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JEAN W, COCHRAN
SUPERVISOR
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P,O, Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-1823
Telephone (516) 765-1889
OFFICE OF THE SUPERVISOR
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
MEMORANDUM
Date:
Town Board, Town Attorney
Planning Board
Francis Yakaboski, Esq.
Jean Cochran, Supervisor \~
June 27, 1997
To:
From:
Re:
AlIached teller re Cross Sound Ferry
I received a call from Richard MacMurray to dispel any rumors. He was notifying
me that they are meeting with Long Island Railroad representatives to promote
trains running to Lake Ronkonkoma and then busses to the ferry. They are also
looking into property in the Town of Riverhead for parking and then bussing to
the site,
He will be sending an article from a Connecticut newspaper complimenting the
ferry on their encouragement of bicycle traffic on the boat.
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Attachment
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SOUTHOLD T:JWN
PlANNING BOARD
.
.
281-J4 Gardner Avenue
New London, Connecticut 06320
June 22, 1997
Jean Cochran
Town Supervisor
Town of Southold
Southold, (Long Island) NY
RE: Orient Point Ferry/Sea Jet, Foxwoods Gaming Casino
Dear Jean Cochran:
Please find enclosed a recent New London Day newspaper article concerning
your town's plights from the impacts of the Sea Jet ferry servicing the Foxwoods
Gaming Casino.
The purpose of this letter is to provide advice on possible remedies to mitigate
the long term effects of the nightmare.
First, a careful examination of the license and permits issued by the Interstate
Commerce Commission would be in good order to determine the conditions of
operation. Of course, you may have already conducted such an investigation. Also,
the I.C.C. may have regulations requiring hearings for significant impacts resulting from
changed operations. It wouldn't hurt to explore the regulations and laws with a fine-
toothed comb.
Next, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, United States Department of Interior prepared
a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the environmental assessment of
Foxwoods. I have a copy of all those pertinent documents. Essentially, the FONSI was
deliberately designed by the BIA to avoid preparation of a full-blown Environmental
Impact Evaluation. The document itself is a sham and doesn't even begin to cover any
of the ongoing, long-term impacts.
Because I do not live in close proximity to the casino, I could not claim a direct
effect from the casino at the time of the assessment. In other words, I lacked standing
to bring litigation challenging their environmental review. However, things have
changed because of the Pequots expanding operations and impacts. Currently, the
State of Connecticut has sued the BIA to prevent annexation of an additional 167
acres. This suit in Federal District Court requires preparation of a full environmental
impact statement for the annexation. Your town could join the suit as party plaintiffs
because of the increased effects from annexation.
I am, also, commencing an effort to enlist as many people as possible to bring
suit under the National Environmental Policy Act to require preparation of :I full impact
statement.
7
.
.
If you require additional information or assistance, please contact me at:
860/447-8259 after Jul;y 5, 1997.
Very truly yours,
fJAit
.
"The Day"
Sunday, June
22, 1997
~f>rient Point r:identS
I furious over Sea Jet
By CLIFFORD KRAUSS
N.Y. Times News Service
OrIent Paint, N.Y, .- Lined by Vic.
torian barns, picket fences, scare-
crows and potato fields, the I5-mile
stretch of Houte 25 between Green-
port and Orient Poinl is still a cen-
tury, or at least a state of mind,
away from the jams of the Long Js.
land Expressway.
But this bucolic passage has he-
come a battleground between a
Connecticut ferry company and a
bunch of crusty East I~nd viJJagcrs.
Residents are furious about a
sudden increase in traffic spawned
by a high-speed ferry Ihat six limes
a day takes gamblers aeross Long
Island Sound to the F'OXWOOfls He-
sort Casino.
They say the sporadic clusters of
tramc arc reducing property val-
lWS, massacring th(' guinea fowl
that run aCfoss the roml and forc-
ing residents to sit in lheir drive-
ways for up to five mitlllff~s waiting
for cars to go by,
The frustrations lire Slimmed up
by a bumper slicker sold at Ihe Ori-
ent general store thaI: says, "] Don't
Care If You're Late for the Ferry!"
Heavy traffic is, of course, a rela-
tive concept Most eommuters on
the LIE or the FIJI{ Drive would he
tempted kiss lhe pavement for simi-
lar conditions. And to the owners of
gas stations and ro;tdside stands,
the sounds of gamblers and other
drivers honking to pass s]ow-
moving farm tractors mean ringing
cash registers. .
But to most peoplp who Jivn ill
villages like Orient, Orient Point
and East Marion, the sounds are
the accompaniment to clism::;ler.
The "traffic prohlem" on the
North Fork has been building for
years. But when Cross Sound Ferry
Services launched the Sea .Jet two
years ago to augment the slower
car ferries and then sought zoning
permission to expand a pRrking lot
in Orient Point, it slirrcd a baUle
royaL
The ferry comp;my says !KK),OOn
p{'!onl(~ take IIw fmTY h(~1 WPPI1 Ori-
ent Point and New London annu-
ally, compared with 8lKI,OOO fi ve
. years ago, before the Mashantucket
Pequot Indian tribe opened ~'ox-
woods. Residents say they fc;lr the
traffic w1ll only get worse if the
ferry company lallndws more
boats for trafTie to Ute IWW Mohe-
gan Sun easillo, a few mHcs fmm
......ox woods.
Typically, riders of the ferry are
gamblers who leave their cars in
Orient Point in the morning, take
the 35-minute high-spped ferry ride
($20 rounu-trip) to New London and
shuttle by bus to Il'oxwoods. They
return to Long Island that night.
The Town of Soulhold, N.Y.,
which includes 111 its Jurisdidion
the vlilages most am,,,t,,d by Ihe
traffic, has tnk(m th\! ferry com.
pany to courl to demand a full envt-
ronmcntul.imp:wl stalt'lm'lll on the
proposed 2.5.aerc.exp;lllshm of the
parking lot. Meanwhile, a citizens'
group led by a retirc(l viee admiral
Is suing the town for not moving to
stop the ferry altogether.
The company has lwen forced to
spend $SfX),OOO on lawyers, a trRilie
consultant and a variety of experts
to complete the impaCt slatement.
Biologists have begun studying
reports on the mating. nesting and
spawning habits of several species
of birds and sea life, including the
tiger sa;;unander. an endangcred
species native to Ihe area. And an
archaeologist is sllldVill~~ histodcal
records to see if the lot' was ever
used as a burial ground hy ^ 1_
gonquin Indians or settled by early
Jo~uropean colonists.
WHliam "'~ssex, a ferry-company
lawyer, said that rights that date
hack to the ArticJes of Confedera.
tion are at stake in the dispute.
"There is a constitutional right to
travel," he said, "and you can
travel a state road all you want.."
The ferry company has tried to
calm anxieties by donating blink-
ing yellow trafflc lights In front of a
local school anet a firehouse along
Route 2S. Adam Wrollowski, the 25-
year-old scion of the family that
owns Cross Sound Ferry. said the
company is considering donating a
tmffic light near the ferry to stag-
ger traffle leaving the parking lot.
"Ferry traffic rises naturaHy
through supply and demand,"
Wronowski said. "Are we an evil
entity? No, we're a public service."
But the ferry company's attempts
at creating good will have been
spurned in recent monlhs. First the
Orient CongregatiolJalist Church
refused a $2,SOO donation to fix an
organ sound system damaged by
iightnlng, and then the Greenl'orl
l"loyd Memorial Library turned
down $.'l,50n from the company.
The local police department has
added officers outntted with radar
guns to reduce speeding to and
from the ferry. And to Ihis point, 110
i one has been hurt hy tratTic linked
to the high-speed ferries.
. But residents say a serious acci-
dent is waiting to happ(m, and real
estate ngents sny property values
along -the road have already been
affected. One agent, Suzanne Hahn,
recalled times when she showed po.
tential clients J9th.cent.ury Victor-
ian homes "that they felJ in love
with unW they Iried to leave lhe
driveway and were forced to wait
five minutes because of a wave of
trafflc. "
Sipping iced tea on her gracefui
veranda overiooking Route 2S, Eli-
nor WUlinms recaJJcd roller-
Skating along the same road, be-
tween me:!(h)ws of sky scraping SI1I1-
llownr!-l. sOl1wtJnm during the De-
pressIon. "You wouid hear nothing
but the frogs and the birds," she
said, closing her eyes as jf fulling
into a dream.
Suddenly five cars cume rum-
bling by, probably rushing to catch
the ferry In Nnw London which wn~
sehcduled to lenve Orient Point in
20 minutes. Mrs. Williams' sweet
smile suddenly twisted Into' a gri-
mace as she blamed the "hordes of
Foxwoods gamblers" for the 81111-
den, wave of cars. "It's painful," she
said, raJsing her voice over the en-
gine noise. "It's a nuisancc'"
On her cable television program,
Jean Cochran, the Southold town
supervisor, recently displayed a
thick stack of complaint letters.
One, written by Mr, and Mrs. Jam-
es Mark, a retired couple, asked,.
"Why must we in Orient and
Grecnport lim(! our food Shopping,
dodor's visits and other necessary
trips out of our homes to the ferry
trame?"
The ferry company and just
about everyone on the peninSUla
agt-ee there is a solution: If only
Montauk, Easthampton, Sag Har.
bor or Shoreham would take some
of the high-speed ferry traffic, the
North Fork could avoid becoming a
funnel for every gambler traveling
through Suffolk County.
But no one else wants the traffic,
and local governments and civic
groups have so fat. hloclwd the
ferryenmnany.
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Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
Chairman
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM. JR.
RICHARD G. WARD
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
May 13, 1997
Thor Hanson
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
P.O. Box 797
Greenport, NY 11944
Dear Mr. Hanson:
I am writing to acknowledge receipt of your letter of May 6, 1997 regarding the current
status of Town of Southold v. Cross Sound Ferry, Inc. The letter, which has been
reviewed by the Planning Board, took us by surprise.
In response, I wish to note that the Board recognizes that Southold Citizens for Safe
Roads, Inc. has taken an active interest in the progress of this litigation and has
participated fully in the reviewing of the environmental scoping outline. Further, since
SCSR's attorneys were present at the March 11, 1997 meeting before Judge Dunn, you
no doubt are cognizant of the discussions that took place before the Judge. In essence,
the Judge has declined to move ahead with an injunction at this time.
Having said that, I also must add that we share your concerns about the seeming delay in
preparing the environmental impact statement. However, I wish to remind you that the
Planning Board's resolution of December 16, 1996 adopted a Scoping Outline which
requires, among other things, a detailed transportation analysis addressing peak activity
periods (i.e. the summer months). It may be prudent to allow them sufficient time to
address the Outline in depth.
If they fail to meet the October deadline specified in Essek's letter of April 29, 1997, ("By
that time, a completed DEIS should have been submitted, reviewed by Town staff and the
subject of public comment." page 3 of his letter), I believe that failure, alone, will speak
more loudly and clearly to the Judge than anything else we could do at this time.
Sine ere/~y,. / I
/ / . /,
I~ '..,/,'...../
'<"....~--r.. .J,;?'t/;ffi--'--- /r
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Chairman
cc: Francis J. Yakaboski, Counsel
Laury P. Dowd, Town Attorney
0:J04!1997 10:58 8604403492
~~1
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Date:
Attention:
Company:
cROSS SOUND FERRY
.
.
C 1'\'" ",'llll\ll ,'11\
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Fax Cover Sheet
February 4, 1997
Bonorable Jean Cochran
Town oE Southold
Fax Number: 516-765-1823
From:
Message:
Richard MacMurray
PAGE
131
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Number of Pages Including Cover Sheet: 6
Please c:zll (860) 443-7394 if all pages are not received:. -r ",
ea.......OIIIIB. 2FcySt. . POb33 . Nlwlallbl,CT0632O. (B8l)<M3-7J94.FIX(I6O)~3492
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02/04/1997 12:58
8504403492
.
CROSS SOUND FERRY
PAGE 02
.
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
.: ~
2 FelTY 51.
P. O. Bolt 33
New London, cr 06320
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Telepbone (860) 443-7394
Fu (860) 440-3492
February 4, 1997
Honorable Jean Cochran
Supervisor
Town of Southold
Town Hall, P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
. i
.',''''
.... .1.
Dear Jean:
As we discussed on the telephone last week. please fmd the enclosed summary
shut of the results of the economic impact survey that was conducted aboard the Sea Jet
this past Fall We are encouraged by the re.,ults. as I think you will be, since they show
that those utilizing the high-Speed sctVice an: conuibuting to the economy of Southold
Town. We hope to use the results of this survey in our ongoing marlceting effOrL' to
attract visitors to the North Folk. .
I
We have recently begun wolk with the Greenpon I Southold Chambei of
Commerce on a joint chamber I ferry committee to produce incentive packages to be
cross-madretcd to ferry customers. It is our intention to use these illCCDtive laden
packages to entice ferry cuStomers to continue to palroniu local attractions,
accommodations, shops, and other busine.,ses. Through this, it is also oW' intention to
encourage these visitors to make subsequent visitS to the area even when they are nol
using Cross Sound Ferry. ..
. ",i
If you should have any questions on this. please feel free to ca1lme. .,
~ , )
Sincerely.
Richard MacMurray
Vice ,President I General Manager
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02/04/1997 10:59 8504403492
.
CROSS SOUND FERRY
.
Economic Impact Survey of
Sea Jet, High-Speed Ferry Service
on Southold Town
. '.
Prepared by:
Cross Sound Feuy Services. Inc.
2 Ferry Street
New London, CT 06320
December 1996
(860) 443-7394
PAGE 03
/
02/04/1997 10:58
8604403492
.
CROSS SOUND FERRY
PAGE 04
.
Summary of Findings
Economic Impact Survey of Sea Jet Ferry Service on Southold Town
lntrocluclion
In the Fall of 1996, a slII'Vey was conducted by Cross Sound Ferry on 1he
economic impacts or the Sea Jet I, high-speed. passenger-only ferry service on Southold
Town. Specifically, the survey was designed to measure the impact that passengers
utili7.ing this high-speed ferry service had on local businesses in Southold Town. This poll
consi.~ted of personal.interviews with 154 individuals who were palrom aboard tbe_l;ea
Jet. The interviews were conducred during the morning trips over the course of a four
week period in November and December of 1996.
The individuals polled were asked various questions pertaining to their travel
behavior. They were specifically asked if they had patronized any local businesses on the
North Fork on their trips out to the ferry or on their way blll:k from the ferry (ferry trips).
They were a.\ked III he spcc;ific in naming both types of businesses frequented and the
actual names of businesses. The survey asked the respondent the approximate amount of
money that each spent at thc.~ local businesse., a., part of their ferry trip, along with what
prompted them to stop at these businesses.
I
The final set of questions asked the respondent if their experience of taking the
ferry including the drive out on the North Forlt encouraged them to come back to the
North Fork for a future visit other than when they take the ferry. If the respondent
answered yes. they were then asked what particular place.,. attraction.~, or businesses they
would like to visit in the future.
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SeA Jet cwdftmers who ride die .ntn terries
This question asked the Sea Jet cu.,tomer if they had used the autOmobile ferril!S
when then:: was a need to take a car on the ferries or when the Sea Jet was nOt in ,
operation. Of those polled, 70% responded that they do ride on the auto ferries and that
87% of them take their cars when traveling on the auto ferries. This figure demon.~traw.~
that then:: is a definite cross section of Cross Sound Ferry patron.1 who1ide on the auto
ferrie.~ and now utilize the Sea Jet, hip-speed service when it can be fit into the.
individuals' travel plan.,. Once again, this 70"" could also represent those.eus~omers who
i\I'C repeat usetS of the ferry service over the course of a year.
