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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CAC-1973PROCEEDINGS OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMISSION Regular Peeting 7:30 P.M. June 19, 1973 PRESENT: Voting i4embers: Lawrence Bach Mary Berkelman David Bechhofer Joy Daley Nancy Pieyer Ex- Officio _ mmber- Anne Jones ABSENT: Voting Members: Vincent Giordano MINUTES: By Mr. Bach: seconded by Mrs. hIeyer resolved, that minutes of the last official meeting of December 1972, as recorded by the Deputy City Clerk Grey be approved. Carried .RECORDING SECRETARY: A discussion took place on the floor regarding the poss- ibility of having a member of the Environmental Commission be desi�-inated to take the minutes and relieve the City Clerk of the responsibility. This would require a change in the local Law - Environmental Commission. It was also point- ed out that Commission is reorganizing and for the present, in order to strengthen the group, that no immediate change should be made. SU"94ER KEETINGS: A discussion took place to determine if the Environmental Comm- ission should meet during the summer months. The general feeling was that sev- eral important issues are coming up, and that the Commission should continue to meet during the summer. C0j,14UNICATIONS: Mp, Bach read several communications that were addressed to the Environmental Commission. BELL STATION DISCUSSION: The Commissioners entered into a discussion on Bell Station to determine if the Commission should take a stand on this issue. After a lengthy discussion of pointing out the various advantages and disadvantages of the project, the following resolution was presented: By 'firs. Berkelman: seconded by Mr. Beckhhofer resolved, that the Environmental Commission goes on record as opposing the Bell Station Nuclear PO•aer Plant as presently proposed by New York State Electric and Gas Corporation. A roll call vote was taken as follows: AYES: (3) Berkelman, Beckhhofer, '4eyer NAYES: (2) Bach, Daley NEW YORK STATE DEPT. OF TRANSPORTATION DRAFT ROUTE 13 & 96; iv.1r. Bach presented a copy of the draft to the committee and suggested that each member familiarize themselves with its contents. Mr. Bach said he felt that the Environmental Commission should issue a statement regarding their recommendations on this document. RECYCLING: Mrs. Meyer read a resolution that was presented to Common Council on recycling. Mrs ^6eyer suggested that a meeting be arranged with T ?r. Dingman, the League of Women Voters, and the Environmental Commission to discuss recycl- int paper. Mrs. Berkelman and 'irs. 14eyer were asked to represent the Commission at this meeting. DOORKNOB ADVERTISING: The Committee discussed the possibility of using doorknob circulars that could be placed on doors in wards informing the people of the recycling program. The cost and other pertinent information will be gathered for the next meeting. Iieeting was adjourned on a motion at 9:45 P. ",.. Jdseph(A. Rundle, City Clerk PROCEEDINGS OF THE F *TVTgOFk-",UT!L COMNISSION Regular Meeting PRESENT: Voting Members: 7 =30 P.M. Lawrence Bach Mary Berkelman Joy Daley Alderman Nancy .Meyer Ex- Officio I:ember - Alderman Anne Jones ABSENT: Voting Member: Vincent Giordano October 16, 1973 MINUTES: By Airs. Meyer, Seconded by Mrs. Berkelman; RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 19, 1973 meeting be approved as recorded by the City Clerk. Carried 1974 BUDGET: A discussion took place regarding the setting of the 1974 Budget for the Envir- onmental Commission. By Mrs. Berkelman, Seconded by Mrs. Daley; RESOLVED, That the Budget for 1974 be set at $300.00. Carried CASS "PARK MARINA Alderman Meyer read a memorandum to the Commission that she was presenting to Council, as follows: TO: Nancy Meyer FROM: Larry Bach, Chairman Environmental Commission RE: Marine DATE: September 28, 1973 Following the Marina informational meeting held at Ithaca High School on Tuesday, September 18, 1973 for about 3 hours, I contacted each voting member of the Environmental Commission of the City of Ithaca either in person or by phone over a period of a few days. Five of the six voting members agreed that the Marina project should be constructed. They felt that special consideration should be given to the development of the picnic area, Nature Walk and fish pond and that sound ecological steps should be used in the construction. One member felt that an environ- mental impact study should be made. (Five voting members of our group were present on 9/18/73.) Alderman Meyer said that she called John Comerford, Director of the Finger Lakes State Park Commission, and talked with him regarding. the Marina and some of the problems the Marina mightcreate. A discussion took place with several Commission Members expressing; their concerns with the environmental and ecological problems that the State should be aware of when they build the Marina. NOVEMBER MEETING RESOLUTION By Alderman Meyer, Seconded by Mrs. Daley; RESOLVED, That members of the Inlet Park Committee, representative from the Finger Lakes State Park Commission, representative from the County Planning Office, and some possible conservationist frora the area be invited to the November meeting to discuss the Cass Park Marina. Carried TRIP TO ALBANY. 