Minutes
Niagara River Greenway
State Park Standing Committee Meeting
July 14, 2009
Attendees
Mark Thomas, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Robert Daly, NY Power Authority
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Introduction and Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes
Mark Thomas called the meeting to order at 10:05am. Rob Daly moved to have the minutes from the May 7, 2008 and May 7, 2009 meetings approved; Mark Thomas seconded the motion. The minutes were approved unanimously.
Presentation of NYS Park Projects
David Szuba, Capital Facilities Manager for NYS Parks, Western District, presented a Power Point presentation (see attached) of the 5 projects requesting funding approval. These projects are the majority of Year 2 Greenway Funding. All were submitted in March to the Niagara River Greenway Commission and found to be consistent at the May19, 2009 meeting.
o Capacity of indoor ampitheater is 2,300-2,400, outdoor ampitheater 12,000-15,000
o Stairways between the 2 areas are made out of timbers which have deteriorated substantially
o Tripping hazards, substandard railings
o Plans are to construct concrete stairways, install railings, which will improve connection between the two sites.
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas approve
o Two main problems
§ Large population of seagulls
§ Trail from elevator to hurricane deck
o 1st Phase plans are to build a shelter at the base of the elevator building
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas approve
o Inter-coordination of related projects is critical
§ Goat Island Landscape Restoration
§ Robert Moses Parkway South (Riverway) Preliminary Design Phase
§ Robert Moses Parkway North Scoping Phase
§ American Rapids Stone Bridges
§ USA Niagara Wayfinding
§ City of Niagara Falls enhancements
o Signage improvements
o Multi-modal solutions needed
o Parking & Tour bus accommodations
o Visitor Center improvements
o The goal is to enhance and improve the overall visitors experience, would start this summer, to be completed by January
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas-approve
o Current launches not good for kayak launching
o ADA accessible boat launch to be installed
o Should be able to keep them in the water year round. The manufacturer claims materials can withstand icy weather. Mark Thomas asked if we need to pull the docks out for the winter, would it be possible? Dave responded it wont be anymore difficult than removing the docks that are there now.
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas approve
o There is a multi-use path that parallels Beaver Island Parkway along the east side all the way into Beaver Island State Park. Unfortunately, there is no good way to get from the trail down Ferry Road to the East River Marsh. The proposal is to use a system of nature trails that exists already in some spots and a road right of way that exists to take us around the private properties for the east side which will get us from the entrance of Beaver Island State Park through the woods in a nature trail setting over to the East River Marsh. The proposed connector trail would also be ADA accessible.
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas - approve
Presentation of Old Fort Niagara Project
Robert Emerson, Executive Director of Old Fort Niagara, made a power point presentation (see attached) of his project to the committee. It was originally submitted to the Niagara County Standing Committee for funding approval, but it was later decided to request funding from the State Parks Standing Committee. The main points are as follows:
o Buildings are 280 years old
o Heavily visited site
o Deteriorated roofs
§ Advanced deterioration of wooden shingles
§ Leaks impact electrical wiring
o Antiquated electrical wiring creates a fire hazard
§ Limited load capacity restricts programming
o Antiquated telephone and computer system impedes customer service
o Outdated alarm systems
o Crumbling masonry poses threat to visitors
o Requesting $500,000 electrical, alarm and computer upgrades; $379,000 new roofs for 5 historic buildings; this will also allow leverage of $240,000 from the Federal Government from the Save Americas Treasures Grant Fund
o Project Benefits
§ Seal 18th Century buildings against water infiltration
§ Prevent electrical fires
§ Improve staff efficiency and customer service
Mark Thomas asked David Szuba if the agency is prepared to move forward during the winter season, David responded we could begin in the fall on the roofs, and fall through the winter for the electrical. Rob Daly asked if they had any luck with their request to the host communities Niagara County Standing Committee. Robert Emerson responded there were not enough funds. Mark Thomas confirmed with Mr. Emerson that they would not be seeking any other standing committee funding.
Rob Daly approve Mark Thomas - approve
Public Comment
Next Meeting
The next meeting is to be determined at a later date.
Adjournment
Rob Daly motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mark Thomas. The meeting adjourned
at 10:55am.