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G2/84/1997 19:58
8684483492
CROSS SOUND FERRY
PAGE 85
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.
Has r"~""ent stouoed at '''''DI.. Nnrth Fork btdiftM:!.aco durin. ferJ'Ytrio
Of those polled, 63% of the respondenrs staled that they have patrOnized local
businesses located on the North Fork on a previous ferry trip, on this particullll' trip, or
plan to stop on their return trip from the ferry. The respondenu were aL~ asked to name
certain categories of businesses that they StOpped at (non-specific busi~ses} and the
actual names of places (specific businesses) if they could.
Non..~flll! businesses that 'ern eustomen natronized
Keep in mind that these pen:entages will exceed 100%. since many of the
respondents who said that they patronized North Fork businesses named more than one
category of businesses that they frequented on their ferry trip. Of all IqP.9J1Cienu who
stopped, 65% said they stopped at North Fork re.,taurants I deli's; 50% said they Stopped
at local fann.uands; 27'1f> of respondenrs stOpped at convenience stOTesor'gas station.~;
26% SlOpped at other stores or shops; and 14% stopped at the various North Fork
wineries.,';"
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Soedflc hud....... thld terry ~~ eatronizerl
I
Of the names of specific busines.~ that ferry customers stopped at on their ferry
trip. each was grouped into six categories. The categories uc:
-I"
Restaurants I Deli'.
FlU'"'It..
CODYCJIieac:e Stores I GII Stadons
Stores I Shops
WlDeries I Vineylll'dl
Hotels I Motels I B&:B's
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The top three businesses in each category that customers on the Sea Jet patronized
are as follows:
D......1'tlfttII I DeIi'~
1. Clifrs Elbow East I Elbow Room
2. Claudio's
3. Hellenic Snack Bar
(Overa11. respondenlS named 25 specific restauranlS that they stopped al on
their ferry trip.)
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02/04/1997 10:58
8604403492
CROSS SOUND FERRY
-- ----
PAGE 06
.
.
:FRrnBtand.
1. Lalham' s
2. Briemere Farms
3. Sep's
Fanner Mike's
. "-'F~l
Cnnvl!llie1'll!l! StnrM I eM Ct. tift...
1. Seven-Eleven
2. Spanos
3. Mr. Roberts
StDre5 I Shom
1. The CaDClymaD in Orient
2. Tanger Fac:lory Outlet Center
3. IGA - Greenpon
Thompson's
"'~"":"
WI"""'... I Vlnevards
1. Pindar
2. PalIner
Lenz
Pellegrini
/
Hn..... I UnHrI. I BaB's
1. The Beachcomber
(The Beac:hcomber was the only specific business named in this category.)
A Do'MXima. amount 01 monev ment at th6e bu......... on eaclt terrY trin
Respondents were asked lo approxiIllam the amount of money they spent at the
various North Folk businesses they Slopped at during their ferry trip. The respondents
were ased to classify their spending into one of the following categories: Less than S 1 0;
Betwccn S10 and 520; Between $20 and $30; Between $30 and $40; and Morc than $40.
Of those polled. 26% eslilnalcd that they spent between $20 and $30 at local businesse.~
on eac:h ferry trip, aDCl 23% said they spent more than S40 dollars OD each ferry trip.
Those who said they spent less than $10 ac:countcd for 19% of those surveyed, while 18%
said they spent between 510 and 520, and 14'l1> said they spent between $30 and $40.
3
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IMPORTANT >>
File Number:
Pl-473800-00118
00
Use the above number in all
correspondence about this action!
To the Lead Agency:
The above information confirms that filings on the described
Positive Declaration were officially received by, and entered in the
SEQR Repository on the date(s) shown in the box headed DATE RECEIVED
above. The latest filing is indicated by the most recent date in
that box. The date and time in the second line show when this
document was printed. Please check the information above carefully.
For corrections or questions contact Charles Lockrow, (518)457-2224,
or write to:
SEQR Repository
NYSDEC Division of Regulatory Affairs
50 Wolf Road, Room 514
Albany, NY 12233
Town of SOUTHOLD
Planning Board
53095 Main Road-P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
r:.'m '.. R (C' r<; T. ii.!.;'~--';
II D IE 19 L' d.-; ,
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, PLANNING BOARD MEMBE'
RICHARD G. WARD
Chai.rman
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
December 16, 1996
William Esseks, Esq.
Esseks, Hefter and Angel
108 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
-
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
Re: Proposed Site Plan for Cross Sound Ferry
SCTM#1000-15-10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Dear Mr. Esseks:
The following took place at a special Planning Board Public Meeting held
on Monday, December 16, 1996:
WHEREAS, The Southold Town Planning Board is required by Sections
3-0301 (1) (b), 3-0301 (2) (m) and 8-0113 of the Environmental
Conservation Law to implement the provisions of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (S.E.Q.R.A.); and
WHEREAS, S.E.Q.R.A. requires that all agencies determine whether the
actions they directly undertake, fund or approve may have a significant
impact on the environment, and, if it is determined that the action may
have a significant adverse impact, prepare or request an environmental
impact statement; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has provided the lead agency, (Planning Board),
with a Long Environmental Assessment Form and the L.E.A.F. has been
received by the Planning Board. the Planning Board's Environmental
Consultant, and other involved agencies; and
.
4
Resolu tion: Cross Sound Ferry
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Planning Board, as lead agency, after review of the
L.E.A.F. found that the action may significantly effect the environment,
made a determination of a Positive Declaration at a public meeting held on
September 16, 1996; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR part 617.8 (2) scoping was initiated by the lead
agency and requires the project sponsor to submit a draft scope that
contains the items identified in paragraphs 617.8 (f) (1) through (5) of
Section 617.8; and
WHEREAS, the project sponsor provided a draft scope to the lead agency
on November 15, 1996 and the lead agency provided a copy of the
applicant's draft scope to all involved and interested agencies and
individuals who expressed an interest in writing to the lead agency; and
WHEREAS, a scoping outline has been prepared by the Planning Board's
Environmental Consultant using the applicant's scope outline with input
from the Planning Board, members of the Southold Town Board of Zoning
Appeals, involved and interested agencies, in addition to relevant and
substantial comments received in letters from the public, and finally, the
outline incorporates input from the public scoping meeting held at Town
Hall on December 4, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board as lead agency has received the final
scoping outline and deemed it to be sufficient for the purposes of a Draft
E. I. S., BE IT THEREFORE
RESOLVED that the Southold Town Planning Board adopt the scoping
outline dated December 16, 1996 in determining the content and format of
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Cross Sound Ferry.
Enclosed is a copy of the scoping outline for your use in preparing the
D.E.I.S.
Please contact this office if you have any questions regarding the above.
()l:~rO~~A
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Encls.
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CROSS SOUND FERRY
SEQR SCOPING OurLI~"E
Dran ~cmber 16, 1996
This outline provides a scoping document for use by the Planning Board of the Town of
Southold in determming the content and format of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for Cross Sound Ferry. Attached, and made a part of this outline is the Positiv~~ Declaration for
the (>roposed action, which provides a brief description of the project, and lists the potentially
signIficant environmental impacts which formed the basis for the Positive Declaration. This
outline has been prepared Wlth input from the consultant to the Planning Board, Planning
Board members, and members of the Southold Board of Zoning Appeals. In addition, relevant
and substantive conunents from coordination letters (received up until date of preparation of
this outline) have been incorporated into the scope where appropriate. Finally, ~ outline
incorporates .in.P.J.I1.i'mm 1M public scopine meettnll hclQ.ll1 ~ Hill Qn ~m.Qg.4..12.2.6.
The applicant should recognize and contact each agency that is a separate permitting
entity, and fife applications with each jurisdiction and obtain technical comments. The EIS
process is intended to provide comprehensive and important information for the decision
m<:l1ing process for use by involved agencies in preparing their own findings and issuing
decisions on their res ective permits. In m:s.!.tl1Q iYOi.d sellmentation and be ill conformance
wi . " I '~s f v' lncern. th~
scOpinll outline and the .!2r.af1 !lWS.t consider ~ imp~ associated IDIh pr~ and
proposed activity .ll1lill ~.s in 1!.le. terminal facilitY.
The document should be concise but thorough, well documented, accurate, and
consistent. Technical information may be sununarized in the body of the document and
attached as an Apf.endix. Review for acceptance or certification of the Draft EIS will involve
review of content Lor conformance to the fmal scope, and accuracy to ensure that correct
information is incorporated into the document for initial review. Review after acceptance will
deal in more detail with the specific technical information presented and the allal~sls provided.
Based on review, substantive comments received from involved agencies and p,aches of interest,
the public hearing process, and appropriate direction from the lead agency, a final EIS will be
prepared which will respond to all substantive comments on the Draft EIS. The Planning
Board will be responsible for the preparation, content and accuracy of the Fin2.l EIS, and this
document will be used as a basis for each agency to prepare a Statement of Findings and Facts
for use in structuring permit or approval decisions.
Overall, the Planning Board seeks a detailed Description of the Proposed Project
including documentation of the following: background andhistorv, location, design and layout,
recharge handling, water supply, sanitary disposal, quantities of site coverage, !ite access,
mechanisms for open space preservation, and site access. The Environmental Setting and
Potential Significant Impacts section may be combined, to discuss existing, no-huild and build
conditions. Impacts should be identified as short term or long term. In nddide-n, a section
should be proVided which identifies cumulative impacts of the proposed project. Consistent
with SEQR Draft ElS guidelines, additional chapters of the Potential Significant Impacts
section should include Growth Inducing Aspects, Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of
Resources, and Effects on the Conservation of Energy Resources where appropriate. Adverse
Impacts which can not be avoided shall be identified in a separate section. CO:lsideration of
one or more Alternatives will be required to address other scenarios regarding key resources.
The following outline provides an updated form for the content and preparatic,n of a Draft EIS.
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Draft Ers $coping Outline
TABLE OF CONTENTS AND SU:;'IMARY
A Table of Content, and a brief summary arc reqwred for the Draft EIS. The Table e,f Contents and
,urn mary will include:
A. Brief description of the action.
B. Significant, adverse and beneficilll impacts (issues of controversy must be spedfied).
C. Mitigation measures I'ropClsed.
D. Alternatives considercd.
E. Mutters to b. decided (permits, approvals, status, funding).
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. PROJECT PURPOSE, NEED AND BENEFITS
1. Background and History.. History of ownership and use, extant strudures, past use(s),
and prior site plan applications. Describe history of terminal buildi.ull inaprovements
and parking area changes and history of snack bar pareel. Provide history of
underwater land including ownership and legal (include survey of underwater land)
per milling and dredging history including placement of spoil and fill of wetlands.
Provide ID3 historical overvicw ill cnvirClnmental reviews QIllM~;1 propertv.
2. Public need for the project, and municipality objectives based 011 adopted community
devclopment plans.. ,umlnarize municipal objectives fro1l11and use }lans and establish
Dced for the project.
3. Objectivcs of the project sponsor in expanding business and in changing nature of
servkes offered (Le. addition of high specd fcrry, passenger only service) over tbe past 2
years. Discuss.il.!ll! identify m known future business plans, possibl" expansion, etc.
4. Benefits of the Action -. Transportation services, economy.
B. LOCATION
I. Establish geographic site boundaries .. Provide location map of upl""d and underwater
lands. Identify area of public land which appears on tax maps in eenler of subject
property, and public access to this sile as appropriate.
2. DcscriptiCln of site access .. Road frontage and lvater acccss. Deser;:,e inter.
relationship of State Road 2S and all four parcels.
3. Description of existing zoning on subject properties and 011 eastern-eJost parcel.
:!. ~ Map = Provide I radius J!Wllll ~ .!!ls ill!: in relation lll!U lrilhin Zll!l
fs&1
C. DESIGN AND LAYOUT
1. TUlal Site Arca.. describe existing and potential site use and deseril:e dcsign features
incorporated into the proposed plan. DiscuM limitation cl s.W: ~2lIl as .a Cunction ll!
parkin\!.
2. Sitc Coverage Quantitics .. Use table to prescnt building, driveway, I'oad, recharge,
landscaping, natural area, and other site coverage quantities.
3. Structures .. Describe expected ~tructures, including the proposed parking and
relocated staging areas. Describe existing lighting: type, wattage, locations. Describe
existing traffic management proeedurc~ if any. Describe moving oflnack bar and
combining with existing re"idenee for waiting room and snack restaurant.
4. Parking .. Describe existing and proposed parking, existing and pro~osed parking
surface type and area, cireul.tion, de"ign .nd layout.
S. Recharge -. Present method of stormwatcr recharge, capacity 3Ild dc:sign requiremellts.
Describe proposed drainage and measures 10 minimize overland flow 3Ild provide
adequate stormwater rccharge capacit)'.
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Drafi US Scoplng Outline
6. Sanitary Disposal.. Describc sanitary dispo~al mcthods, design fiow, needed additional
capacily, 3S a~propri.'te. Dc~cribe ,anitary de,ign flow of ferry terminal building, snack
bar and rcsidence..
7. Water Supply .- Ability to meet Article 4. private watcr system stane,ards and water
quality.
8. Land,caping .. Der-cribe proposed landscaping to improve or visual md aesthetic site
qualities.
9., Ytilitic< .. De;cribc oth!ll.\!.l.i!i1il;s e,;stin2 MJl prol'o'ed in conneeti'ID l!li1h llll:
proposed l!!Jl~
D. CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
1. Construction
a) Anticipated period of construction.
b) Schedule of construction activities.. i.e. Wildlife sensitivity and any wetlands
resources.
2. Operation.. discuss future management of proposed project following construction,
i.e. maintenance of buildings, roads. recharge. etc.
E. AGENCIES A.ND APPROVALS .. list lead agency, involved ag'Jndes and interested parties
separately, followed by their jurisdiction or interest, and the status of each p"rmit or approval
application. Describe permit history where appropriate.
1. Towel Planning Board
2. Soutbold T 0....11 Board
3. Town Board of TI'ustees
4. Town Zoning Board of Appeals
S. Suffolk Counly Department of Health Services
6. Suffolk County Department of Public Works
7. Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation.
8. Suffolk County Planning Commission and Department of Planning
9. New York State Departmeut of Environmental Conservation.
10. New York State Dcpaumen! of Transportation
11. New York State Deparlment of Stale
12. New Yerk State Of/ice of Parks, Recreation &: Historic Preservation
13. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
14. Federal Emergency Management Agency
15. Southold Cili/.cns for Safe Roads
10. North Fork Environmental Council
17. U.S. Departmenl of Agrieulture,(flum Is!.a!!.II Center)
18. Other
II. EXISTING, NO-BUILD AND IIOILD ENVIRONMENTAL CONIlITIONS
This section should describe existing environmental conditions. fulure environmental condirions if the
project is not implemented. and future conditions once the project is completed. Identify thme resources that
may be adversely or benelicially affected by the proposed action and require discussion. Discuss all
environmental conditions in sufCicient detail to determine if significant adverse or beneficial irnpaets are
expecled. Identify impacts as long Or short term where possible and provide separale chapter including discussion
of cumulative impacts. Consistent ,,:ith SEQR Draft EIS guidelines. additional chapters of tb.: Potential
Significant Impacts scction should incluue Growth Inducing Aspects, Irreversible and Irretrie"able Commitment
of Resources, and Effects on the Conservation of Energy Resources where appropriate. An appropriate design
year should be ,ebcted for building traflie. Jir and noise conditions.