14EW YORK Alderman Meyer reported on a trip she made to Albany, N.Y. She said that she made several contacts regarding recycling programs. Luncheon For Recycling Representatives By Mrs. Daley, Seconded by Mrs. Berkleman; RESOLVED, That Environmental Commission have a .lunchean meeting on November 28, 1973 with recycling representatives. Carried Meeting was adjourned on a motion at 3:30 P.M. JaaJ Anh . Pun. a.le. City Clerk THE ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION OF T"_ -iE CITY OF ITHACA, N.Y. Report of Meeting held on November 20, 1973, at 4:15 p.m. in Common Council Chambers. PRESENT: The following were in attendance at the meeting: INDIVIDUALS NAME ORGANIZATION REPRESENTING L. H. MacDaniels Cayuga Lake Preservation Assoc. Sandy Bauer League of Women Voters Dan Hoffman Cayuga Coalition Alfred Eipper Cayuga Lake Citizens Commission Dorothy Mcllroy Cayuga Trails Club Peter Willing Sierra Club, Finger Lakes Regional Group Charles W. Nims to if if it " '° John H. Comerford Finger Lakes State Park & Recreation Comm. Larry Bach Environmental Commission Nancy Meyer it tv if Anne T. Jones it 1° of Joseph A. Rundle Clerk, City of Ithaca Nancy ,t1ILycr ot,. Ijq�Xnvirormental Com, ccI mentud ,that .tlie irectin;; was called -to give constructive ideas to 14r. Comerford as this whole area is developed. Mrs.Yeyer remark- ed that we are not here to determine if the marina is going to be built. This a result of the meeting held at the High School, and the meeting held in the Council Chambers with Mr. Moore. Mrs. Meyer said the feeling she had was that our area, the city and surrounding area has alot of people particularly interested in the natural wildlife, the natural conservation, and its life style. Mrs. ::_Meyer said she thought it would be helpful to Mr. Comerford to hear the positive side, so that we could hopefully end up with a park that really fulfills this kind of need. Mr. Comerford of the Finger Lakes State'Park & Recreation Commission commented on the current status of the Marina and said that an environmental assessment is being prepared and should be forth - coming about the end of the year. Mr. Comerford displayed a map showing possible- future contours if the marina were to be built and with no development at all. Mr. Comerford remarked that he came to the meeting as a listener, and not as a talker, to receive ideas as to how the people would like to see this area developed. Letter from the Finger Lakes Group Sierra Club City Clerk Rundle read a letter from Charles W. Nims, Chairman as follows: November 18, 1973 The Environmental Commission of the City Dear Mr. Bach and Mrs. Meyer, I would like to respond to your memorandum dated November 11, 1973 dealing with the Environmental Commission's meeting on November 20, 1973. First, I speak as an individual meml --.r of the Sierra Club rather than an .: ^ir- man of the Finger Lakes Group of 0. 'i.erra Clab. Secondly, I look upon .:he purpose of the meeting as diversionary. It appears to me to be specio,-- '-o discuss uses of the state lands in the proposed Allan Tre man State Lz:xine P­: -k when the major issue at hand is whether or not the park should be built. I '11 believe, as does the Finger Lakes Group of the Sierr_ �'_:o, that an mental Impact Statement r %culd be made. It is the only. -ay that we c -ionally decide whether or not to support the proposed marine park f-' ':.nviron:rental point of via,_ In good faith, however, and because we have not yet opposed the pyDposed park, I shall submit some of my views on possible uses of state lands located on the southern end of Lake Cayuga, i.e. those lands on which the Allan Treman State Marine Park has been proposed. -2- Most of the land in question should be left in a relatively wild state. I suggest this because of the wetland and marshy characteristic of the land- - something that is all -to- quickly disappearing from our country. This type of land supports a myriad of plant, animal, and bird life. The only devel- opment