TREMA/ •] .• e.�� SFiELTGF- STATE MARINO PMtK wcic >�rlv FLAY a5e� rain ,P R " , A = TEtW15� Y YWON restore i y ea % a ,R. NI�N moa $IDL0.SIG4L �� F U ERTES f c \\'ITUDY !/ BIRO SANCTUARY �\FslATIoM / �. maintain as ATHLETIC- FIELDS c /.,�� ff errand ID a `�-dcL�pedestrian hab�itat� a ►+ls D th NEWMAN F ...�� MVNIC.PAL GOLD O W • Z .,'+ COURSE IRF TO`NK OF TRAIN) Ll - �Ti 1F1TG><- cd expand and improve 0 � 1 o� golf course J sc. Cx. CASS PARK r 0 (CITY) Q�rc D.P.vJ c of • � ct . 1 Gwar+o�sa � � -106C6 copy�eYo.. t� IKK v -, • - GREEK iTwaCo, 1,INUERMAN .i ��V,pI�?1`cpBgK ---� F/J.LS USS YhRk i //^\\\\ - _ - �1rF �i" ,, \. '.' -' w ,!ems �'�• 1 5TEWART PAP- VlC ITY ITHACA NY STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP SECOND MEETING 20 March 1984 MINUTES PRESENT: Margo Clynes, Sam Weeks, Geoffrey Gyrisco, Sean Killeen, David Woolley, Damon Boynton, Jack Dougherty, Jon Meigs, Leonard Mankowski, Tom Niederkorn, Thys 'Van Cort. 1. A brief review of the major items covered at the first meeting was presented to bring new members up to date. 2. There was discussion about the designated wetland areas of the Cornell Field Station and the bird sanctuary. Both are included on the state wetlands map and use is limited. A meeting with the Cornell Planations about the field station was reported. 3. It was reiterated that the proposed golf course changes would not involve the bird sanctuary but would use part of the field station. 4. The possibility of having several types of paths in the bird sanctuary was discussed. A hard surface path for bicycles and wheelchairs should be located on the east side. Other paths should only encourage foot traffic. 5. The complete pathway system was described and its location shown on the map. Van Court felt a link over Cascadilla Creek was essential. A second foot bridge across Fall Creek near the railroad was discussed and was felt to be important. 6. Lakeshore modifications were again discussed with a new alternative featuring an island being presented. The island may enable dredging a swimming area between the island and mainland but transparency of water is still likely to be a problem and health problems could also be a deciding factor. DEC would probably be more concerned about both a dredging and filling operation in the shallows unless wildlife habitat could actually be enhanced thereby. 7. Mankowski discussed current thinking about the Tin Can area. Involved would be the relocation of the Route 13 access street, a substitute facility for park maintenance and the phased construction of a new Youth Bureau building. 8. The next meeting was scheduled for April 17 at 7:30 p.m. ......... � f�d CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14950 OFFICE OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS a FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE: 272-1718 ASSISTANT TO THE _ CODE 607 SUPT. OF PUBLIC WORKSAPR Jac JacF _ ,J^ M E M O R A N D U M To: Stewart Park Advisory Group From: Jack Dougherty, Ch. V` Date: April 5, 1984 Re: Proposed Policy Statement Enclosed is a draft, for discussion, of a proposed use and development policy statement for Stewart Park. Please review it carefully and be prepared to discuss it at our meeting on April 17th, In addition to our regular meeting on the 17th, I am making plans for a public informational meeting to be held on Tuesday, April 24th. The purpose of this special meeting will be to present our preliminary Master Plan to the general public. Site and time will be announced later. JAD/pt 'An Eoual Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' �-r STEWART PARR MANAGEMENT PLAN USE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY (2nd Draft - For Discussion) April 4, 1984 1. The Stewart Park complex is an open space and recreation attraction which has developed into a facility of regional importance and appeal. Its use is not limited to local residents. The City agrees with this trend. tt will support future development of the area in a way which will enhance the opportunity for regional use when such development is compatible with design objectives of the Stewart Park Management Plan. V 2. The City wishes to increase the informal picnic use and passive character F of Stewart Park. Design and future development will be aimed at enl}ancing L;7 casual use by families and people of all ages for picnicking, fishing, skating, strolling, viewiqg and similar unstructured activities. More active sports such as ballplaying, soccer and similar group athletic activities will occur at other facilities in the City. 3. Visits to, and use of, Stewart Park are expected to increase dramatically in the neat 20 years. Overcrowding i r�easing in magnitude and frequency. To overcome this problem and increase future holding capacity and attractive- ness the City intends to work toward expanding the park area by selectively extending the shoreline to the north. Such expansion should be designed and implemented in a way which will enhance the natural habitat of shallow areas. The City intends to work with DEC officials and natural resources experts to achieve this objective. l� 4. Potential for recreating some of the historic atmosphere of Stewart Park is compatible with overall design and use objectives of the development plan. The City affirms this unique historic nature. It intends to restore existing park structures when feasible and reestablish some of the earlier social and recreational activity of the area. Special emphasis will be placed on programs which exhibit and demostrate Ithaca's contribution to the silent film industry and to early settlement and natural history of this region. The moderate tourist-generating potential of this policy is recognized and supported. y .� 1 TENTATIVE DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES 84 eye CAYUGA LAKE el. 382 y� o YOUTH EUKEAu -... 0 500' TbUMT INFD. / 1 Fil�3E�GARCEN ti \\ dee gel a 5�0 BpTHAODSe =+ ore Al1PN M. TREMAN ex�e� SMELTER nary � /l// `� G STATE t fAMNE PARK s ^ O / Lt1GY. fbNDaC� PVR �eaRAY 5e SEA "Tp�KJ., �l�C YWON bR H IC.H scH restore ti lea / \ I' T+IOLCASKAI. �� FUERTES � - %` ��STopY e Ao SONCTUARr jtP �\�rs�p1on : ��� �.� maintain as a buffe® ATHe LFT►c Fns �a ;.. - O �id."pedestrian -.hab®t nth NEW MLN F � (' MUNiCPgL GOLF O 1 •• •�• Z ,�i COURTN> SE TOWN OR I Cq�. {►MICA1� - }� TKAINi 1J \ •, , y � expand and improve lc u _ 4 e� golf course Cd iy�� l I F GA55 4G 'p / PAAK 40 a �\ �4 \ .\ \ '•Co�t .11` GtaJ6Mo)�56 i� roRw E • cE�_\'�� JCS , O✓ � � / EiCMTYARDBST c�ER c ^•� �. �Tw.v. 1N10PRMr`N i �fly.c��tt \\ � •C_— (((�'''��� FM.L� `�'�'(/ \ • ��.1 --- STEWART PAP-K VIC )ITY ITHACA N Y STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP V '�3' DESIGN COMMITTEE MINUTES 6 April 1984 PRESENT: Jack Dougherty, John Gutenberger, Jon Meigs, Ben Nichols, Bob Cutia,-Jim Glavin and Tom Niederkorn 1. A draft policy statement for four different issues was presented for discussion.- The issues discussed were: a. Regional significance of park b. Passive use emphasized c. Extension of shoreline d. Reestablishment of historic activity It was emphasized that these were the initial policy statements about key issues and that additional statements would follow in the weeks to come. Some wording changes were recommended. As amended the statements were accepted, although no formal vote was taken. 2.- Current thinking on a preliminary land use scheme was presented by Jim Glavin. This included the location of various land use elements showing what was. felt to be a desirable relationship between these elements. The plan showed the location of the major road serving the park, the various parking lots which were to be established, the type and location of activity areas, various vantage-. points and views, recommended configuration of the shoreline, including an island, and a municipal pier giving access to deeper water. 3. There was discussion on the proposed location of the tennis courts. The plan indicated that tennis courts should be moved from their present location to one which was less obtrusive in the family picnic area. A site closer to the main road and the lagoon was suggested; Glavin felt that tennis courts were perhaps not appropriate at any location in this type of park. There was no agreement on this point and it will be given further con- sideration. 4. A lake viewing area will be established as part of the easternmost parking lot. It was felt that this location would adequately substitute for the parking areas that are now used in periods of bad weather as a vantage point for people..who want to look at the lake from inside their car. The area recommended would adequately satisfy this need. i - J' 5. The issue of swimming was brought up. There will be some problems in this area, both in terms of the transparency of water due to suspended sediment and silt and also because of potential health hazards from the wild fowl droppings that have accumulated in this area over the years. Low water flow in the Fall Creek area in the summertime when swimming would occur was considered to be a negative factor. Sewer outfalls are considered less of a problem although in periods of high flow or plant breakdownthiscould also pose some health problems to swimmers. 6. The subject of lighting for the park was discussed. It was felt that an adequate lighting system would be needed but that such lights should not be high intensity and should probably be on the lower standards rather than .the high street lighting fixture that is often used. The visual effect of a row of lights along the shoreline, and extending out on the municipal pier, could be quite dramatic. 7. Discussion of various other parts of the plan continued for some time. It was generally felt by the group that this plan represented a reasonable direction for the main issues involved in long-range development. 2 CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 (71I ICF OF DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS d FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN A DOUGHERTY TELEPHONE: 272-1716 AS��SIANT TO THE CODE 607 tilF' OF PU13LIC WORKS I N 0 T I C E RE(TIVED APR 6 1984 April 12, 1984 Mayor John Gutenberger City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor: A meeting of the ,Stewart Park Advisory .Group Will be held on April 17,19. 84 . at .7:.30PM . . in the , Common .Council Chambers at City Hall. . Your attendance is requested. u� C air An Equal I.;ti,,nlnn�ty I pluye,with an All Jhvo Arhun Progtam" CORNELL PLANTATIONS The ARBORETUM, BOTANICAL GARDEN, and NATURAL AREAS of CORNELL UNIVERSITY ONE PLANTATIONS ROAD ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 607-256-3020 April 9, 1984 Mr. Thomas Niederkorn Consultant, City of Ithaca 301 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Niederkorn, At our meeting of March 20, 1984, we agreed to discuss the possibility of selling the Biological Station to the city with the Natural Areas Subcommittee of the Plantations and get back to you with a reply. Although at this time we are not able to give you a definite response, we are not ruling out the possibility of sale. The Natural Areas Subcommittee feels that use restrictions must accompany such as sale, and final design for the Biological. Station property should include Plantations' advisement. Before a decision can be reached the Subcommittee will need further information as the design plan for the Biological Station : develops, more information on the total park plan, finalization of the DEC wetland status for the area, and a firm commitment by the city as to their intent for the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. Please feel. free to contact us as your plans become more definite, and we will plan to attend your advisory group meeting to keep ourselves informed. Sincerely, Nancy tman Mil Richmond Chair an, Natural Areas Subcommittee Robert Cook Director, Cornell Plantations cc: Jon Meigs, City Planning Office John Dougherty, Asst. to Superintendant of Public Works STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES 17 April 1984 _ + PRESENT: Margo Clynes, Sam Weeks, Geoffrey Gyrisco, Charles Dunlop, Sean Killeen, Ben Nichols, Susan Blumenthal, David Woolley, John Gutenberger, Damon Boynton, Nancy Ostman, Bob Cutia, Jon Meigs, Jack Dougherty, Jim Glavin, Tom Niederkorn, Judy Rossiter, Members of the Press 1. Jack Dougherty stated that Mr. Richard Pieper had been appointed to the committee to represent The Landmarks Preservation Commission. 2. Each of the four Use and Development Policy statements submitted to the group in advance of the meeting was discussed. First was the issue of the regional use of Stewart Park and it was agreed that Stewart Park is already a regional facility. The second statement addressed the principal of maintaining Stewart Park as an informal family picnic area of passive rather than active character. It was suggested that we emphasize the idea that organized sports would be located in other city facilities such as Cass Park. The third statement dealt with the expansion of the actual park area by extend- ing the shoreline to the north. It was suggessted that we could make a case for expansion whether or not there was a demonstrated statistical need for more acreage to solve the overcrowding problem. In other words, the idea of creating more parkland out of shallow lake area that has limited use at present has appeal on its own right and is not being done solely in response to the increased demand for park space. The fourth statement considered the question of reestablishing some of the historic environment of earlier years related to film industry, perhaps indigenous Americans and natural resources of the area. This concept was accepted as were the other three, with the modifications suggested. 3. A diagram showing overall land use relationships was presented. A traffic and parking spine would replace the present park road system and be located as far away from the water's edge as possible. Located along this spine, between the roadway and the water, would be a number of activity areas. On the east side, closest to the entrance would be a high capacity active picnic and play area. This would be the group picnic and a large parking lot. Next would be the social-cultural activity center using existing park buildings. This. would emphasize the indoor, more formalized type of activity that could be developed in the park. Next is the children's concentrated activity center: the location of children's play facilities and most likely, some type of zoo. Extending out to the west side of the park would be a low capacity, passive picnic and play area - an area designed for quite family picnicking, smaller groups, less density and no vehicular intrusion. The bird sanctuary was shown as a unique natural resource area; the golf course as a low capacity active play area extending into the field station. In addition, the diagram indicated where shoreline enhancement would be appropriate; that is, on the west side of the golf course adjacent to the inlet, around the new fill area that would be added to the park, and along the Fall Creek shoreline into the lagoon. 4. Considerable time was devoted to a. discussion of the most appropriate trail system through the bird sanctuary. The concept of a hierarchy of trails was considered at the previous meeting of the group. One trail would be surfaced so that it would be 'suitable for joggers, bicycles and wheel chairs. Other trails would be tanbark or some soft and natural material suitable for walking but not wheeled vehicules. At tonight's meeting it was felt that a hard trail located on the easternmost edge of the sanctuary would not be the most compatible activity for the area. There was not general agree- ment on the impact that such a trail in this location would have on the habitat. It was concluded that a better connection between the two foot bridges at the westernmost point of the santuary would be a good solution to the need for bicycle and wheel chair traffic. It was also suggested that the trail along the western boundary of the santuary, which is already used by joggers and cyclists, be straightened to parallel the railroad all the way to the park entrance. There was considerable discussion about the pros and cons of more and better public access to the bird sanctuary and the impact that such access might have on this resource. The idea of an interpretive display of the wetland and the santuary at the junction of the two foot bridges was also discussed with enthusiasm. 5. The possibility of using the biological field station of Cornell for additional picnic area rather than for the golf course, and instead of creating more picnic space in Stewart Park itself was suggested. It was pointed out that picnicking in the wetland area would probably be more of a detriment to the wetland than would the suggestion of putting part of the golf course in that area. It was also pointed out that proper access to the field station area would be a problem and that most likely some parking would have to be pro- vided. 6. A conceptual sketch plan for the park was presented. This showed in more detail the location of the roads, the location and size of the parking areas, the general design for the group picnic area, the children's area and the family picnic area as well as the outline of the modified golf course. It also indicated promenades and footpaths, the use of existing buildings, special views and overlooks and a new proposal for the Youth Bureau and maintenance center. 7. There was discussion of the shape of the proposed landfill area. It was suggested that the present shoreline is not all that visually pleasant and that the proposed fill could produce a more dynamic shoreline. It might also tend to improve water quality in Fall Creek and perhaps in the lake due to altered water flow conditions. The possibility of swimming either in Fall Creek or the lake was also considered and the difficulties of achieving 2 this were discussed. Transparency of the water and also the potential health problems related to two sewer outfalls in the area and the presence of large numbers of waterfowl were, discussed. It was suggested that, most likely, the island shown on the plan would also be a collecting point for much of the floating debris that now gathers in front of the pavilions. It was also thought that some of the floating material would still go around the island and come into the channel between the island and the mainland. The island and pier were considered to be a lower priority than some of the other proposed activities, although it was pointed out that prioritized list of improvements had not yet been developed. 8. There was discussion on funding possibilities and the opportunities for con- tributions from the private sector. It was pointed out that the off-shore shallow area, because of extensive silt build-up over the years, was not con- sidered by fish and wildlife people to be a suitable habitat for fish and was also not good as a spawning ground. Spawning conditions might be improved by construction of the island or the new shoreline similar to the configuration shown. A question was asked about the liability of the City to suits from shoreline owners who might feel that their riparian rights had been violated by filling activities. 9. A public information meeting is to be held on the 24th of April at the activities center of the High School. It was suggested that more extensive historic per- spective be given at this presentation and that we try to develop some technique by which the public could respond and contribute to the design thus far. It was emphasized, however, that a long delay in the Planning process at this point would not be beneficial. Copies of the preliminary plan as shown to the group are to be reproduced and distributed to the members who, in turn, can present them to their various organizations. 3 PRESS RELEASE: For Release 4:00 p.m. , Friday, April 20, 1984 STEWART PARK PLANS TO BE PRESENTED Mayor John Gutenberger announced today that plans for improvements to Stewart Park will be presented at a public �--) %.50 1t� meeting, Tuesday, April 24 , 1984 . The meeting will be held in the Student Activities Building of Ithaca High School, by the North Cayuga St. parking lot. "I urge everybody who is interested in enjoying Stewart Park' s fullest potential to attend this meeting, " said Mayor Gutenberger. "We have the finest city-maintained family park in the Finger Lakes, and we intend to make it even better. " City staff and consultants have worked for 9 months to prepare the draft plan which will be presented Tuesday. Ithaca consultant Tom Niederkorn (Needer-korn) says, "We have considered everything from enlarging the park by landfill, to restoring its pavilions and landscaping to their original Gay Nineties character. " Niederkorn notes that scientific analysis of lake conditions makes it doubtful that swimming in the lake can be reinstated, though a swimming area at the mouth of Fall Creek may be feasible. Jack Dougherty, the City 's Assistant to the Director of Public Works, chairs a fifteen-member advisory group appointed by Mayor Gutenberger to help develop the draft plan. Dougherty says, "Advice from birdwatchers, fishermen, and other Stewart . . . more follows . . . -2- Park buffs 2-Park-buffs will make the final plan that much better. " He points out that the complex includes the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary as well as the Newman Municipal Golf Course, which is proposed to be up- graded. "We looked at expanding the golf course into the bird sanctuary, " said Dougherty, "and I 'm happy to say we dropped that idea. " Mayor Gutenberger agrees: "Tom Niederkorn will have enough to talk about without having to deal with angry birders, " he said. "We want this meeting to be a positive experience for everyone - - an exchange of information and ideas, a vitalization of citizen interest and support for a plan that will make Stewart Park the best family park this side of the Big Apple. " Public comment- - and even new ideas - - will be considered in preparing the final improvement plan. Common Council will consider the plan' s adoption this fall, and begin setting aside funding for a multi-year construction program. END For more information contact: Mayor John Gutenberger 272-1713 Jack Dougherty, DPW 272-1713 Tom Niederkorn 272-2201 Jon Meigs, P&D 272-1713 / l j / r ' art E �4oWe1� 1 r 1 � C/(+f j Braid �tna�a' N ew L ' ✓`!� ✓��✓ r i 7 r f �',n�►,v,,,,,� e� ����p sus a o F ' U STEWART PART REVITALIZJATION PROGRAM ��— REACTION SURVEY 1. Do you visit and use Stewart Park? 7 Frequently Of Occasionally I Seldom -- the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary? 4 Frequently Occasionally Seldom 1 014--e -- Newman Municipal Golf Course? I Frequently 2 Occasionally 1 o Seldom rJa.+r... 2. Is Stewart Park a good family picnic and recreation area? 14 Yes 2 No* Some 3 Doubts * 3. Is more extensive use of the shore and water a worthwhile objective? 11 Yes No If YES, for what purpose? 02114/CLnoew2g P5�'^�� T ; SWiwwr.».q 6 ; waI�5K- !4 1 ekhi► 2,; _ w�sY e�a.�T sS�v� v s � �e S'I�i-ie ►1 r mal ?