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Tn 'Iiew of the fact that the current operation includes a passenger/vehicle ferry and a passenger only
ferry, existing conditions will include the current operation. In addition, certain additional Ian is including thc
casterly parcel and parts of the State right-of. way arc in use (or parking and circulation, and therefore sbould be
described. Further, otber information concerning environmental conditions contained in this ,;ectlon shall include
all four parcels and the Statc right-of-way where it separatcs the two westerly parcels from the twO eastcrly
parcels.
Natural Resources
A. GEOLOG Y u ThiS ~ ~ address!%.~ a!!l! imoacts associated m ieoloiY
1. Subsurfacc
a) composition and thickncss 01 subsurlace matcrial- To dcpth 01 17 fcct or
g.roundwaterj providc a summary of tcst hole information.
2. Surfacc
a) List of soil types per Suffolk County Soil Survey.
b) Discussion of soil characteristics/limitations
c) Distribulion 01 soil typcs at project site
d) Identify important dune, tidal marsh or special featurc soils as a resource.
Describe dune and beach lorm~tions on the subject site and 1 heir proximity to
the proposed activity. Include 'pecifically ~ National ~11ll.1l111,.4ndm8rk ~
Q[ Qili;nt ~ S1llll: Park..am! idcntif~ W iml'8ets ill ~ f,I~ fI2! ~ it
is !lili.Q.
3. Topography
a) Description of topography at project site, particularly any areas 01 steep
slopes or drainage areas.
B. WATER RESOURCES -- This section should address the listed issues as tbey pertain to the
elfect th~ proposed action may have On the site's capacity to provide potable water and sanitary
wasle disposal for the existing use and any proposcd uses.
1. Groundwater
a) Location and description 01 aquifers and reeharge areas.
depth 01 water table i.u development areas.
seasonal variation,
discuss groundwater-surface water intcr-relationship; :liseharge to surlace
water; tidal fluctuations if rclevant.
determine exisling water quality beneath the sile in anticipated water
supply zones.
direction of now
b) Identification of pre~ent uses and leyel of u.,. of groundwatcr
location of existing wells
public/private w~ter supply
agricultural uses
c) Groundwater/water management regulations - 208 study, special groundwater
protection areas, NURPS study, etc.
d) ~ A~sessm~nt -. deterrnine ~ ill ~ Jm i1:QlIJldwater ouantity
ii.e. saltwater \1pconina: A!!JUQr intrusion] a.nll ~ ~~ (i& s.nit.ry
waste. ,tormwaler Irom parkina: WJ! ~ ~ hydrocarbon. formation Q.(
t!hth313te~!!!!l combustion pollutants].
2. Surface Water
a) Describe Jny nearby surface walers including -NYSDEC smface water
rJassification
water qualily and salinity
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Draft ~:IS Scoplng Outlloe
characteristics and uses
Pcc<'~ic Bav Estuary .. descrih~ !!!.Q ill.Q dc<ijp'3tion ami wil\iQn ill till: Peeonie
.fuu' Estuarv,
Drainage
b)
3.
describe existing drainage patterns Oil site and in the arca.
make note of drainage swales and natural collection a.eas.
determine ereect or the proposed action on incrcased IUDOff and pollutioo
from lhe Main Road into the slorm drains on the adjacent property of the
Plum Island Animal Disease Research Laboratory into Gudiners Bay.
determine ~ llf ~ or~~osed iiill!ln QJl elosion 1ml1.l:!llW. aIlli ~
1lu.l potenhal WSlllJllS m.tulatcd
4. Flooding
. locate flood zones on the subject site and describe limitations, features,
jurisdictional issues, and special requirements.
C. TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY -- This ~ shmWlllmi.S ~ resource
ilI!ll determine oOlential impaclslll J.hQ ~ with ~ III ~ resource.
1, V egetat ion
a) list vegetation types On the project site and within thc surrounding area;
classify into habitats,
b) discussion of site vegetation characteristics
species presence and abundance
size
distribution
community types
unique, rare and endangered spccics
value as habitat ror wildlife
c) Contact NYS Nalural Heritage Program for inrormalion cc'ocerning unique
vegetation, habilats or wildlife species 00 site or in the area, and provide
discussion/analysis in lext as necessary.
d) Desc.ribe habitat needs and biological characteristics of all ,:ndangcrcd species,
threatened and species or speeial concern
e) discuss unique nora in marine environment in relation to subject site and
activities conducted ,at the subject site.
2. Wildlire
a) Provide a list of wildlire utili,jng site habitats or expected on sileo Inelleatc
dates of surveys and distinguish spedes identified On sile. Consult references
codetermine species cxpeel<:d 00 site based on habitatlypc.
b) COnI act Natural Heritage Program Cor file review of site a..d area,
e) Identify Endangered, Threatened or Species of Special COIlcern.
d) Describe habitat needs and biological characteristics of all ,:ndangered species,
threatened and species of special COncern.
3. Wetlands
a) O",eribc wetlands (vegelated aod unvegetated) and adjacc:1t areas as and
characteristics,
b) Indicate method of delineation and agencies conlaclcd for '/erification or
agencies with jurisdiction. Specifically contact Town Truslc:es, NYSOEC and
USACOE.
c) Identify valuablc runctions of wCllands on site and adjacent sileo
D. AIR RESOURCES -. This MilliM s!lilllJ.Q ~ U~ resource MIl sWJ:rmirn: nolenlial
impacts III ~ Jllili<:.!;.l with le.an! ill 00 resource,
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1. Meteorological Conditions. describe c"',ting meteorological conditions in proximity
to Oricnt, including seasonal winds, temperaturcs, etc.
Z. Ambicnt Air Quality. determinc e><isting ambient air quality.
3. Air Quality Standards. describe and list air quality standards
4. Air Quality Impact. determine key paramctcrs of concern and conduct air quality
impact analysis for existing and build conditions in order to predict inlpact. At a
miainlum conduct analysis to determine impact of existing and propJsed conditions
regarding carbon mono..<.ide using quantitative methods recognized and aecepted in the
field.
HUlD~n Resources .
A. TRANSPORTATION.. This section shall include the State right.or.way (ROW), and the 2
ROWs through thc rcsidcntial parcel and the privatc ROW on the northerly bou.ndary of the two
easterly parcels. Descrihe and identify all parties having right to access the northerly ROW.
Identify boundaries of said ROWand deed restriclions to use of same, if any.
1. Existing TransPQrlalion services. Separate passenger only service data from vehicle and
passenger service. Describe origin( destination of clientele. Describe peak activity
periods (i.e. bea>y truck trame, Boy Scout ouling~, etc.).
a) Deseriplion of access to the site and internal road circulatic.n.
b) De,cription of currcnllevel of use of services.
peak hours of use
vehicle mix
source of existing traffic
c) Obtain latest traffic volume data for Route 25, in the vicinily of the project, from
the New York Slal" Department ofTran~PQrtation (NYS DOT).
d) Obt(lin Stale Accident Surveillance System (SASS) data for the latest available
three year period. Accident data to include all accidents along Route 25 fr.wn
1h!: intcrseClioQ m NYS ~ ~,mQ Main ~ (Greenc2IU.Ill ~ WllaIJ
~S2f~~
c) Conduct traffic volume counlS on Route 25 immediately west of the proposed
project for a seven day period.
f) Obtain trip inCormation from Cross Sound Ferry regarding schedules, trip
passenger and vehicle data, and other historical informatioJl needed to develop
.lrip seneration dala for the exisling conditions. .
g) Research available public transportation ~ llf W\~.wm llf lfiS ~
~,mQ MJ.in Slr!.<!<t (Grcenport) l.2lM WWD MSllli R2Jll~ z.t
the intersection of east of Greenport.
h) Calculate exiSling levels of service on Roule 25 W llf 1.hl: Jntersectlon oJ.trlS.
~ 15 .il.!!l! Mii.u ~ (Greenoort) 1.2lhl; ~ tlllI11f ~ 1.i
Delcrmine carrvinq cavacity of NYS Slale 25 from the intersection of NYS
ROUle 25 and Main Street (Grcenport) 10 the ferry lerminlJ.
i) Anal)"le the accidenl dala 00 Q[ lhl; inlersectinn Q[:t:!YS E~ l:l :iUIlI M4in
~ (ili,;ennor[).Illlhl; caMern ~ l!f ~ ~ and corn, pare Ihe rate and
frequency to the >.ll!LW NYSDOT average aecidenl rates.
2. Transportalion System Impaels
a) E"timate the increased hourly trame volume to be gencral"d by the Il!lliru
site. diff~rentiatinq comoonent~ S2f 1M prQject.
b) Determine the area traffic growlh factors used by Ihe NYSDOT for Route 2S
~ l!ft~ intersection Q[NYS R.mllJ;,1'i illll! Main ~JGreenvort1.1lllM
WlliJl ~.CJi ~ Zl
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Dnll't EI S Scopl"3 Outline
B.
Calculate the future kvds of service for Route 2S W clIhl: intersection Qj
l:!YS .~ ~ Jl!ISl ~ Slrlli (Greenoort) 12lhk WWl ~lI.ll gf ~ z.t
Quantify sile generated traffic impacts based upon the level olf service
calculations.
Determine other impacts, such as uninterrupted traffic Oowllong Route 25
resulting from vehicles unloading at the terminal.
Describe site circulation ,Unpacts and methods of handling tr affic from peak
use.
distinguish between vehicular Oow (projected) and passeage>: flow from long.
term parking areas to the Cerry.
discuss adequacy of existing and proposed site improvemenl:l to handle existing
and projectcd volume over ncxt 5.10 years.
determine traffic now on Route 25 to insure bilee safety and to provide resident
crossing that is available and safe
Public Transportation Services .. Describe public transit ddership and the type of
service (schedules) available (i.e. bus, ta.'<i, URR, casino bus).
Pedestrian Environment .. Dcscribe pedestdan environment, bikc use, circulation.
-;a!eLy, etc. Indude ocdcstrian nOM (rom terminal to bOaB" boat!; to oarkiDl7 for niclc...
up areas: oar kino to beach. etc. The cxistina: and oroposed crosswalh and measure. 12
~ pedcstria~ ~ .IlWI ~ discussed. .
LAND USE AND ZONING.. TIm ~ shmI!ll ~ illh res"urce awl determine
potential imollcts 2f lhl: ~ ~ ~ !.Q each rCSOllrCe.
1. Existing land use and zoning
a) Dcscription of the existing land usc of the project site and the surrounding area.
b) Description of existing zoning of site and surrounding area.
c) Describe exi.~ting ownership on the site and in the area, relating ownership, use
and zoning to future land use trends, and open spa~.
Describe non.conformin" ~ which ~ ~ Q!l J.l!l; ~<.t sil.lu
Provide suoDorl fuI variance 12 ~ residentiall2iXW fuI jW:kina; consider
precedent itilli.ni !!iIIJI!s 2f ~ M Jl p"tenlial impact Co:osider IilZhtini:
impact on ~ntland use and conCormance or non-conformance with
adiacent uses and land use ~
Land usc plans
a) description of any land use plans or master plans which include project site
and surrouoding area; describe conformance.Q.[ non.confort~ MIll
anorooriate !aIlll !m: ~
LWRP M.ll ~ Coastal Mana~cmcnt Proaram: llm.. ~ili (elation
III ~ S.tal.!1 ~ Policics in Artide 42.
Peconie ~ Estuary Proa:ram: ~ pro\!!,arn. ~mendatioll~
~ 12 W lUld ~ Critical Environmental &u SlJl1ll.L awl ill
'J . A' . I'
~on$J ~uhon:a potcnha Impa<:t~.
Qllim! Landmark Desigcnatio'!,; ~ ~ ill Wlllill.ll tQ desifPlation
i\!!I1 in consideration llf DOlcntial impacts.
COMMUNITY SEll. VICES.. Ibis ~ ilimllil ~ ~ rcsource lWl determine
potential in\pacts oC \hi; ~ with ~ ll1llih resource.
1. Educalional facilities. discuss eJd.~tiug facilities and location relative to the site and access
road.
Policc protection. discuss levcl of pubUc ser.ice being provided ....d indude description
of service (i.e. speed cnforcement, parking, violations, accidents, etc.)
fire protection. discuss status of flfe protcction facilitics in OriCllt l.nd suitability of
c)
d)
0)
f)
g)
h)
i)
3.
4,
d)
e)
2.
c.
~
..
3.
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same to handle level of ha7.md at the site. Identify >1m: restrictioDs ~~ may ~ llll
!i:lililhl ,hinpio~ cl ha7.ardous malerial,.
4. Recreational faeiliti.. . discuss status and location of recreational facilities in Orient,
including State aod County Roads.
5. Utilities. discuss location of any public utilities On Or adjoining the subject site.
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES .. This ~ ilillllli! ll.iillISS ~ ~Ql!~ ~ determine
pOlenlial imoacLl Q[ lh~ ~ l!1l.h ~ ill 00 ~source.
1. Visual resources. describe visual impact by night as well as by day (particularly with regard
to site lighting of parking areas, pedestrian walkways, doc.k areas and staging areas.
a) description of the physical character of the community
b) description of site from viewsheds along nearby roadways and nearby surface
waters.
2. His(oric/Pre.h.ish1rie Resources
a) Location and description of historic areas or structwes listed On State or
National Register or designated by lhe community or includ"d on Slatewide
Inventory. Include Society for Preservation of Long Island .....otiquities data on
Orient.
b) Determinc signmea.oee of any existing historic structures on site
c) .1ll!1.s::is substantial ~ disturbance ib'\!! Ill: documented .lndertake.a ~ I
archaeoloj!ical ~ to determine lM gresenee Q[ absenee:;ll archaenIooical
~ Q[ l2!hl;r cultu,at resources in ~ Droiect's ~ cl ~l1iaI ~
3. Noise Resources
a) Identify potential nearby scnsilive receptors and determine ,xisting sound
levels on site and at prnperty line of nearest receplor.
b) ESlablish appropriate guidelines for use in determining potc.otial impact with
regard to lIoise increases.
c) Identify ooise sources associatcd with subject use and condu,:t analysis to
determine increase above ambient noise based on existing and build
conuitions.
Other Resources and Iml"'CU
A. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
B. GROWTH INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE Al'ID IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
D. EFFECTS ON THE USE AM) CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
III. MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Describe measures to reduce Ot avoid potential adverse impacts identified in Section IV. The following
is a brief listing of t)picalmeasure$ used for some of the major areas of impact.
Natural Resourtes
A. GEOLOGY
1. Subsurface
a) use excavated material for land reclamation
Surface
a)
2.
b)
use topsoil stockpiled during construction fot restoration and landscaping.. ilknlif:,:
~ ~.M4 rniti2alion Q[ ~ Sl2lill if aDnrnoriate.
address proteelion of dune and beach formations during and after
construction, and in general minimize disturbance of non-construction sites
design and implement soil erosion control plan
c)
;..t~,..
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3. Topo!!,uphy
3) avoid construction on areas of steep slope
b) design adequate soU erosion de,ices to protect areas of steel' slope
B. WATER RESOURCES
1. Groundwater
a) design systems to provide adequate leaching of wastewater and stormwater.
b) maintain permeable areas on the sitc
c) maximize natural areas, rcduce fertilized areas
d) design systems 10 provide adequate mitigation of oil/grease from parked
vehicles
and traffic on site.
2. Surface water
a) cnsure use of soU erosion control techniques during cOllStruc:tion and operation
to avoid siltation
exam plcs:
bay bales
temporary restoration of vegetation to disturbed areas
landscaping
b) design adequate storrowater control system
eJ increase wetlands setbacks and provide covenaDts where pal sible
d) provide setback from beach and protcctioD of dunes.
C. TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY
1. Vegetation/wildlife
a) restrict clearing to only those arc as nccessary
b) preserve part of site as a natural area
c) afler construction, landscape sile with naturally occurring vegetation
d) preservc cross section of natural habitat are~s.
e) provide linkagcs to other sites and habitats
f) preserve all wetlands and wetland functions through setbacks
D. NOISE RESOURCES
1. Buffers, barriers, operalional mitigalion, traffic miligation, etc. shall be
incorpQraled into the project as necessary to minimize Daise impacts
Human Rt~ouree~
A. TRANSPORTATION
1. TraMportation systems, parking, circulation, etc.
a) discuss internal cireuiation patterns proposcd and mitigate problems.
b) discuss management or lr~rfic flow to and from the immedi"te terminal operations and
parking site tQ NYS ~ ~ in terms of regulating speed and spacing of ears.
c) design adequate and safe access to project sile to handle projected traffic flow
B. LAND USE AND ZONING
1. Existing land use and zoning
a) design projecllo comply witb existing land use plans
b) design functional and visually appealing facility to set standard and precedent
for future surrounding land use
C. COMMUNITY SERVICES
I. Police/Fire ProtectioD/Safety
a) discuss how adequate aCCeSS ),Q ill iili! tQ residents betwce.a Grecnport
Yillail: MlI ku.::l terminal "ill be maintained in order to pmvide police, fue
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Cr088 Sound F~rry
nran EllS Scoping Outline
and olher emergency protection senices.
b) discuss mitigation measures to improve safelY durlag transport of school children.
3. Utilities
a) install utility services underground
b) incorporate waler saving tixtures into facility design
c) incorporate enerb'Y.saYi.ng measures inlo facility dcsign
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Visual resources
a) provide buffering to improve aesthetics, particularly on the corth side of
residential parking lot (if approved by ZBA), a.w1 miti;1ate:r:i~ inwW fr.wn
~ !Ii parkin~ fu:JJl.s a!lll blli:I. terminal.
b) minimize road surface area and significant land disturbance.
e) ~ mushroom liQhtin~ lriili nlllc.s!.l;ss J.hlI.llll rw in he;~
d) ~!.lI!:i& expanses 91lWini with ~ ~ lAndscaoiol,
2. Histotie/ Archaeological -. pres~"'Je adequate portion of site to provide for
archaeological resource use, research and management.
Othtc Resources and Impact Milic"t1.,n
A. CUMUL<l.TIVE IMPACTS
B. GROWTH INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE A.."lD IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT Of RESOURCES
D. EFFECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
IV. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAl, EFFECTS THAT CANNOT B" AVOIDED IF THE IPROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED
Identify those adverse envi.ronmcnml effects is Seellon IV that can be expected to oecm regardless of the
mitigation measures considered in Section V.
V. ALTERNATIVES
Tbis scotion contains categories of alternatives with examples. Discussion of eacb altern.tive should be at a
IeI'd sufticient to perm't a comparative asocssment of costs, benefits and environmental risks for eaeb alternative. It
is no! acceptable to make simple a~sertions that a particular alternative is or is not feasible. Tl.e No Action
Altern.tive must be discussed.
A. ALTERNATIVE SITE LOCATIONS .. Provision Q[ parkin~ lllI alternative l,diacent ~ Parkin2
il A ~ location with ,'ustomclS ~ lQ 1M !'ru::t terminal.
B. ALTERNATIVE SIZE .. pflwision Q[ A smalkt parkini' .aKa ll:ilh a reduced number of parkini
m.a.w..
C. ALTERNATIVE DESIGN.. Rccontii\lrat!on l2!~~il tM fl<m terminal,
D. AL TERNA T1VE USE .. Deyclonmcnt !If lhl: ilit fur iU residential ZllJlCll ~::.
E. NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE .- Continue (lo~ration wil~ Mr.!<!lt ~ Allll f"cilities. Describe
!lotentiallQ dccrea~e intensity Q[ operation lQ ~ oroYided w:il2! l.Q hiih s~ pa<<enqer ferrv.
VI. R"FERENCES AND CONTACTS
Pro>ido complete list of references and contacts utilized in preparation of the reporr.
VII. APPENOICES
following is a list of m.tcri.ls typically used in support of the EIS.
A. List of underlying !tudb, reports and information considered and relied On in preparing statement.
B. Technical exhibits (if any) at a legible scale.
C. Rele\'ant correspondence regarding the projects may be included.
'.
PlIlle 10
~LANNING BOARD MEMBEt-'
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
~ ~
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~
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM. JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI. JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
Post-It" Fax Note 7671
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Phone #
December 16, 1996
Fax #
William Esseks, Esq.
Esseks, Hefter and Angel
108 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
Re: Proposed Site Plan for Cross Sound Ferry
SCTM#1000-15-10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Dear Mr. Esseks:
.
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
. ulouthold, New York 11971
~ _I""" Fax (516) 765-3136
\ j}t;;;~
~
bfM, As-
The following took place at a special Planning Board Public Meeting held
on Monday, December 16, 1996:
WHEREAS, The Southold Town Planning Board is required by Sections
3-0301 (1) (b) ,3-0301 (2) (m) and 8-0113 of the Environmental
Conservation Law to implement the provisions of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (S.E.Q.R.A.); and
WHEREAS, S.E.Q.R.A. requires that all agencies determine whether the
actions they directly undertake, fund or approve may have a significant
impact on the environment, and, if it is determined that the action may
have a significant adverse impact, prepare or request an environmental
impact statement; and
WHEREAS, the applicant has provided the lead agency, (Planning Board),
with a Long En vironmen tal Assessment Form and the L. E. A . F. has been
received by the Planning Board, the Planning Board's Environmental
Consultant, and other involved agencies; and
.
.
Resolution: Cross Sound Ferry
Page 2
WHEREAS, the Planning Board, as lead agency, after review of the
L. E. A. F. found that the action may significantly effect the environment,
made a determination of a Positive Declaration at a public meeting held on
September 16, 1996; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR part 617.8 (2) scoping was initiated by the lead
agency and requires the project sponsor to submit a draft scope that
contains the items identified in paragraphs 617.8 (f) (1) through (5) of
Section 617.8; and
WHEREAS, the project sponsor provided a draft scope to the lead agency
on November 15, 1996 and the lead agency provided a copy of the
applicant's draft scope to all involved and interested agencies and
individuals who expressed an interest in writing to the lead agency; and
WHEREAS, a scoping outline has been prepared by the Planning Board's
Environmental Consultant using the applicant's scope outline with input
from the Planning Board, members of the Southold Town Board of Zoning
Appeals, involved and interested agencies, in addition to relevant and
substantial comments received in letters from the public, and finally, the
outline incorporates input from the public scoping meeting held at Town
Hall on December 4, 1996; and
WHEREAS, the Planning Board as lead agency has received the final
scoping outline and deemed it to be sufficient for the purposes of a Draft
E.I.S., BE IT THEREFORE
RESOLVED that the Southold Town Planning Board adopt the scoping
outline dated December 16, 1996 in determining the content and format of
the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Cross Sound Ferry.
Enclosed is a copy of the scoping outline for your use in preparing the
D.E.I.S.
Please contact this office if you have any questions regarding the above.
Cl:Jo~Jj A
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Encls .
.
.
CROSS SOUND FERRY
SEQR SCOPING OUfLII'IE
Draft Dectmber 16, 1996
This outline provides a scoping document for use by the Planning Board of the Town of
Southold in determming the content and format of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement
for Cross Sound Ferry. Attached, and made a part of this outline is the Positive Declaration for
the flroposed action, which provides a brief description of the project, and lists the potentially
sigmficant environmental impacts which formed the basis for the Positive Declaration. This
outline has been prepared Wlth input from the consultant to the Planning Board, Planning
Board members, and members of the Southold Board of Zoning Appeals. In addition, relevant
and substantive comments from coordination letters (received up until date of preparation of
this outline) have been incorporated into the scope where appropriate. Finally, ~ outlil)e
incorporates in.mI.t !J:Qm 1M public sCQpjn~ meetln~ hcll.:! & ~ lliJl Q11 ~ml?g 1.l22n.
The applicant should recognize and contact each agency that is a separate permitting
entity, and fife applications with each jurisdiction and obtain technical comments. The EIS
process is intended to provide comprehensive and important information for the decision
making process for use by involvea agencies in preparing their own findings and issuing
decisions on their res ective permits. Tn ~ 12.aYQ.id seimentation and he in conformance
with the int R ,hensively address i~sues of environmental concern. the
~copin~ outline and the.l2rnft !IDlS1 consider ~ impacts a~sociated IDth i2!~ a.w1
proposed activity & llll12ID:.@,S in ~ ~lxnilli!l facility.
The document should be concise but thorough, well documented, accurate, and
consistent. Technical information may be summarized in the body of the document and
attached as an Appendix. Review for acceptance or certification of the Draft EIS will involve
review of content for conformance to the fmal scope, and accuracy to ensure that correct
information is incorporated into the document for initial review. Review after acceptance will
deal in more detail with the specific technical information presented and the analysIs provided.
Based on review, substantive comments received from involved agencies and ~art1es of interest,
the public hearing process, and appropriate direction from the lead agency, a f'inal EIS will be
prepared which will respond to all substantive comments on the Draft EIS. The Planning
Board will be responsible for the preparation, content and accuracy of the Fin2J EIS, and this
document will be used as a basis for each agency to prepare a Statement of Findings and Facts
for use in structuring permit or approval decisions.
Overall, the Planning Board seeks a detailed Description of the Proposc:d Project '
including documentation of the following: background andhistorv, location, design and layout,
recharge handling, water supply, sanitary disposal, quantities of she coverage, lite access,
mechanisms for open space preservation, and site access. The Environmental Setting and
Potential Significant Impacts section may be combined, to discuss existing, no-build and build
conditions. Impacts should be identified as short term or long term. In additio.n, a section
should be prOVided which identifies cumulative impacts of the proposed project. Consistent
with SEQR Draft ElS guidelines, additional chalJters of the Potential Significant Impacts
section should include Growth Inducing Aspects, Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of
Resources, and Effects on the Conservation of Energy Resources where appropriate. Adverse
Impacts which can not be avoided shall be identified in a separate section. CO:1sideration of
one or more Alternatives will be required to address other scenarios regarding key resources.
The following outline provides an updated form for the content and preparation of a Draft EIS.
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Cro,. Sound Ferry
Draft EIS s.,OplDg Outline
TABLE OF CONTENTS AND SU~IMARY
A Tabl~ of Contenl, and a brief summary arc required for the Dra(l ErS. The Table (,f Contents and
sum mary '.vil1 include:
A. Brid description of the aclion.
B. Significant, adverse and beneficial impacts (issues or controversy must be 'p<<ified).
C Miligation measures propesed.
D. Alte'rnative, considered.
E. Mutler' to be decided (permit', approvals, status, funding).
I. DESCRlPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. PROJECT PURPOSE, NEED AND BENEFITS
1. Background and History.. History of ownership and use, extant strudures. past use(s),
and prior sile plan applications. Describe history of terminal building improvements
and parking area chan~es and history or snack bar parccl. Provide bistory or
underwater land including ownership and legal (include slltVey of underwater land)
permitting and dredging history including placement of spoil and fill or wetlands.
Provide ilJl hiSlOrical overview ill cnvironmcntal reviews Q!l ~~;t pro\lerN.
2. Public need for the project, and municipaliTy objectives based on adopted community
development plans u summarize municipal objectives from land use :?Ians and establish
need for lhe project.
3. Objectives of the projecl sponsor in c.'panding busincss and in changing nature of
s~rvkes offered (i.e. .ddition o{ high speed ferry, passenger only service) over tbe past 2
years. Discuss i\!!Q identify am! known future business plans, possible, expansion, etc.
4. Benefits of the Action .. Transportation services, economy.
B. LOCATION
1. Establish geographic site boundaries .. Provide location map of upla;,d and underwater
lands. Identify area o{ public land which appears on tax maps in eenler of subjcct
property, and puhlic access to this site as appropriate.
2. Description of site access .. Road {rontage and water access. Describe inter.
relationship of State Road 2S and all four parcels.
3. Description of exi,ting zoning on subject propcrties and on eastero..,lost parcel.
~ ~ M;u! = Provide ~ radius ~ III ~ ~ win relation llllB l!1lhin Z!l!l
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C. DESIGN AND LAYOUT
1. T \ltal Site Area .. describe existing and potential site use and descrite design (eatures
incorporated into the prop\lsed plan. DiscuM limitation ill1iIl: lllIilsLlW lIS .a function 1lI
\larkin\!.
2. Sile Coverage Quantitics .. Use table to present building, driveway, I'oad, recharge,
landscaping, natural arca, and ~ther site coverage quantities.
3. Structurcs .. Describe expecled structures, including the proposed parking and
relocaled staging areas. Describe existing lighting: type, wattage, locations. Describe
e,osling traffic management procedures, if any. Describe moving o(;nack bar and
combining with e,osting residence for waiting room and snack restaurant.
4. Parking.. Describe c,osting and proposed parking, exiSling and pro~osed parking
surface type and area, drculation, dcsign and layout.
S. Recharge .. Present mcthod of stormwat~r recharge, capacity and dc:sign requiremenls.
Describe proposed drainage and measures to minimize overland flow and provide
adequate stormwater recharge capacity.
...;...
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Cross Sound Ferry
Draft US Scoplng Outline
6. Sanitary Disposal -. Describe sanitary disposal methods, design fiow. needed additional
capacity. as appropri,'te. Describe sanitary dcsign fiow of ferry tcrminal building, snack
bar and residence..
7. Water Supply -- Ability to meet Articlc 4, private water system stane.ards and water
quality.
8. Landscaping .. Der.cribe proposcd landscaping to improve or visual md aesthetic site
qu~I.il.ies. . ..... .,.
9. \.Itcht/cs .. De$wbe ~ .\!1ili.Ul;S CXJst102 ll!!..Q proposed l!l connecU.;m l!lilh llul
oroooscd vroiect.
D. CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION
1. Construction
a) Anticipated period of construction.
bJ Schedule of construction activities.. i.~. Wildlife sensitivity and any wetlands
res.ources.
2. Operation -- discus; future macagement of proposed project following construction,
Le. maintenance of buildings, roads, recharge, ete.
E. AGENCIES AND APPROVALS ..listlcad agency, involvcd agencies and iJltcrested parties
scparately, followed by their jurisdiction or interest, and the status of eaeh p"rmit or approval
applioation. Describe permit history where appropriate.
1. To'''''' Planning Board
2. Southold To"" Board
3. Town Board of Trustees
4. Town Zorung Board of Appeals
5. Suffolk County Department of Health Services
6. Suffolk County Department of Public Works
7. Suffolk County Department of Park~, Recreation and Conservation.
8. Suffolk County Planning Commission and Department of Planning
9. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
10. New York State Department of Transportalion
11. New York State Dcpartment of State
12. New York State QUice of Parks, Recreation &. Historic Preservation
13. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
14. Federal Emergency Management Agency
15. Southold Cili,,,ns for Safe Roads
16. North Fork Environmental Council
17. U.S. Department of Agriculture (f!llm Wa!!4 Center)
18. Other
II. EXISTING, NO.IlUlLD AND BUILD ENVIRONMENTAL CONI)lTIONS
This scetion should describe exi,ting environmental conditiolls, fulure environmelltal conditions if the
project is not implemented, and future conditions once the project is completed. Identify Ihme resources that
may be adversely or beneficially affected by the proposed action and require discussion. Discllss all
environmental conditions in sufficient dctailto determine if significant adverse or beneficial irnpacts are
e''Peelcd. Identify impae!s a~ long or shmt term where possible and provide separate chapter including discussion
of cumulative impacts. Co",'s!ent y,;th SEQR Draft EIS guidelines, additional chapters of th.: Potential
Significant Impacts section should include Growth Inducing A$pccts, Irreversible and Irretrie"able Commitment
of Resourccs, and Effects on the Conservation of Energy Resources wherc appropriate. An appropriate design
ycar should be sekctcd for builJing traflic, air and noise conditions.
