HomeMy WebLinkAboutCB Minutes 2000-11-16 Town of Ithaca Conservation Board
Final Minutes
November 16, 2000, 7:30prn
Present: Clifford Blizard, Elizabeth deProsse, Richard Fischer, Eva Hoffmann, Donald Weir-
Acting Chair, Jon Meigs,
Guests: Lenore Durkee, Nancy Ostman, Robert Wesley
Staff- Sue Ritter,Mike Smith
Discussion of Unique Natural Areas with Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley:
Nancy Ostman and Robert Wesley presented the Environmental Management Council's
Unique Natural Area document (6 inches high), which has been updated from the 1990 original.
It is a living document, all digital and easily updated. The Town should contact the County
periodically to see if there have been updates on Town UNAs that we should obtain. The UNA
document provides a variety of information about each UNA, and uses the same terminology as
required for SEAR reviews.
Not in the report is the fact that the Town of Ithaca has four of the top 10 ranked sites in
the County, which includes Buttermilk Gorge, Enfield Glen, Six Mile Creek, and South Hill
Swamp. Ranking involved using 11 criteria and a points ranking system. We will get a copy of
the criteria used. Out of a maximum of 21 points, the McLean Bog received 20 points, South
Hill received 17. Not used as a criterion is the ownership of the site, a UNA might have multi-
owners. Nor is criterion used on how much development pressure exists. The boundaries can
be studied by aerial photographs, and topographical maps. For those areas that could not be
entirely walked, the aerial photos, and other maps were used. A large portion of the Inlet Valley
has now been added as a UNA in the Town of Ithaca .
QUESTIONS: How will we use this document?To give advice about changing zoning,
site plan/subdivision reviews, or scenic easements. The document does not tell the exact location
of features cited. For example the exact location of rare and scarce plant species are not
included. What about South Hill Swamp? Wesley said a 100 foot buffer may be suitable. On
South Hill, the good stuff is where the wettest and driest areas are-the swamp forest (wet) and
the pine barrens (dry).
The Ithaca College Board of Trustees has drafted a Master Plan, for future campus
growth. Within the proposed South Hill Conservation Zone, the Master Plan identifies
development within the northwestern portion, where the College proposes to locate ball fields in
the future. The Master Plan does not call for development elsewhere within the Conservation
Zone. On the colored map, which shows ecological communities, Mr. Wesley suggested that the
purple area(pitch pine) be left alone, south of the purple area would be better. A ball field in the
pitch pine area would ruin it. The wetlands areas are highly acidic and of low nutrient value, so
runoff from developed areas could significantly affect these areas. Drainage with nutrients
(fertilizers) are a concern.
South Hill is unique in that there some of its habitat types/ecological communities are not
found within 300 miles of the Ithaca area.
Buffers on the Monkemeyer subdivision proposal, adjacent to the pitch pine community,
should be 100' (there are butterflies on the ridge slope). Mr. Wesley suggested that we take
some identified areas off the table when negotiating. UNAs are not guaranteed safe from
development. A significant impact within a UNA may trigger an EIS.
Persons to be heard: None.
Members concerns: Jon Meigs asked what was the status of the discussions with Ithaca
College? Answer: We have not yet received a copy of the Master Plan, nor the biological
survey, which the consultants have prepared. It is likely that the original committee (of several
Town representatives) will reconvene with IC representatives to discuss next steps. Is there a
CB representative on this Committee? Kara Hagedom was the CB representative. CB members
requested a replacement for Kara. Clifford expressed an interest in serving on this committee.
Coordinator and Chair Reports: We need an EMC representative, but neither Walter nor Clifford
can take on this commitment. Walter will no longer be serving on the Board due to a large work
cominitment.
The Hannah and William Pew Bikeway has received a federal grant for about$242,000.
Mrs. Durkee was asked if she would consider membership with us, and to write a letter to
that effect, if she chooses, to the Town Supervisor. We hope to talk with her more at the
December meeting.
Meeting Minutes: Minutes of last meeting could not be voted on due to lack of a Quorum.
Other business: Donald Weir brought a dangerous situation to our attention. On East Shore
Drive, south of the Sewage Plant, the road is too narrow to allow for the safe parking of resident
cars, I I of which were recently side-swiped on the west side of the road. A broader shoulder on
one side of the road is needed.,
The meeting was adjourned at 9:45. Submitted by Elizabeth deProsse, secretary