�✓te 5 Z _ If NO, why not? 4 swi—n" 1 4. To what extent do you support: Some (Please "x" appropriate boxes.) Strongly Moderately Not at all doubts* a. Additional family picnic area b. Separation of vehicles & pedestrians 2- c. c. Preservation of natural areas 1 1 Z L d. Improved footpaths I "L t '7- e. More interesting landscaping f. Building restoration - 1 I ^] j - g. Restoring some of the spirit of the park's past activity/historic 1 Z h. Re-creation of the municipal pier i. Golf course improvements J Creation of additional land area by landfill in the lake, - k. A fitness course L3 rj y 1. A petting zoo S z 8 m. Other ......... : cl^�1d 's r}tde�r �►M�"�f avtwt�ws, ►�u a{.: Ia►. S wws�t,�,_ ._ - _ -moi n "�: _ -_ _ n. Necessary repairs ONLY 1 4 Z _ - 5. Is the preliminary plan for improvements headed in the right direction? Yes Some doubts* No* Unsure 6. Should public funds be used (in addition to private funds) to make park improvements over the next several years? Yes No* Some doubts* 7. Please write other ideas, comments and• suggestions you have for the park plan. Are f there needs or problems that the plan doesn't address? COMMENTS: - ----- A reaction survey form was distributed to attendees of the public presentation of the preliminary plan for improvements to Stewart Park, held 24 April 1984 . As of 9 May, 19 responses had been received; numerical responses are shown on the attached form. (Totals are not indicative, as multiple or no responses were frequent. ) Though notice of the presentation was published in the Ithaca Journal, and announcement was made on local radio, attend- ance at the presentation was limited; direct notice was also limited, and while no attendance roster was made, it was apparent that those present were primarily representatives of agencies or groups directly or indirectly associated with the planning effort, - or as identified user/interest organizations. Many were members of the enlarged Stewart Park Advisory Group; few members of the . general public were present. No attempt has been .made, to -date, to distribute the survey in-order to obtain a broader or more - statistically meanincgful representation among responders. Also,_ no attempt was made to obtain information about the demographic characteristics of the responders- Therefore, the numerical responsea and comments can be viewed as having only...=limited vaiu_e.y - _ t in any sense,-.though asa straw or opinion -survey among- a small, - select and well-informed group, they may be useful n. a generaltiraX. ; Despite the limitations of the survey, and the resultant intractability to serious analysis, the following summary of responses was made; comments are keyed to survey question numbers. -2- 1. Somewhat surprisingly, less than half the respondents (7) in- dicated frequent use of Stewart Park (the lakefront area) , and only a few more (9) said they used it occasionally. Large pluralities indicated infrequent use of Fuertes Bird Sanctuary and Newman Golf Course. 2. A good majority felt the park to be a good family picnic area, but there were a few reservations. (Specific comments are recorded below. ) 3 . A sizable majority supported more extensive use of shore and water, mainly for conventional water-related uses (swimming , fishing and light boating, and passive enjoyment; however, there was some support for improved natural habitat, and one vote against swimming) . 4. a. There was good support for additional family picnic area. b. Separation of vehicles and pedestrians was strongly supported. C. Preservation of natural areas was also strongly supported. d. There was good support for improved foot paths, but some reservations. e. More interesting landscaping also received good support. f. Support for building restoration was also strong. g. Restoration of the spirit of the park's earlier character was strongly supported. h. Re-creation of the pier was only moderately favored. i. only modest support, with some opposition, was given to golf course improvements. j . Landfill to create more park area received fair support , but several had doubts . -3- a k. Support for/fitness course tended to be moderate, but there was significant opposition. 1 . A petting zoo was rather strongly opposed, though there was some support. M. Several other activities/improvements were mentioned, and are detailed below. Most of these were at aces-t Ia-ysi" referred to in the presentation, and several received discussion in the comment period following the presentation. n. There was some opposition to the idea of doing only necessary repairs, indicating conversely that something more is desir4ble. 5. It was felt unanimously that the preliminary plan was headed in the right direction. 6. Use of public funds (in addition to any private funds that might be obtainable) was strongly endorsed. 7 . Several other comments were added, as summarized below. RESPONDENTS ' COMMENTS : 2. Reservations about the park' s quality as a family picnic area related to litter and physical maintenance, crowding, un- desirable people, traffic , loud play activity, and the depressing zoo. 3 . Generally, quieter uses of shore and water were mentioned: picnicking, viewing, light boating - not motorcraft, etc. Though several mentioned swimming, there was understanding of the problems involved, and one response opposed swimming . -4- Two or three specifically called for enhancement of natural water edge environment, including restoration, of marsh at east or west end. 4 . a. A different respondent than referred to in (2) mentioned crowding as a reason to increase the picnic area. C. Preservation of natrual areas received several strong and specific comments. "The 'wet woodlands ' should be preserved as a special ecological area, with interpretive program. Evergrees should not be introduced to pretty it up. " "Public access should be improved by opening trails. . . golf course could be extended in a compatible and sensi- tive way. " d. However, one or two opposed any greater incursion into the bird sanctuary, and others qualified support of improved footpaths with admonitions against paving or encouraging wheeled vehicle use. e. A couple of comments encouraged emphasis on the natural landscape of indigenous elements: flatness instead of phony relief; use of native plant species, even i+rmal plantings; location of evergreen screen between Rt. 13 and the railroad (different respondent than (c) above) . A formal garden was favorably mentioned, and the Ithaca Garden Club indicated interest in helping; they are somewhat concerned over relocation of the rose garden, however. f. Restoration of the boathouse was strongly supported by one person; another had reservation about restoration in general because of cost . L -5- g. The person supporting boathouse restoration also indicated opposition to restoring past activities: when contacted, she explained that this was specifically in regard to establishing a film history museum as a major activity, partly due to the expense necessary to make it viable, and partly due to a strong feeling that it wouldn ' t be appropriate to reinstate this type of cultural activity in an area traditionally regarded as community play/relax- ation space. Another person said "Museum ideas, including Native American museum, excellent. " h. "Sounds ]Nike a fun restoration idea. " Another ' s moderate support was tempered by cost concerns. There were a couple of references to this as being the appropriate spot for motorboat tieup, implying keeping their distance. i. Aside from three flat rejections, a "who cares?" and "if golfers want it, " there was moderate support, and no express negative reaction to golf course expansion; one felt expansion could be compatible with the field station, as noted in (c) above. j . Landfill was fairly well received, though comments were two to one against swimming as the primary justification. However, the person mentioning it in favor of swimming approved of the island as the plan element which could make a lake swimming area more feasible and attractive. Another person specifically commenting on the island was concerned that it not obstruct the long vista of the lake from the pavilion area , and suggested a different location and/or turning it so i.ts long axis runs N-S . Another -6- couple urged that park extension include provision of wildlife habitat - principally for birds - and suggested that this could have positive effects on water quality. k. Though there was substantial opposition to the fitness course, the only comments were "belongs in Cass Park" (two) and 'a fad ' . 1 . Most opposition to plan elements focused on the petting zoo and zoo. The single positive comment was "great idea but don't think it' s practical . " opposing sentiment included two mentions of cost/operating requirements; one person strongly opposed retention of the present zoo, calling it pointless and inhumane, and suggested a better alternative to a petting zoo might be a natie� history/archeological museum. M. Other: small train/trolley around park for kids; museum exhibits on canal/lake shipping; interpretive displays akd aid signage on natural n historic features; native American museum is fine idea; lagoon ice skating idea is wonderful; ferry from Cass Park is great idea; strongly support more provision for winter activity including sledding, skating , cross country; noise-buffering plantings along Rt. 13 ; more extensive comments under V , below. n. Focusing on necessary repairs only was at least tacitly opposed by most respondents, in that there was strong support for many of the changes discussed in the course of the pre- sentation. As noted, there were concerns about costs of a few specific items; however, only one person indicated moder- ate support for a general attitude of fiscal conservatism . -7- Of those opposing or with doubts about such an approach, the comments were "shouldn' t just patch - fix the park" and "will accelerate disintegration. " 5. The 19 respondents unanimously indicated that the preliminary plan is headed right; two gave it pluses. 6. "Do we have any choice?" 7 . Further: suggest a paved area that could serve as folk/ square dance area, place for wheelchairs and other seating on a firm surface for concerts , etc . maintain integrity of wetland area involve Youth Bureau (new Tin Can) in plans problems with 'disruptive elements ' maintaining one of city ' s last wild areas in face of increasing peripheral traffic winter plans - more than skating the quality of any new plans depends on sophisticated maintenance - is this in the plans? expand dredged/filled area to deepen offshore area non-city resident would lobby for town & county funding assistance to offset increased costs/improvement costs; strongly opposes any consideration of entrance fees because Stewart Park is such an invaluable resource, so heavily used by people who might be turned away by entry fees museum should include exhibit on the role of Prof . Fuertes and Dr. Arthur Allen in establishing the bird sanctuary -8- paved trails in sanctuary would lead to wheeled vehicle use, incompatible with its character. Path surfaces should be tanbark or other natural material ; baffles or steps at entrances to bird sanctuary would inhibit bikes, etc. small formal (flower) garden would be nice, if maintained plant materials indigenous to area could (should) be used in landscaping generally; in a formal planting , use of those species that are both decorative and relatively maintenance-free would be good even construction of a paved path would be likely to damage the sanctuary more than necessary paved paths (hardsurfaced) in the family area and golf course are fine; wet woods should be left as is; ever- green buffer along Rt. 13 would disturb too much woods if done west of railroad area' s (flat) natural topography is fine: hills around parking areas are phony f _- STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN STAGING OF PARK AREA (as discussed at meeting of May 22, 1984) STAGE ACTIVITY COST ESTIMATE YEAR 1. a. Install sewers. $ - r b. Repair pavilion. $160,000.00 c. Repair abutments and banks at footbridges. 86,000.00 d. Connect footbridges in bird sanctuary. e. Install Gamefield. 10,000.00 f. Develop film museum architectural and operational program. 15,000.00 ' g. Begin work to make boathouse a designated landmark. staff h. Conduct tests of water quality in lake and Fall Creek. 2,000.00 i. Topo - 35 acres @ $300'./acre 10,500.00 f J. Feasibility of constructing new Route 13 access staff k. Remove existing zoo staff $283,500.00 2. a: Remove third section of Tin Can. - b. Construct new 'Route 13 access road. 72,000.00 c. Construct large parking lot. 225,000.00 d. Remove existing paving east .of picnic pavilion. 6,000.00 e. Begin construction of formal garden. 20,000.00 f. Fill in and grade duck pond. 30,000.00 g. Establish administrative format staff $353,000.00 { i STAGE ACTIVITY COST ESTIMATE YEAR 3. a. Construct lot section of new park road. $ 85,000.00 b. Construct medium parking lot. 210,000.00 c. Construct new maintenance building and Youth Bureau. (Maintenance building only.) 173,000.00 d. Remove existing pavement at entrance area and plant buffer. 16,000.00 e. Relocate memorial rose garden. 5,000.00 f: Put electric wires underground. $489,000.00 4. a. Construct small parking lot. 132000.00 b. Construct connecting section of park road. c. Landscape large group picnic area. 23,000.00 d. Rebuild park entrance and information center. 34,000.00 e. Remove existing pavement from main picnic area 20,000.00 f. Remove existing tennis courts. 10,000.00 $219,000.00 t I STAGE ACTIVITY COST EST]MATE. YEAR 5. a. Redevelop children's play area. b. Construct warming shelter ald landscape small group picnic area. 125,000.00 ' c. Landscape large picnic area. 40,000.00 d. Complete formal garden area. 10,000.00 e. Restoration of museum •building. 198,000.00 f. Build water containment structure across lagoon channel: y • $ 423,000.00 6. a. Restoration of boathouse. $ 3259000.00 b. Complete restoration of film museum and court 120,000.00 $ 445,000.00 Grand Total $2,212,000.00 s i STAGE ACTIVITY COST ESTnMTE YEAR 7-9 a. Build dike around park extension area. b. Fill park extension area. c. Landscape park extension area. d. Build new pavilion and bathrooms and install utilities. " 8-10 a. Build dike around island area. b. Construct pier between shore and island. c. Build new pavilions. d. Construct pier north of island. STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT PLAN STAGING OF GOLF COURSE AREA (as discussed at meeting of May 22, 1984) STAGE ACTIVITY COST ESTIMATE YEAR 1. a. Dig pond between 414 and 5 fairway. $'26,000.00 b. Begin construction of new green 413. 40,000.00 c. Convert watering system to natural water source. - d. Plant trees. 25,000.00 e. Topo - 60 acres @ $300./acre 18,000.00 $109,000.00 2. a. Create new fairway 413. 2,000.00 b. Remove fire tower and improve ground and adjacent waterway. 20,000.00 c. Build first part of driving range. 12,000.00 d. Establish water connection to Cass Park. 24,000.00 e. Planting allowance 25,000.00 $ 83,000.00 3. a. Connect footpath adjacent to fairway 415. 6,000.00 b. Finish driving range. 2,000.00 c. Restore old clubhouse into shelter and rest room. 20,000.00 d. Eliminate existing green 413. 2,000.00 e. Planting allowance 25,000.00 $ 55,000.00 r STAGE ACTIVITY COST ESTIMATE YEAR 4. a. Create new fairways in biological field $; 96,000.00 station. b. Build parking areas and turnaround along Fall Creek. 20,000.00 c. Regrade green #8. 8,000.00 d. Planting allowance - Fall Creek banks. 25,000.00 $149,000.00 S. a. Begin construction of new greens #6 and 7. 70,000.00 b. Create new fairway #4. 3,000.00 c. Begin parking lot. 50,000.00 d. Planting allowance 25,000.00 $148,000.00 6. a. Create new fairways #6 and 9. 2,000.00 b. Finish parking lot 65,000.00 c. Establish footpath around perimeter of biological field station. 2,000.00 d. Planting allowance 25,000.00 } $ 94,000.00 7. a. Grade and plant area adjacent to inlet. 5,000.00 b. Build new footbridge. 100,000.00 $105,000.00 Grand Total $743,000.00 • k Cost Estimate for Stewart Park Buildings May 1984 A. Boat Houss Rehabilitate front wing first and second floor 3,200 sq. ft. at $50/sf $ 160,000 Rehabilitate former gymnasium area 2,600 sq. ft. at $25/sf 65,000 Rehabilitate exterior - add porches and new wood shingle roof 100,000 Boat hawse 4u,rrQund#g area not included $ 325,000 B. Motion Picture Studio* New partitions, lighting, heating and plumbing 6,600 sq. ft. at $30/sf . 1989000 ' C. Pavilion Restroom Building* Repair floor system, new bathrooms and heating (year round operation) 4,500 sq. ft. at $35/sf ' 157,500 $ 680,500 *When roof replacement is necessary, it is suggested that the colors be brown so as to be compatible with the boat house wood shingles. CST7EWAR-TPARR ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES 22 May 1984 PRESENT: Damon Boynton, Susan Blumenthal, Margo Clynes, Charles Dunlop, Geoffrey Gyrisco, Sean Killeen, Ben Nichols, Richard Pieper, Jon Meigs, Jack Dougherty, Jim Glavin, Tom Niederkorn. 1. Jon Meigs conducted the meeting. There was general discussion about the Reaction Questionnaire returns. There were 19 respondents. Meigs has summarized the results in a brief and informative report. 2. The main subject of the evening was a staging plan proposed by the consultants. In presenting this plan Niederkorn pointed out: a. Each stage of such a plan would ultimately have to be approved by Common Council in the annual budget. b. If money suddenly became available for a project that wasn't scheduled until a later stage, the plan could be modified, in most cases. c. The major and basic items of park restoration have been scheduled so that the park could be used throughout the restoration period with minimal disruption. d. A separate staging plan was presented for the park area and the golf course reconstruction. 3. Glavin pointed out that cost estimates were based on current prices and assuming the work to be done by contract. There has been no allowance for contingency or fees built into the estimates at this point. 4. Ten stages have been established for the park area plan and seven for the golf course plan. Stages are not necessarily related to years as one stage might requirt several years to finance and construct, with the financial constraints being most critical. 5. Early stages consisted of those activities that could be commenced relatively quickly and inexpensively but which would be an illustration of commitment and movement. A number of administrative actions (program development, feasibility studies, topographic maps, additional data gathering, etc.) were included in the first stage. i 6. As the various stages were presented comments and questions were offered on a number of points: a. Is the "gamefield" installation really needed and desirable in this area? Would Cass Park or Six Mile Creek Gorge be better locations? b. Will the administration and operation of a museum complex be more costly and labor intensive than such an activity warrants? Is there likely to be enough public interest to justify expense? c. Could the private sector be involved in some of the park development items such as the museum or boathouse? Possibly this could be a franchise or long-term lease.' d. High cost of restoring existing buildings will most likely be a major factor in the City's future decisions on funding park improvements. e. Removal of the existing zoo and filling in of duck pond should be moved up in the staging timetable. f. Elimination of the zoo entirely is a different question for community consideration than simply reconstituting it in another location. g. Need a more specific design for the proposed formal garden. Also, need to contact rose garden donor about the possibility of moving it. h. If possible, new Youth Bureau and relocated maintenance building should be located in one contiguous structure. This could be accomplished even if the two are not built at the same time. i. Relocation of electric wires underground must be negotiated with NYSEG. Might be a high cost item. J. Important to include the installation of curbs in road construction costs. Curbs contain traffic, delineate spaces, reduce maintenance cost of grass areas. State park experience is that curbs are necessary in areas of high use. k. Mounds are "artificial" but also useful to define and screen areas, give minimal relief to extreme flatness of the site. Could be very attractive. 1. What will be the use of present maintenance building (bathhouse) in case the museum idea isn't feasible or doesn't materialize? m. Cost of restoring boathouse is very high. What is an appropraite use which would help justify such a large expenditure? Might upper floor be a Native American museum? Concession arrangement is extensively used in Letchworth and for Timespell at Watkins Glen. Need to retain control of operation. Richard Pieper would look into possibilities of an historic landmark designation for the boathouse. 2 n. Proposed pond and driving range would be good additions to the golf course even if no other changes took place. o. More information about existing watering system is needed. Does anyone know about pipe location and age? p. Cost of new fairways in the field station would depend on how much new fairway space would be needed. Some feeling that the actual fairway areas should be minimal and rough character of the wetland maintained to fullest extent. 7. Proposals for Fuertes sanctuary should be minimal, including some type of planted buffer/separation along east boundary, an indication of rustic paths which may be little different than those already existing, and improvements to footbridge abutments and adjacent shoreline. 8. An attempt should be made to combine the two staging plans into one. Also, develop a time-line for long-range implementation which would enable some measurement of progress. 9. At the next meeting any additional committee comments on the staging program will be discussed. Also, there will be additional policy state- ments on various items which will be discussed. 10. Next meeting at 7:30 p.m. June 19, 1984. 3 STEWART PARR ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES 18 June 1984 PRESENT: (I'm uncertain about this as I didn't Idake a list.) Margo Clynes, Charles Dunlop, Sean Killeen, Richard Pieper, David Woolley, Nancy Ostman, Bob Cutia, Jack Daugherty, Jon Meigs, John Gutenberger, Jim Glavin, Leonard Mankowski, Tom Niederkorn 1. Niederkorn distributed additional ststements of policy for consideration. These:statements addressed issues of swimming, natural habitat area, traffic and parking, implementation, and administration. A review of previously distributed policy statements was made. 2. In reviewing the building restoration issue Pieper reported several possible alternatives: a. Group boathouse, bathhouse and pavilion together and attempt to get a thematic National Registry listing related to the early movie industry b. Try for separate listings for bathhouse and boathouse. Pieper felt getting the boathouse listed independently was problematical but he woulf investigate furtuer. Photos of the old bulidings were to be brought to the next meeting. c. If restoration with a movie-era theme was felt of be desirable then the building should not be restored to its pre-Wharton days when it looked more like the picnic pavilion. Rather, the present stucco character should be maintained. Mankowski stated that cost estimates Were based on restoration of the Wharton-era character. 3. Discussion then centered on the latest list of policy statements and various wording changes were felt to be appropriate. The most difficult issue was the policy on Natural Habitat Areas; possible revised wording was suggested by Nancy Ostman. Niederkorn felt that policy should be more general and related to the entire waterfront area but more specific reference to the bird sanctuary and field station seemed to be desired. (See note on this issue at end of minutes.) 4. The hope was expressed that a name other than"museum" could be thought of since that name implied an operation of broader substance than the Wharton-era activities could support or justify. Other observations saw the film museum (by whatever name) as the possible anchor needed to get restoration interest and support for the entire complex. r S. Alternative use of the maintenence building should be considered in case the film did not turn out to be a feasible project. 