is such an area should be footpaths with usage by any type of motor vehicle forbidden. These paths might be incorporated into a selfguiding nature trail. Adjacent to the proposed parking lot could be situated a small, well- manicured area for picnicking similar in style to the Stewart Park picnic facilities As a buffer between the picnic area and the area to be left in its natural state, a fish pond for children would be ideal. It would be aesthetically appealing, entertaining both to children and adults, and functional in support- ing wildlife of all forms. Naturally, these ideas could be expanded upon greatly. They do, however, provide the genesis for a Park that is compatible with both the environment and the interests and welfare of the general public. Thank you. Very sincerely, Charles W. Nims, Chairman Finger Lakes Group, Sierra Club Dorothy Mc.Ilroy from the Cayuga Trails Club commented that she would like to see the undeveloped area left wild for the migrant birds. Mr. Alfred Sipper for the Cayuga Lake Citizen Committee commented that his group would like to see the environmental impact issue settled. Mr. Sipper suggested nature trails, and fish ponds. He said a fish hatchery would be possible on this site, but would require fencing and a caretaker. Dan Hoffman from the Cayuga Coalition commented that the development of the Park should be kept to a minimum. The nature area should be expanded to take up more of the shoreline area. Mr. Hoffman said he would like to see the State Parks Commission grant some money to the different groups who would be more skilled in using the area to the best advantage, such as developing ponds, and the natural habitat. Sandy Bauer from the League of Women Voters commented that bicycle paths, rest room facilities, boat rentals such as canoes, rowboats and small sail- boats should be considered. Instruction courses in boating, and a small area to store small sailboats was also suggested. A shallow sailing area for small children should also be considered. Mr. L. H. Mac Daniels from Cayuga Lake Praservation Associations, Inc. read the following letter: Nov. 20, 1973 To: Lawrence Bach, Chairman Environmental Commission Nancy Meyer, Alderman It is understood that the land in ' :ion. Lhe area west of the Marina and south of the Skating Rink and swimming pool and extending to the lake front, an area of about 60 acres. Granted that the farina is to be built, which perhaps is uncertain, the As _eiation is not concerned with this area as such, provided that adequate provision is de for sewage disposal and to prevent any other use that - *caul'_ pollute t- In deciding the use of the area it :nly logical to consider suc'-. use with relation to all the other develor• _..t the ;­._ th end of the - -d comple- ment these with uses that are now either inadegjate or Lin exis :.ac. Already developed are children's playgrounds, picnic areas at 1tewart Park, playing fields, golf course, skating rink, tennis courts, swi -ning pool, launching ramps and bird sanctuary. From casual personal obseiiation additional picnic -3- and informal play area and a wild area along a part of the lake for shore bird observation would be desirable. All these uses might well be considered and developed as demand is determined. The above statement has not been considered by the CLPA Board but I believe expresses their probable thinking in the matter. Very truly yours, L. H. MacDanield Chairman, CLPA Peter Willing from Sierra Club Finger Lakes Group commented that he would like to see some interpretive nature set -up of somekind. Picn*c 2.y7!--3, pede. ±:�ian, bicycle, and public transit access should be of the very highest priority. Tr. Willing said that non - motorized boat rentals also should be considered. In general, we have to broaden the base of this facility so that it serves the greatest number of residence of the city of Ithaca. Nancy Meyer said she would like to express herself as a citizen, if the marina is not developed, that it would be appropriate that the State continue a financial obligation to the area. Mrs. Meyer said she would like to see a nature museum put on stilts, because of the flood problem, showing the whole geological formation of the Finger Lakes that would be done in diogramas, including the history of the Iroquois 'Nation would also be laid out in dioramas. Discriptions of how our gorges were formed, the type of rocks could also be included in this museum. Mrs. Meyer said this project would probably cost around a million dollars. Mr. Comerford commented on several of the suggestions made by the group, ending the meeting. Joseph A. Rundle City Clerk