Town of Old Lyme Open Space Committee Meeting
Old Lyme Memorial Town Hall
Minutes October 13, 2006
Chairman Diana Atwood Johnson opened the meeting at 08:35. In attendance were Amanda Blair, Peter Cable, Ted Crosby, Evan Griswold, George James, and Ted Kiritsis.
Griswold/Whitley Acquisition
Diana reported that actions on the proposed open space purchase of the Griswold/Whitley Black Hall Woods LLC property are currently on hold owing to concerns of some of the LLC principals regarding the purchase.
AppGeo Mapping
Ted presented an overview of appgeo area maps for Old Lyme. The completeness of the underlying data base permits the maps to be flexibly configured to exhibit overlays on topographic and soil maps of various area designations, including watercourses, greenways, urban areas, etc and combinations of such designated areas. A discussion followed during which a selection of maps was chosen to convey at an October 16, 2006 Town meeting, the rationale for the Black Hall Woods LLC property purchase and the features of the proposed open space and surrounding area.
Memorandum on Champlain Farms North
Diana received a memo from Don McNaughton regarding proposed stewardship work on Champlain North including constructing barriers to prevent ATVs, which are prohibited at the site, from operating in the open space area.. She reported that the Boy Scouts have asked if there are projects on town owned open space suitable for Eagle Scout badge work. It was noted that the Boy Scouts are fully insured for the activity of their members. Diana has asked Tim to investigate the insuring or volunteers when they work on behalf of the Town. Following discussion of the effectiveness of ATV trespassing prevention measures and of potential town liability, a motion was made by Evan and seconded by George that Diana should speak with Tim Griswold about endorsing Boy Scout projects on town open space property. The motion was passed unanimously.
Chairman report:
a) We have over $300,000 in our acquisition account
b) The committee’s report for the annual Town Report is due Nov. 10.
c) The Town will share 50/50 in paying Richard Gates for surver work on the Griswold/whitley parcel in the amount of $3500.
d) The Zoning Commission has referred amendments to the multi-family zoning regs regarding Open Space to us for comment. They propose to make them similar to the open space requirement in the PRCD regulations.
Four Ponds Meadows Subdivision Review
Diana presented a small map of a revision to the documents on file for the Open Space/Conservation Easement designation in the Four Pond Meadow subdivision site The plans were reviewed by the committee for the purpose of judging the appropriateness and adequacy of the proposed open space designation. In discussion an immediate issue recognized was that the proposed conservation easement would favor the homeowners’ association more than it would the town. The applicant has indicated there will be four parking places providing parking for visitors to the Lay property. There is no indication of the requested 10 foot walking trail along the Kus property or trails within the PRCD.
Pedersen Subdivision Review
Diana presented the plans for the Pedesen subdivision on Burr Road. In discussion of desired OS characteristics for the project it was clear that the designated area should be adjacent to the existing OLCT property and that it should cover the vernal pool and other critical resource areas. If this area was designated as Open Space there would be no need for one of the wetlands crossings and the cul de sac. The committee was not happy that the Open Space being given is not contiquous. It was also concluded that the proposed open space strip buffers at the boundary served no useful purpose for the town. Diana will speak with Bob Doane and convey the OSC consensus that the proposed border strip OS is not appropriate and that OS designation should insure access is afforded to existing conservation property and that the vernal pool
area is protected. There is no indication of who will be the beneficiary of the open space/easement.
Conservation Easement Inventory Project
George submitted his survey and report on the Ames property on Whippoorwill Road. George indicated this property had been managed within the terms of the easement. Amanda’s survey research on status of the Peterson deed to the town of land on Saunders Hollow and Route 156 is in progress. Ted Kiritsis turned in his report.
On motion by Ted seconded by Amanda the meeting was adjourned by vote at 10:30.
Respectfully submitted,
Peter Cable
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