6. After considerable discussion of the policy wording on Administration it was felt that park maintenance and programming wwre now working smoothly and could continue to do so. Concensus was thht no policy on administration was needed at this time. 7. An outline of the contents of the final report was distributed but not discussed because of:the late hour. 8. It was suggested that the next meeting of the Committee be held in Stewart Park. This was felt to be an excellent idea and Daugherty said he would work out the arrangements. Next meeting on July 17. Note: Subsequent to the June meeting o . SPAG Nancy Ostman submitted the following wording as a possible substitute for the policy statement on Natural Habitat Areas. "Natural wetlands which once were extensive along Ithaca's lakeshore and along the inlet have-been tremendously diminished in size and quality over this century. The City feels that the best remaining natural old-growth lakeshore forest, the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary, should be preserved and irrevocably designated forever wild. It will be the policy of the City to plan and develop surrounding facilities so as to minimize impact on the Bird Sanctuary. Devel- opment of other natural areas will be designed so as to preserve and enhance natural features and reduce excessive human impact." . i USE AND DEVELOPMENT POLICY :. (continued) June 19, 1484 At an earliermeeting (April 4, 1984) we considered policy statements for the Stewart Park complex related to: 1. Enhancing the potential for-regional use of the area and its attractions. Z. Fully establishing the park and waterfront as a place for informal, passive and family-oriented recreation and activity. 3. Capitalizingon opportunities -to enlarge the physical dimensions of the park through periodic dredging operations which are needed in this part of the lake. 4. Restoration of existing park structures. . 5. Recapturing some of the earlier atmosphere and historic interest of the park. Additional considerations which should be the subject of City policy are: 1. Swimming. An opportunity to. swim safely in the .natural surroundings of Cayuga Lake or Fall Creek would greatly increase the appeal of_Stewart Park for many park users. The City recognizes that transparency and cleanliness of the waters off Stewart Park, both in the lake and in Fall Creek, can be serious deterrents to the reestablishment .of natural swimming in this area. Nevertheless,. the City intends to again provide swimming oppor- tunities if it can be demonstrated that this can be done safely and in a way that is economically feasible and compatible with environmental concerns. 2. Natural Habitat Areas Natural habitat areas, which were once extensive along Ithaca's lakeshore, have been significantly diminished in size and impact throughout this century. The City feels that remaining habitat areas should be preserved from additional destructive development and use. In this regard, it will be thepolicyof the City of Ithaca to safeguard the future of such natural habitat areas and to enhance -their effectiveness when the oppor- tunity to do so arises. The diverse roles that natural areas can play in an urban community will be identified and defined. Future use will be compatible with what is determined to be- the most appropriate function. 3. ,Traffic and Parking In areas of high pedestrian. use. conflict with, and potential hazard from, vehicular traffic should be minimized. Stewart Park is one such area and the City intends to assure the safety of park users by creating a separa- tion between pedestrian and vehicular movement whenever this can be done. Emphasis will be placed on the human aspects of park use; vehicular intrusion will be limited to handicapped access, service, emergency, maintenance, and delivery-functions. All other vehicular movement will be restricted by road design. Parking will be concentrated in areas which provide convenient access but can be -effectively screened from public view. 2 4. Implementation Because the development. plan for the Stewart Park complex consists of a large number of objectives and proposals, it will only be accomplished over an extended period of time. The City intends. to implement the development plan by the end of this century and to use it as a guideline for all interim public and private activities and expenditures in the complex. Funding will most likely come from many sources. The City intends to use public money �to the extent that this can be incorporated .into overall budgets and to supplement local investments with funds from State, Federal and private sources as these may become available. 5. Administration The City believes that implementation of the Stewart Park plan should be fully coordinated with development of other municipal and regional rec- reation facilities and programs in this area. Modification of the operational structure and authority of existing boards, bureaus or agencies will be made when this is necessary to clarify communication, improve efficiency and expedite achievement of the plan's physical and program- matic objectives. (NOTE: I am unsure about the nature or extend of any administrative change which might be appropriate now or in the future. Your comments and sugges- tions will be very helpful:) 3 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR STEWART PARR IMPROVEMENTS STEWARTP IMPROVEMENTS MASTER PLAN STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN TENTATIVE OUTLINE OF REPORT 19 June 1984 1. INTRODUCTION Purpose for, and objective of, the study; nature and characteristics of the plan; contents of the report. 2. DESCRIPTION AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND Describe the study area and use characteristics and functions of the various components of the Stewart Park complex. Provide brief historical context that led to the park as it presently exists. Mention interesting historical events or activities that occurred in. the park (silent films, Cascadilla boathouse, municipal pier, electric railway, etc.). 3. USE AND DEVELOPMENT: RECOMMENDED POLICY Explain the nature and importance of -policy- in relation to the park; set forth recommended policy on major issues. 4. ANALYSIS OF PRINCIPAL PARK STRUCTURES Description of major existing structures In the park; evaluation of future importance and structural soundness; recommendations for restoration or removal. 5. LAND USE.AND CIRCUrATION'PLAN'PROPOSALS Description of the various plan proposals for land-use and the circulation system in the park including vehicular and pedestrian ways, parking and t connections with city-wide systems. Characteristics-o£, and concerns about, each recommendation will be described. 6. LANDSCAPING PLAN PROPOSALS Description of the overall landscaping theme for the park and proposals for each major subarea; criteria for the selection of plant material and examples of appropriate species; effects to be accomplished through 'landscaping; identification and treatment of key areas;site lighting. 7. IMPLEMENTATION: A TDOTABLE AND. COST ESTIMATE A list of plan proposals, and steps that need to be taken, indicating a proposed staging for immediate, intermediate and long-range actions; estimate of the approximate cost for each of the proposals. 8. FUNDING POSSIBILITIES Outline of likely funding sources -for various components of the plan; recommendations for funding immediate actions; other funding techniques (private investment) that might be possible. 9. ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS Description of the nature of environmental concerns to be addressed in required impact statements; approaches that could mitigate adverse environmental impacts .(if not included in 6 or 7 above); permits needed. RECEIVED JUL I r .,�0►.1 6AE71c, C,.c .o4eQ-T`g Carl MAY Ittf K)vrF-S F-612 Y4u2 CVJS1Qe,7A7-7in/, June 26 , 1984 Tom, Here are my comments on the minutes of SPAG' s 22 May meeting, for incorporation into the record as you see fit . They're keyed to the relevant sections of the minutes , and I've tried to put them in format that could just be added to your text without need for rewriting. 1. Survey responses and comments pointed to a need for further evaluation of some program and design elements , for example, provision for a wider variety of winter- time uses of the park, and the desirability/appropriate- ness of such proposed features as a film museum or a fit- ness trail . Discussion and recommendation on these points by SPAG would provide useful input to the decision process . 2 . a) Long-term Capital Reserve funding does not seem appro- priate, due to the program' s size and duration. However, Capital Reserves for individual tasks may be a desirable alternative to bonding or bond anticipation, as they allow capital to be accrued gradually in anticipation of an expense. 3 . He noted that some costs , such as undergrounding electric wires, can' t be estimated at this point , but that these and ' soft' costs could add substantially to the grand total. However , costs of some items could be reduced by using 'force account ' . 6. a) It was suggested that Senior Citizens be contacted for their reaction to such an element in the park. b) Can the potential for non-local funding be investi- gated? d) Insert ' those particular ' between ' funding ' and 'park' . Add: q) Landscaping at the main entry, around the large group picnic area, and around the pavilion complex requires special attention. r) Cost for the water connection to Cass Park (which has been favorably commented on) includes some sort of water craft . s) Costs and program items directly related to golf course improvement are actually substantially less than the grand total for all work proposed in the golf course section of the park. Emphasis on this fact might reduce the potential for opposition to course improvements . -2- t) Staging and cost estimates for the landfill areas and pier, etc . have been left indeterminate because these tasks are so far in the future that any attempt at definition would be guess work. 7 . A new footbridge over Fall Creek at the south end needs further evaluation, particularly with respect to its possible impacts on the sanctuary. 8. A concurrent outline of funding should be prepared. (Tom: I thought you were .going to attempt to do these for the June meeting. ) As to the Staging Plan presented in June, I have a couple of comments. Even though the text will explain things , I think it would be helpful to be a bit more descriptive in the Activity column: "Install sewer system in main park; ' 'Repair and re- habilitate main pavilion to turn-of-century appearance' etc. would be a lot more informative. Activities 1-d, e and i could stand a few more words ; others are self-explanatory. In the Costs column, asterisks might indicate where force account could be used. 1 a. might be annotated ' done in '84' . 2 a. might indicate somehow that depending on a decision on the Youth Bureau, this cost may not be applicable to the Stewart Park project. I forget whether the cost of curbing was included, where applicable. Lastly, the $2, 000 estimate on a footpath around the field station seems low; and won' t there be more than just that stretch? These matters aside, there are a couple of matters further that may warrant discussion at a future meeting . One is determining which of the more controversial items to include in the final plan - things like the 'gamefield' , museum and so on. The other is to make some attempt to identify the types of uses/development which might occur in the Inlet;- As' "a preliminary guide to­­decision- S ma ing. JM/mc rJon t.. J TUWIPKINS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL E June 27, 1984 Mr. Thomas Niederkorn Stewart Park Consultant Planning-Environmental Research Consultants 310 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Niederkorn: 1. As.chair of the Stewart Park Committee of the Zbnpkins County Environmental Management Council, I wish to thank you and Jack Dougherty for meeting with us on June 12. The Committee met again on June 25 to consider the infor- mation you provided. To assist you and the City of Ithaca in the planning for Stewart Park, we are submitting our initial observations, concerns and recommendations in this letter. We were most pleased that you are recommending that the Fuertes Sanctuary be left in its natural state. This is an area exceptionally valued by all environmentalists in this region. As one of the two remaining wetlands at the south end of Cayuga Lake, it is essential to protect at all costs this natural resource. We also commend your efforts to consider the needs of the handicapped, es- pecially as they relate to high quality environmental experiences. However, because of the lack of time and information to properly consider the re- lationship between handicapped access and the Fuertes Sanctuary, we would prefer to defer specific recommendations to a later time. Similarly, we are deferring consideration of the proposal for fill to extend the shoreline, the construction of an island, the question of a zoo, and similar suggestions for the area north and northeast of Fall Creek. Instead, we wish to advise on the question of changing the golf course - especially its proposed extension into the Cornell Biological Station - because of its overwhelming importance as an environmental issue. Discussion at our June 25 meeting centered on the following points: 1. Concern for the integrity of the wetland - is there the possibility of compatability between the wetland and the golf course? 2. The need for a shoreline buffer zone of 150 feet along the waterways. 3. The importance of not disturbing the inlet side of Pier Road where it extends into the Biological Station. Continued ..... 128 East Buffalo Street, Ithaca, NewYork, 14850 Telephone (607) 274-5286/274-5287 Thomas Niederkorn -2- June 21, 1984 4. The unknown inpact of fertilizers and herbicides if the golf course ' ,.were to be extended into the wetland (and current inpact also) . r 5. The vague nature of the "Future Shore Development". Based on our discussions the EMC Stewart Park Committee makes the following recommendation: 1. Future development of the golf course should not include extension into the Biological Station because of the value of the Type I wetland and the need to preserve this resource for future generations. The impact of the golf course would be so severe as to destroy the integrity of the wetland. Even a smaller wetland means less space for the essential functions of a wetland. The higher and better use in this case is clearly the preservation of one of the two remaining viable wetlands at the south end of Cayuga Lake instead of the expansion of the golf course. We believe that the wetland and the golf course are fundamentally incampatible. 2. it2u' �.':,° ,may ',- L=aw�pi2�le to set current golf course land aside for unknown reasons ("Future Shore Development") at the expense of a valuable natural area such as the Biological Station. The land set aside for development, plus the area designated for new parking, should be used for the golf course instead of expanding into the wetland. 3. The parking lot should not be built on the inlet. If, indeed, the shore property is valuable, then the parking lot is not the highest and best use of the land. There is other land which could be used for parking. The parking lot seems entirely too large for currently envisioned purposes. We have candidly stated our observations on these matters so that you may have a clear understanding of our position on the proposed changes in Stewart Park. We would be happy to discuss these points further with you. Of course, we will be looking at the other components of the plan and will be in touch concerning them. Thank you for providing the opportunity for our input. Sincerely,, Herbert Engman Chairman, Stewart Park Comnittee HE/ndg ec: Jack Dougherty Milo Richmond (Dept. Nat'l. Resources, Fernow Hall) Nancy Os tmian Stewart Park Committee (C.Leopold, R.Fischer, J.Rossiter, H.Engman) Mark Hamlet The text of this letter was approved by the EW, General Comni.ttee at their June 26, 1984 meeting by a sense of the body. I MMV CO♦ a•.. •� RE8 gpOgp?Eo` Q'.�- 4 _f CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF Dr PARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS STREETS & FACILITIES DIVISION JOHN R >'. C:y "";' TELEPHONE: 272-1718 ASSiSTAf;_ "t. CODE 607 SUPT. O M E M O R A N D U M To: Members of SPAG From: Jack Dougherty, Chair Date: July 10, 1984 Re: Next Meeting Our next meeting will be held, of all places, at Stewart Park. Meeting time is different; 6:30 PM at the main pavilion. Reason? A picnic, of course. All you have to bring is an appetite. The City will furnish the food and our consultant the beverages. We do plan to conduct some business, including a tour of the boat house, so be prepared for a working meeting. Please make every effort to attend so we can say thanks for all your work on this project. (No, its not over yet) . See you at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 17, 1984, at the main pavilion of Stewart Park. BUILDING-STRUCTURE INVENTORY FORM FOR OFFICE USE ONLY — UNIQUE SITE NO. DIVISION FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION QUAD NEW YORK STATE 1 ,%RKS ,\.NO RECREATION SERIES ALBA,NY. NEW YORK 151x1474-0479 NEG. NO. YOUR NAME S. Hector DATE:JUlY 1979 YOUR ADDRESS 108 East Green Street TELEPHONE: 272-1713 ORGANIZATION (if any): Planning and Development Department r i • • • • t t s s s s s s s s • s s ♦ t t e s t s • t e s s t t e s t e s —� IDENTIFICATION 1. BUILDING NAME(S): Stewart Park Pavillions and Boathouse 2. ('O(JNTY: Tompkins *6*MCITY: Ithaca VILLAGE: 3. STRFFT LOCATION: 4. OWNERSHIP: a. eublic TN h private ❑ 5 PRFSE:NTOWNE:R. City of Ithaca ADDRESS: City Hall , 108 E. Green O� USE. Original: Amusement Park Present: Park 7. ACCESSIBILITY TO PUBLIC: Exterior visible from public road. Yes ® No ❑ Interior accessible: Explain Public DESCRIPTION H. BUILDING a. clapboard ❑ b. stone ❑ c. brick ❑ d.'board and batten ❑ MATFRIAL. e. cobblestone ❑ f. shingle:.0 g. stucco E other: '). STRUCTURAL a. wood frame with interlocking joints ❑ SYS'TIiM: b. wood frame with light members ❑ 01' kn(wn) c. masonry load bearing walls ❑ d. metal (explain) e. other 10. CONDITION. a. excellent ❑ b. good ❑ c. fair k__i d. deteriorated ❑ 1 I. INTI•:GRITY: a. original site ®( b. moved ❑ if so,when? c. list major alterations and dates (if known): Not known 12. PHOTO: 13. MAP: Scale: 1 " = 1000' r HP-1 Ithaca, NY 14. THREATS TO BUILDING: a. none known ❑ b. zoning ❑ c. roads ❑ d. developers ❑ e. deterioration K f. other: 15 RLLATL•D OUTBUILDINGS AND PROPERTY: a. barn❑ b. carriage house ❑ c. garage ❑ d. privy ❑ e. shed ❑ f. greenhouse ❑ g. shop ❑ h. gardens ❑ i. landscape features: Small animal zoo, duck pond j. other: 10 SURROUNDINGS OF THL BUILDING (check more than one if necessary): a.open land © b. woodland ❑ c. scattered buildings d.densely built-up ❑ e. commercial ❑ f. industrial ❑ g. residential ❑ h.other: recreational 17. INTFRRELATIONSHIP OF BUILDING AND SURROUNDINGS: (Indicate if building or structure is in an historic district) Originally developed as a trolley amusement park, this park has been avail- able for the public's enjoyment for the last 75 years with a brief interrup- tion during its use by the film industry. Its location, at the south end of Cayuga Lake makes it an appropriate public space that should be maintained. 18. OTHER NOTABLE FEATURES OF BUILQINQ ANP SITE (including interior featur s 'f know )): Three shingle style pavilions remain in tie park. Each is capped �y a knot: hipped roof supported by exposed rafters, curved at the ends, and all incorporated large semi-circular arches at their ground level . The buildings are listed in order, east to west: - A large square building encircled by a veranda. Three large arches on the north face the water, and two on both the east and west, are comprised of SIGNIFICANCE (see attached sheet) 11). DATE OF INITIAL CONSTRUCTION:__. 1895, ARCHITECT: BUILDER: 20. HISTORICAL AND ARCHITECTURAL IMPORTANCE: The only remaining building that was part of the original trolley amusement park development is the main pavilion. The attached map, #1 shows the arrangement of these original buildings. The boathouse was built by Casca- dilla School , a private prepatory school for Cornell University, and was originally used as gymnasium. According to the present headmaster; Mr. Kendall , it was built around 1300, certainly not earlier than 1890, the bathhouse was built between 1910 and 1919 as a studio for the film industry. It was converted to a bath house between 1919 and 1929. (map #2). The tower, one of the original buildings, was built as a water tower with an electric pump. It was destroyed by Hurrican Hazel in 1955, i 21. sou RCEs File #500 and #607 , City Clerk of Ithaca Photos from Mr. Barber, Senior Engineer, City of Ithaca. Abt, p. 132 & 162-163. Sanborn Maps: 1910, 1919, 1940, Niedick, Arthur, A Sketch of the Theatres of Ithaca, 1842 - 1942, A Thesis 22. THE AI F: Stewart Park Stewart Park Pavilions & Boathouse Ithaca, NY 18. small glass panes within which double doors are contained. The veranda has double columned supports. - A Bandstand in the form of a small square, with three arches at each side resting on brick piers except at the corners where the supports keep the shingle siding. The interior is horizontal wooden siding. - The Boat House is the most complex in its massing, with an octagonal tower on the north side facing the duck pond. A veranda wraps from the south extend- ing across the full width on the east and covering much of the north side, projecting beneath the ower. This veranda is placed on the second floor level , has exposed rafters beneath and large curved brackets as supports. Stilts lend additional support. Beneath the roofline several layers of horizontal siding act as a cornice and as a decorative break with the shingle siding. On the west are two very�arge arches, the doors composed of diagonal siding; on the east two garage doors, partially glazed , and an open stairway can be seen at the first floor level . This was built by Casca- dilla School and not part of the amusement park development. Other pavilions in the park are: - A Canvas-topped 32-year-old carousel , with aluminum horses and featuring art deco streamlined ornamentation, neon lights, and stacked tulip motif, At the center is a three-sided music box. - An undistinquished cinder block refreshment stand. - A large cinder block and stucco pavilion, built to match the shingle one in scale and proportion, matched at the hipped roof. A large dormer extends across the north, revealing a second-story use. TIE F, r .. L. 7 �f +�'A`''fir•~ :-,� /,y fo- '�f' 'per__ J ,;,� •P !v - . . • �., �•••�v6-- --'�� �•/ •7 ` � Vii'.. �- ,01a "— vp J 000�� ` 0 0 0 0 0 ° �i'.-,tii'a •• ,9 a �. -pct- y• —'4 o 000u00 0000%moo p y� 0000 0,00 \`� y-Sy4b� j o q•Qoo'o 0 u� 'y 0 0 0 0 0 1 O O Q'O'O,O O�o O O. ° � ° „ � �,� :, _ oo °'o� 1 O O O U o O <I•) T.- O ) O O O/O 0 0 0 = _- o1+ o.a .0 f• O V, ••'•�,�:•'ti • , • • ••• • • • • • • • ••••• •Ot• • • ••• • g1Y ,_� ••••�~• aP••/%Y ' �:1. ar •.am• l col •• •f Z•��-J i�. :1':• ::.7' }:•'t.� � Z•.,':`� i ••x5:..:.000 ' � \ �I 2 6 / a' { �• rr__d :(aY•{!moi � � ,i, O/a f:: }:�:': ••ti•• l/�7�1\Q1\".�1lQYjL�, Z - F •. [ . .•. . . O 0 0\\ � ••� � to (/1 �J ui ( •illf y J1Nl OOf,•vJ - Z�� ` , J,/11� �11� 1111 l� }n JIIIDIIIJJJ , Y AM s �. . . .••. . • i•••••••••••••••••••• ••••• • . •_ V9 0 •• , `i .. 4 4'• v � Li .r . { Li • L. c + ~fir •i ;� •IY�•�'i`_ 1 4 ..vl —. - ..- ....._T ,� _... }•�' is • 91 �. ..�- .- .'�.- .