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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1000-1.-1-3.13 OFFICE LOCATION: OF SOUPy� MAILING ADDRESS: Town Hall Annex �� lQ P.O. Box 1179 54375 State Route 25 Southold, NY 11971 (cor. Main Rd. &Youngs Ave.) Southold, NY 11971 Telephone: 631 765-1938 O � �Q LOCAL WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION PROGRAM TOWN OF SOUTHOLD MEMORANDUM To: Glenn Goldsmith, President Town of Southold Board of Trustees ` From: Heather Lanza, AICP, Town Planning Director on behalf of Mark Terry, LWRP Coordinator &Assistant Town Plan ning.Director Date: April 12, 2021 Re: Local Waterfront Coastal Consistency Review Fishers,laland Seagrass Management Coalition ,SCTM# 1000-1-1;3.13 The application referenced above is for a Wetland Permit for the installation of a sign educating the public about the importance of eelgrass and how to help protect it. The proposed action has been reviewed to Chapter 268, Waterfront Consistency Review of the Town of Southold Town Code and the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) Policy Standards. Based upon the information provided on the LWRP Consistency Assessment Form submitted to this department, as well as the records available to me, it is my recommendation that the proposed action is CONSISTENT with the LWRP. Pursuant to Chapter 268, the Board of Trustees shall consider this recommendation in preparing its written determination regarding the consistency of the proposed action. cc: Damon Hagan, Assistant Town Attorney Town of Southoldr— �\ -1E]D LWRP-CONSISTENCYASSESSMENT FORM APR 0 5 2021 5-6uaiiaf a Town A. INSTRUCTIONS Planning Board 1. All applicants for permits* including Town of Southold agencies, shall complete this CCAF for proposed actions that are subject to the Town of Southold Waterfront Consistency Review Law. This assessment is intended to supplement other information used by a Town of Southold agency in making a determination of consistency. *Except minor exempt actions including Building Permits and other ministerial permits not located within the Coastal Erosion Hazard Area. 2: Before answering the questions in Section C, the preparer of this form should review the exempt minor action list, policies and explanations of each policy contained in the Town of Southold Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. A_.proposed--action wilL-be evaluated as to its sign lficant beneficial and adverse effects upon the coastafareaTwhich includes aft—of—Southold Town). 3. If any question in Section C on this form is answered "yes" or "no", then the proposed action will affect the achievement of the LWRP policy standards and conditions contained in the consistency review law. Thus,.eachanswer must be exnlai_ned in detail.-listing.both sunnorting and non- ;suiiuortiriii�factg. )`fan_action cannot be certified as consistent with the LWRP policy standards and conditions,it-shall.,notbe'undertaken. A copy of the LWRP is available in the following places: online at the Town of Southold's website (southoldtown.northfork.net), the Board of Trustees Office, the Planning Department, all local libraries and the Town Clerk's office. B. DESCRIPTION OF SITE AND PROPOSED ACTION SCTM#a 00100 -- _ 0100 1-_0030013- PROJECT NAME -Fishers Island Seagrass_Management-(FISM) Coalition sea-grass sign The Application has been submitted to(check appropriate response): Town Board ❑ Planning Board❑ Building Dept. ❑ Board of Trustees `0 1. Category of Town of Southold agency action(check appropriate response): (a) Action undertaken directly by Town agency(e.g. capital construction,planning activity, agency regulation,land transaction) ❑ (b) Financial assistance(e.g.grant,loan, subsidy) (c) Permit, approval,license,certification: 0 Nature and extent of action: Submitted to the Town of Southold Board of Trustees for approval to install a sign. Location of action: Fishers Island,8th Hole Beach Site acreage: Beach area where sign will go, <1 acre Present land use: Beach area Present zoning classification:___Country Club = 2. If an application for the proposed action has been filed with the Town of Southold agency, the following information shall be provided: (a) Name of applicant: Connor Jones (b) Mailing address: 1109 Equestrian Ave Fishers Island,NY 06390 (c) Telephone number: Area Code ( ) 585-746-1522 (d) Application number,if any: - A lA _ Will the