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Cross Sound Ferry
Dra/l f:lS Scopln8 Outline
In view of the fact that lhe current operation includes a passenger/vehicle ferry and a passenger only
ferry, existing condidons will include the eurrcnt operation. In addition, ccrtain additionallan:ls including thc
easterly parcel and parts of the State right.of.way arc in use (or parking and circulation, and therefore sbould be
described. FlUtber, other information concerning environmental conditions contained in this ,;ectioD shall include
all four parcels and the State right.oC......ay where it separates the two westerly parcels from the two easterly
parcels.
N~turaJ Resources
A. GEOLOG Y .. ThiS ~ shJlli!d address!ll~ a!!.I! imn.cts associated lri1h .eoloiY
1. Subsurface
a) composition and thickness of subsurface lUaterial . To depth of 17 feet or
groundwater; provide a summary of tesl hole information.
2. Surface
a) List of soilt)'pcs per Suffolk Count)' Soil Survey.
b) Discussion ot soil characteristics/limitations
c) Di5lribution of soil types at project sile
d) Identify importanl dune, tidal olar,h or special feature soils as a resource.
Describe dune and beach formations on the subject site and t beir proximity to
the proposed activity. Include speeifieallv l.!2sl Nationall::!i1llllll j..andmark liAtioi
J1f Qrknl !l<affi Sllll& Park. md idcnlif~ ~ impacts l.lllM ~~ lilt ~ it
i.& fulli!.
3. Topography
a) Description of topography at project site, particularly any areas of steep
slopes or drainage areas.
B. WATER RESOURCES u This section should address the listed issues as they pertain to the
effectth" proposed action ma)' havc on the site's capacity to provide potable water and sanitary
waste disposal for lhe e,;sting use and any proposed uses.
1. Groundwater
a) Location and description of aquifers and recharge areas.
depth of water table in development areas.
seasonal varia lion.
discuss groundwater. surface water inter. relationship; :liseharge to surface
water; tidal nuetuations if relevant.
determine existing water quality beneath the site in anticipated water
supply ZOlles.
direction of now
b) Identification of pre.cnt uses and level ot use ot groundwater
location of existing wells
public/private water supply
agricultural uses
e) Groundwater/water management regulations. 208 study, special groundwater
protection areas, NURPS study, etc.
d) !!!!w1 Assessment .. determine Imwt clll!lliW nil illl.lllldwaler auantitv
(I.e. sallwater llpconln~ 4!!JlLQ! intrusion).and ~ ~llalilY (i&. sanitarY
waste. storlOwaler from "arkinl! JI!ll1 ~ ~ hydrocarbon. tarmatian m
phthalaWs md combustion p<'lllutants),
2. Surface Water
a) Describe any nearb,' surface waters including .NYSDEC surface waler
classification
water quality and salinity
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Cross Sound FelT)'
Droit ns Seoplng Outline
characteristics and ust:s
Pecnoi~ BavEstuar\' .. descrihe ~ ;ill: de<;","ation.ill.!1 ill~ ill thl: Peconic
fulx Estuarv.
Drainage
b)
3.
describe e:usting drainage patterns 011 site and in the arca.
make note of drainage swales and nalural collection aleas.
determine errect of the proposed action on incrcased lunoff and pollution
from lhe Main Road into the storm drains on the adj:o:ent property of the
Plum bland Animal Disease Re,earch Laboratory into Gardiners Bay.
determi.!!Q ~ Q( ih.c. orooosed ~ Iln md lll2!~.ill.!1 ~
1lW potential ~ is miti~ated.
4. Flooding
. locate flood zoncs on the subject site and dcscribe limitations, featurcs,
jurhdiction3l i,<ues, and special requirements.
C. TERRESTRL~L AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY.. Thi' ~ s!!.wiliI ~~ wh resonrce
ilI!li determine l'otential impacts Q(.\hI1 ~ with ~ ill ~ fesource.
1. Vegetation
a) li~t vegelation types on the project site and within thc surro~nding arc a;
classify into habitats.
b) discu<sion of site vegetation characteristics
species presence and abundance
size
dislributioD
community types
unique, rare and endangered species
value as habitat for wildlife
c) Contact NYS Natural Heritage Program for information <<'Deeming unique
vegetation, habitals or wildlife spccies on site or in the area, and provide
di<cu,^ion/analysis in text as necessary,
d) Describe habitat needs and biological characteristics of all .mdangercd species,
threatened and spedes of special ConCern
e) discuss uniquc flora in marine environment in relation to subject sile and
activities conducted 'al the subject site.
2. Wildlife
a) Provide a list of wildlife utililjng site babitats or expected on site. Indicate
dates of surveys and distinguish species identified on sile, Consult references
codetermine species expected on site based on habitat type.
b) Contact Natural Heritage Program for file review of site a":d area,
c) Identify Endangcred, Threatened or Species or Special CO[1cern,
d) De<crl!>c babitat necds and biological characleri<tics or all ,~ndangercd specics,
threatened and specie, of spccial concern.
3. Wetlands
a) De.cribe wctlands (vegelated and unvegetated) and adjacc:JI areas as and
characteristics.
b) IDdicate method of delinealion and agencies contacled for 'Ierification or
agencies with jurisdiction. Spccifically contact Town Trust"e., NYSDEC and
USACOE,
c) Idenlify valuablc functions of wetlands on site and adjacent site.
D. AIR RESOURCES -. This ~ s.!l2.IIM.I!iwill ~cl! resource i!!.Ii sI.c1ermiru: ootential
iml)aet< m ilif JllQi!ill wilh ~n1 !n 00 resource,
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HUlIIMn Resources .
A. TRANSPORTATION -- Thi.~ section shall include the State right.of.way (ROW), and lhe 2
ROWs through the residential pared and the private ROW on the northerly boundary oC the two
easterly parcels. Describe and identify all parties having right to access the Dortherly ROW.
Identify boundaries of said ROWand deed restrictions to use of same, if any.
t. Existing Transportation services. Separate passenger only serviee data Crom vehicle and
passenger service. Describe origini destinalion of clientele. Describe peak activity
periods (i.e. heavy truck trame, Boy Scout outings, etc.).
a) Deseription oC access to the site and internal road drculalk,n,
b) Description of currentlevcl of use of serviccs.
peak hours of use
vehicle mix
source of exisling traffic
Obl.ain latest traffie volume data for Route 25, in the vicinity of the project, from
the New York State Department of Transportation (NYS [lOT).
Obtain State Accident Surveillance System (SASS) data for the latest available
three year period. Accident data to include all accidents along Route 25 fulm
iliI; intersection cl NYS ~ ~.and Main ~ (Green~21U III W ~
~ cl BmI.l.I\ ~
Conduct traffic volume eounls on Route 25 immediately west of the proposed
project for a seven day period.
Obtain trip informatioll from Cross Sound Ferry regarding schedules, trip
passenger and ',chicle data, and other hislorieallnformatioll needed to develop
trip generalion data for the existing conditions. .
Research available publie transportation ~ of 1M ~lliw1llf. IDS. &.o.w&
~ ~ ~ SlrJ:l1l (Grccnoorl) l.Q 1M ~ ~ of &mil~ 2S..
the intersection of east of Greenport.
Calculate existing levels of service on Route 25 US! m ~ jntcr<ect;on lllliYS
&mu.\c ~ il!!l! Main ~ (r.reennorl) l.Q iliI: ~W! ~ nf ~ 2S..
Determine c""vinl! ~1VacilV of tlYS..Slllte 25 from the intersection of NYS
Route 25 and Main Street (Greenport) to the Cerry termin21
AnalYle the accident dala ~ l)L iliI: intersection llll::!Y.S E~ ~ ~ Main
~ (Gr<;enoorO 12 iliI: ea~tern ~ cl ~ ~ and corn, pare the rate and
frequency to lhe ~ NYSDQT average accident rates.
Transportation Sysl"," Impacts
a) E"timate the increased hourly lraflic volume to be generated by the ~
site. diffcrentialinll eomoonents clilil: protect.
Determine the area traffic growth factors used by the NYSDOT for Route 25
>.;lli cl t~ intemetio!! clNYS B.mili;.1;i ~ Main SlI:W I Greenoort) 12 W
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Drall E1S Seoplng Outline
1. l'.ktcorological Cundit;olls . describe cx"ting Oleteorological conditions in proximity
to Orient, including SC3$.onal winds, temperatures, elc. .
2. Ambient Air Quality - determine existing ambient air quality.
3. Air Quality Standards - describe and list air quality standards
4. Air Quality Impact. determine key parameters of concern and eonduet air quality
impact analysis for exisling and build conditions in order to predict inlpact. At a
minimum conduct analysis to determine impact of existing and propJsed eonditions
regarding carbon mono:<ide using quantitative methods recognized and ae""pted in the
field.
e)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
i)
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~.
b)
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DnLl'l EJ S Scoplll3 Outline
c) Calculate the future kvels of service for Route 25 W1 ill llil: intersection ill
t!YS ~ ~.il!!l! ~ Slr.W (Greenoorl) 1.Q ~ ~ ~ml ill B.wW: ~
d) Quantify sile generated traffic impacts based upon the level o)f service
calculations,
e) Determine other impacts, such as uninterrupted traffic flow .J.1ong Route 25
resulting from vehicles unloading at the terminal. .
f) Describe site circulation impacts and methods of handling traffic from peak
usc.
g) distinguish between vehicular now (projected) and passengel: flow from long-
term parking arcas to the ferry.
11) discuss adequacy of existing and proposed site improvement" to handle existing
and projected volume over no.'<l 5.10 years,
i) determine traffic flow on Route 2S to insure bike safelY and to provide resident
crossing that is available and safe
3. Public Transportation Services -- Describe public transit ddership and the type of
service (schedules) available (i.e, bus, ta'Ci, URR, casino bus),
4, Pedestrian environment .. Describe pcdestrian environment, bike use, circulation.
safety, etc, Include pedestrian flow<: f.om terminal to boats' boats to parki"l! for nick.
up arcas: ".rkina to beach. etc, The cxistinlol and prooosed crosswalh and measures t2
~ pedestria~ ~ sIl;IIlhk discussed.
B. LWD USE AND ZONING .. This ~ .Ib.milil illi.w.s 00 resource .and determine
potential illloacts 2f \ill; ~ m rami !.Q Ul;h reSOllrce,
1. Existing land use and zoning
a) Description of the existing land use of the project site and the surrounding area.
b) Description of cxisting toning of site and surrounding area.
c) Describc existing ownership on the site and in the area, relaling o....-ner.hip, lISC
and zoning to future land use trends, and open space.
d) Describe non-conformin~ ~ which mav exist 9.!! \ill; ~<l ~
e) Provide supQort I'll! variance t!l ~ residential ~ mt 1ll\I:kina; consider
precedent ~ !!.lll.lt!.!.\.Q[ ~ as 1 notentia! im\1act. Co:osider Ii~tini
imoact on adlacent land use and conformance or non-conformance with
adiaecnt uses and land use ~
2. Land use plans
a) description of any land use plans or master plans which include project site
and surrounding area; det:cribc. conformance.Q[ non.con(orr:~ Mtb
aOQronriate!.al!.1! ~ ~
L WRP l.!l.I! ~ Coastal Manalolemenl Prollram: 4imIso I2tlliW ill relation
lll. ~ StlILI: ~ Policies in Article 42.
Peconic ~ Estuarv ProlP'am: ~ proeraro. =.wmendation..
~ t!l silt l\Ild ~ Critical Environmenta! Aln SJ~ ami ill
consideration 2f potential impacts.
Qri!m! Landmark Desi~nation: ~ ~ ill !:!i!I.tiQll t!l desimation
M.Il ill consideration Q[ ootential impacts.
C. COMMUNITY SERVICES.. Ihilllililla ilimllil illi.w.s_ resource llIIll determine
potential impacts of lhs ~ with ~ Il1 U&h rcsource,
1. Educati<Jnal facilities - discuss existing facilities and location relative to the site and access
road.
.. Police protection - discuss level of public ser.ice being provided and include description
of service (i.e. speed enforcement, parking, violations, accidents, etc.)
3. Fire protcction . discuss status of tire protection facilities in Orient ..nd suitability of
Page 1
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1.1 Co
r", 1_, I.;
"
.
F' 4 1.-:1 ",,"
.
Cross Sound Ferry
Drall El!S ScopllljJ Outline
same to handle level cf h371trd at the site. Identify ill!)' restrictions ~~ may Wt llll
li:JiliUu <hinoioo cl Q.7.ardous m;ili;ri.;ili.
4. Recreational f.cilities . discuss slatus and location of recreatiooal facilities in Orient,
including Stale aad County Roads.
5. Utilities. discuss location of any public utilities on or adjoining the subject site.
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES .. Tru< ~ ilimilil ~ ~ W-QllWi.a.wl determine
potential jmoacLS ill 1M ~ il1l.h ~ ill ~ resource.
1. Visual resources. describe visual impact by night as well as by day (particularly with regard
to sitc lighting of parking areas, pedestrian walkways, dock areas and staging areas.
a) description of the physical character of the community
b) description of site from vicwsheds along nearby roadways and oearby surface
waters.
2. Historic/Pre-historic Resources
a) Looation and description of historic areas or structures listed On State or
National Register or designated by the eomm\1.t1ity or inc1ud"d On Statewide
Inventory. Include Sociecy for Preservation of Long Island ......ntiquities data On
Orient.
b) Determine significance of any existing historic structures On slte
c) ~ SllllSlanllill ~ disturbance l;,,1!l ~ documented .tndertake a ~ 1
arehaeolo~cal ~ 12 determine 1M presence Q! absence;;u archaeological
~ Q! ~ cultural resources in 1M oroieet's Ml:A cllllll&lll.ia1 ~
3. Noise Resources
a) IdentiCy potential nearby sensitive receptors and determine existing sound
levels on site and at property line of nearest receptor.
b) Establish appropriate guidelines for use in determining pote.atia! impact with
regard to noise increases.
c) Identify noise sources associated with subject use and eondu:t analysis to
determine increase above ambient noise based On existing and build
conditions.
Oth.r Resoun:es and Inll"'cts
A. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
B. GROWTH INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE,tu'ID IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
D. EFFECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
Ill. MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Describe measures to reduce or avoid potential adverse impacts identified in Section IV. The following
is a brief listing of typical measures used for some of lhe major areas of impact.
Natu....1 Resources
A. GEOLOGY
1. Subsurface
a) use excavated material for land reclamation
Surface
a)
2.
b)
use topsoil stockpiled during eon.<truction for restoration and landscaping.. isW:u.if:i
~ ~ i!!.4 miti~ation cl ~ SI2Qil if aonropriate.
address prol"ction of dune and beach formations during and aft.r
construction, and in general mini01i%c disturbance of Don4construction sites
design and implement soil uosion control plan
c)
....1.
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.
.
F" . 1 0::::'
U E 'n
-1.. _
C'.''';. f-l ,_, ~.~
Cross Sound Ferry
Draft EI'S Scoplng Outline
3. Topolll'aphy
a) avoid construction on arcas of stcep slope
b) design adequate soil erosion d",ices to protect areas of ste"1' slope
B. WATER RESOURCES
1. Groundwater
a) design sy~tems to provide adequate leaching of wast"water and stormwater.
b) maintain permeable areas On tbe site
c) maximize natural areas, reduce fertilized areas
d) design systen's 10 provide adequate mitigation of oil/grease from parked
vehicles
and traffic on site.