••'mow. .. ^ ' Stewart Park The area now known as Stewart Park was originally part of the James Renwick estate. It was Military Lot No. 88 which had been granted to Andrew Moody of the Revolutionary Army On July 9* 1790, It was then sold to James Renwick on December 12, 1790 and remained in that family, un- developed for 104 years. In the summer of 1894 the owners of the Ithaca Street Railway incorporated a Cayuga Lake Railway Company and purchased the lake property from the Renwick estate. A railway line was built from Railroad Ave. to the lake and Renwick Park, was the terminus for the line. The owners developed forty acres of the property as on amusement park "with lawns, woods and paths laid out by a landscape artist of the firm that planned Central Park in New York City, there was a landing where small boats were rented, a Small zoological garden, a theater for vaudeville performances, and a pavilli0n where 'Patsy' Conway's band gave concerts during the summer months. " (AA4. , p, 132, See map #l ) Aware that trolley amusement parks were a passing fad,the new development was promptly Sold to d group of local men who incorporated as the Renwick Park and Traffic Association, this group included E.G' Wyckoff, D.W. Burdick, F.C,COrn2ll , Charles H. Blood and Uri Clark. In 1915, the park was leased from this group by Theodore and Leopold Wharton and remodeled it for film studios. /See map #2> The Nhart0nS first came to Ithaca to film '/Dear Old Girl Of Mine" d film about college life Starring Frances X. Bushman and Beverly Bayne. Attracted by the possibilities provided by the natural setting Of Ithaca for film production, Wharton Studios, Inc. was formed and for the next five years a number Of films including the series "The Exploits of Elaine" starring Lionel Bdrry0ore and "The Mysteries of Myra" were made in Renwick Park, The lot was sub-leased to the International Film Service and later to the Metro Film Corporation and the Norma Talmadge Corporation. During the war a DU0b2r of "propa- ganda" films were made here including the Patria series Starring Irene Castle and Milton Sills. With the end Of the war and the growth Of Hollywood the film industry in Ithaca died, In 1921 , the City of TthdCd purchased the property. This occurred during the mayoral term of Edwin i C. Stewart who died in office and left $150,000 f0r development of a park, Herman Bergh0ltz, the Original developer of the park, having Owned the trolley company, was hired to restore some of the huildings. He was the electrical engineer who bought control of the street 'aflway and electric light companies in 1891 and started trolley service Up East Hill . In 1923, the City purchased the boat house from the Cascadil/a School ASS0CfatiOn and in - 1925 some additional land was given to the City h« �D 2X-mdy�r, Henry �t John. -� ' ' � . ln the early 30's the Cftv undertook some improvements through the WPA project, adding the duck pond, extending the shoreline to the north and ! improving the inlet. Swimming at Stewart park was possible until 1961 when it was banned because Of the amount Of Silt and pollution in the water. The buildings in the park are in need Vf repair with immediate attention, saving money that will be required for more extensive repairs if they are - not attended to soon. ` f Y: Pa r I cafe, n _OL Qfer �M�S�MQn�S F�'OS a S+QOe L =� 100 20o Soo .Jca1e ico �e(A i 1 _Ai' f A 4, &p of Renwick Park Reconstructed for Motionj-Pleture Production A r - 1919 - 1 - To be a Studio 2 - Band Stand + 3 - 'Power Building and Office 4 - Stages 5 - Tranaformer Room 8 - Motor :Room $ - Properties r, 8 - Heater Room 9 - Developing Room 10 - Drying Room 11 - Proper ti e s 12 - 3tudio 13 - Dressing Rooms 14 - Platform 18 - Pro ea ti ng� Room 16 - Film Cutting and Vault 1' �f L 17Sheds 18 - Powder Xagazine _ I / •i 1�a,� { �•��•f• 4.�•r�+'.e3'�t�. ��J�+ .. v ` ,t„�'hti..•4.. r.. ,�iL �•_ *!`4e'S!Y• ?'r : '•j�fy lr+r t :y y'r i x�i�`y„ n�e .! rpt: •at .ftjiiq 3'�t iAE AA`:�ur� 'Rl rri '•� ��. 'ter 7 �s!'4'�_ rl�fii4�t*�;'ia t•�fiC r i7'^ i,. �0 r"�o�r �".;. �VIA� �f r k y �. 1' f`ik� a.�. 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'llt a l • •~' V" .�A6 . �tii iii .�� o �� _.. . . � •'"�"; ►�; 777777• � ', � •• �. ,���'�"�'�';!' ,�-�+`y. 1 I Ili • i i•L a : it� �. •.�s♦}. ..��Y• {{! Or IL \ 04 �1\, I �IZ� f = •._,: t. � L� •11�a:. a '' l�;e:ai� a+��"+F;;!.'�oA t .L�.. I 1 l - • IP'i� • F. •. +.n i I �+ iry��F=`' �•• •j,;°�•s� �f�►''�i1 +rV„ 'ire', A+ r AAN za-a •1 a`• ��� r•JJ�� ATL• � JI .t. �:, ;'s ir.. ��� '. •ter ��� '� .��,�:. •4ve.ar�} • ; v7!e�' I '%.oat •'`•• t a A tai! _ .� 'as r. :. ,r.�•`,�' ."`” Y•'?.+�•r�71A , i •;l I I� • � �"`i J 1 ' t y y; •y 'r: 1 'tea+�,•�, �( .r w' .� a .. ♦F�'♦• •. �At IAV IP It 'n •' 7 V7 '�►.�:' .tib%�•r.•.±.i;:,,._ - *16 -�.�• �:��'" :•=L%!'tet j J.. ,-_ �.�.. - � Vii: .�.•!.� � _� .i`. '��.�`,�'. -+� �•'• �Y .s ��o �� � .,,.« ,� � _-�. ,:..tri• �,� �- ..t !S ly$�YJe' g 4i`.gT A,w tGWw1M ..r nn« M.- P: e.+ �L '.`. �h•yr F,i..� _ L" ,+rY. c �.--{rl+"e"L - ^4sv.ia'G+. !'�-'` � r � r-,`�."t e.1 'i 1 i SUNNY BROOK, RD #3 Newfield, NY 14867 July 14, 1984 Mr. Thomas Niederkorn Stewart Park Consultant Planning - Environmental Research Consultants 310 West State Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Neiderkorn, I am writing to you on behalf of the Finger Lakes Group of the Sierra Club regarding the Stewart Park development proposal. We have reviewed the City Planning Department s map of the Stewart Park development proposal, Scheme A. After looking at this proposal we have some environmental concerns that we want to share with you. We have a strong sense of wanting to preserve wetlands because of their documented importance to the biological and ecological balance of nature. The south end of Cayuga Lake, which was once all wetlands, now has lost all but two small areas to development. The golf course proposal on Scheme A does away with all but a one acre section of this Class I wetlands. We believe this wetland, the 13 acre Cornell Biological Station, should be preserved and that any development plans should be on land that has already been disturbed from its original wetland state, and that any development should be compatible with maintaining the ecological balance of its neighboring wetland. We urge you to strongly consider the value of maintaining this wetland as a wetland when preparing the Stewart Park development proposal to be offered to the city. We would be happy to provide environmental input on other Stewart Park proposals. Sincerely, Don Barber Finger Lakes Group Chair Sierra Club DB:nbb RM ►sie� a \ �. N IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE AND PRIORITY 17 July 1984 Carrying out the Stewart Park ManagementandDevelopment Plan will be a major undertaking for the City of Ithaca, involving a large expenditure of money over a number of years. The City's objectives with regard to this major recreation facility must, of course, be viewed by decision makers in the broadest terms of the overall community welfare and need, Tax dollars spent on improvements to the Stewart Park complex must compete successfully with other demands on those same dollars for roads, bridges, utilities, parking, public safety and similar types of concerns reflected in annual operating budgets and six-year capital expenditure programs. Completion of the park as planned will involve at least seventy-one independent projects or activities. And some of the major items will, most certainly, have to be broken down into several different steps. Construction of a new parking lot, for example, implies detailed layout and design, working drawings and the preparation of bid documents if the lot is not to be constructed by City forces. In an effort to break the plan down into a series of related but independent pieces the table entitled Implementation Sequence was prepared. This table lists a series of actions which, if taken in sequence, would ultimately produce on the ground the various plan proposals. As part of this activity sequence a construction calendar is presented which suggests the year, and time of year, in which each action should be taken. Some actions can occur within the same time frame, others must occur seriatim if construction is to occur with a maximum of visible progress and a minimum of physical disruption in the project area. A look at the column titled Estimated Cost shows clearly the large costs associated with many of the proposed improvements, What if the City .finds such a level of expenditure impossible or unacceptable, even if spread over a period of twelve or fifteen years? In anticipation of this possibility a priority listing has been incorporated into the Implementation Sequence, Each proposal is rated as being in the high, middle or low range relative to other park proposals. A high rating is given to a proposal which: a. Is crucial to the aesthetic character and appeal of the park or to the continuing development sequence; or b. Will enable the park to function in the most effective way; or c. Has long-range benefit potential which greatly outweighs immediate cost, even if high; or d. Involves repairs or maintenance which should not be deferred; or e. Could be accomplished as a routine part of staff operations. Conversely, a low rating is given to a proposal which: a. Is relatively incidental to the attractiveness or effective functioning of the park; or b. Might easily be- deferred to a later date or, in some cases, dropped from the project entirely without significant impact; or C. Costs enough to cast serious doubt on its feasibility. Proposals which do not clearly fall into the high or low priority, which would be desirable but are not crucial to park development or function, or which might well be deferred for a few years, are designated as middle priority activities. It should be pointed out that a priority rating can be expected to change over time. Community or government interests, funding from new public and private sources and competition from other nonpark projects for available dollars will cause a continuous shift in many of the priorities which have been set forth in .this report as a starting point for ±mplementation and management. R IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE4ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm = Summer Priority: ® High Range ® Middle Range [] Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 1. Conduct tests of water quality in Fall Creek and Sm 1984 -- Sampling to be done as nearshore area of Cayuga Lake to farther- to part of the sewage disposal evaluate swimming potential. F 1988 _ before-and-after study of water quality. 2. Install sewer line from CascadillA Boathouse F,W 1984-85 150,000 Work by City forces. ® to the Tin Can, to serve present and future park buildings. 3. Prepare topographic survey of Stewart Perk end F 1984 10,000 ® golf course/field station areas. or S 1985 4. Do necessary studies to determine the most effec•- F 1984 -- Study by City personnel ® tive way to capitalize on the historic value of with assistance from . i Cascadilla Boathouse. Historic Ithaca. 5. Do necessary studies to determine the feasibility W 1984-85 -- Study by City personnel. ® of a relocated Route 13 access in the Tin Can , - area. 6. Begin essential foundation repairs of the picnic W'S 1984-85 160,000 pavilion. iI IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Stq = Summer Priority: ® High Range In Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 7. Prepare application to NYSCA for funding to W 1984-85 -- Application for about ® undertake feasibility and program development $30,000 prepared by City study for an Ithaca Silent Film Interpretive staff with support letters Center. from Eastman House, Ithaca College, etc. 8. Clear and restore existing waterway north of the W 1984-85 5,000 fire tower in the golf course area. 9. Clear trees and other vegetative growth and level W 1984-85 8,000 tee area for driving range. 10. Arrange for relocation of zoo birds and animals ® and remove fencing, buildings, and foundations. W 1984-85 2,000 11. Clear trees and stumps to establish first S 1985 2,000 portion of new fairway #3. 12. Remove easternmost wing of the Tin Can and Sd 1985 -N-,M(r— ® attached office space. Enclose-exposed part of the remaining structure. i i IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - SMART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F - Fall S = Spring W = Winter $ni = Summer Priority: ® High Range ® Middle Range ❑ Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 13. Install the Game€ield fitness course in ft 1985 10,000 ❑ turnaround area east of lagoon. 14. Construct new access between Route 34 and Route F -1985 ® 13 on right-of-way east of Tin Can. 15. Construct large 22s,800— on parking lot and observation area F 1985 ���,�oe-- ® on east side of park. -2-44 QQD 16. Dig pond between existing, fairways #4 and 5. F 1985 26,000 ® Use spoil to create mounds. i - 17. Remove existingpavement from roadway east of W 1985-86 6,000 ® picnic pavilion. Grade and seed. 18. Remove fire tower next to golf course. W 1985-86 15,000 19. Remove fence and overlook and fill in duck pond W 1985-86 30,000 area in Stewart Park. Relocate swans, thru S 1987 ii IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $x = Summer Priority: ® High Range a Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 20. Prepare plans and specs, for new maintenance W,S 1985-86 50,000 7% of estimated construction ® building and Youth Bureau. cost. _ 21. Repair abutments of footbridges and stabilize S ---1986 80,000 adjacent banks along Fall Creek. 22. Prepare restoration plans for Ithaca Silent S 1986 14,000 7% of estimated construction ® Film Interpretive Center based on NYSCA cost. feasibility study. 23. Improve handicapped access to footbridges and S;m 1986 6,000 ® construct connecting walkway and interpretive display in Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. 24. Construction of new Maintenance Building and Sm 1486 189,000 Pfl Youth Bureau in area east of railroad. thru S 1987 25. Secure equipment and initiate the ferry Sao 1987 245,000 ® connection across Cayuga Inlet between footpath systems in golf course (Stewart Park) and Cass Park. I IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE4ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $m = Summer Priority: High Range Middle Range E] Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 26. Prepare plans and specs. for changing the golf 9m 1986 -- Prepared by City personnel. . course watering system from City water to lake water. 27. Construct medium size parking lot adjacent to F 1986 -210;090- ® Cascadilla Boathouse. �g5 Cr00 28. Clear trees and stumps to establish new fairway F 1986 3,000 �► A. 29. - Begin construction of new green 13. F 1986 40,000 30. Grade and landscape large group picnic area F 1986 23,000 �► between picnic. pavilion and large parking lot. 31. Remove existing roadway and parking from main W 1986-87 20,000 ® picnic area east of Boathouse. Grade and seed temporarily. 32. Remove existing pavement and enclosure at tennis W 1986-87 10,000 ® courts. Grade and seed temporarily. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm = Summer Priority: High Range Q Diddle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 33. Change watering system at golf course from City W .1986-87 ® water to lake water. 34. Prepare detailed plans and specifications for W 1986-87 9,600 City staff and others to D extending golf course into biological field work with golf course archi- station. Identify specific trees and other tect. Cornell Plantations, vegetation to be removed; specify new planting DEC, EMC, Cayuga Bird Club ateas. and others to be involved. 35. Underground existing overhead electric service S 1987 -- Cost to be determined in between Tin Can and Boathouse. consultation with NYSEG. 36. Restoration of area for Ithaca Silent Film S 1987 198,000 Interpretive Center. 37. Restore old clubhouse behind 4th green into a Sin 1987 20,000 rest room and shelter. 38. Build additional parking areas along Fall Creek Sin 1987 20,000 ® for fishermen and terminate Piet Road with a turnaround. Rehabilitate footpath and bike trail to footbridge. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm = Summer Priority: a High Range Q Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 39. Restoration of historic formal garden area in Sm,F 1987 49,999- 3 the vicinity of the flagpole, south of pavilion. g 1988 7 ®00 40. Construct small parking lot in middle of the F,W,S 1987,88 43-4q-, @ park and improve existing roadway connecting small and medium parking lots. / 41. Grade and landscape main picnic area between F 1987 40,000 ® Silent Film Center (bathhouse) and boathouse. S 1988 42. Construct footpath adjacent to fairway #5; F 1987 6,000 ® install culvert and reshape pond in this area. 43. Establish footpath loop around biological field W 1987-88 5,000 ® station. - 44. Redevelop and reorganize children's play area S 1988 50,000 El west of the bathhouse; install new equipment. 45. Rebuild park entrance and incorporate an expanded S 1988 -3.4-1990 information center with more parking. 44boo IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $lq = Summer Priority: ® High Range P Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 46. Relocate memorial rose garden and incorporate $ 1988 5,000 F it as a special feature of the formal -garden. i I 47. Construct shoreline promenade with low-level Sm -1988 �I lighting. 48. Construct new fairways 7 and 8, green #1 and Sm,F,W 1988-89 130,000- tee 30,000tee #8 in biological field station. i i 49. Construct last section of new park road from F 1988 entrance to the small parking lot. t 50. Construct new warming shelter and rest rooms F 1988 45,000 adjacent to lagoon. 51. Prepare detailed plans and specifications for F,W,S 1988-89 23,000 7% of construction cost. ® restoration of bodthouse. 52. Construction of new green and tee for hole #6. F 1988 46,000 o Regrade green #8 for new orientation. i I IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter = Summer Priority: High Range Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 53. Remove existing road pavement near park W, 1988•-84 16,000 ■ entrance and plant buffer area. 54. Prepare plans and specifications for recon- W 1988-89 8,400 7% of estimated construction struction of court area between pavilion and cost, film center. 55. Landscape small group picnic- area which has S 1989 25,000 replaced zoo. 56. Build water containment structure on stream S 1989 El between lagoon and Fall Creek. 57. Restoration of. Cascadilla Boathouse and Sm 1989 325,000 ® surrounding area. thru Sm 1990 8. Rebuild court area between pavilion and film F 1989 120,000 center, including approach to lakeshore and future municipal pier. 9, Construct new footbridge near Route 13 over W 1989-90 80,000 either a. Fall Creek ® b. Cascadilla Creek IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S - Spring W = Winter $m = Summer Priority: . High Range Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 60. Relocate fairway #9, construct new tee #9 and S 1990 6,000 reshape new green #9 as necessary. 61. Construct parking lot for golf course and ferry S 1990 -60,0 Q terminal at Inlet. 73,DDD 62. Grade and seed area between fairway and the Sm 1990 5,000 a Inlet; connect footpath along Inlet between Pier Road, ferry terminal and biological field station. 63. Develop detailed planning for diking and filling Sm 1991 -- To be prepared by City staff ® of park extension and island; prepare plans _ to in collaboration with State and specifications for municipal pier. Sm 1992 DEC and others. 64. Construction of dikes around: F,W 1992-93 ® a. Park extension area ❑ b. Island ® � 65. Undertake filling and draining operation for: Sm,F,W 1993-94 a. Park extension areaG' � ❑ b. Island INPL 4ENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $m = Summer Priority: High Range Middle Range [] Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 66. !Installation of sewer lines to serve.new Sm,F 1994 pavilion and rest rooms on extension area. 67. Grade and seed extension area; landscape ex- F • 1994 ■ tension area. / ! G 68. Build pier from shore to island; grade and seed F,W 1994-95 Q island, 69: Landscape island; construct new pavilions. Sm,F 1995 70. Construct municipal pier north of island; a install water and electricity. W,S 19.95--96 71. Planting of golf course and park area to take S,F 1985 10,000/yr. Establish a planting rplace on an annual basis throughout project. thru reserve for this project 1995 in City's capital improve- ments program. 72. PROJECT COMPLETED. Sm 1996 i DWLEMENTATION SEQUENCE AND PRIORITY Carrying out theStewart Park Management and Development Plans-will be a major undertaking for the City of Ithaca, involving a large expenditure of money over a number of years. The City's objectives with regard to this major recreation facility must, of course, be viewed by,decision makers in the broadest terms of the overall community welfare and need. Tax dollars spent on improvements to the Stewart Park complex must compete successfully with other demands on those same dollars for roads, bridges, utilities, parking, public safety and similar types of concerns reflected in annual operating budgets and six-year capital expenditure programs. Completion of the park as planned will involve at least ssyenty-One independent projects or activities. And some of the major items will, most certainly, have to be broken down into several different steps. Construction of a new parking lot, for example, implies detailed layout and design, working drawings and the preparation of bid documents if the lot is not to be constructed by City forces. In an effort to break the plan down into a series of related but independent pieces the table entitled Implementation Sequence was prepared. This table lists a series of actions which, if taken in sequence, would ultimately produce on the ground the various plan proposals. As part of this activity sequence a construction calendar is presented which suggests the year, and time of year, In which each action should be taken. Some actions can occur within the same r time frame, others must occur seriatim if construction is to occur with a maximum of visible progress and a minimum of physical disruption in the project area. A look at the column titled Estimated Cost shows clearly the large costs associated with many of the proposed improvements, What if the City finds such a level of expenditure impossible or unacceptable, even if spread over a period of twelve or fifteen years? In anticipation of this possibilitp .a priority listing has been incorporated into the Implementation Sequence. Each proposal is rated as being in the high, middle or low range relative to other park proposals. A high rating is given to a proposal which: a. Is crucial to the aesthetic character and appeal of the park or to the continuing development sequence; or b. Will enable the park to function in the most effective way; or c. Has long-range benefit potential which greatly outweighs immediate cost, even if high; or d. Involves repairs or maintenance which should not. be deferred; or e. Could be accomplished as a routine part of staff operations. Conversely, a low rating is given to. a proposal which: a. Is relatively incidental to the attractiveness or effective functioning of the park; or, b. Might easily be- deferred to a later date or, in some cases, dropped from the project entirely without significant impact; or c• Costs enough to cast serious doubt on its feasibility, 2 'J Proposals which do not clearly fall into the high or low priority, which would be desirable -but are not crucial to park development or function, or which might well be deferred for a few yearsi are designated as middle priority activities. It should be pointed out that a priority -rating can be expected to change over time. Community or government interests,. funding from new public and private sources and competition from other nonpark projects for available dollars will cause a continuous shift in many of the priorities Which have been sect forth in this report as a starting point for t. mplementation and management. r ` c • 3, IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE4ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLM F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm = Summer... Priority: High Range Middle Range Low Range Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Item or Activity Estimat d Cost Period Comments 1. Conduct tests of water quality in Fa11 ,Creek and Sm. 19847- Sampling to be done as ® nearshoxe area of Cayuga Lake to further topart of the sewage disposal evaluate swimming potential:_ -_�F " -` - F 1988y before-and-after stud of water quality. 