action be directly undertaken,require funding,or approval by a state or federal agency? Yes O No R, If yes,which state or federal agency? C. Evaluate the project to the following policies by analyzing how the project will further support or not support the policies. Provide all proposed Best Management Practices that will further each policy. Incomplete answers will require that the form be returned for completion. DEV_ELOP_ED_COAST_P_OLICY Policy 1. Foster a pattern of development in the Town of Southold that enhances community character, preserves open space, makes efficient use of infrastructure,makes beneficial use of a coastal location,and minimizes adverse effects of development. See LVVRP Section III—Policies; Page 2 for evaluation criteria. ®-Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable The sign will help preserve the eelgrass(Zostera marina)meadows found in this particular area on Fishers Island.Eelgrass meadows are a sensitive and at risk coastal resource.Eelgrass meadows-help-to reduce beach erosion,improve water qualityand provide habitat for many economically and recreationally important fish and shellfish species(summer/winter flounder,striped r bass lobster and bay-scallops).- Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 2. Protect and preserve historic and archaeological resources of the Town of Southold. See LVVMP Section III—Policies Pages 3 through 6 for evaluation criteria N Yes.0 No ❑ Not Applicable Historically,eelgrass was harvested and used for isulation in homes and fertilizer for crops.Today,eelgrass meadows are explored by scuba divers and snorkelers and sought out by recreational and commercial fishermen due to their high biodiversity Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 3. Enhance visual quality and protect scenic resources throughout the Town of Southold. See LWRP Section III—Policies Pages 6 through 7 for evaluation criteria 1 Yes ❑ No ❑ Not Applicable The sign will serve to preserve existing vegetation(eelgrass).The signs will minimally obstruct the view out into the Sound from the 8th Hole Beach Attach additional sheets if necessary NATURAL COAST POLICIES Policy 4. Minimize loss of life, structures, and natural resources from flooding and erosion. See LWRP Section III—Policies Pages 8 through 16 for evaluation criteria ® Yes ❑, No ❑ Not Applicable x Eelgrass meadows act to dampen wave energy which in turn slows beach erosion.The 8th Hole Beach is a stretch of sandy beach that benefits from the presence of eelgrass.The signs will attempt to minimize damage to eelgrass from boats Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 5. Protect and improve water quality and supply in the Town of Southold. See LWRP Section III —Policies Pages 16 through 21 for evaluation criteria Yes 0] No 0 Not Applicable The proposed sign should have no impact on the island's drinking water. Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 6. Protect and restore the quality and function of the Town of Southold ecosystems including Significant Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitats and wetlands. See LWRP Section III—Policies; Pages 22 through 32 for evaluation criteria. ® ❑ Yes No Not Applicable The sign fall under Reach 10(Fishers Island Beaches).The habitats that would benefit from from the sign include the eelgrass meadow and the adjacent beach.Boat anchors and propellors directly rip up and cut through eelgrass..Repeated stress from boating can diminish-the size of a meadow overtime.Degraded meadows-offer less habitat for locally important fish and shellfish.Loss of a meadow can also lead to a decrease in local water quality and an increase in beach erosion.-Due to human activites in Lon-Island Sound:eelgrass has become scarce.Fishers Island is fortunate to have 347 acres of-eelgrass surrounding the island.Although abundant,-it is at risk and will benefit from _ -education and protection. Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 7. Protect and improve air quality in the Town of Southold. See LWRP Section III — Policies Pages 32 through 34 for evaluation criteria. Q YesE] No® Not Applicable The"no anchoring"portion of the sign may reduce vessel traffic to this area,and thus reduce emissions close to shore. Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 8. Minimize environmental degradation in Town of Southold from solid waste and hazardous substances and wastes. See LWRP Section III—Policies; Pages 34 through 38 for evaluation criteria. Yes No ® Not Applicable PUBLIC COAST POLICIES Policy 9. Provide for public access to, and recreational use of, coastal waters, public lands, and public resources of the Town of Southold. See LWRP Section III--Policies; Pages 38 through 46 for evaluation criteria. 'YeJ:1 No 0 Not Applicable The goal of the sign is not to prevent people from coming to this part of the island.It is to raise awareness of the presence of eelgrass in this area in the hopes that people will respect this important habitat - Attach additional sheets if necessary WORKING COAST POLICIES Policy 10. Protect Southold's water-dependent uses and promote siting of new water-dependent uses in suitable locations. See LWRP Section III Policies; Pages 47 through 56 for evaluation criteria. ;Yes :❑ X❑ No ❑ Not Applicable Existing ferry service will be maintained (Silver Eel Cove and West Harbor). Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 11. Promote sustainable use of living marine resources in Long Island Sound, the Peconic Estuary and Town waters. See LWRP Section III—Policies; Pages 57 through 62 for evaluation criteria. Yes 1:1 Not Applicable _=:--❑ No Eelgrass meadows are listed as Essestianl Fish Habitiat(EFH)by NOAH Fisheries.This sign will help educate,island residents and visitors of its importance. It will advocate for an action that all visitors can take part in to keep the meadow in a healthy condition for years to come:keep boats and anchors away from the eelgrass.Eelgrass-restoration and-replanting efforts in Long Island Sound have proven to be expensive and ineffective with the.latest research suggesting that the best way to conserve this habitat is to protect what still remains. Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 12. Protect agricultural lands in the Town of Southold. See LWRP Section III— Policies; Pages 62 through 6II5 for evaluation criteria. T❑ Yes �-l No® Not Applicable 'Attach additional sheets if necessary Policy 13. Promote appropriate use and development of energy and mineral resources. See LWRP Section III—Policies; Pages 65 through 68 for evaluation criteria. ElYes ❑ No ® Not Applicable Connor Jones PREPARED BY __- TITLE. FISM,project,coordinator : DATE 1/29/2021 6 ft. T PLEASE DO NOT ANCHOR IN SEAGRASS .', 3 ft. � EC ED M E ID MAR 12 2024 -` � — Southold Town Board of Trustees 4 ft. Support posts will be wood. The signs will be made of compressed PVC or polycarbonate to ensure durability and longevity. The signs will attach to the posts via metal brackets. Sign Text: What is Seaerass? Eelgrass, or Zostera marina, is one of-60 species of seagrass found across the globe, and the most common seagrass in Long Island Sound.A flowering plant found in coastal waters less than 24 feet deep, eelgrass grows in dense colonies called meadows—critically important habitats that need our help,for it is estimated that 90%of the historic extent of eelgrass in Long Island Sound has been lost. Luckily,there are many things you can do to protect our eelgrass resources,especially here on Fishers Island,which is surrounded by roughly 350 acres of eelgrass, making up 25%of all the seagrass remaining in Long Island Sound. Let's work together to save our seagrass! Why is seagrass so important? Water Quality M A R 12 2021 - Eelgrass beds can absorb excess nutrients from runoff and natural sources -This improves water quality and clarity,and prevents algal bloomsL_Southold Town Board of Trustees Stronger, More Stable Beaches -The network of eelgrass roots traps sediments,allowing sediment to accumulate on the seabed rather than circulate in the water, again improving water quality -Sediment accretion dampens wave action on the shores, preventing erosion and providing storm surge protection, keeping our sandy beaches beautiful Critical Habitat - Eelgrass meadows provide nursery grounds,adult habitat,and food sources for a variety of fish, shellfish, birds, and invertebrates - -There may be up to 40x more animals in a seagrass meadow than in bare sand -Many commercially and recreationally important species spend at least a portion of their life cycle in eelgrass beds Carbon Sinks -Seagrasses are the 2nd most efficient ecosystem for capturing and storing carbon in the world (sources: original study; article 1;article 2); by some estimates,one hectare of seagrass can store the