HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 10-5-06 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
October 5, 2006
Final Minutes
PRESENT: Chris Benedict, Diane Conneman, Lenore Durkee, James Hamilton, Eva
Hoffmann, Jon Meigs, Larry Sallinger
STAFF: Sue Ritter
GUESTS: Christian Peters, speaker for the evening, and Adrian Williams and Stephan
Wagner representing neighbors in the Briarwood Subdivision
Persons to be heard: Mr. Williams read a statement expressing concern about the
Briarwood II subdivision proposal, citing the adverse environmental impacts to the
woodland habitat that includes wetlands, and the adjacent lands of the Lab of
Ornithology, as well as increases in drainage, traffic and pollution. They asked that the
Conservation Board conduct another review of the Lucente proposal.
Diane then introduced Christian Peters, a PhD candidate in Cornell's Department of
Soils and Crop Science, who spoke on "Meeting Nutritional Needs with Local Land
Resources". He began by noting the economic, environmental, and social importance
of local agriculture. His research used a "black box" model to understand to what extent
current consumption, using the latest food pyramid recommendations, is provided by
NYS agriculture, and how many people could be supported by this industry. For
example, NYS is a strong producer of dairy products and vegetables and fruits, but not
a major producer of sweeteners. He estimated that NYS producers currently supply
about 34% of the total consumed by the population. Looking at the data another way,
by considering total food needs (re major food groups), carrying capacity of the land,
population, and amount of used and unused land, he concludes that NYS has 5 M acres
available for ag and could feed 4 M people a complete diet. He then used a geospatial
model ("food shed" concept") and developed maps to show the area of potential
"foodsheds" in urbanized parts of NYS--Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton, Utica, etc. In
the Ithaca area, most farming occurs in the north of the county while more forests are in
the southern part. Using his models, he calculated that there are 2500 acres of
farmland, of which probably 65% is productive, and thus could support 1300 people.
His study is particularly valuable because it explains the logic of locating food supplies
closer to people. Among the questions this study raises, in view of the work of the CB,
are how and if to protect ag land, alternative uses for such land, if alternatives serve
conservation goals better than agriculture, and how one maximizes farm production
(e.g. by increasing fertilization) without negative environmental impacts.
Member concerns: Jon suggested that we need to consider the concerns raised earlier
by the resident's regarding the Briarwood subdivision proposal at this meeting and it
was decided to discuss it under "Other Business" in the agenda.
Chair report: Diane reported that the COC continues its consideration of docks and
needs to coordinate its findings with Town and other agencies. Following up on a
complaint by a lakeside resident about rental of shore properties, COC decided it
needed to know how widespread the problem is and how other residents view the
situation. A survey is planned. Also, there was a discussion about 1) members of the
ZBA who are alternates and their status with regard to voting and 2) wind power
initiatives.
Coordinator report: Sue described the Tompkins County Natural Features Focus Area
Project. Focus areas are those targeted by the County as having working landscapes
and natural features that merit protection and careful management. Public meetings
began in the spring and more are scheduled in October and November so that the
public can learn about these areas, discuss conservation issues, and offer ideas.
The October meeting of the Town Board will feature a discussion of purchase of
development rights for environmentally sensitive lands. Also on the agenda are 1) plans
for a public hearing on the outdoor lighting law and an amendment to the Zoning
Ordinance allowing solar collectors and installations. 2) funding for the Six Mile Creek
Volunteer Monitoring Program and 3) the appointment of Larry Sallinger to the County
EMC.
Minutes: The minutes were approved as corrected.
Initial discussion of Town Transportation Plan: Sue noted that the document in the
hands of the CB is only a summary. The complete version is available from the
Planning Department. Comments from the CB should reach the TB before their
meeting on November 13. Members expressed a variety of comments, including the
need to maintain wide and well-paved shoulders for the safety of bicyclists (this was
most emphatically supported by the CB), the need to extend shoulders into areas where
they are not provided (e.g. transition from Town to City), an effort to synchronize traffic
lights to reduce pollution from idling cars, the need for better mapping of certain areas,
like the Finger Lakes Trail hiking path. More comments can be forwarded to Nicole
Tedesco.
Regular reports and updates:
ERC: No Report
Scenic Resources Committee: Diane reported work continues to refine the map and
document with the top views. The Committee will meet again on October 11.
Tompkins County EMC: Since there was no quorum, business consisted of an
"unofficial" discussion about ethanol and ethanol/gas mixtures, the conclusion of which
was that reliance on this energy source is not feasible in the long run.
Six Mile Creek Volunteer Monitoring Program: The last meeting was October 2 and
there was good discussion on the progress of the website (www.communityscience.org)
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that will be accessible to the public and which will contain the data accumulated from
the beginning of the program, such as bacterial counts, suspended solids, BMI levels,
etc., for the Creek. Another sampling date is planned for the near future and a
symposium will be held in November or December.
City of Ithaca NAC: Several bluebird boxes have been placed in the Six Mile Creek
Wildflower Preserve in memory of Richard Fischer. Work continues of land acquisition
bordering Six Mile Creek as well as on preparation of guidelines for contractors who
would work in the City's natural areas.
Fischer Award: A brief, but pleasant, tree-planting ceremony was held at Tutelo Park.
The following weekend, the dedication ceremonies for the Park were well-attended. Jon
has submitted an article to the Town Newsletter describing this year's Fischer Award
recipient (i.e. Museum of the Earth at the PRI) and calling for nominations for potential
awardees.
Other Business: After a brief discussion, the CB members agreed that the ERC should
make another visit to the proposed Lucente Briarwood subdivision development site. A
site visit will be scheduled.
The meeting adjourned at 9.35 PM.
Lenore Durkee
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