Thursday
A Modified Plan?
February 22, 2007. Today's Ithaca Journal published an article discussing recent developments in the Briarwood II proposal.
Unfortunately, the article focuses only on stormwater and even there fails to do justice to the political, engineering, and ecological complexities involved.
For instance, the subtitle, "Ponds, not wetlands, will be used to manage stormwater" is dubious if not incorrect. The retention pools to be built will in fact "eventually release stormwater into the existing wetlands," as the article later acknowledges. Whether this system would relieve the area's drainage burden is unclear, but this excess stormwater flowing into the wetlands will certainly affect their integrity.
The modifications, which appear to be minor, would still result in the destruction of a significant woodland and displacement of many animals. Briarwood II still embodies the kind of mindless sprawl--eschewing cluster development--that the Town officials seem to want to rein in (see recent considerations to revise the Town's Comprehensive Plan).
The caption below the photograph suggests that this development would occur "next to Sapsucker Woods." Given that the woodland in danger is contiguous with Cornell's bird sanctuary, it should in fact be considered part of Sapsucker Woods.
In addition, the environmental and ecological impact of this development tends to get lost in light of the (albeit very significant) stormwater drainage problems. It is important to understand that the problem of excess stormwater is directly linked to the diminished ecological integrity of the area.
Why should these woods be preserved?
* The Town's Open Space Plan (adopted by the Town Board in the late1990's) recommends some of these woods for conservation zoning.
*These woods--including the area south of Cornell's bird sanctuary--are part of Unique Natural Area 106, as designated by the county.
* This woodland includes sensitive wetlands that need to be protected with adequate vegetative buffers. The proposal, including this latest modification, does not grant the wetlands adequate protection against encroaching disturbances (roads, lawns, buildings, etc.).
*The county's Natural Features Focus Area Project lamented the way recent development has encroached upon Sapsucker Woods--a famous and important wildlife sanctuary.