same amount of carbon as 40 hectares of dry-land forest! -Through photosynthesis,seagrass meadows absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbonic acid from ocean water and return oxygen to the water column.They don't just remove carbon from water,though;they also prevent carbon from being released by decaying organic matter. By trapping dead plant material in the oxygen-depleted seabed,where it decomposes much slower than on land,seagrasses help to stabilize carbon -Given these properties, maintaining or even expanding seagrasses'footprint to historic levels could prove crucial in combatting climate change and creating a livable future for all of us Help Us Preserve Our Seagrass Meadows: Be a Better Boater! There are many things boaters can do to help protect this important marine resource: Plan it Out Check the weather,tides,and navigational maps before heading out on the water. Be aware of eelgrass beds before going to a specific area.Wear polarized sunglasses to help see eelgrass patches from your boat. Steer Clear Navigate through marked channels whenever possible. Trim it Up If travelling over an eelgrass bed, slow down and trim up your engine to prevent scarring. In very shallow water or if you run aground, bring the engine up and push the boat out of the eelgrass. Watch Your Anchor Before anchoring your boat, look around for eelgrass. If you are in a meadow,find an alternate area to anchor, or use a public dock or conservation mooring to tie up. Use conservation moorings when available;they cause less damage to benthic habitats. Here are some species that live in the eelgrass around Fishers Island!: 1. Striped Bass Monroe saxatilis 2. Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix 3. Lined Seahorse Hippocampus erectus 4. Bay Scallop Argopecten irradians 5. Tautog Tautoga onitis 6. American Lobster Homarus americanus E V MAR 1:2:]] Southold Town Board of Trustees Zoning Fishers Island with Protected Fishers Island Sound Lands N W y E 5 e Etd n CSS Q 4 VQ Block Island Sound North Ni Avnnrm g fax Avc ZONING B HB - HD P� aexchAvo a LB - Mil R-120 a o_s 2 R-40 - Mies This maps lmerded a gerheral refewand Orocvsaorh r _j R-400 o*,Map Prepared by purposes o .and s nor to be used for atarh ,". .— Southold Town Planing Dept seapremon or Juded"onar boundaries or other precise July 29.20,6 pinpoaes.No wanwO s are made,expressed or mpied R-80 Stdfua Cotrhty Reel Property Tax Senke Agerlcy oo W"tre scaracy.CONVIal&ftelle.r*Mb'WY.or ARDS and Tax Map Copyright 2016. suia6iNy for any other purposes of the data o nlormatwn County of Suffolk.NY cordoned ortumsned in connection herewith Protected Red arrow indicates approximate location of proposed beach sign on Fishers Island Club property. *1 was told that there is not a formal boundary map of the golf course. DECCo � E EE LIAR 12 2021 Southold Town Board of Trustees Land Use Fishers Island Fishers Island Sound N/`�' Block Island Sound 1 • 1 a commericial Industrial Institutional Residential Open Space&Recreation Surface Waters 0 0s f i Miles Transportation This map is intended for general reference and discusston Map Prepared by purposes only.ands not to be used for surveying.legal Utilities Southold Town Planning Dept mterpretatbn or lunsdrebonal boundaries or other precise - July 29,2016 purposes.No warranties are made,expressed or implied Vacant Suffolk County Real Property Tax Service Agency concerning the accuracy,completeness.refatwtay,or -- - AREIS and Tax Map Copyrght:016, wrtablity for any other purposes o1 the data or infoimabon County of Suffolk.Nr contained or furnished n connection herewith. Waste Handling&Managemen Red arrow indicates approximate location of proposed beach sign on Fishers Island Club property. *1 was told that there is not a formal boundary map of the golf course. SE C H E I MAA 12 2021 Southold Town Board of Trustees Na.R.,. N SDUND ISIAND '\' /. / u 2 I i \.J� �_.../ 4� a3 R.D.81 / POND Z 27 / �F.0. 1-0 1r 3.2 ollp MUD POND ' '� • 2 , I.Ncj a.ayq t oNq �. Y n 1.M i PCL.NO. y� y 1 . A,1 vi SEE SEC.NOY- IN+ i --- ----- DNE WTCN —f—l1NE— a., FJST END qpi p 9.tNc1 ]u� SEE SECNO.Oaa TM a L '""- " "' -----' – -- --"-- • NOTICE Ggol COUNTYOFSUFFOLK © N ,,, sounroLD SECTION NO C —� �,�, R,� w .�w ,n m Real Property Tax Service Agenry v E _ - ------ ...w —_—_—_— w--_ -- �.�„u.drN..N..a.NY,,.], � 1 N w....w o.....i .. e.uw .— :r.w— •-- x M prwr.p 7000 PROPERTY MM