2. Surlace water
a) ensure use of soil erosion control techniques during cOllStruc:tion and operation
to avoid siltation
exam pies:
bay bales
temporary restoration of vegetation to disturbed areas
landscapinll
b) design adequate storm",ater control system
e) increase wetlands setbacks and provide covenants wbcre p05sible
d) provide sctback from beach and protection of dunes.
C. TERRESTRIAl.. Ai'lD AQUATIC ECOI..OGY
1. Vegelation/wildlife
a) restrict clearing to only those areas necessary
b) prcscrve part of site as a natural arca
c) aCler construction, landscape site with naturally occurring vegetation
d) preserve cross section of natural babitat areas.
e) provide linkages to other sites and babitats
f) preserve all wetlands and wetland functions through setbacks
D. NOISE RESOURCES
1. 8uffers, barriers, operational mitigation, traffic mitigation, etc. shall be
incorporated into thc project as necessary to minimize noise impacts
HunulO Re.ouree.
A. TRANSPORTATION
1. Transportation systems, parking, circulation, etc.
a) discuss internal circulation patterns proposed and mitigate problems.
b) discuss management of traffic flow to and from the immedi..te terminal operations and
parking site 1Q.t:a.S. ~ b:! in terms of regulating speed and spacing of ears.
c) design adequate and safe access to project site to handle projected traffic /low
B. LAND USE AND ZONING
1. Existing land use and zoning
a) design project to comply with existiog land usC plans
b) desiB" functional and visually appealing facility to set standud 3Jld precedent
for future surrounding land use
C. COMMUNITY SERVICES
1. Police/Fire Protection/Safety
a) discuss how adequate access U1 ~ illi! 1Q residents ~a Grecnport
~ awl ~ tcrminal will be maintained in order to pT<lvide police, rue
"
Palle 9
.
.
CrOSB Sound F~rry
Draft EJlS Scoplnll Outline
and other emergency protection senices.
b) discuss mitigation measures to improve safely durmg transport of school children.
3. Utilities
a) install utility services underground
b) incorporale water saviag fixtures inlo facility design
c) incorporate energy-saving measures into facillty design
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Visual resources
a) provide buffering to improve aesthetics, panicuJarly on the north side of
residential parking lot (if approved by ZBA), a.wl miti~ate Yis.ua.1 iIIul.W!.tom
~ !l1l'arkinll ~ ;mcJ km' terminal.
b) minimize road surface area and signifi~lland disturbance.
e) I!lmid.c mushroom IiQhtinQ lrii.h ~ ks.51!wl11 ~ ill hc:.2:ht
d) ~ law e~anses 2f JWil!& with m ~ landscapinl',
2. Histotie/Archaeological-- preserve adequate portion of site to provide for
archaeological resource use, research and management.
Omt< Resoure<s and Imp"ct MiUcnU'iR
A. CUMULATIVE IMPACTS
B, GROWTH INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE AND IRRETRIEVABLE COMMIu"IENT Of RESOURCES
D. EffECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
IV. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFfECTS THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE I?ROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED
Idcntily thosc adyerse environmental effects is Section IV Ihat can be e"Pected to oeCll( regardless of tbe
miligation measures considered in Section V.
V. r\LTERNATlVES
This scction contains categories of alternatives with examples. Discussion of eacb alternative sbould be at a
Ievd sufficient to permit a comparative assessment of costs, benefits and environmental risks for each alternative. It
is not acceptable to make simple a~sertions thaI a particular alternative is or is not feasible. Tt.e No Action
Alternative must be discussed.
!\. ALTEIl.NA TlVE SITE LOCATIONS -- Provision m parkin~ 1l.!I alternative lldiacent ~ Parkinq
1.1 A ~ location with cuswmeJS ~ 12 ~ ~ terminal.
B. ALTERNATIVE SIZE.. Provision!lf a smal!J:! parkini;un YLi.th a reduced number!lf oarkina
~
C. ALTERNATIVE DESIGN .. ReconfiiUratlon 2f!!l ~ i1.th1: fl;rry terminal,
D. ALTERNATIVE USE.. Dcvelooment!lf ~ ilit fur il.s residential ~~::.
E. NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE -. Continue Olltration wit~ ~ ~ All>! facili/i~~. Describe
ootent;al12 dccrea~e intensitv ill oDeration 12 ~ orovided m 12 bWI S~ pa.~en~er ferrY.
VI. REFERENCES AND CONTACTS
Provide complete list of references and contacts utilized in preparation of the report.
VII. APPENDICES
Following is a list of materials typi<ally used in support of the EIS.
A. List of underlying studio,. reports and information considered and rdied On in preparing statement.
B. Technical exhibits (if an)) at a legible scalc.
e. Relel'ant correspondence regMding the projects may be included.
,~.: .
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SOUT~D TOWN HALL 516 765 1823
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MODE
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12
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004
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DEC 17 12:37PM FEMA
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DATE START
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DEC 17 12:28PM
REMOTE TERMINAL TIME
IDENTIFICATION
518 474 712113 1216'1121"
MODE
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PAGES
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START
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DEC 17 12:14PM 15184857563
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........................................................................
TRANSMISSION RESULT REPORT .......;,;....... (DEC 17 '96
SOUT~ TOWN HALL 516 765 1823
(RUTO) .................
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................................................................................................................................................................................
DATE START REMOTE TERMINAL
TIME IDENTIFICATION
DEC 17 12:07PM 9526569
TIME
RE - MODE
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PAGES
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NO.
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DATE START REMOTE TERMINAL
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DEC 17 11:57AM 4440373
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TIME
DEC 17 11:49AM
REMOTE TERMINAL
IDENTIFICATION
518 473
TIME
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MODE
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PAGES
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NO.
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TIME
DEC 17 11:42AM
REMOTE TERMINAL TIME
IDENTIFICATION
518 457 7744 06'33"
MODE
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................................................................................................................................................................................ (AUTO) ..................
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DEC 17 11:23AM 516 8524150
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DEC 17 11: 16AM
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TRANSMISSION RESULT
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SOU~ TOWN HALL 516 765 1823
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. CHAnL.ES vqt;ffit'~~ ~"'OCI^rES, IIIC.
EN'IIROIH"EN1"~~\~' COI'.ISUCTNITS
.
December 13, 1996
Bennett Orlowski
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Ro~d
Southold, New York 11971
Re Cross Sound Ferry
Scoping Outline
Dear /vIr. Orlowski:
As per your request, I have reviewed the letter dated December 10, 1996 Ii orl1 Inter-
Science Research Associ:ltes to the Planning Board, The letter includes comments which would
have been appropriately posed and discussed at the ~coping meeting. A fomrn of e1ialogue would
have allowed the Planning Board and its consultant to ensure that the applicant understood the
nature of certain items in the scoping outline, and the reasons for them.
There are several points 'vith regard to scoping that I believe should be under~lood.
S':oping is optional and can be initiated by either the Lead Agency or the project applicant. As
noted in6 NYCRR Pan 617.8 (a), "The primary goals ofscoping are to focus the .EIS on
potentially significant adverse impacts 3nd to eliminate con~ideration of those imp~cts that 3. e
irrelevant or nonsignificant". The Lead Agency issued a Po~itive Declaration because of the
pot,~nti;ll significant impacts of the proposed project, and subsequcntlo receiving ~. drall ~cope
from the applicant prepared a revised draft scope for use at the meeting of December 4, 1996 to
identify those impActs. The Planning Bo.1rd is the entity required by SEQR regulations to finalize
the written scope for the project sponsor, involved agencies and interested parties, as required
under Palt 617.8 (I).
The Inter-Science letter notes that, ". . . the SEQR regulations provide for 1 flexible
scoping process, and give ~ubstantiaJ latitude to the Lead Agency in their investigation of the
proposed action and it~ impacts". I believe that the Planning Board has made every errort to
provide dlrection 'for the scope and content of the Draft EIS for the Cross Sound Feny project in
accordance with SEQR. It i~ velY clear that public participation i~ an integral pArt of tbe scoping
procea,s. Where public input to the scope and content of an ElS results in identi!ic.ltion of
important iss\le~, these issues sbould ,rppropriately be rdlccted in the !inal scoping outline. Tbis is
certainly the caBe with the Cross Sound Ferry outline. The meeting of December 4. provided a
Ilmlln to discuss and understand the direction of the PlannJng Board in scoping the, EIS. Once the
Draft EIS is prepared, it is the Planning Board that has sole discretion to determine the adequacy
'Jf the document in terms of scope and content. Accordingly, the direction of the Planning Board
should bc e:ctremely important to the applicant at this slage of the process.
5~ rlORTH COd~ITn'{ PiJr,D. S'.JI[!: :> ,\!lU ER f"uACE. ;IY \17'3.1 . (516) 33t.I^55 . FAX 3:11.AO,IG
.
.
CrOH ~J\lnd FellY
R~vie\V d Scoplng Oulllllt
This letter will ador".ss ea<:h point of the Inler-Science letter of December 10, 1996, in
order lo pro..tide fi.lrther direction to the applicallt and to assist in finalizing the wrillen scope of
the Draft EIS for the ClOSS Sound Ferry application.
.
.
t
+
LA. 1. lhe history of undel water land including OlVnership, legal pemuttiog and dredging history
is appropriate to ;ncludo in the Drail EIS as it provides impoltanl background leading tJ the plOpo~e<1
action. Underwater laods are adjacent to the physical project ,;ile and are under control oftbe
"pplicwt. FurthemlOre, underwater hUlds are mainlained lluough dredging and in f3.('1 previou~ dredge
spoil was depo;ired on the IJpland area proposed \0 be used in connection with (lIe prop)sed project.
Tl<e SEQR Handbook (Noy~mb.r 1992) indieale1 ". ' . n sununa.f"/ of the background er hislnry of.
site with rcspectlo previous activities l]lCle or past proposals for its use may have a be.;lnng ou what is
preseotly proposed". 'lbe h"ndbook g",es on to st.,le "^pplic"lIll~ and project spon.~or~ !:bould
recognize, Ihal the omission of lilCts about earlier environmentAl problems or Issues at asite could be a
f:ttal dereet wid. re~peel dIe ~dequacy of an EIS". 11,e background and history of adj;u:enllulderwater
land that i1 pan of the overall ferry lennilk'll operations is Important in consideration of the proposed
project.
I. A. 3. Objectives of the project ~ponsor is all appropriate section o[the Ora.!!. EIS:. The ellclo~ed
O.ccmbcr 16, 1996 ouuine has been amended to request thftl the applicant doclunenl II e "bjectives in
changLng the n:\lurC of 1ervlcl.!.<; om~rt?d over the pa.<;t scvcml ye..'1lS. as this is the ba.~is fJr the currently
proposed project. If there arc future business plans known at this time, tl,e Town ha.~ reasonably
reque~ted disclosure of tllesc pbns,
l. C.3, In response ,lIe applicant.~ original applic.'ltion, the Pbmung Board soughl a comprehensive
~ilc plill inlegrntiug the propos,~d expanded parking areas with existing facililie~. This request was
le:!Sonable from a site planning and d~sjgn perspective. 1110 applicant subsequently suhmitte.d the
o)Ordinared ~ite design pI"" prepared by John], R"ynor, PE., L.S" P.C. dated July )0, 1996. The J)
applic~llt is a.dvised that dIe coordinatod plan is preferred by Ihe LC3d Agency. This pl.alllllay either be
e~plored as thc Propo~oo Project or as an Allemative ill the Dmft EIS. TIle discussiOlI concerning the !
reloc"ltion of vehicle s{;!ging area.~, and snack bOll conl1g1113tion should be discussed io either the
Pmpoged Project section or the AltefJ1~live scclion, whichever is appropria.lo. It woule. bohoovc the
applicaot 10 consider amending the application to reflccl the plan wluch is coordinated in !emlS of
design and layout, as tltis will reduce the burden of impact analysis and eliminate one Altemnt,ve lince
it reprcsents a more coordinated d"sign plan whicb addresses some of the Planning Boards concerns
and is more likely to meet with approval.
I.E.lbe Inter-Science leucr uldicate~ tl",llhe list of agl'l1cies and approvals;s unnecc",arily long, 11.0
Lead Agency fmds that inclusion of interested parties Md agencies will assist In ensuring Ihat ule
public is involved in Ihe SEQR process and is consistent with Part 617.3 (d) indicates "The lead ageuey
v:illmake every reasonable effort to involve project sponsors, olher agencies and tlle public inlhe
SEQR proce~s", Part 6179 (b) (5) indicales Ihal fom,,,t of the D,ail EIS may be flexible, and
nowhere In SEQR is it lndic.1led that inlerc,ted parties and agencies may not be listed in tlle document.
In addition, tlle Inter-Science letter recommends deletion of Illany agencies which m.ay be involved in
tile permitting d tllC aclion or arc (\rrel:t(~l hy tbe project, depeuding upon the n;!,rure of the project,
",itigation and ..ltemalives.AI ,jle ~copjng meeling dIe ~ppliC:\Il1 was directed to sepamtel)' list those
interested p:ur.ks and "gene;.:s 'Fhieh do not kl'le direcl approval authority, md to indicate Ihe statu~
,:.:c::~~?~. ,5:f\
CHAnLES VOORHIS 2,..ASSOCIATES, I~IC.
E~'I\tIROIltA~~rl.''l, 11./'10' Ptj~i~ilf~G C0t,ISIJLT,~tnS
"'.....-: 1.,/, '"..'
P'g. I or ~
,- ..:, "I
.
.
Crou SOllnd Fury
Rel1m IIr Scoplng Onlllne
and nature of permits of all parties listed. In additien, the scoping meeting also resulted ill directioll to
the applicant to list ~he Suffolk Count}' Plaluling Commission a.~ " approving agl!!lcy, :tOd to list the
Suffolk County Department of PI31Ulillg as staff to the COTllmission :lnd an interested party. TI,es.
amendments are reflected in tJ,e Deccmuer 16, 1996 scopiJlg outline.
Ul.C.l.e. n'e "Jlpllcnnt is r<~'lucslcJ to cstablHlthe e:d~ting conditions of the aquat]" environment
a~sociated \Vitb tbe subject site and a<ijacent are". 'DJis is " re:lsonable request to present information
which i~ well documented on Long Island and docs not require :1IIY original re"ea.rch or inventorie~. It
is 311 obvious request, because tJle ferry terminal operations bave resulted in alte""tion of undenvater
lands as " result of dredging, and beeause proposed upland iJ1lprovement~ may result in erosion :urd
sedimentation witJl associated impact.1 to t.lle marine environ/llent. Ifthe scope of the p:roject i~ limited
10 upland :\reas, and if tJle appli"llt is sllece~sflll in mitig:\ting potential impacts to tlle mam,c
environmellt, the bllrden of unpaet aldysis IIpOll \lndcrwater lands will be reduced to a limited
dLc;cllssion.