2. Install sewer line from Cascadilla Boathouse F,W1984-85 150,000 Work by City forces. ® to the Tin Can, to serve present and future % park buildings. . 3. Prepare topographic survey of Stewart Park and F 1984 10,000 golf course/field station areas. or S 1985 4. Do necessary studies'to determine the most effec-- F 1984 - Study by City personnel tive way to capitalize on the historic value of with assistance from . Cascadilla Boathouse. Historic Ithaca. C• 5. Do necessary studies to determine the feasibility -W" 1984-4` Study by City personnel. of a relocated Route 13 access in the Tin Can - - area. 6. Begin essential foundation repairs of the picnic W,S 1984-85 160000 pavilion. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - ST04ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm = Summer Priority: Sigh Range ® Middle Range Low Range Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Item or Activity Period Estimated Cost Comments 7. Prepare application to NYSCA for funding to W 1984-85 -- Application for about undertake feasibility and program development $30,000 prepared by City study for an Ithaca Silent Film Interpretive staff with support letters Center. ., from Eastman House, Ithaca College, etc. '8. Clear and restore existing waterway north of the W 1984-85 5,000 ® fire tower in the golf course area. 9. Clear trees and other vegetative growth and level W 1984-85 8,000 4 tee area for driving range. 10. Arrange for relocation of zoo birds and animals ® and remove fencing, buildings, and foundations. W 1984-85 2,000 - - v 11. Clear trees and stumps to establish first S 1985 2,000 portion of new fairway #3. 12. Remove easternmost wing of the Tin Can and �� 1985 400000 attached office space. Enclose-exposed part of the remaining structure. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE14ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter = Summer . Priority: 0 High Range 0 Middle Range ❑ Low Range Item or Activity - Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 13. . Install the Gamefield fitness course in Smi 1985 10,000 ❑ turnaround ea east of lagoon. 14. Construct new access between Route 34 and Route -1985 1300000 13 on right-of-way east of Tin Can. 15. Construct large parking lot. and observation area F 1985 264,000 on east side of park. 16. Dig pond between existing fairways #4 and 5. F 1985 26,000 ® Use spoil to create mounds. 17. Remove existing pavement from roadway east of W 1985-86 6,000 ® picnic pavilion. Grade and seed. 18. Remove fire tower next to golf course. W 1985-86 15,000 137 + - 19. Remove fence and overlook and fill in duck pond W 1985-86 30,000 ® area in Stewart Park. Relocate swans. thru S 1987 i r :MPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PIAT F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $zq = Summer. Priority: High Range Q Middle Range [] Low Range - Item or Activit Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Y Period Estimated Cost Comments 20. Prepare plans and specs, for new maintenance Com$ (�� 50,000 7% of estimated constructij ® building and Youth.Bureau. cost. �1 - 21. Repair. abutments of footbridges and stabilize S `1986 80,000 -- - - �— - —---- adjacent banks along Fall Creek. - 22. Prepare restoration plans for Ithaca Silent S 1986 14,000 7% of estimated construction ® Film Interpretive Center based on NYSCA cost. feasibility study: 23. Improve handicapped access to footbridges and Sm 1986 6,OQO construct connecting walkway and interpretive display in Fuertes Bird Sanctuary. 24. Construction of new Maintenance Building and Sm 1986 189,000 ® Youth Bureau in area east of railroad. thru S 1987 25. Secure equipment. and initiate the ferry Sm 1987 24,000 ® connection across Cayuga Inlet between footpath systems in golf course (Stewart Park) and Cass IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE14ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAT F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sze = Summer . Priority: High Range Middle Range [] Low Range Item or Activity __ Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 26. _ Prepare plans and specs. for changing the golf St4 1186 -- Prepared by City personnel. ® course watering system from City water to lake water.:. > . -- - - 27. Construct medium size parking lot adjacent to F 1986 285,000 Cascadilla Boathouse.. _ 28. Clear trees and stumps to establish new fairway F 1986 3,000 29. ' Begin construction of new green 13. F 1986 40,000 30. Grade and landscape large group picnic area F 1986 23,000 ` ® between picnic pavilion and large parking lot. 31. Remove existing roadway and parking from main W 1986-87 20,000 picnic area east of Boathouse. Grade and seed temporarily._ _ - - 32. Remove existing pavement and enclosure at tennis W 1986-87 10,000 courts. Grade and seed temporarily= - IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAIT F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Szq = Summer Priority: Q High Range ® Diddle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments " 33. Change watering system at golf course from City -1986-87 water to lake water. 34. Prepare detailed plans and specifications for W 1986-87 9,600 City staff and others to ® extending golf course into biological field work with golf course archi- station. Identify specific trees and other tect. Cornell Plantations, vegetation to be removed; specify new planting DEC, EMC, Cayuga Bird Club areas. and others to be involved. 35. Underground existing overhead electric service S 1987 -- Cost to be determined in ® between Tin Can and Boathouse. consultation with NYSEG. 36. Restoration of area for Ithaca Silent Film S 1987 198,000 ® Interpretive Center. 37. Restore old clubhouse behind 4th green into a _ g Sm 1987 20,000 rest room and shelter. 38. Build additional parking areas along Fall Creek sm 1987 20,000 -- ® for fishermen and terminate Piet Road with a turnaround. Rehabilitate footpath and bike trail to footbridge. i - i i .MP10MENTATION SEQUENCE - STE4ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter Sm. = Summer Priority: High Range IE Middle Range Low Range Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Item or Activity Period Estimated Cost Comments 39. Restoration of historic formal garden area in ST41F 1987 30,000 the vicinity of the flagpole, south of pavilion. S 1988 9 40. Construct small parking lot in middle of the F,W,S 1987,88 199,000 park and improve existing roadway connecting small and medium parking lots. � 41. Grade and landscape main picnic area between F 1987 40,000 Silent Film Center (bathhouse) and boathouse. S 1988 R42. - Construct footpath adjacent to fairway #5; F 1987 6,000 install culvert and reshape pond in this area. 43. Establish footpath loop around biological field W 1987-88 5,000 ® station. 44. Redevelop and reorganize children's play area S 1988 50,000 west of the bathhouse; install new equipment. 45. Rebuild park entrance and incorporate an expanded S 1988 44,600 ® information center with more parking. a IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STE4ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PILAF F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $14 = Summer Priority: High Range Middle Range E] Low Range Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Item or Activity Period Estimated Cost Comments 46. Relocate memorial rose garden and incorporate 8 1988 5,000 Ei it as a special feature of the formal -garden. 47. Construct shoreline promenade with low-level Sm -1988 98,000 _--- - - - lighting. 48. Construct new fairways 7 and 8, green- 11 and Sm,F,W 1988-89 130,000- tee #8 in biological field station. 49. Construct last section of new park road from F 1988 143,000 entrance to the small parking lot. 50. Construct new warming shelter and rest rooms F 1988 45,000 ® adjacent to lagoon. 51. Prepare detailed plans and specifications for F,W,S 1988-89 23,000 7% of construction cost. restoration of boAthouse. I 52. Construction of new green and tee for hole #6. F 1988 46,000 D Regrade green #8 for new orientation. IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STL14ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring W = Winter $14 = Summer Priority: Q High Range Middle Range Q Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 53.. Remove existing road pavement near park 1988-89 16,000 - - - entrance and plant buffer area. X54. Prepare plans and specifications for recon- W 1988-89 8,400 - 7% of estimated construction 01 struction of court area between pavilion and - cost. [� film center.. 55. Landscape small group picnic- area which has S 1989 25,000 replaced zoo. 56. Build water containment structure on stream S 1989 209000 rj between lagoon and Fall Creek. 57. Restoration of-Cascadilla Boathouse and Sm 1989 325,000 I VM surrounding area. thru Sm. 1990 8. Rebuild court ared between pavilion and film F 1989 120,000 ® center, including approach to lakeshore and -future municipal.pier. 9. Construct new footbridge. near Route 13 over W 1989-90 80,000 either: ® a. Fall Greek - - - b. Cascadilla_Creek 1NPLE14ENTATION SEQUENCE - STE14ART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLANT F = Fall S = Spring " W = Winter $14 = Summer , Priority: High Range Qj Middle Range Low Range Item or Activity Implementation Estimated Cost Potential Funding Sources: Period Comments 60. Relocate fairway #90 new tee and S 1990 6,000 -- - reshape new green #9 as necessary. 61. Construct parking lot for golf course. and ferry S -1990 73,000 - --- �I terminal at Inlet,,, .,,- 62. nlet. ,_", . 62. Grade and seed area between fairway 9 and the Sm 1990 5,000- Inlet; connect footpath along Inlet between Pier Road, ferry terminal and biological field station: 63. Develop detailed planning for diking and filling Sin 1991 -- To be prepared by City staff s` C-1 of park extension and island; prepare plans to in collaboration with State and specifications for municipal pier. Sm 1992 DEC and others. 64. Construction of dikes around: F,W 1992-93 a. Park extension area 520,000 ❑ b. Island 350,000 65. Undertake.filling and draining operation for: Sm,F,W 1993-94 _ a. Park extension area- NYSDOT ❑ b:" Island :,_ IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN F = Fall S = Spring =Winter= W . _ $ul Summer'. Priority: ummer- Priority: J3 High Range ® Middle Range ❑ Low Range Item or Activit _ Implementation Potential Funding Sources: Y Period Estimated Cost Comments .^_ �•+-- ---- Sm,F 1994 70,000 -- L 66 Construct new _pavilion;_.install-water"- and > - sewer lines to serve new. pavilion and rest rooms on -extension area _ 67. . "Grade and seed.extension area; - landscape ex- F 1944 120P0.00- tension-,ared-. 20;000-tension-area. 68. Build pier from shore to island; grade and seed F,W 1994-95 135,000. island. _. r - 11,000 69.. Landscape island; construct new pavilions. Sm,F 1995 30,000 ® 20,000 70. Construct municipal pier north of island; install water and electricity. W'S 1995-96 180,000 71: Planting of golf course and park area to take S,F 1985 10,000/yr. Establish a planting place on an annuil basis throughout project. thru reserve-for this project - _ 1995 1improve- ments p ove- _ in City's capita im r T -- _- - --- _ m gram, _ ents pro • 72. PROJECT COMPLETED. `` Sm 1996 _ „_ t_. �. ECOLOGY ACTION TOM F'KINS COU NT ) 101 N. GENEVA ST., ITNAGA,N.Y. 14050 601-212 -3040 July 30 , 1984 Mr. Thomas Niederkorn t-lAYOR'S OFFIC—" CITY OF ITHACA Stewart ParkConsultand �, r Planning-Environmental Research Consultants 310 West State Street '�i 04 Ithaca, New York ! ? a 9 MIN&1121'' 4 Dear Mr. Niederkorn: Ecology Action of Tompkins County wishes to address the issue of Stewart Park Development. Ecology Action has been in- volved with numerous land use and planning issues in this area. We are particularly concerned about the proposal for unspecified - "Future Shore Development" and its impact on the wetland area. Before any action is taken, the public needs a clear definition of this "Future Shore Development" . As presently described, the development will take up limited space that is currently used for the City Golf Course. The golf course cannot be reduced in size, and thus the shore development will force expansion of the golf course into the only alternative space- the adjacent wetland (Cornell -Biological Station) . The development evidently requires a 150 car parking lot to be built on the golf course to accommodate users of the development. The large number of vehicles planned for suggests that a large-scale shore development is already anticipated. The golf course, which will be reduced in area by the size of the new parking lot, will be preserved at the expense of the contiguous wetland. In essence a trade-off is being proposed: A parking lot and unspecified shore development in place of the existing wet- land area. We oppose such a trade-off. ECOLOGY ACTION TOM F'KINS COU NT . 101 N. GENEVA ST_, ITHAGA,N_Y_ 14050 601-212-3040 The wetland is of great value, both ecologically and as an area providing natural beauty and enjoyment to users . On a recent walk through this wetland we were able to identify 29 bird species . Expansion of the golf course will destroy the wet- land habitat and drive away the wildlife. _ Why destroy one of only two remaining natural wetlands at the south end of Cayuga Lake, when an adequate 9-hole golf course already exists? In addition, it is well-known that the golf course uses a mixture of fungicides , insecticides , and fertilizers including Daconil, PCNB, RP20619, Chloroneb, Trimec , 2,4-D, MCPP, and Dacthal. What impact do these chemicals have on the wetland and the lake itself? Expansion of the golf course will further contaminate this ecologically fragile area. We endorse your decision to keep the Fuertes Bird Sanctuary essentially unchanged. The wetland of the Cornell Biological Station should be considered as a contiguous extension of the Fuertes wetland, and should be similarly preserved. Thank you for considering these points in developing your proposal. Sincerely, C - 12 Dorothy CV Pompon-io, on behalf of Ecology Action of Tompkins County cc: EMC CAC Sierra Club Mayor Gutenberger Milo Richmond ..a O wNEW8LZTT3CRD % No. 2 -- Summer 1984 FIRST RENWICK PARK, NOW STEWART PARK : A Bit of Its Past. . . As we Tompkins Countians head for the cool resources and people for her material . The spots this summer, during our hottest months complete inventory is available at the of the year, one of the most popular stops Museum for your future reference. in the area is our lovely Stewart Park. The area now known as Stewart Park was While it is used all year around, this is originally part of the James Renwick estate. certainly its busiest time and we thought It was Military Lot No. 88 which had been you would like to know something more about granted to Andrew Moody of the Revolutionary it. The following information has come Army on July 9, 1790. It was then sold to primarily from the inventory form researched James Renwick on Dec. 12, 1790, and remained by Sarah Hector for the Division of Historic in that family, undeveloped for 104 years. . Preservation of the NYS Parks and Recreation In the summer of 1894, the owners of the Dept. in Albany, who drew on a number of Ithaca Street Railway incorporated a Cayuga Lake Railway Company and purchased the lake property from the Renwick estate. A rail- ICE CREAM SOCIAL way line was built from Railroad Avenue to the lake and Renwick Park was the terminus for the line. The owners developed 40 acres Yum, yum! The 5th Annual Ice Cream of the property as an amusement park "with Social will be held Sunday, August 5, lawns, woods, and paths laid out by a land- from 5:00-7:30 p.m. , at our beautiful scape artist of the firm that planned Central Eight Square School on Hanshaw Road. As park in New York City. There was a landing before, members of the Society and their where small boats were rented, a small zoo- families are invited. It is free and one logical garden, a theater for vaudeville of our most popular Barents. We handcrank performances, and a pavilion where 'Patsy' a number of terrific flavors, have plenty Conway's band gave concerts during the of goodies for making your own sundae (a summer months." Aware that trolley amuse- grand Ithaca tradition! ) , and hope you ment parks were a passing fad, they promptly will also take the time to admire our sold the new development to a group of handsome octagonal schoolhouse. local men who incorporated as the Renwick Manual ice cream machines are welcome Park and Traffic Association -- this group -- as are people to crank them. If you included E.G. Wyckoff, D.W. Burdick, F.C. wish to help with the festivities, please Cornell , Charles H. Blood and Uri Clark. leave your name and telephone-number with In 1915, the park was leased from this us at the DeWitt offices (273-8284). group by Theodore and Leopold Wharton and YOUR R.S.V.P. IS REQUIRED if you plan remodeled for film studios. The Whartons to attend so we know how many people to first came to Ithaca to film "Dear Old Girl plan for. Call the DeWitt by August 3. of Mine," a film about college life See you there! ! ! (continued on page 4) 2 Summer 1984 Newsletter GRANT AWARDED FOR FIFTH YEAR IN MEMORIAM For the fifth year in a row, the DeWitt The Society lost another long-time friend has been awarded a grant by the Institute this Spring with the death of Rebecca Harris of Museum Services (IMS- , a federal agency. in May. The award of $12,082 will be applied toward She was a 1913 graduate of Cornell and staff salaries, the purchase of materials was later librarian in the School of Archi- and supplies for the conservation of collec- tecture until her retirement. Miss Harris tions, and materials for the production of was an active supporter of several organiza- tions, slide shows and loan kits. tions in Ithaca, including the Paleontologi- Only 530 museums were awarded IMS grants cal Research Institution (which her father founded) , the Cornell Women's Club of Ithaca, this year, out of 1 ,245 applicants. The DeWitt's five-year track record attests to and the Cornell Public Library, as well as its continued growth in all areas and good the DeWitt. She had been a member of the DeWitt for many, many years, had been our work in the past. . "clipping service" also for a long time, was a former Trustee and valuable counsel . OUR MEMBERSHIP IS GROWING We miss her. A warm welcome to all our recent new DON'T FORGET TO BITE YOUR BYTE! members -- it is a pleasure to have you join: George and Helen Bayer; Col . James Contributions to the Computer Fund are H. Hoag; Erich Sachse; Margaret Jacobs; coming in nicely now. If you haven't given Frederick L. Billard; Jean M. Cookingham; to this important project and wish to, we George and Anne Maloy; Dorothy N. Miller; would like to hear from you soon! Remember, Barbara Bundy; Roger A. Morse and family; one computer byte is a mere $25.00 -- bite Mrs. Charles Keirns; Joann, Michael , and off a few for us now! Sara Schaff; Roger and Irene Gleason; Paul H. Harrington; Laurie and Alan J. Hahn; CURRENT EXHIBITS William Jorgensen; Charlotte and Ronnie Coffman; William H. Gilmore; Julee Johnson; - *"Brava Italia! - Italians in Tompkins County, Mrs. Donald H. Bush; Heather M. Tallman; 1800s-1980s" (Opens July 21 ) Mr. and Mrs. Ed S. Hill ; Daisy Kirkpatrick; *"Without Knife or Pain: 19th Century Alterna- Priscilla D. Grout; John and Jane Bradt; tive Medicine in Tompkins County" (Opens H. G. Johnson; Nancy L. Ross; M. Lou Mc- July 28) [Concurrent with exhibit at Isaac; Jan Drier; Eric B. Nelson; Donald Hinckley Museum; see article elsewhere.] and Elizabeth MacKenzie; Doris M. Edwards; "Maple Sugaring" - illustrated with photos by Donald B. Smith; Elwood L. Peters; David W. Verne Morton. (Up through October.) Fuller; Mary M. Benson; Sue Battaglini ; "Bake in a Gentle Oven" - 19th century baking Michael E. Lane; Ellen Vanas and William utensils, cooking equipment. (Up through Gertzog; Alice Martin; Edna R. Clausen; through September.) Helen M. DeGraff; Clayton R. Smith; Anna *"Handed Down: Traditional Artists in the Mon- Lounsbery; and Madeline E. Grover. tessori School " - objects made by stu- We look forward to seeing you at Society dents in the folk artist program, with events coming up! objects from the DeWitt's collections (including the Tompkins County Bicen- tennial Quilt) . (Opens July 17) "Mother's Day" - mothers and children photo- This Newsletter is published quarterly by graphed at the turn-of-the-century. the DeWitt Historical Society of Tompkins (Up through September) County, located in the Clinton House, 116 "William H. Miller: An Ithaca Architect and N. Cayuga Street, Ithaca, NY 14850 (607/ His Clients" - photographs, documents; 273-8284). Margaret C. Hobbie, Director. with self-guided walking tour pamphlet Hours for the Museum are: 12:30-,5;00 p.m. , now available at no charge. (Up through Tuesday-Saturday. Membership information December) is available at our front desk or by contact- *"Teddy Bears' Picnic" (in the Collector's ing us. A number of publications and other Kiosk, opening July 31 ) items of local and regional interest are available at the Museum desk. Members re- This has been a busy Spring and Summer, with ceive a 10% discount on sales items. many new (*) exhibits going up. We hope you * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * will come in and browse! Summer 1984 Newsletter 3 RECENT ACQUISITIONS . . . (by Shannon O'Dell , Curator of Collections) Some 46 donations to the collections and archives since January 1 , 1984, have been made. Approximately 759 of these are archival and/or photographic materials. We are pleased to briefly list below some of th't items which have come in to us. Of course the generosity of these donations to our collections are deeply appreciated! 84.21 H. Hill Jewelers jewelry box - from Ariel Burchard. 84.22 Photos of steamers and of Roy Shurger - from Lois Shurger Jayne. 84.23 Two 1912 Primary ballots - from the Dept. of Manuscripts/Archives, Cornell . 84.24 The Park Baptist Newsletter, 1889 - from Helen M. Hanmer. 84.25 Photograph of Henry Stutz - from Annette S. Page. 84.26 Photographs of Ithaca area and Cornell , and others by Ithaca photographers - from Margaret Hobbie 84.27 Four books published in Ithaca - from Lois O'Connor. 84.28 Brownie camera, laundry bag, letter - from John Marcham. 84.30 Diaries written by Viola Cruthers, 1920-31 - from Dr. and Mrs. James Hoffmire. 84.31 Dr. Humphrey's Manual , c. 1935; Ithaca City Board of Health Sanitary Code, 1938; "Quiz Me game, 38; Teachers Notebook of Laura Bryant's, 1930s, of East Hill School - from Helen Avery. 84.32 Householder's sugar card, 1918-19 - from Robert Brown. 84.33 Receipt to Liberty H. Bailey from Ithaca City Hospital - from Annette Page. 84.35 Early 20th century man's suit and suit coat - from Florence Townsend. 84.36 Photos and booklets relating to Ithaca Fire Dept. #3 - from Sally Gillette. 84.39 1960s man's lounging robe - from Anne Baldwin. 84.40 Photos relating to the Union Hotel on Cayuga Street - from Dr. Jane Carboni . 84.41 Archival and photographic material from the estate of Helen White Coryell from Brianwood Antiques. 84.43 Clinton family photos, glass plate negatives, IFD annual reports - from Gordon Clinton. 84.44 1905 Annual Greeting of Journal Carrier Boys - from Connie Hill . 84.45 Romeyn Berry's hayrake, pair of straight razors - from Anne G. Baldwin. 84.46 Ithaca Candy Shop box, ca. 1920s - from Leo Georgiou. 84.47 Ca. 1970s baby clothing - from Gretchen Sachse. 