Draft Minutes
Niagara River Greenway
State Park Standing Committee Meeting
January 18, 2008
Attendees
Mark Thomas, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Robert Daly, NY Power Authority
Rick Chase, NY Power Authority
Al Nihill, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
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Mark Thomas began the meeting at 10:40a.m. The first order of business was to approve the minutes from the December 18, 2007 meeting. Rob Daly made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Mark Thomas. The minutes were accepted unanimously.
Next on the agenda was acceptance of the draft protocols. Mark Thomas proposed approval of the draft protocols as discussed at the last meeting. Specific items discussed were:
There was no further discussion. Rob Daly motioned to adopt the draft protocols, seconded by Mark Thomas. The protocols were adopted unanimously.
Al Nihill, Capital Facilities Manager of NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation made a presentation on the five NYS Parks projects submitted to the Niagara River Greenway Commission. All five projects were previously found to be consistent with the Niagara River Greenway plan and were presented to the State Parks Standing Committee for approval for funding. All the projects are along the Niagara River, 3 grants focus on Niagara Reservation State Park, 2 grants focus on the Niagara Gorge Trails. The projects are as follows:
Ø Goat Island – Planning and Restoration Grant
Rick Chase asked about the $75,000 cost. Al Nihill responded it’s for partial funding.
Ø Three Sisters Islands – 1st Demonstration Project
Rob Daly asked what the expected time frame was. Al Nihill responded 2009 completion.
Ø Luna Island & Stedman’s Bluff – 2nd Demonstration Project
o Small project, will provide prototype for all the historic overlook restoration projects in the park
o Developing a common historic railing system throughout the park
o Restore pavements and original landscapes of the Island
Rob Daly asked what the expected time frame was. Al Nihill responded 2009 completion.
Ø Niagara Gorge Demonstration Project
o Whirlpool State Park – restore historic overlook, construct 1st phase of rim trail
Ø Trails in Gorge – Access Stairways to Gorge
o Trails restored, rock scaling for health and safety
o Original stonework repaired
Rob Belue, Executive Director of the Niagara River Greenway Commission, commented that the projects submitted by NYS Parks and Recreation are a great example in extending Olmsted’s legacy. These projects are just a few of the many opportunities that are available within the Niagara River Greenway. We at the Commission wish NYS Parks great success.
Each vote by the Standing Committee must be unanimous for the project to be approved for funding. Rob Daly commented and commended OPRHP for the 5 great projects and their involvement and teamwork with the Niagara River Greenway Commission which provided a website to review projects and assisted in this process. Mark Thomas thanked his staff for their work in preparing the proposals together. He commented that these projects will weave together a whole series of studies and allow us to complete work in some areas which we have not been able to fund before. This funding will allow us to return some of the Olmsted designs to the park and areas where it is desperately needed.
Rob Daly – Approve Mark Thomas – Approve
Rob Daly – Approve Mark Thomas – Approve
Rob Daly – Approve Mark Thomas – Approve
Rob Daly – Approve Mark Thomas – Approve
Rob Daly – Approve Mark Thomas – Approve
The next stage is for these projects to be submitted to NYPA for release of funds. These funds are to be kept separated. There will be separate accountability, tracking, and auditing. Rick Chase commented that this is an historical day and very appropriate that the 1st projects to be proposed and approved for use of the relicensing Greenway funds come from New York State Parks. He added it is an exciting time and offers great opportunities. Mark Thomas added that State Parks is looking forward to a wonderful relationship with NYPA. He quoted NYS Parks Commissioner Carol Ash by saying “now the work begins”.
The 2008 meeting schedule has been set to coincide with the Niagara River Greenway Commission activity. The remainder of the meetings are scheduled as follows:
Ø April 16, 2008
Ø July 16, 2008
Ø October 15, 2008
Public Comment
Paul Gromosiak – Agreed that this is an historical moment for Niagara Falls. He hoped all future introductions to the Reserve will complement the natural world and not the human world and that past introductions might be made more complimentary as much as possible. He added the footpaths should be a priority. Entertainment doesn’t belong on a natural reserve and should be provided by the city. He also felt the Robert Moses Parkway should be removed to complete the connection between the Niagara Reservation, Devil’s Hole State Park, Whirlpool State Park.
Patricia Eckel – Thanked everyone for recognizing the work in the area that she had done in the past. She is pleased with the focus on environmental issues. She recommended that all the agencies involved please consider funding a greenhouse facility to provide botanical stock.
Michelle Vanstrom – Thanked the standing committee for everything they are doing and offered the assistance of the Habitat Council.
Rosemary Warren – Is glad the money is being used for projects along the Niagara River. Suggested a possible people mover also. Feels there is a need for an ornithologist to assess the birding situation.
Thomas Frank – Feels Niagara Falls is the vortex of the Niagara region and is where the greenway projects should start.
Rob Daly motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mark Thomas. The meeting adjourned at 11:20am.