UlAl.d
lUAI.h
1lI.A.2.c. Tr:\ffic is perhaps tJle lIIost significant impact of the operation oftJle feny teonina!. TI,e
npplic;tnt has been directed to provide a complete trame impact a"".Iysis which add res,"" the
incrementAl impacts associated with existing :\nd proposed operations and improvements, with
pa.ttieuior interest llllJ1iligation to remedy unpacts of ferry tennulal operations nnd prO'fide :\ ~afe
vehicuJafalld pedestrim cnvironmellt fOf the residents of the Town of 50utJlold,
f bdieve it is generally recognized tJlnt tJ,e majodty oftrips bound for the feny originale west of
Grccnport, It is 3190 recognized tJ,.t tJlere :He limited intcrsections and points of conflkt (a.nd no
signalhed intersections) e.1.St of Gr'~enport. There ale altel1l:ltive routes to be used by JIIotorists west af
Greenpor!, unt once ':l.t of tJle inte,.,;ection of Main Street and NYS Route 25, Route ;:5 become. the
only road by which ro reach tJle fcny. Given the comlitians noted above, there is evidence that traffie
velumes east of Greenport "-te at tUlles dominated by feny bOUJ,d traflic, Therefore, traffic operations
emt af Greeopart seems like a re:L~0nable study area,
'!lIe traffic study will not require either a land use analy~is of all lands on the OOrtJl for', east of
Greenport, or a capacity allluysis far each intersection witJl.in the study area, TIle study should
logically examine accident data within this stretch of roa.d to dctemline recurring conf1ict..~ which may
be mitisat",l, 111e deteorune of level of service in a through traffic situation is not OllCrouS and would
provide ulfonnatiol1 regarding the flow of traDie, traffic volumes, available gaps for sde road
ul{ersectiorlS, :urd provide a me:ms of determining impact and mitisation,
'11" scope of tJle traffic study is rC:lSon.nbly related to tJle ferry operatiorlS, and Is indeed precipil.~ted by
Ole ferry operations. ConsequL"lltJ;', it is appropriate for tJre Town to direct the project sponsor to
conduct the appr~printe slud>' to document tJle nature of traffic impacl.s :uJd provide "ppropriale
mitigation a5 necessary.
[VAl..
IV.A.l.b.
rv.A. I.f. nrese comments pertain to portions of the scope wllich tJ,e project sporlSor believe~ arc
more appropriate to address :l.~ project impacts ralher OI31lll\itigation, We have no objection to this
reeonllnendatioll, and the December 16, 1996 scope has been amended to reflect this change.
,-"..,~ 11/'"
~<'..-?:'\:\\\ 11,7.\\\\
CHARLES 1/001-11-113 ,3, ASSOCINFS, I~IC.
::C1vIRr'fJf,IErIT"C I\ND"PL,i\~I~ilt"G C:()~I:;IJl WITS
- --0. .'-", " ",1
P.WfIl:1 or ..
.
.
[ro.. Sound Feu}'
'R@'1~'" o( Scoplng OUlllne
V1.A. TIle December 16 outlille has been "mended to proviM additional direction to the project
sponsor with regard to alternatives. So01~ of this specificity was contributed by the New York State
Department of State Co"st.~l M:JJ1agement office in a Icltcr previously provided to the a.pplielUlt.
I belie'/c that "'finy of t.he objectiv.,s of t.h~ project sponsor are simibr to the Town, in that snfe,
efficient access to the inter-state ferry benefirs Town residents, Ferri riders and Cross ~;ound Ferry. If
operations do DOt meet tllese cril.erill, it seems rea.~onabte to explore alternatives to a.dd~ess operatiorL~1
CQnsII:1i.nl~. Nt.ernalive site pllXkiug with customers bussed to the ferry is a logical me:isure to reduce
Individual trips to the end of NYS Route 25 and to reduce needed parldng where limited parking i.
available. Therefore, this alternative seems 10 fit witlUn the SEQR guidelines to evalua.te "tbe range of
reasonable alternatives to tile action which ale fe:1Sible, considering the objectives 211d ':.~pabi\ities of
tl,e project spon.or". SEQR indicates tl11lt "Site alternatives may be limited to pan:e1s "WYled by, or
under option to, a pdv.lte project sponsor". The operative word In tlljS sentence Js "illa~", wbich is not
a requirement and would imply discretion dependent UpOll consideration of tlle 13m. Cross Sound
Ferry i~ a privat.e company wbich provides a signilic.~nt public service in the oper:l.f.ion of an Inter-state
transportation link. If operations affecllhc safety of motorists and pedestrians, or if Iimher
improvemenls are needed in order for customers to efficiently access Cross SoundFerry, polentinl off-
site parking and bussing altemalivcs seem reJlSoll.~ble. Therefore, tbe feasibility oft.his alternative
should be exaniined in the Draft EIS.
+
+
.
+
Included with the above explallation is the revised outline dated December 16, 1996 for
YOllr use, This letter is intended to re~pond to the Inter-Science letter ofDecernber 10, 1996, and
to go beyond to provide meanlngli.ll insight into the level of environmental analysis requested by
lhe Town in the scoping outline for CfOSS Sound Ferry, If the board is in agreement, I believe it
would be pmdent to supply this letter with the revised scope to the applicant to assist them In the
preparation of the Draft EIS.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with tltis i1\formatioll, and pll'/lSe caU if you
have any questions.
cc Valerie Scopaz
~-"'.\ "l.f~
l.;~.j.::':,-,:~-\ l'l::(\'~l
CHARLES VOORHIS E, ASSOCIATES. INC,
,.\'t 1\..:;",- . ,"-\,
E~'IJIRONIvIE~IT,\L.NID PLNINlNG CONSULTf\NTS
'.___",:,: VI,., ,\.."
Very truly yours,
a~~
Charles], V?orhls, eFP, AIer
r.~. 4 of 4
.
.
SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
December 11, 1996
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
RE: Inter-Science Research Associates -- Review of SCOpin9 Outline
Dear Planning Board Members,
I write to express the views of Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
(SCSR) on the December 10, 1996 letter of Richard E. Warren of Inter-
Science Research Associates, Inc. Mr. Warren's letter includes several
technical or procedural observations which appear to be both non-
controversial and correct. However, it seems to us that the majority of
Mr. Warren's substantive comments challenging the scope of the Town
Planning Board's Positive Declaration and Draft Scope are contrary to the
governing law. They also appear to ignore the facts concerning CSF's
proposed expansion and actual intensification of the use of its Orient
Point facility. Specifically, many of Mr. Warren's substantive comments
appear, in our opinion, to rely upon the same defective assumptions and
arguments that form the basis of CSF's recent Article 78 petition.
First, implicit in Mr. Warren's conclusion that the Draft Scoping Outline
Document includes "issues beyond what is appropriate for an evaluation of
the project that is proposed by the applicant" is the assumption that the
scope of the Town's environmental review must be determined solely by
CSF's application. In fact, the scope of the Planning Board's Positive
Declaration is properly based on its July 14, 1995 Resolution that: (i)
CSF's proposed addition of a high-speed passenger-only ferry constitutes
a significant change in the nature and intensity of its operation which
requires the ferry to apply for and receive revised site plan approval; and
(ii) CSF's non-conforming use of the snack bar parcel similarly requires
revised site plan approval. That Resolution obligated CSF to submit a
revised site plan covering the terminal parcel and the snack bar parcel
whether or not it applied for any additional parking or variances.
!Io)r~ @ ~ 0 WI ~ rnll
!I n,- ,Ii i
Ii:: DEe 131996 :,',
f'L.
L,_,~L~~
SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
1
.
.
SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREEN PORT, NY 11944
Consequently in our opinion, the Planning Board must review CSF's use of
the entire facility at Orient Point for compliance with state and local law.
Second, Mr. Warren's comments reflect what we believe to be an erroneous
assumption that SEQRA would permit the Town Planning Board to limit its
review to CSF's proposal to convert two parcels into a parking lot with
335 spaces. To the contrary, SEQRA reauires the Board to consider the
cumulative environmental impacts of the totality of CSF's operations at
Orient Point. Under the statute, the agency entrusted with the review
must employ a non-segmented approach to the review, unless the agency
itself formally determines that a partial evaluation of a project's impact
is no less protective of the environment. In light of the Planning Board's
July 14, 1995 Resolution concerning CSF's introduction of the high-speed
ferry, and in light of the fact that the proposed parking lot will likely be
used largely -- if not entirely -- to support that new service, the Board
would, in our view, be acting in violation of the law if if did not consider
the potential environmental impacts of CSF's entire operation at Orient
Point. Mr. Warren's comments and recommendations appear to be an effort
to permit CSF to avoid the requirements of SEQRA by submitting a permit
application covering only a limited portion of its ongoing expansion. This
effort, in our opinion, is contrary to the requirements of SEQRA, in
particular the clear prohibition against "segmentation." It should
therefore not be countenanced.
Finally, Mr. Warren suggests that a number of interested agencies and
groups should be removed from the listing because "they have no formal
approval authority over the application." In our view, there is no basis in
law for that request and it is entirely contrary to the spirit of SEQRA and
to common sense. In our opinion, the Town Trustees, the Town Board as
well residents and property owners in Southold have a legitimate, indeed
vital, interest in this process. The same is true of each and every one of
the other entities Mr. Warren would have this Board exclude. For example,
the Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation is
entrusted with maintaining and preserving the county park at Orient Point.
Similarly, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation is vitally interested in Orient Beach State Park, a national
SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
2
.
.
SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
natural landmark. Both of those parks are in the immediate vicinity of
CSF's project. What CSF appears to want is a closed proceeding from
which the public and interested governmental agencies are largely
excluded. That approach is directly contrary to the mandate of SEQRA
that: ''the lead agency will make every reasonable effort to involve
project sponsors, other agencies and the public in the SEQRA process" at
the earliest possible stage. 6 NYCRR Sec. 617.3 (d).
We therefore respectfully urge this Board to reject Mr. Warren's
substantive comments and recommendations. In particular, we ask that no
interested agency or group be excluded from this process and that this
Board continue its commitment to conduct a review of CSF's entire
operation at Orient Point, including any future plans for changing or
intensifying the use of the facility.
Respectfully,
:!~)L,____________
President, Southold Citizens
for Safe Roads, Inc. (SCSR)
SOUTH OLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
3
............................................................................. TRANSt1I'3SICtl RE:3UL T REPORT .................... (DEe 13 '96 04: 32PM)..............
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INTER:SCIENCE
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS
RICHARD ERIK WARREN, AICP
President
VIA FAX/MAIL
December 10, 1996
Town of South old Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
RE: CROSS-SOUND FERRY - REVIEW OF SCOPING OUTLINE
Dear Planning Board Members:
I have had an opportunity to review the Draft Scoping Outline which was subject to the Southold
Town Planning Board work session on December 4, 1996. After a more extensive review of the
document and after listening to the comments made at the meeting, I question the appropriateness
of a number of the requests included within the outline. I understand that the SEQR regulations
provide for a flexible scoping process, and give substantial latitude to the Lead Agency in their
investigation of the proposed action and its impacts. However, it appears to me that in the issuance
of the Scoping Outline Document, they have included issues beyond what is appropriate for an
evaluation of the project that is proposed by the applicant.
The proposed action as described in the Positive Declaration issued by the Town is as follows:
"The subject application involves a request for site plan app1'O\lal to provide
additional parking to a previously approved ferry terminal on Rt.. 25 in Orient, in
order to accomnwdme increased demand for parking that has been generated by
the inclusion of a high speed passenger only ferry service to the existing vehicular
ferry service. "
The application submitted to the Town of Southold involved the creation of an organized parking lot
totaling 335 parking spaces, on two parcels ofIand located to the east of Main Road (S.R. 25)
totaling 3.93 acres, as illustrated on the Site Plan for Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. prepared by
John 1. Raynor, P.R, L.S., P.C., last dated June 28, 1996.
The Positive Declaration and the issues requested to be addressed in the Scoping Outline issued by
the Town describes...fm!!: (4) parcels ofIand - the two parcels which are included in the Site Plan
application and the existing Cross Sound Ferry Terminal..
Issues which I believe are inappropriately included within the Scoping Outline are listed as follows
(note that the numbering follows the original numbering that was contained in the Scoping Outline
provided to us at the meeting):
POST OFFICE BOX 1201 .36 NUGENT STREET. SOUTHAMPTON, NEW YORK 11969-1201 .516-283-5958. FAX; 516.283.597-4
...2d~'
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LA.I. "Provide history of underwater land including ownership and legal (include surveys of
underwater land) permitting and dredging history including placement of spoil and fill of
wetlands."
Comment: The subject action is contained wholly within the upland - there is no change proposed
to the underwater land. The underwater lands are not shown on the site plan submitted to the Town
of Southold or survey of the property. There are no plans for dredging or filling of these lands. It
seems inappropriate to cause the project sponsor to expand his inquiry to include areas which are not
part of the subject property on which the action is proposed.
I.A.3. "Objectives of the project sponsor in expanding business and in changing nature of
services offered (i.e. addition of high speed ferry passenger only service). Discuss other future
business plans, possible expansion, etc."
Comment: Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. is seeking approval to improve the only other parcel
that they own/control. They currently operate their ferry terminal providing a variety of transport to
Connecticut - passengers, passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. Their existing operation
includes passenger only ferries, and passenger/vehicuIar ferries. The project sponsor's position is that
they are not changing the nature of their business, but are simply providing parking for their patrons
who utilize their service.
The objectives of the applicant are clear and are presented in the application - they seek approval for
the construction ofa 335 vehicle parking lot on 3.93 acres ofland, consisting of two parcels, located
east of the terminus of Main Road (Route 25).
I.C.3. "Structures - Describe expected structures, including the proposed parking and
relocated stal!inl! areas." ... "Describe movinl! of snack bar and combininl! with existinl!
residence for waitinl! room and snack restaurant."
Comment: Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.submitted a site plan, dated June 28, 1996 which
outlines the work for which approval is sought. It does not include the relocation of the vehicle
staging areas. It does not propose the moving of the snack bar. During the course of the review of
the application, the Town of Southold requested the project sponsor to prepare an alternative
integrated site plan and specified certain design elements. Since this was requested by the Town, the
project sponsor complied with their request, with the preparation ofa plan by John J. Raynor, P.E.,
L.S., P.C. dated July 30, 1996. This plan - not the plan proposed by the applicant and subject to the
site plan application - illustrates the relocation of the snack bar and the reconfigured staging area.
It seems inappropriate for the Town to request the applicant to file an application for what they want,
then request them to explore alternatives that they do not seek, then require them to address such
alternatives within the Draft EIS under "Description of the Proposed Action".
LE. Agencies & Approvals.
Comment: The listing of agencies contained within the Scoping Outline is unnecessarily long, and
inclusive of agencies which have no approval authority over the subject site. Scoping is supposed to
INTER.:5CIENCE
reduce the extent to which extraneous material is included in the document. With all due respect,
those agencies which should be removed from the listing (as they have no formal approval authority
over the application) are as follows:
South old Town Board
Town Board of Trustees
Suffolk County Dept. of Public Works
Suffolk County Dept. of Parks, Recreation and Conservation
New York State Department of State
New York State Office of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Federal Emergency Management Agency
Save Our Roads
North Fork Environmental Council
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Suffolk County Department of Planning should also be eliminated from the list, and substituted in it's
place, the Suffolk County Planning Commission, who would have authority over the subject site. All
of those agencies recommended for removal, along with the numerous other individuals and
organizations who have commented thus far on this project clearly will have the opportunity to
review and comment on the project at the appropriate time - after acceptance of the Draft EIS. Their
comments will be recorded as interested parties, and their comments will become part of the record
within the Final EIS.
ill.C.1.e. (Natural Resources) "Discuss unique flora in marine environment in relation to
subject site and activities conducted at the subject site."
Comment: As mentioned previously, the proposed action includes upland improvements only - there
will be no alteration of the existing conditions off ofthe property owned or controlled by Cross
Sound Ferry Services, Inc. As such, this inquiry seems to attempt to reach into the existing operation
of the ferry service, as opposed to being focused on the proposed parking lot sought on the two
parcels, as illustrated on the Site Plan prepared by John J. Raynor, P.E., L.S., P.C., dated June 28,
1996.
mA.I.d. (Human Resources) "Accident data to include all accidents along Route 25 from the
Greenport Village easterly boundary to the eastern end of Route 25."
mA.I.h (Human Resources) "Calculate existing levels of service on Route 25 just east of the
Village of Greenport, during the twelve highest volume hours of a typical day."
mA.2.c. (Human Resources) "Calculate the future levels of service for Route 25 just east of
the Greenport Village boundary for the build and no-build conditions."