84.48 Early 20th century light bulbs, truss, bedpan - from Annette S. Page. 84.49 Lantern slide of Roberts Hall , Cornell - from William Roberts Shaw. Items needed for our collection: ceramic mixing bowls; cooking utensils from the early 20th century; old quilting equipment such as templates, frame; mens work clothing from the 20th century; any letters, photos, military clothing of a local Vietnam veteran; diaries, journals by men, women, and children, particularly relating to Tompkins County. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ANNUAL LACE DAY PLANNED WANTED: For research purposes only, the location of any spinning wheels or related The 4th' Annual LACE DAY, sponsored by the equipment signed GREGG, WILLIAMS, or FARN- Society and the Finger Lakes Lace Guild will HAM. Please contact: Peter Farnham, be held on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 11-4:30 Chenango Co. Historical Society, 55 Rex- p.m. , at the Museum. It is free and open to ford Street, Norwich, NY 13815. the public, and has been a well-attended event in the past. There will be bobbin lace-making demon- "Origin of Place Names" to be Reprinted strations, a do-it-yourself tab-,le, lace on display, and much more. The fd'atured speaker The Society is in the process of reprint- is Carolyn Pierce from the Chesapeake Re- ing W. Glenn Norris' wonderful Origin of gional Lace Guild who will address "Lace Place Names of Tompkins County, with a new Identification." Visitors are encouraged to Preface by Lois O'Connor. One of our most bring in their own laces for identification popular publications, it has been out-of- and discussion. More information: Holly Van print since Christmas. Sciver, 277-0498. Copies should be available in mid-August. 4 Summer 1984 Newsletter FROM RENWICK TO STEWART PARK. . . (continued from page 1 ) starring Frances X. Bushman and Beverly buildings. He was the electrical engineer Bayne. Attracted by the possibilities pro- who bought; control of the street railway and vided by the natural seating gf Ithaca for electric light companies in 1891 and started film production, Wharton Studios, Inc. , was trolley service up East Hill . In 1923, the formed and for the next five years a number Cas- of films (including the series "The Exploits City purchased the boat house from the Cas- cadilla School Association and in 1925 some of Elaine" starring Lionel Barrymore and " additional land was given to the city by an The Mysteries of Myra") were made in Ren- ex-mayor, Henry St. John. wick Park. In the early 1930s, the City undertook The lot was sub-leased to the Interna- some improvements through the WPA Project, tional Film Service and later to the Metro adding the duck pond, extending the shore- Film Corporation and the Norma Talmadge Cor- line to the north and improving the inlet. poration. During .the war, a number of "pro- Swimming at Stewart Park was possible until paganda" films were made here including the 1961 when it was banned because of the Patria series starring Irene Castle and amount of silt and pollution in the water. Milton Sills. Today, the only remaining building that With the end of the war and the growth of was part of the original trolley amusement Hollywood, the film industry in Ithaca died. park development is the big main pavilion. In 1921 , the City of Ithaca purchased the Other structures have come and gone. The property. This occurred during the mayoral boathouse was built by Cascadilla School , a term of Edwin C. Stewart who died in office private preparatory school for Cornell Uni- and left $150,000 for the development of a versity, and was originally used as a gym- park. Herman Bergholtz, the original de- nasium. It was apparently built about 1900 veloper of the park, having owned the trolley company, was hired to restore some of the (continued on page 5) Left, the water tower at Stewart Park. Note the popcorn tent to the right, the water wagon being filled at the base of the tower, and there is a photographer's studio to the back of the tower. The benches are set in front of the bandstand (not visible here). Below, a later photograph taken during what appears to be a busy day at the park, show- ing the bandstand. (Dates/photographers of these photographs are not known. ) _ 1 t.. Summer 1984 Newsletter 5 Right, a "Cornell Crew" (from Cas- cadi l l a School ?) at the Inlet ` Boathouse at _4 Stewart Park. (Date of photo and photographer < unknown. ) and certainly not earlier than 1890. The and restrooms, and the brightly colored, bathhouse was built between 1910 and 1919 canvas-topped carousel (new to the park in as a studio for the film industry. It was 1951 and privately owned). The small zoo converted to a bathhouse between 1919 and has given many young children pleasure 1929. The huge tower, also one of the ori- through the years. The tennis courts have ginal buildings, was a water tower with an gotten plenty of good use. electric pump. It was destroyed by Hurri- Frequent visitors to the park in past cane Hazel in 1955. years will have many fond memories of other Three shingle-style pavilions remain in amusements that have come and gone, perhaps the park today. One is the large pavilion most noteworthy being the swimming. Or the on the east side, with a spacious veranda little train that even went through a tunnel , around it on three sides and facing the not to mention the many events and get- lake. A smaller pavilion, sometimes used togethers through the years that refreshed . as a bandstand but more frequently as a pic- and relaxed us. nic area, is near the children's playground. [Editor's Note: Dig out those photographs The Boat House is on the north side, facing and memories, for the DeWitt is planning a the duck pond, with a big veranda beneath Stewart Park "History Day" sometime around the tower. , Labor Day, and you are invited to partici- Also in the park today is the refresment pate! Watch our calendar and the newspapers stand, a big pavilion for equipment storage for more information.] and dates for them -- whether you are ex- perienced or just a novice at "researching The newly-formed group whose interest is your roots," you will find kindred spirits genealogy met at the Museum in 4uae. The in the Genealogy Group. (Mrs. Hilda Myers meeting was informal -- with general ex- has more information if you wish to call changes of ideas and information. Several the Society. ) persons who had expressed an interest in the group were unable to join in at this MOVING? OUT OF TOWN FOR AWHILE? Please meeting. drop us a note or telephone so that we may Other meetings will be scheduled this hold your mail or forward it accordingly. summer -- check the Calendar for times 6 Summer 1984 Newsletter TWO MAJOR EXHIBITS OPEN In the best health interests of our membel^s, we would like to present the following, Two concurrent major exhibits open on from a journal of the Dansville Sanatorium July 28• "Without Knife or Pain: 19th Cen- (a water- cure in Dansville, NY) , Feb. 1885. tury Alternative Medicare in..Tompkins The A B C of Health County" at the DeWitt; and "With Scalpel and Stethoscope: 19th Century Orthodox Medi- As soon as you are up, shake blanket and cine" at the Hinckley Foundation Museum. We — sheet; hope you still stop in soon to see them, Better be without shoes, than sit with wet although both will be into 1985. — feet; The exhibit at the DeWitt looks at the Children, if healthy, are active, not still ; many facets of alternative medicine, its Damp beds and damp clothes will both make promises and its practices in this area. you ill ; Among the topics covered: homeopathy, eclec- Eat slowly, and always chew your food well ; ticism, water cures, folk medicine and home Freshen the air in the house where you remedies, patent medicine, Thomsonism and dwell ; botanic medicine, the popular health move- Garments must never be made to be tight; ment, and electrical devices; and the impact Homes will be healthy, if airy and light; of alternative therapies as they challenged If you wish to be well , as you do, I 've no orthodox medical practices. doubt, At the Hinckley, "With Scalpel and Stetho- Just open the windows before you go out; scope focuses on orthodox medicine, tracing Keep your rooms always tidy and clean, its evolution from heroic medicine in the Let dust on the furniture never be seen; early 1800s with its bleeding and purges to Much illness is caused by the want of pure the development of scientific medicine and air. the beginnings of specialization at the end Now to open your windows be ever your care; of the century. The impact of technology, Dld rags and old rubbish should never be kept; (continued on page 7) People should see that their floors are well swept; Quick movements in children are healthy and DR. PERRIN'SFUMIGATOR FOR CATARRH. — right; T AFTER USM IT. Remember the young cannot thrive without light. See that the cistern is clean to the brim; Take care that your dress is all tidy and trim; Use your nose to find out if there be a bad drain; y Very sad are the fevers that come in its / train. ` . ... I ,� Walk as much as you can without feeling fatigue, Xerxes could walk for full many a league. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Your health is your wealth, which your wisdou! must keep, Zeal will help a good cause, and the good THE NEW DEAL IN TOMPKINS COUNTY you will reap. Historian Joanne Florino has begun research on the history of the New Deal * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Program in Tompkins County with the support of a $3,120 grant from the New York State SOME OF OUR MEMBERS will receive their re- Council on the Arts. newal notices shortly. The DeWitt advises Ms. Florino is examining the extent and in July its members with renewal dates fall- impact of Federal and State economic pro- ing between January and June that it is grams and policies in the county during time to renew; and in November for those that period of time during the Roosevelt whose renewals are due between July and administration. The project will result December. If you have any questions about in an exhibit and one-day symposium this this, please contact Jean Warholic, the Fall . Membership Chairman. 8 Summer 1984 Newsletter News of the Collections VOLUNTEER NEWS We have four new people working with the Recently, we have welcomed the following Curator of Collections now and great pro- new vol.Vnteers: Eva Poysa and Robert Scho- gress is being made. - v, knecht, who are assisting our Curator of Since April , Eva Poysa has started to Education; Harriet Tucker, who is working work with the accessioning backlog. She with our volunteer library cataloguer Carla puts in about 10 hours a week. Eva recently Weiss; and Betty Stuart, Fraces Marx, and retired from the Dept. of City and Regional Michelle Glader, who will be front desk re- Planning at Cornell and her excellent cleri- ceptionists. cal skills are being put to good use. She A capable, dependable volunteer force is is a pleasure to have around as well . absolutely essential to the functioning of Beginning in May, Bob Schoknecht, who any museum. The Society is most fortunate works for the Ecology and Systematics Dept. in having a dedicated group working in all at Cornell , started to work on registration areas of service -- behind the scenes as projects as a volunteer. Currently he is well as up front. correcting and updating the donor records, Have you considered joining our volunteer putting in about five hours a week. staff? Right now, we are in particular need For the last month and a half, Karen of a volunteer to catalog our photographic Sharp, an Ithaca College student working equipment collection (a knowledge of the toward a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, has history of photo equipment preferred). If been working for the Society to fulfill you wish to volunteer for this project, requirements for an Art History internship. please contact Shannon O'Dell , the Curator Her project involves inventorying and re- of Collections. If you have other interests searching our oil portrait collection. She or projects you wish to volunteer for, is seeking information to fill in the gaps please contact Mrs. Hilda Myers. of our knowledge on the portraits -- Parti- cularly the painters. This information will PAPER CONSERVATOR NOW IN ITHACA benefit us when we write a grant proposals Area residents will be pleased to note to interpret them in exhibits and on display, that a paper conservator, Daniel Clement, as well as provide additional insights and has established a practice in Ithaca. increase our appreciation of them. Mr. Clement is a graduate of Cornell Christine Hall , a CIVITAS workstudy stu- University and of the Cooperstown Graduate dent from Cornell , has been working with Program in the Conservation of Historic Karen on inventorying and cataloging paint- and Artistic Works. We are fortunate to ings. Christine is also an art student and have such a well-qualified conservator in will be working on a variety of projects this area. For more information or to from exhibit painting to collection research make an appointment, please call him at all summer. 387-9608. O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O OO O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O J O O O O O DeWitt Historical Society of Non-Profit Organization Tompkins County 116 North Cayuga Street U.S. Postage Ithaca, NY 14850 PAID Ithaca, New York Permit Number 292 Ithaca Cite Mayor John C, 6utenberger City Hall Ithacan NY 14850 Summer 1984 Newsletter 7 The Maternity Ward at the Tompkins County Hospital (then on Quarry Street) , at Christmastime, year unknown. The DeWitt is interested in acquiring more information for an article relating to hospitals and public health in 20th Century Tompkins County for a future exhibit -- might you share with us your photographs and material? * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Society recently received an original TWO MEDICINE EXHIBITS. . . (from page 6) letter (thanks to Annette Page) from F.C. Cornell to Dean Liberty H. Bailey, acknow- • ledging Dean Bailey' s gift toward a new changes in education, and the institution of Maternity Ward. Since it bridges the two standards and licensing are also considered. new exhibits concerning health and medicine A lecture series on topics in 19th Cen- in 19th Century Tompkins County and leads tury medicine history is planned for the into an exh"ibit planned for 1985-86, we are Fall at both museums. Further information including it here for your interest. The about the exhibits and lecture series is letter is dated January 30th, 1913. available from either museum in the form of "Dear Mr. Bailey: I have your letter of a posterlogue. the 27th with check enclosed for $500. For Also, the Cornell Plantations will offer your contribution to the City Hospital given a free talk on medicinal plants and their on the understanding that they accept Mater- uses by Dr. Scott Camazine, on July 28, from nity cases to the hospital and properly care 1-2:00 p.m. , at their Herb Day. (Informa- for the same. I can assure you that the tion; 256-3020. ) above conditions will all be carried out and These exhibits and programs are made in the new building there will be ample room possible, in part, by a grant from the New to properly care for such cases. York State Council on the Arts. The Curator "Thanking you for your generous gift, I is Gretchen Sachse. am, Sincerely Yours, (signed) F. C. Cornell " c E Ty = i 7 4 yr, 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 -)PEKE OF TELEPHONE 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO : Mr-. Jack Dougherty, Acting Supt. of Public Works Mr. Thomas Niederkorn FROM : Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: August 8, 1984 SUBJECT : DeWitt Historical Society - Newsletter - Pages I, 4 and 5 FIRST RENWICK PARK, NOW STEWART PARK : A Bit of Its Past. . . . Attached hereto please find pages I, 4 and 5 taken from the recent Summer- Edition of the DeWitt Historical Society for your information. Jack, would you please have copies made and distributed to the members of SPAG. Thank you. ATTACH . _-._ _.. ...__ an C1,rn-.+',v:Gr!inn Prnnr ..-•. i.Y.% a•,.,,a��.�.� ���c, `SlaYs�.ut� CITY OF ITH ACA ITHACA, NEW YORK S -10110 DEPARTMENT OF I'UE?L iC v°�l(�)R?�' TFC R - , N 0 T -1 C F August 14, 1984 A meeting of the .Stewart.Park Advisory.Group . gill he held on Tuesday . . . . . . August.21 . . . . . 19.84 �i t .7;3Q RM . . . . . . . . . . . . in the CoWQn.CQu4ci1 ,Chamb@r, at ,City Hall , . . . _ . Your attendance is requested. r STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES July 17, 1984 PRESENT: Andrew Aasen, Susan Blumenthal, Margo Clynes, Charles Dunlop, Geoffrey Gyrisco, Sean Killeen, Richard Pieper, Sam Weeks, David Woolley, Bob Cutia, Jack Dougherty, John Gutenberger, Jon Meigs. ALSO: Jim Glavin, Leonard Mankowski, Tom Niederkorn, John Ellis, the Parks Department staff and a number of visitors from Landmarks Preservation Committee. 1. The meeting began with a picnic supper at Stewart Park which was enjoyed by everyone. 2. After the picnic the group toured the Cascadilla boathouse and were given a narrated examination inside and out. Mankowski explained what was being considered for the structure in terms of restoration and future use. 3. A similar tour of the bathhouse was made and remnants of the silent film era were pointed out. 4. A more formal meeting was held in the pavilion after the building tours. Rehabilitation needs of the pavilion were briefly discussed. 5. Niederkorn handed out an Implementation Sequence and Priority schedule for review and discussion at the August meeting. This schedule lists seventy-one separate actions pertient to plan implementation and sets up a timetable for these actions. Each action has been assigned a high, middle or low priority relative to all the other actions. 6. John Ellis presented his ideas about a dinner/tour boat based in Stewart Park. He felt the park was the best location along the entire lakefront and suggested a pier at the large parking lot rather than as shown on the plan. His hope would be to arrange financing, work out a proposal with the city, build a boat and have the business in operation by the 1986 season. There were numerous - questions asked. 7. The owner of the park carrousel suggested the possibility of reviving the miniature train that was once part of the Stewart Park scene. This was discussed by the group. 8. Next meeting will be on August 21, 1984 at the usual City Hall location at 7:30 p.m. �i'in�d112 A; '19 f d'1 �fl�l_Mq� � l.s� RAT :a� CITY CF ITHACA 1OEi EAST ( FI[ F_N =I-PF'L I ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFi['E of TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO : Mr. Jack Dougherty, Acting Supt. of Public Works Mr. Thomas Niederkorn X FROM : Mayor John C. Gutenberger �� DATE: August 8, 1984 SUBJECT : DeWitt Historical Society - Newsletter - Pages I, 4 and 5 FIRST RENWICK PARK, NOW STEWART PARK : A Bit of Its Past. . . . Attached hereto please find pages I, 4 and 5 taken from the recent Summer Edition of the DeWitt Historical Society for your information. ' Jack, would you please have copies made and distributed to the members of SPAG. Thank you. ATTACH . f � f ,E-, Bi I t AaL Di t I E�j Tl No. 2 -- Summer 1984 FIRST RENWICK PARK , NOW STEWART PARK : A Bit of Its Past . . . As we Tompkins Countians head for the cool resources and people for her material . The spots this summer, during our hottest months complete inventory is available at the of the year, one of the most popular stops Museum for your future reference. in the area is our lovely Stewart Park. The area now known as Stewart Park was While it is used all year around, this is originally part of the James Renwick estate. certainly its busiest time and we thought It was Military Lot No. 88 which had been You would like to know something more about granted to Andrew Moody of the Revolutionary it. The following information has come Army on July 9, 1790. It was then sold to prirarily from the inventory form researched James Renwick on Dec. 12, 1790, and remained by Sarah Hector for the Division of Historic in that family, undeveloped for 104 years. Preservation of the NYS Parks and Recreation In the summer of 1894, the owners of the fet. in Albany, who drew on a number of Ithaca Street. Railway incorporated a Cayuga Lake Railway Company and purchased the lake property from the Renwick estate. A rail - ICE ail - ICE CREAM SOCIAL wav line was built from Railroad Avenue to the lake and Renwick Park was the terminus for the line. The owners developed 40 acres Yum, yunr! The 5th Annual Ice Cream of the property as an amusement park "with Social will be held Sunday, August 5, lawns , woods , and paths laid out by a land- from 5:00-7 :30 p.m. , at our beautiful scape artist of the firm that planned Central Eight Square School on Hanshaw Road. As park in New York City. There was a landing before, members of the Society and their where small boats were rented, a small zoo- families are invited. It is free and one logical garden, a theater for vaudeville of our most popular events. We handcrank performances, and a pavilion where 'Patsy' a number of terrific flavors, have plenty Conway' s band gave concerts during the of goodies for making your own sundae (a summer months." Aware that trolley amuse- grand Ithaca tradition! ) , and hope you ment parks were a passing fad, they promptly will also take the time to admire our sold the new development to a group of handsome octagonal schoolhouse. local men who incorporated as the Renwick Manual ice cream machines are welcome park and Traffic Association -- this group -- as are people to crank them. If you included E.G. Wyckoff, D.W. Burdick, F.C. wish to help with the festivities, please Cornell , Charles H. Blood and Uri Clark. leave your name and telephone number with In 1915, the park was leased from this us at the DeWitt offices (273-8284) . group by Theodore and Leopold Wharton and YOUR R.S.V.P. IS REQUIRED if you plan remodeled for film studios. The Whartons to attend so we know how many people to first came to Ithaca to film "Dear Old Girl plan for. Call the DeWitt by August 3. of Mine," a film about college life See you there! ! ! (continued on page 4) 4 Summer 19°4 N e ti-,,s I e t t e r FP. rhl nENWI CK TO STEWART PARK . . . (continued from page 1 ) starring Frances X. Bushman and Beverly buildings. He was the electrical engineer Bayne. Attracted by the possibilities pro- who bought control of the street railway and vided by the natural setting of Ithaca for electric light companies in 1891 and started film production, Wharton Studios, Inc. , was trolley service up East Hill . In 1923 , the formed and for the next five years a number City purchased the boat house from the Cas- of films (including the series "The Exploits cadilla School Association and in 1925 some of Elaine" starring Lionel Barrymore and additional land was given to the city by an "The Mysteries of Myra") were made in Ren- wick Park, ex-mayor, Henry St. John. In the early 1930s, the City undertook. The lot was sub-leased to the Interna- some improvements through the WPA Project, tional Film Service and later to the Metro adding the duck pond , extending the shore- Film Corporation and the Norma Talmadge Cor- line to the north and improving the inlet. poration. During the war, a number of "pro- Swimming at Stewart Park was possible until paganda" films were made here including the 1961 when it was banned because of the Patria series starring Irene Castle and amount of silt and pollution in the water. Milton Sills. Today, the only remaining building that With the end of the war and the growth of was part of the original trolley amusement Hollywood, the film industry in Ithaca died. park development is the big main pavilion. In 1921 , the City of Ithaca purchased the Other structures have come and gone. The property. This occurred during the mayoral boathouse was' built by Cascadilla School , a term of Edwin C. Stewart who died in office private preparatory school for Cornell Uni- and left $150,000 for the development of a versity, and was originally used as a gym- park. Nerman Bergholtz, the original de- nasium. It was a veloper of the park, having owned the trolley apparently built about 1900 company, was hired to restore some of the (continued on page 5) a Left, the water tower at Stewart Park. Note the popcorn tent to the right, the water wagon being filled at the base of the tower, and there is a photographer' s studio to the back of the tower. The benches are set in front of the bandstand (not visible here) . Below, a later photograph taken during what appears to be a busy day at the park, show- ». cr� ing the bandstand. (Dates/photographers of r awl these photographs are not known. ) �{ t Oe -.t..r� sem' •allyl Grp.' y.,i��+yjy�r., � {£ i - �, {Y. , 1 1984 Newsletter 5 f { Right, a "Cornell Crew" (from Cas- �' `� !, — cadilla School ?) alk the Inlet -- Bcathouse at � Y Stewart Park. (Date of photo an,-', photographer r _ ter.• •i .,/' Y' y X vlr� . and certainly not earlier than 1890. The and restrooms, and the brightly colored, bathhouse was built between 1910 and 1919 canvas-topped carousel (new to the park in as a studio for the film industry. It was 1951 and privately owned) . The small zoo converted to a bathhouse between 1919 and has given many young children pleasure 1929. The huge tower, also one of the ori - throuoh the years. The tennis courts have cinal buildings, was a water tower with an gotten plenty of good use. electric pump. It was destroyed by Hurri- Frequent visitors to the park in past cane Hazel in 1955, years will have many fond memories of other Three shingle-style pavilions remain in amusements that have come and gone, perhaps the park today. One is the large pavilion most noteworthy being the swimming. Or the on the east side, with a spacious veranda little train that even went through a tunnel , around it on three sides and facing the not to mention the many events and get- lake. A smaller pavilion, sometimes used togethers through the years that refreshed as a bandstand but more frequently as a pic- and relaxed us. nic area , is near the children's playground. [Editor's Note: Dig out those photographs Tho, Boat House is on the north side, facing and memories, for the DeWitt is planning a the duck pond, with a big veranda beneath Stewart Park "History Day" sometime around the tower. Labor Day, and you are invited to partici- Also in the park today is the refresment pate! Watch our calendar and the newspapers stand, a big pavilion for equipment storage for more information. ] and dates for them -- whether you are ex- perienced or just a novice at "researching The newly-formed group whose interest is your roots ," you will find kindred spirits genealogy met at the Museum in June. The in the Genealogy Group. (Mrs. Hilda Myers meeting was informal -- with general ex- has more information if you wish to call changes of ideas and information. Several the Society. ) persons who had expressed an interest in the group were unable to join in at this MOVING? OUT OF TOWN FOR AWHILE? Please e,ctting. drop us a note or telephone so that we may Other meetings will be scheduled this hold your mail or forward it accordingly. summer -- check the Calendar for times STEWART PARK ADVISORY GROUP MINUTES RECEIVED SEP 101985 8 August 1984 PRESENT: Margo Clynes, Geoffrey Gyrisco, Ben Nichols, Sam Weeks, David Woolley, Bob Cutia, Jack Dougherty, Jon Meigs. ALSO: John Ellis, Jim Glavin, Tom Niederkorn; Nancy Ostman. 1. Dougherty stated that the project was nearing completion and that this would be the final meeting of the Advisory Group. A presentation will be made on September 19 at 7:30 p.m. to Common Council and the Board of Public Works. All are invited. 2. Niederkorn related a recent meeting of himself, Dougherty, Clifford Creech from D.E.C. and Larry Tvaroha of the Tompkins County Environmental Manage- ment Council. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the possibilities of constructing the park extension area, island and pier. Creech was personally not supportive of the extension area but liked the concept of the pier and island. He said that time was on the City's side, that negotiation with concerned public officials should begin and that compromise was the name of the game. He strongly favored the proposals for the Lagoon and Fall Creek bank stabilization and promised D.E.C. support to the extent possible. 3. Niederkorn stated that the main purpose of the meeting was to look once more at the master plan and to review the implementation timetable and priority schedule. Revised copies were distributed. 4. Niederkorn explained how the timetable worked and there were many con- structive comments on details. 5. Meigs suggested that the report stress that the plan is conceptual in nature and that there will, of necessity, be differences in detail between what is presented in the plan and what is actually built. The concept plan will be refined in detail by time, budget, environmental forces and similar influences. f 6. Niederkorn and Glavin discussed some refinements that had already occurred in the golf course area as a result of concerns about pre- serving the wetland character of the biological field station. F 7. There was discussion about the need for a process of continuous review of the park complex to make sure the principles of the plan are not compromised over time. 8. Dougherty asked for a formal action-by the group regarding the plan developed and presented over the past eight months. It was moved and seconded that "The Stewart Park Advisory Group approves the development and management plan submitted to the group subject to incorporation of much of the substantive discussion of the August 21st meeting." Carried unaniously. 9. Expressions of appreciation for the work of the committee were forth- coming and the meeting adjourned. DISTRIBUTION OF PROJECTS BY YEAR - STEWART PARK DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT PLAN ITEM* 1984 P** 1985 1986 1987 1988 2. 150,000 H 13. 2,000 H 20. 264,000 H 31. 285,000 H 43. 5,000 L 3. 10,000 H 15. 130,000 H 22. 80,000 H 32. 23,000 M 44. 130,000 M 7. 160,000 H 16. 8,000 H 23. 27,500 H 33. 30,000 H 45, 45,000 M 8. 40,000 H, 17. 10,000 L 24. 6,000 H 35. 9,600 H 46. 46,000 M 9. 59,000 H 18. 2,000 M 26. 3,000 M 37. 20,000 M 47. 42,000 H 11. 5,000 H 19. 26,000 M 27. 40,000 M 38. 20,000 M 48. 199,000 H 12. 87000 H 21. 710,000 H 28. 6,000 M 39. 198,000 H 49. 40,000 H 29. 15,,000 L 40. 30,000 H 50. 14,000 M 30. 30,000 M 41. 6,000 H 42. 5,000 H 432,000 H 850,000 H 377,500 H 563,600 H 281,000 H -- M 28,000 M 79,000 M 63,000 M 235,000 M -- L 10,000 L 15,000 L -- L 5,000 L 1989. 1990 1991 1992 1993 51. 50,000 L 56. 20,000 M 64. 98,000 M 66. 520,000 H (No projects 52. 44,600 M 57. 6,000 H 350,000 L scheduled to begin in 1993.) 53. 25,000 L 58. 73,000 M 54. 325,000 H 59. 24,000 M 55. 120,000 M 60. 5,000 M 61. 143,000 H 62, 16,000 H 63. 50,000 M 325,000 H 165,000 H -- H 520,000 H 164,000 M 172,000 M 98,000 M -- M 75,000 L -- L -- L 350,000 L 1994 1995 68. 70,000 M 72. 180,000 M 69. 120,000 H 73. 30,000 L TOTALS: 3,634,100 HIGH PRIORITY 70. 135,000 M 1,224,600 MEDIUM " 71. 11,000 L 496,000 LOW " 120,000 H -- H 5,354,700 (excludes an annual 205,000 M 180,000 M allowance of $10,000 for planting.) 11,000 L 30,000 L * See IMPLEMENTATION SEQUENCE for list of items. ** Priority: H = High M = Medium L = Low _,& our- Pa� SUNNY BROOK, RD #3 Newfield, NY 14857 July 14, 1984 Mr -Niederkorn 1IVEp SEP 1 j934 ,,,Stewart Pai XConsultant Planning - Environmental Research Consultants st State Street Ithaca. NY 14850 Dear Mr. Neiderkorn, I am writing to you on behalf of the Finger Lakes Group of the Sierra Club regarding the Stewart Park development proposal. We have reviewed the City Planning Department's map of the Stewart Park development proposal, Scheme A. After looking at this proposal we have some environmental concerns that we want to share with you. We have a strong sense of wanting to preserve wetlands because of their documented importance to the biological and ecological balance of nature. The south end of Cayuga Lake, which was once all wetlands, now has lost all but two small areas to development. The golf course proposal on Scheme A does away with all but a one acre section of this Class I wetlands. We believe this wetland, the 13 acre Cornell Biological Station, should be preserved and that any development plans should be on land that has already been disturbed from its original wetland state, and that any development should be compatible with maintaining the ecological balance of its neighboring wetland. We urge you to strongly consider the value of maintaining this wetland as a wetland when preparing the Stewart Park development proposal to be offered to the city. We would be happy to provide environmental input on other Stewart Park proposals. Sincerely, Don Barber Finger Lakes Group Chair Sierra Club DB:nbb CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO: Thys VanCort Jack Dougherty Tom Niederkorn FROM: Mayor John C.Gutenberger DATE: September 7, 1984 SUBJECT: C_. Stewart Park -__Wetlands �Bill-FI e"rb she r ---__— Would you please get your comments to me on the enclosed AS SOON AS POSSIBLE Thank you. ENC. An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program' �r � KAO September 5 , 1984 - wr� - Mayor John Guttenberger - City Hall 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gut/enberger: I 'Is writing you regarding the Cornell land located between Fall Creek and Cayuga Inlet , referred to as the Biological Field Station. Our understanding, based on a request from John Dougherty , is that the City of Ithaca is interested in using portions of this 14-acre parcel in con- nection with the further development of Stewart Park . The a$a$ep parcel has11.ain, 44" natural characteristics and is an aw"-` --` community resource . In conjunction with the Bird Sanctuary and other natural areas at this end of Cayuga Lake, it has been declared a Clas Wetland by the Department of Environmental Conservations you know, the (0J" Environmental Management Council concluded at their June 21 meeting that �� 0 N* While we econcern e the s expres a by t6 Vep;iron� mental Council are legitimate, we also believe the concept�SL � of multiple uses for the parcel, though unusual , may be viable . However, more information and study is needed if we are to intelligently assess the matter . Q4 ' In principit, Cornell is willing to par icipe in the �CAX':�e project if the design can be worked out so hat the Biologi- cal Field Station site continues to serve he diverse re- �_quirements for_ wetlands and bird habitats, However, the I`f�•�U specifics of site -_er-� require further study, including reviewing examples of similar installations elsewhere . For instance, two subjects which need to be addressed are : the stabilization of the vegetation of the remaining wetland area including the shoreline; and the maintenance of bird habitats at boththeg ound and tree levels . _e Finall there hole series of matters relati 8 to : ( a) what undertakings the City and Cornell s ould make regarding the maintenance of the area ' s character; (b) who 4mtu ha* responsibility for maintenance of the property , lia- bility insurance , etc . ; ( c) what compensation Cornell should receive if it makes the land available ; and ( d) under what circumstances the land should revert to the University if it no longer is used for the purposes intended;,dam -` which- she 44—bt--d L '-'she4d-bt-d-i s s e der to-e-s_ \ &",d fte-Uri-V - t-e r m n ee4-s--and- h ere eta a re--e sTi eft d. Letter to Mayor Gutienberger September S , 1984 Page 2 We would welcome the opportunity to exchange views with you on these matters at the appropriate time . In the mean- time, Messrs . Cook, Dickey , and Majeroni will be more than pleased to work with Tom Neiderkorn and others from the City in further conceptualizing how Cornell ' s land and the City ' s might serve the purposes suggested in the initial plan with- out doing harm to the environment . Sincerely, William G. Herbster Senior Vice President WGH/ajh cc : Robert Cook Eric Dickey John Majeroni Robert Matyas TOMPKINS COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL TO: Members of O=Tmn Council, Board of Public Works and Stewart Park. Advisory Group FFDM: Herbert J. Engman, Chair, Stewart Park Omrittee of the Tompkins County Environnental Management Council FE: Enclosed letters on Stewart Park Plan DATE: September 7, 1984 The Environmental. Management Council has asked me to provide you with letters outlining our positions on omponents of the proposed Stewart Park Plan to aid you in your deliberations.,,' %ile Council is supportive of several aspects of the plan, it is strongly opposed to the use of the Cornell Biological Station for a golf course expansion or other development. Thank you for your attention. We would be happy to discuss the plan further. 128 East,Buffalo Street, Ithaca, New fork, 14850 Telephone (607) 274.5286/274.5287 Mxnas Niedericoen -2- July 25, 1984 The fitness course seems somEwiat unnecessary unless it is designed for a specific_ group like older individuals or the handicapped. 'There are adequate facilities for everyone else in other parts of the city. Similarly, it is believed that tennis courts may be unnecessary in Stewart parrs. There are numerous tennis courts nearby at the high school. The land might better be used for a general play and picnic area. One possibility would be to "flip" the middle parking area to the other side of the road - into the section now planned for the tennis courts - and thus free more open area in the main part of the parrs. It was also suggested that a "Bob Leathers" type playground might be constructed in the park. Since these playgrounds are axhstructed by volunteers, it would give the commmity an opportunity to contribute to the refurbishing of the park in a very visable way and convey a sense of ownership in the playground. Finally, the ENC muudttee thought that, given the varied and highly used nature of this section of Stewart Park, it might be worthwhile to begin imple- mentation of this part of the plan prior to any changes to the golf course and Cornell Biological Station. In sum, we believe that the plans for the area of Stewart Paris north and northeast of Fall Creek are innovative and exciting. A good, amprehensive plan will bode well for the City of Ithaca and the future of Stewart Paris. Siva:rely, Herbert J. IgnrLn Chairman, Stewart Paris Committee BE;mdg cc: Jack Dougherty Milo Fdcutrmd (Dept. Nat'l. Fesources, Fer now Hall) Nancy Cstman Stewart Paris Committee (C. Leopold, R. Fischer, J. Flossiter, H. F hgman) Mark Hamlet The text of this letter was approved by the EMC, General Committee at their July 24, 1984 meeting by a sense of the body. June 27, 1984 Mr. nmmas Niederkorn Stewart Park Consultant Planning-Envirom,ental Research Consultants 310 W. State St. Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mr. Niederkorn: As chair of the Stewart Paris Cottee of the Zbmphins County Enviror�a mtal iKanagerrent Council, I wish to thank you and Jack Dougherty for meeting with us on June 12. Zhe Omulttee met again on June 25 to consider the infor- mation you provided. 7b assist you and the City of Ithaca in the planning for Stewart Park, we are submitting our initial observations, concerns and reaxrmendatioms in this letter. We were most pleased that you are reo ximeju ing that the Fuertes Sanctuary be left in its natural state. 4his is an area exceptionally valued by all environmentalists in this region. As one of the two remaining wetlands at the south end of Cayuga Lake, it is essential to protect at all costs this natural resource. We also eomwnd your efforts to consider the needs of the handicapped, es- pecially as they relate to high quality environmental experiences. Hm)ever, because of the lack of time and information to properly consider the re- lationship between handicapped access and the luertes Sanctuary, we would prefer to defer specific reoomwx1atisons to a later time. Similarly, we are deferring consideration of the proposal for fill to extend the shoreline, the construction of an island, the question of a zoo, ani similar suggestions for the area north and northeast of Fall Creek.. Instead, we wish to advise on the question of changing the golf course - especially its proposed extension into the Cornell Biological Station - because of its overwhelming importance as an environ=ental issue. Discussion at our June 25 meeting centered on the following points: I. Concern for the integrity of the wetland - is there the possibility of coupatability between the wetland and the golf course? 2. The need for a shoreline buffer roots of 150 feet along the waterways. 3. Me bTortance of not disturbing the inlet side of Pier goad where it extends into the Biological Station. Continued ..... Zhomas Niederkorn -2- June 21, 1984 4. The unmown impact of fertilizers and herbicides if the golf course were to be extended into the wetland (and current impact also) . 5. Zhe vague nature of the "Future Shore Develogmnt". Based on our discussions the EM Stuart Park Cc rw.mttee makes the following reoomnendations: 1. Future development of the golf course should not include extension into the Biological Station because of the value of the Type I wetland and the need to preserve this resource for future generations. The impact of the golf course would be so severe as to destroy the integrity of the wetland. Ern a --roller wetland means less space for the essential functions of a wetland. The higher and better use in this case is clearly the preservation of one of the too remaining viable wetlands at the south end of Cayuga Lake instead of the expansion of the golf course. We believe that the wetland and the golf course are fundamentally incompatible. 2. It 'is-cerUdnlTvvt`--aaaeptable to set current golf course land aside for unkrhmm reasons ("Future Shore Develogrnnt") , at the expense of a valuable natural area such as the Biological Station. The land set aside for development, plus the area designated for new parking, should be used for the golf course instead of expanding into the wetland. 3. Zhe parking lot should not be built on the inlet. If, indeed, the shone property is valuable, then the parking lot is not the highest and best use of the land. There is other land u hi.ch could be used for :parking. The parking lot seems entirely too large for currently envisioned purposes. We have candidly stated our observations cn these matters so that you may have a clear understanding of our position on the proposed changes in Stewart. Park. We would be happy to discuss these points further with you. Of course, we will be looking at the other omponents of the plan and will be in touch concerning them. - Thank you for providing the opportunity for our input. Sincerely, Herbert Engn-an Qlairman, Stewart Paris Oonnit'tee BE/Mdg cc: Jac Dougherty Milo Richmond (Dept. Nat'l. Flesources, Ferno w Hall) Nancy OsMwi Stewart Paris Committee (C.Leopold, R.Fischer, J.Fbssiter, H.Engan) Math Hamlet Zhe text of this letter was approved by the EMC, General Cormdttee at their June 26, 1984 meeting by a sense of the body. _ G__ ITI HACA3 NEW YORK 1 4850 MEfti3O T0: Mr. Joseph Rundle, City Clerk Mr. Jack Dougherty, Supt. of Public FROM : Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: September 10, 1984 SUBJECT: Tompkins County Environmental Management Council Stewart Park Plan - dated September 7, 1984 - Herbert J. Engman, Chair, Stewart Park Comm. of the TCEMC Please have copies of the above entitled correspondence copied and distributed to tie members of Common Council, the Board of Public Works, and the Stewart Park Advisory Group. Thank you. ATTACH . V; rt .......... A? CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850�y��yp,�(yyyyyyy� y�yyy�y DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS oF�04VA4D�Y{f�'fC'1lV�QL^L�P(�M� TELEPHONE:272-1713 SUPT.OF PUBLIC WORKS CODE 607 M E M O R A N D U M To: Mayor Gutenberger From: John A. Dougherty Re: Stewart Park Wet] n s and Bill Herbster's Draft Memo Date: September 12, 1984 1 see no problems with proceeding on the acquisition of the Cornell Biological Field Station parcel as suggested by the Herbster memo. Several ideas contained in this memo bother me slightly. I get the impression that one of the ways Cornell is considering to allow us to use the property is by some sort of a lease or license. I feel we should be very insistent that the property be owned by the City, but that design and maintenance of the area's character should be an area in which Cornell is very deeply involved. I also feel that we should rapidly pursue this matter and set up a time table for discussions. cc: T. VanCort T. Niederkorn "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" i CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 MEMO TO: Jack Dougherty, Supt. of Public Works/SPAG Thomas Niederkorn L. Richard Stumbar, Corporate Counsel Thys VanCort, Director of the Planning and Dev. Dept. FROM: Mayor John C. Gutenberger DATE: September 19, 1984 SUBJECT: Stewart Park - Wetlands - Letter from William Herbster - Cornell University Attached hereto please find a copy of a letter received today in regard to the above entitled matter for your attention. ATTACH. i i I i 1 An Equal Opportunity f_ni ployer wi(h am AHn mauve AChon Prngrarn" Cornell University GI Senior Vice President 314 Day Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853 September 18 , 1984 Mayor John Gutenberger City Hall 108 East Green Street Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear Mayor Gutenberger : I am writing you regarding the Cornell land located between Fall Creek and Cayuga Inlet , referred to as the Biological Field Station. Our understanding, based on a request from John Dougherty, is that the City of Ithaca is interested in using portions of this 14-acre parcel in connection with the further development of Stewart Park . The Cornell parcel has special natural characteristics and is an important community resource . In conjunction with the Bird Sanctuary and other natural areas at this end of Cayuga Lake, it has been de- clared a Class I Wetland by the N.Y .S . Department of Environmental Conservation. As you know, the Tompkins County Environmental Management Council concluded at their June 21 meeting that the proposal of the City to extend the Stewart Park golf course and the Field Station parcel left several unanswered questions . While we feel the concerns expressed by the Environmental Council are legitimate , we also believe the concept of multiple uses for the parcel , though unusual , may be viable . However , more information and study is needed if we are to intelligently assess the matter . In principal , Cornell is willing to participate in the project if the design can be worked out so that the Biological Field Station site continues to serve the diverse requirements for wetlands and bird habitats , and if appropriate governmental approvals can be obtained . However, the specifics of site development require further study, in- cluding a more detailed assessment of the area ' s current importance as a wetland, and reviewing examples of similar installations elsewhere . For instance , two subjects which need to be addressed are : the stabi- lization of the vegetation of the remaining wetland area including the shoreline ; and the maintenance of bird habitats at both the ground and tree levels . Finally, before proceeding, there are a whole series of matters which must be worked out relating to : (a) what undertakings the City and Cornell should make regarding the maintenance of the area ' s char- acter; (b) who should have responsibility for maintenance of the prop- Letter to Mayor Gutenberger September 18 , 1984 Page 2 erty, liability insurance , etc . ; (c) what compensation Cornell should receive if it makes the land available; and (d) under what circum- stances the land should revert to the University if it no longer is used for the purposes intended . We would welcome the opportunity to exchange views with you on these matters at the appropriate time . In the meantime , Messrs . Cook, Dickey , and Majeroni will be more than pleased to work with Tom Neiderkorn and others from the City in further conceptualizing how Cornell ' s land and the City ' s might serve the purposes suggested in the initial plan without doing harm to the environment . Sincerely, William G . Herbster Senior Vice President WGH/ajh cc : Robert Cook Eric Dickey John Majeroni Robert Matyas New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences a Statutory College of the State University n Cornell University Department of Education Stone Hall Ithaca,N.Y. 14853 9 F C F 1 V F D SEP 2 6 1984 September 21, 1984 Mr. John C. Gutenberger, Mayor The City of Ithaca City Hall Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear John: You certainly chaired an excellent public hearing on the Stewart Park Master Plan Wednesday night. A lot of good ideas were aired in a friendly give-and-take fashion. Basically, the plan that Tom Niederkorn has presented is a fine one. There can be no doubt that its implimentation will make Stewart Park more functional and visually more attractive. We environmentalists all hope that the issues concering the Biological Field Station and the land along the inlet can be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. If I can be of any assistance in this most worthy project, please do not hesitate to call on me. I would be honored. With all good wishes, � _,Lck Richard B. Fischer, Professor Environmental Education RBF:rh cc: Tom Niederkorn Ronald D. Schmitt Carol Felton Schmitt Real Estate 302 E. Upland Rd. Ithaca, N.Y. 14850 oct. 16, 1984 Dear Mayor Gutenberger, We Hn o express our concern regarding the proposed changes totewart Park. We are both native Ithacans and have regularly oye ark all our lives, particularly walking around the duck pond, the bird sanctuary, and parking by the lake shore. We feel very strongly that the natural contours of the shore line should be left alone and oppose the construction of an island and pier, and particularly any changes affecting the Biological Field Station.-- this small natural area should be left undisturbed, especially for the sake of the rare fish crows which use it. We do approve of improvements to the buildings and general public facilities, as needed, and of cleaning up a spot for swimming. We own many properties in Ithaca and pay sizable taxes, and can only hope that you will not appropriate funds for a "master plan of development" to an area which is lovely as it stands. We hope that the simple pleasures of Stewart Park will be left alone. Sincerely, l �' r � CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 CONSERVATION ADVISORY COUNCIL CODE 607 TO : PLANNING BOARD BOARD OF PUBLIC WCRKS COMMON COUNCIL PLANNIN'3 STAFF FROM: CONSE3VATION-ADVISORY COUNCIL DATE • zc� + R STE:'IART PARK/ BIOL4ICAL STATION In reviewing the Stewart Park Master Plan, the Conservation Advisory Council agreed unanimously to oppose golf course expansion into the wetland known as the biological field sta- tion. The CAC backs the viewpoint of the Environmental Manage- ment Council on this particular issue , Each member had indi- vidual and personal concerns over other aspects of the plan, but the development of the wetland stood out strongly as a major drawback of the plan. The CAC urges that this portion of the plan be removed . CAC : Common Council liaison "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" �i �_ _ ` �� �i ._,�_,-�r����� �� CAYUGA LAKE el. 382 YOUTH attICF.At) . r ' 50tr TOURr57 1tIP0. o /; ctxTt Nc nyuc t W TER vjcK M"'v Q !L1►Y i AM r JR. N mao scNoaL All rueims 1 ,•� t'•.\\-ropy +'/ *$No sANCTw1IY (1 4, MELP ll •• 14EWMAN sw4sAlG Z I� �tlClf TChNN Or i111a 1.. . mt (�1tilJ4\iR "T>�Wt } l u l �-c �^ ► LAW STE WART PARK VICINITY 1TNACA N Y ��. 'I'C.�, rI• IF. CITY OF ITHACA 10B EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 October 31, 1984 Mr. William Herbster Senior Vice President Day Hall Cornell University Ithaca, New York 14853 Dear Bill, Enclosed please find a copy of the Board of Public Work's minutes of the October 24th meeting, for your information. Best regards. Sincerely, John C. Gutenberger Mayor "An Equal Opportunity Employer with an Affirmative Action Program" Discussion followed on the; f] ()or . A vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Ayes (4)' - Schickel , Walker , Nichols , Gerkin Absention (1) - Stone Carried Stewart Park Master Plan By Comm. Gerkin: Seconded by Comm. Stone WHEREAS, the Master Plan for Improvement of the Stewart Park Complex has been presented to the Board and the Common Council , and WHEREAS, this Master Plan has been prepared with the input of many sections of the public, and WHEREAS, it is the feeling of this Board that the Master Plan is the best guide for the redevelopment of Stewart Park; now, therefore , be it RESOLVED, That the Master Plan be approved, subject to the availability of necessary lands and subject to all laws and regulations which might govern each proposed change or use , and be it further RESOLVED, That this Board recommends that the Common Council adopt the Master Plan as presented. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Carried Unanimously Payment Request Stewart Park Master Plan By Comm. Gerkin : Seconded y Comm. Nichols RESOLVED, That a payment request .from Planning/Environmental Research Consultants for services rendered for the Stewart Park Improvement Master Plan, be approved in the amount of $3, 075 . 68. Discussion followed on the floor. A vote on the resolution resulted as follows : Carried Unanimously Bid Award - Salt for Ice Control Comm. Gerkin reported t at bids were received on October 18 , 1984 for supplying salt for ice control . Resolution By Comm. Gerkin: Seconded by Comm. Stone RESOLVED, That the contract for supplying salt for ice control be awarded to Cargill , Inc. for their bid price of $22 . 00 per ton picked up and $24 . 50 per ton delivered. Discussion followed on the floor . -' 4-k rAC„i "tion resulted as follows : J ECOLOGY ACTION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY 301 South Geneva Street, Ithaca New York 14850 (607) 272-3040 November 1, 1984 Dear Mayor Gutenburger: On behalf of Ecology Action of Tompkins County, I _w h to express our reservations to you on th Stewart Park Master Plan Report which was released September 19th. On page two of the Introduction, the report states: "To the extent the plan is adopted by local government, it is a significant document and serious deviation from any of its principles, objectives and concepts could have a detrimental impact on the whole." We are alarmed by the degree of rigidity implied by this statement. Further, we heartily disagree that serious deviation from a particular proposal would be a detriment to the plan as a whole. As previously stated in a letter to Mr. Niederkorn, Ecology Action is opposed to the extension of the City Golf Course into the wetland area known as the Cornell Biological Field Station. For Common Council to approve the Stewart Park Master Plan 'in concept' could lead to great difficulty later in modifying any of the major proposals. Ecology Action urges you to not take any action on the Master Plan report until the critical question of golf course expansion into the wetland is resolved. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Dorothy C. Pomponio, member of Ecology Action of Tompkins County c - Hew CITY OF ITHACA 108 EAST GREEN STREET ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 OFFICE OF PONFIDENTIAL. TELEPHONE: 272-1713 MAYOR CODE 607 NOT FOR FURTHER CIRCUUATION Al THIS TIMET MEMO TO: Jack Dougherty, Supt. of Public Works Thomas Niederkorn, Consultant FROM: Mayor John C.Gutenberger _,. DATE: October 31, 1984 SUBJECT: Stewart Park - proposed expansion of the City Golf Course Attached hereto please find a copy of a letter received today from Mr. Herbster in regard to the above entitled matter for your attention. ATTACH. i+r -Cornell University Senior Vice President 314 Day Hall, Ithaca, New York 14853 October 26 , 1984 John Gutenberger, Mayor City of Ithaca Ithaca, NY 14850 Dear John: Enclosed as promised is a portion of a letter I have received from Bob Cook transmitting a second letter (also enclosed) , signed by Reith Kennedy as Chair of the Plantations Committee and Milo R. Richmond as Chair of the Natural Areas Subcommittee of the Plantations Committee . The Kennedy-Richmond letter is self-explanatory . As you can see, it expresses grave concerns regarding the University making available any portion of the Biological Field Station site for development as part of the proposed expansion of the City Golf Course. You and I have agreed that, at an appropriate time, it might be useful for you, Tom Nederkorn, and/or others who have been involved in the planning for this project to meet with Director Cook, members of the two committees , and representatives of the administration. From what I can gather, it would be premature to do so at this juncture, but we look forward to hearing from you at such time as a meaningful discussion can take place . I am also sending you a copy of a memorandum which I have sent to Bob Cook. I hope it accurately reflects the discussion which you and I had. If for any reason it does not do so, please let me know. Again, best wishes and congratulations on the new Collegetown project . Sincerely, /011"" William G . Herbster WGH/a j h Encl . cc : David L. Call (w/attachments) Robert E . Cook Harold D. Craft John E . Majeroni (w/attachments Lewis R. Roscoe (w/attachments) " � ti _ CORNELL ' OCT 251984 PLANTATIONS �V October 23 , 1984 ONE PLANTATIONS ROAD ITHACA, NEW YORK 14850 Mr . William G. H e r b s t e r 607-256-3020 314 Day Hall Dear Bill , I want to transmit the enclosed letter to you from the Natural Areas Subcommittee expressing their concerns about the developing plans for the Biological Station. This letter has been reviewed and endorsed by the full Plantations Committee, and you may wish to speak to Keith about the specifics. I think it indicates, as I had predicted in my earlier letters to you, that the matter of the Biological Station is complicated in many ways. The Committee feels that the concept of a wetland/ natural area and the concept of a golf course are incompatible , and they are strongly recommending that no transfer or sale to the City take place . The sense of urgency in this matter is created by the City's plans to begin work on the golf course this winter. I think it is extremely important that Cornell communicate to the City that any initiation of plans to develop the golf course are being done with the risk that no future transfer or sale will happen. You , more than anyone , are aware of the difficulties that could ensue if this comes as a surprise to them a year from now. Appreciating the intent and value of your last letter to the Mayor , I think the enclosed letter puts the concerns of the Committee very cogently , and the City needs to know that this has become a complicated matter for which solutions are not immediately obvious. It may well be that the -City needs to talk rather directly to the Committee. In any event , I do want you to be aware of the situation , and feel free to give me a call if you have questions . - ,CORNELL _ = PLANTATIONS ONE PLANTATIONS ROAD ITHACA, NEI1' YORK 14850 •607-256-3020 October 11, 1984 Mr. William G. Herbster Sr. Vice President 314 Day Hall Campus Dear Mr. Herbster: As you know, the City of Ithaca has received a Master Plan for the future development of Stewart Park. At a public hearing on September 19, the planning consultants presented the entire plan in great detail and sought public reaction. Even before the public hearing, pieces of the plan became public knowledge, prompting examination and analysis by many sectors of local society. After the formal presentation on September 19, the level of review and discussion increased markedly. There is widespread support for the Master Plan, particularly regarding plans for Stewart Park proper. Unfortunately, concern and con- troversy surround the portion of the Master Plan dealing with the proposed modification of the golf course. The Diaster Plan calls for a realignment .of some of the holes, a realignment which requires that two and a fraction holes be developed in Cornell's Biological Field Station -- one of Cornell•'s Natural Areas. The Biological Field Station has been the center of community and Cornell controversy and misunderstanding for over a year now, beginning at least as early as August 15, 1983 when the City Planning Department issued its Request for Proposals for Stewart Park Improvements. The Natural Areas Subcommittee has clearly expressed reservation about golf course expansion at all stages of the design. We have struggled to keep ourselves informed as the plans have proceeded. We have repeatedly requested additional information so that the project could be evaluated, while adding our expertise to the overall plan to facilitate the best possible planning by the consultants. Our Biological Field Station is a Class I wetland and therefore comes under the protection of the State's Freshwater Wetlands Act. Approximately 15 acres in size, it, together with the Fuertes Sanctuary immediately to the East, is all that remains of wetland at the southern end of Cayuca Lake where formerly there were hundreds of acres of wetland -2- and bird sanctuary. As such, it is both a stopover place for migrating birds and a breeding locality for certain birds that are rare or totally absent elsewhere- in the Ithaca area. Accordingly, the proposal to develop golf course holes in that ecologically sensitive area has generated very great concern. The Tompkins County ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COUNCIL, which has studied this matter extensively, vigorously opposes the proposal and has so stated in writing. We of the Natural Areas Subcommittee are equally concerned and we are taking this opportunity to transmit our concerns to you. The controversy turns on one central issue: Can the city expand the golf course into the Biological Field Station without destroying or diminshing its ecological integrity? The response from competent biologists has been "\o." You see, in order to develop the greens, fairways and so on, portions of the wetland would need to be drained while others would be filled in. . Now by definition, a wetland is an area that has standing water at least part of the year and that contains certain plants which are "indicator" species. Of course, the Biological Field Station satisfies these criteria. But these requisites would necessarily be violated by expansion of the golf course and the wetland would cease to be a meaningful biological unit. Instead, it would be reduced to a number of little remmants, which, if we add them all up, would not equal the original acreage. In summary, our Biological Field Station wetland would be destroyed. To some persons, the resulting patchwork of small pieces would be acceptable. They point to the many new "edges" and the resultant increase in robins, catbirds and song sparrows. But their rationale falls apart when'we realize that the Ithaca area does not lack. for robins, catbirds and song sparrows. What we do lack is wetlands of sufficient size to provide habitat for rare and uncommon species such as the Yellow-throated Vireo and the Warbling Vireo, Fish Crow, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Green Heron and Wood Duck. What this all adds up to is the simple fact that Cornell is the custodian of an unique piece of wetland whose integrity should be protected and preserved at all costs. The Natural Areas Subcommittee is charged with protecting and preserving rare or uncommon species and habitats near Cornell. Clearly the Biological Field Station is one such area. The intent of the donors of the Biological Field Station is clearly stated in the original deed: "The lands above described are conveyed to Cornell University for the purposes and uses of a Biological .Field Station; and if the said lands so conveyed for such purposes and uses shall not be so used for the period of two consecutive years, then and in that event the premises hereby conveyed shall revert to the parties of the first part as Trustees, their successors and assigns." Mr. Herbster, our concern is aggravated by the published timetable for implementing the Master Plan. That Plan states: "Clear trees and other vegetative growth and level tee area for driving range," this very winter. We feel you should know that this action has a very high priority with the City -- it is Number 12 in a list of 74 actions -- and will in- stantly impact negatively on the Biological Field Station. For this as well as the other reasons we have presented, we call upon you to use all the authority of your office to inform City officials that it would be -3- unwise for them to assume that the Biological Field Station can or might be incorporated into their plans for redesigning the golf course. Its importance as a wetland field station, as a habitat for uncommon .birds, as a resting place for migrating birds, as a place to study the interactions of water, plants, and animals is simply too great for Cornell to countenance its violation. We anticipate that you will want clarification and expansion of some of the points we have made here. We would be pleased to meet with you at your convenience to discuss any parts of this important issue. Sincerely yours, "" 2 Milo Ric nd Chair, Natural Areas Subcommittee Keith Kennedy Chair, Plantations Committee .� Cornell University Ithaca New York 14853 DATE: October 26 , 1984 TO: Robert E . Cook / FROM: William G . Herbster RE: Biological Field Station Following up on discussions with you and Reith Kennedy, I called the Mayor today . I described' to him the concerns which have been raised by the two committees . I agreed to share with him a copy of appropriate portions of your letter, as well as the letter signed by Keith and Milo Richmond. The Mayor brought me up to date on the status of the Stewart Park proposal . Apparently the Stewart Park Master Plan Report has only been received by the City .within the past two weeks . The Board of Public Works has now had an opportunity to review the report and has forwarded it to the Common Council with a recommendation that it be considered by the Council as a possible planning tool (not a final plan) . In turn, the City has been working on a whole series of related issues (e .g . where the outload pipe from the new sewage treatment plant will empty) in order to assure that it has sufficient information to review the plan and to respond to various questions and issues which have been raised regarding the proposed project . The Mayor assured me that no final decisions had been made on the matter and that the City has every intention of meeting with appropriate interested bodies ( including representatives of the Plantations and the Cornell administration) to discuss concerns and see if they can be resolved. At this juncture, no work is going forward at Stewart Park nor is any planned to go forward until these discussions have taken place and a formal decision has been made by the Council and other governmental bodies . Putting it simply, the concerns raised in the Kennedy/Richmond letter that work would go ahead without further consultation and/or formal decision by the University are not warranted . We left it that the Mayor would get back to me at an appropriate time to set up a .meeting to discuss the matter. In th-e meantime, the ball is definitely in the City ' s court and, to repeat, no decisions have been made . WGH/ajh s 2 V-4 By Richard B. Fischer Common Council's Planning and Development Committee passed a resolution last week that made front page headlines. It endorsed the Stewart Park "Master Plan". . .with a proviso. There was to be no expansion of the golf course into the adjoining wetland. Having listened to and having read numerous arguments for and against golf course expansion, the Committee acted with wisdom and responsibility in supporting only that- portion of the plan calling for improvement and renovation of the Park proper. The Master Plan - and it is an excellent, forward-looking plan - has foundered on the issue of golf course expansion versus integrity of a 17- acre wetland. Why? What is so important about a small swampy place? An aerial photograph of the south end of Cayuga Lake provides an instant, com- pelling answer. Together with the bird sanctuary to the east, that wetland forms a unit of swampy ground large enough to provide a safe haven for creatures (especially birds) that require a minimum of "elbow room." We know that the wetland itself, a Cornell biological field station, is the living place of several birds rare or totally absent elsewhere in the Ithaca area: the yellow-throated vireo and fish crow are examples. A census we made last June tallied 32 species of breeding birds; an autumn migration count would easily double that figure. Well-intentioned but misinformed persons argue that we can develop two and a half holes in the wetland without violating its integrity. They over- look the fact that by definition a wetland is flooded or at least water-logged for a substantial part of the year. But a golf course is an area of dry land. One simply cannot have dry land and wet land at the same time. (more) ' The notion that several holes of a golf course can be located in a wetland becomes an absurdity. Incidentally, the field station wetland fits the state Freshwater Wetlands Act so well that it is classified as Type I and cannot be summarily violated by draining or filling in. All right, they argue, why not divide the 17 acres into a lot of little wetlands with fingers of the golf course occupying drained and filled portions of the swamp? That would markedly increase what ecologists call "edge" and would greatly enhance its attractiveness to robins, catbirds, and song sparrows. This approach falls apart when we realize that Ithaca does not lack for robins, catbirds, and song sparrows. What we do lack is wetlands of sufficient size to provide safe shelters for shy species such as wood ducks - and green-backed herons. And let's not forget that, with golf course holes occupying former wetland, the sum of the parts could never add up to the whole 17 acres. Now jump back with me to the year 1910. A promising young Cornell orni- thologist wades through the muck and ooze of the vast Renwick Marsh gathering data for his Ph.D. thesis. His name: Arthur A. Allen. In the utterly fascinating dissertation that resulted, Allen tells about the myriads of wild creatures which inhabited that wetland. Frogs croaked. Turtles basked on sun-drenched logs. Green-backed herons skulked among the reeds and sedges. Wood duck families paddled up and down the Inlet. Hosts of red-winged blackbirds sounded forth from cattail spikes while the strange, unearthly cries of the sora rail and Florida gallinule filled the marsh with wonder and mystery. It was a scene of intense, vibrant activity. Allen's photographs, taken from West Hill, reveal a tract of immense size -- 450 acres of prime wetland stretching from Taughannock Boulevard all the way: to the site of the present bird sanctuary. Alas, the City "reclaimed" (more) this wetland by filling it in with garbage and refuse. In the early 1930's the federal Works Progress Administration developed the Newman Golf Course. One little 17-acre plot of wetland escaped -- the biological field station. It is all that remains of the original 450-acre Renwick Marsh. Must this tiny remnant be destroyed also? Are we not custodians of a unique plot of land, a plot which enriches the lives of all our citizens? In voicing concern for this threatened wetland, the Planning and Develop ment Committee has taken a position which we fervently hope the Common Council will support when it votes on the issue. - 30 - i S