Comment: It is my opinion that the level of inquiry for traffic data is excessive in geographic
scope, as it requires the gathering of all traffic accident data along Route 25 from locations up to
INTER:5CIENC[
eight (8) miles from the project site. There is substantial acreage, both developed and undeveloped
lying between Greenport Village and the subject site. In order to put this accident data in proper
context, a detailed land use analysis (both existing and future potential) would be required for this
entire area, to determine whether the accidents are even related to the subject project. (Note that
under ill.B.l and 2, the land use analysis requested includes only the project site and surrounding
area.) Thus, reporting of the traffic accidents, level of service, etc. along the street eight miles away
may be meaningless.
I think it more appropriate for these questions to be evaluated as part of either (1) the municipality's
review of the subject application, or in the alternative, (2) as part of the municipality's comprehensive
planning efforts to determine the capacity of the roadway systems in a built-out condition. I believe
it unfair to ask an applicant seeking approval to construct a 335 space parking lot on a 3.93 acre
parcel at the most easterly terminus of the roadway to undertake a traffic evaluation such as that
requested. The traffic evaluation should be associated with the proposed project - not evaluate all
of the other influences of traffic along Route 25. I believe this evaluation is more properly within the
purview of the municipality's responsibility as the Lead Agency.
IV.A.l.a. (Human Resources) "Discuss adequacy of existing and proposed site improvements
to handle existing and projected volume over next 5-10 years."
Comment: While this issue is described under the heading of Mitigation Measures, the inquiry is not
properly a "mitigation measure". Mitigation includes the measures that a project sponsor can
undertake to minimize any adverse effects that the proposed action might have. The above referenced
notation is part of the impact analysis, not mitigation.
IV.A.l.b. (Human Resources) "Distinguish between vehicular flow (projected) and passenger
flow from long term parking areas to the ferry."
Comment: While this issue is also described under the heading of Mitigation Measures, the inquiry
is not properly a "mitigation measure". The above request for information is a request for a
breakdown of the operation of the ferry terminal, which is more appropriately included under the
existing conditions analysis of transportation and parking (Section ill.A., Human Resources).
IV .A.l.f. (Human Resources) "Determine traffic flow on Route 25 to ensure bike safety and
to provide resident crossing that is available and safe."
Comment: This issue, which is broad and poorly defined, is also included under the heading of
Mitigation Measures, is not within the proper section of a Draft EIS document. There is no
geographical reference to the area to be evaluated. This topic should follow Section ill.A.4. under
Human Resources, which discusses the existing pedestrian and bike use of the area.
VI.A. "Alternative Site Locations."
Comment: Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. have an application submitted for the improvement of
two parcels of land located immediately to the east of the terminus of Route 25, Main Road. SEQR
INTER5CIENCE
requires the project sponsor to evaluate "the range of reasonable alternatives to the action which are
feasible, considering the objectives and capabilities of the project sponsor" (617.9(b)(S)(v). This
section goes on further to state that "site alternatives may be limited to parcels owned by, or under
option to, a private project sponsor".
As discussed at the Scoping Session, the project sponsor owns no other land holdings in the area.
Accordingly, it is inappropriate to discuss alternative site locations in the context of this Draft BIS.
I trust that this information is helpful to you in your review of this project. Please advise if you have
any questions regarding these comments on the Scoping Outline for Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
'0 truly yours,
t~~ l1arren, AlC
President
REW:db
CC. William W. Esseks, Esq.
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
INTER::5OENCE
NAME
R. G. Kassner
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CROSS SOUND FERRY SCOPING MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 1996
ORGANIZATION
Southold Town Planning
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ADDRESS
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Main Road, Southold
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TELEPHONE #
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CROSS SOUND FERRY SCOPING MEETING
DECEMBER 4, 1996
ORGANIZATION
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SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
4 December 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
PO Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Re: Preparation of Final Written Scope for the Proposed Site
Plan of Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
Based upon your oral suggestion, and out of an abundance of caution, pursuant to
6 NYCRR Part 617.8 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA),
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc. (SCSR) submits the following items for
inclusion in the final written scope for the Proposed Site Plan of Cross Sound
Ferry Services, Inc.
These eight documents, which are attached, have previously been submitted to
the Planning Board as part of the SEQRA process. Because the Planning Board's
draft scope could be read to exclude some of the critical points raised in these
submissions, and because, in our view, the matters raised are necessary to any
legitimate SEQRA review, we formally submit them so that they are of record.
We also note for the record SCSR's position that the points raised in these
eight documents must be fully addressed as part of the review process. The
eight documents are:
> SCSR 13 September 1996 response to the Planning Board on the
draft Long Environmental Assessment form and the draft SEQR Positive
Declaration on Cross Sound's terminal site plan prepared by Charles Voorhis &
Associates. This response, among other points, lists specific impacts of the
proposed project and also includes 9 specific reasons that we believe should be
referenced in and supporting your lead agency Positive Declaration. It includes
attachments from the Suffolk County Water Authority on groundwater
conditions at Orient Point and from Eric Lamont, Botanist, on the possible
destruction of globally rare plant populations at Orient Point.
> The North Fork Environmental Council (NFEC) 16 September 1996
SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
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SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
response to that same Planning Board Positive Declaration.
> The Southold Town Trustees 17 September 1996 memorandum to
the Planning Board, which lists nine concerns to be addressed in the SEQRA
process.
> The Federal Emergency Management Agency 9 August 1996
response to your Lead Agency Coordination request.
> The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation 30 August and 30 September 1996 responses to that same request.
> The United States Department of Agriculture Plum Island Center 8
August 1996 response to that same request.
> The State of New York Department of State 12 August 1996
response to that same request.
SCSR also notes for the record that the review process should address:
> Any plans Cross Sound may have to introduce busing from possibly
contemplated parking lots west of Orient Point. Recent EPA findings appear to
emphasize the greater danger of diesel exhaust fumes as compared to gasoline.
> Cross Sound's plans for temporary or permanent storage of future
dredge spoils on the site.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
T~ JLJ
----------
Southold Citizens For
Safe Roads, Inc. (SCSR)
SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
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~ NEW YORK STATE a
Bemadette Castro
Commissioner
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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 1, Albany, New York 12238
518-474-0456
Human Resources
518-474-0453
December 3, 1996
Fiscal Management
518-474-0061
TOO: 518-486-1899
Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
Dear Chairman Orlowski:
Thank you for the Draft SEQR Scoping Outline for the Cross
Sound Ferry proposal. We found it to be comprehensive and well-
prepared. We understand that you may have received some comments
after the time that the outline was drafted which will be
incorporated into the Final Scope. So as to be clear on this
agency's previous recommendations, we suggest the following
modifications to the scope, all in Section III:
- Under Natural Resources, A.2.d), add the following: "Include
specifically the National Natural Landmark listing of Orient
Beach State Park, a description of the reasons for listing, and
identify any impacts to the qualities for which it is listed."
- Under Human Resources, A.4., correct the statement on
pedestrian Environment as follows: "Describe pedestrian and
bike use environment[al shall be discussed]. Make note of...."
- Also under Human Resources, D.2.c), change to the following:
"Unless substantial ground disturbance can be documented,
undertake a Stage 1 archeological survey to determine the
presence or absence of archeological sites or other cultural
resources in the project's area of potential effect."
Again, thank you for keeping us informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
dtn- (8
Thomas B. L
Director
Environmental Management Bureau
cc: E. Wankel
R. Dobbins
P. Battaglino
R. Pierpont
P. Otis
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New York State Office of Parks. Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Governor Nelson A. RocKefeller Empire State Plaza
Ager.cy 3uilding 1, Albany, New York 12238
518-474-0456
December 3, 1996
Human Resources
518-474-0453
Fiscal Management
518-474-0061
TOO: 518.486.1899
Bennett Orlowski
Ac~ing Chairman
Town or Southcld Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
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Dear Chairman Orlowski:
Thank y~u ror the Draft SEQR Scoping Outline for the Cross
Sound Ferry~~roposal. We found ic to be comprehensive and well-
prepared. We understand that you may have received s~me comments
afcer the time cha~ the outline was drafted which will be
incoroo=aced into the Final Scooe. So as co be clear on this
agency's previous recommendations, we suggest the following
modifications to the scope, all in Section III:
_ Under Natural Resources, A.2.d), add the following: "Include
speci:ical1y the National Natural Landmark lis~i~g ~f Orient
3each State ?ark, a descripcion of the reasons for 'liscing, and
iden~ify any impac~s to the qualities for which it: is listed."
_ Under Human Resources, A.4o. I cor:t-ecc the st.at~ment. :In
Pedestrian Environment as follows: "Describe oedestJ::"ian and
bike use environmen~ [al shall be discussed]. - Make :1oce of...."
_ Also under Human Resources, D.2.c), change to the f~llowing:
"unless substancial ground disturbance can be dccum=n~ed,
undertake a Stage 1 archeological survey to determi:1e the
presence or absence of archeological sites or other cultural
resources in the project.'s area of pocential effect."
Again, thank you for keeping us informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
~4
Thomas B. L
Director
Environmental Manageme::1t Bureau
cc:
E. wankel
R. Dobbins
P. Battaglino
R. Pierpont:
P. Otis
An ::qual OpportUnity/Affirmative Action Agency
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THE LEAGUE
OF W011EN VOTERS OF SUFFOLK COUNTY
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November 3, 1996 Fvfe I'y
To: Planning Board, Town of Southold, N.Y.
From: Johanna Northam
Please include the following comments as part of the scoping
proceedings regarding the site plan proposal of Cross Sound
Ferry Services!.
Starting in 19"65, League members have been active in protecting
the water, wetlands and watershed areas.
In relation to said proposal, there is concern that the
State Environmental Quality Review Act of 1975 (SEQRA)
guidelines, supported by the League, does not focus on
natural resource issues for this project.
It is clearly defined in SEQRA, that the environmental impact
statement (EIS) should contain a comprehensive description
of the environmental setting of the project site, the
nearby area and the affected region. Without this information
the EIS would lack insufficient analysis to provide an under-
standing of existing environmental conditions.
As lead agency, the Planning Board must comply with the
State law and uphOld local zoning and related legislation
in reviewing the site plan proposal for this project.
ENC:
Johanna Northam
P.O. #1053
Natural Resource Chair
,
Southold NY 11971
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Bachelor of Science
Environmental Studies
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-.3- Natural Resources
Impact on Issues 1995-97
WATER RESOURCES (See Imoact on Issues, 1994-%, LWYUS, p. 39)
Staning in 1965, League members have been active in protecting the water, wetlands, and
watershed areas of the state. We have worked for the state's Pure Waters for Life. the
federal Oean Waters Act. and numerous local and regional legislation to prevent pollution
from point and non-point sources. We support statewide water resources strategies as well
as financial aid that would rehabilitate water supplies, and clean-up wastewater and
watershed threats. We support statewide water metering, watershed protection, and
groundwater protection, identification and management. Again, members serve on local
environmental boards, committees and councils.
As a result of our position supporting regional management of water resources, three
League inter-state organizations were created:
the Inter-League Council of the Delaware River Basin composed of New
York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania Leagues.1
the Lake Erie Basin Committee composed of Leagues from New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
the Tri-State League composed of members from New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut.
These organizations monitor and advise on water management in their areas. They have
alened other Leagues to take action on legislation or problems that affect their water basins.
We suppon funding for the Great Lakes Commission and other activities that prevent
degradation of existing waters and promote clean up projects.
Through the Tn-State League, we supported the Interstate Sanitation Commission (ISC)
which advocates for improved water quality through regulation enforcement, research and
monitoring for the Long Island Sound, lower Hudson River Valley and other tn-state waters.
At the 1995 Convention, the League adopted a mini-study: "NEED FOR MEASURES TO
ACHIEVE WATERSHED PROTECTION FOR DRINKING WATER, INCLUDING
PESTICIDE ISSUES," The basis for this study was the BOCC League watershed study
which was adopted for concurrence by the Westchester ILO.
IThe State Board dropped its membership in the Inter-League Council of the Delaware
River Basin. The Council was no longer addressing New York's concerns.
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-4- Natural Resources
Impact on Issues 1995-97
NATURAL RESOURCE PROGRAM OF THE L WVNYS
LAND USE
Support fora state-established intergovernmental system for land resource management.
LAND USE - Statement of Position
as lUlD()l1n~ by the State Board, May 1976
The League of Women Voters believes that New York State must
develop an intergovernmental system for land resource management.
Such a system would require:
1. I.A:lcal governments to adopt local land use plans under
minimum state standards with direct or indirect financial and
technical help from the state.
2. Review by higher levels of government of those land use
decisions which have Iarger-than-1ocaI impact.
3. The development or land to meet public needs (such as low
and moderate-income housing, recreational and open space
uses) under a system which fairly distributes the costs and
benefits of such uses within a region.
4. The strengthening of county and multi-county regioDlll
planning bodies.
S. The use otregioDlll commissions to represent larger-than-local
interest in managing unique natural resonrce areas or the
state.
The League ofWomea Voters is concerned that inadequate planning
at the state leftl wastes resonrces: natural, social and fiscaL
The state must coordinate l'lmctioual plans of state agencies with
each other, with federal programs, and with the budgetary process.
The combined impact of state plans and actions upon land use
should be considered.
The state must coordinate standards and guidelines in state
programs to reduce inconsistencies which frustrate citizens llnd local
governments.
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-5. Natural Resources
Impact OIl Issues 1995-97
The State Environmental Quality Review Act of 1975 (SEQRA) was supported by the
League; and we continue to oppose attempts to weaken it.
We supported the laws on Coastal Zone Management in 1981 and the update of these laws
in 1992.
We are learning about the attempt by legislators, interest groups and lawyers to incorporate
the principles of the Public Trost Doctrine into our land use laws. Because they have laws
that date back to colonial times, New York and the Long Island region have unique status
with rights and privileges granted to them. The recognition of these laws has resulted in
opening up bodies of water for recreational purposes, and some localities/groups are
attempting to e:qJand these rights.
In 1978 Leagues in New York State agreed on key components of an intergovernmental
process for managing land within the state and supported the Adirondack Park AgencY
(APA). The key features of the APA that the League supports include;
1. Support the Adirondack Park Agency and the State Land Master Plan, including the
unit management plans for state-owned lands. This plan calls for comprehensive
review every five years.
2.
Support the Land Use and Development Plan applied to the private lands in the
Park.
3. Support the concept of the state and local governments sharing the planning
and control process over use of private lands in the Adirondack Park.
4. Support local government in providing sound local land use planning throughout the
Park.
5. Support preservation of open space, consisting of both private and public lands, and
development of supporting facilities necessary to the proper use and enjoyment of the
unique wild forest atmosphere of the Park.
The League is pleased that the legislature, in the 1994 and 1995 sessions, passed and the
governors signed into law a number of bills designed to improve the quality of land use
planning and enforcement. Passage of this legislation was an attempt to address the various
court decisions that have occurred over the years and to provide a uniform basis for zoning.
The League continues to monitor changes to the Park, supporting some that we feel
stre~gthen the original legislation and opposing proposed laws that weaken the purposes of
protecting this unique natural resource.
In 1990 we supported the Environmental Quality Bond Act which was defeated by the
voters. However. we continue to support the establishment of an Environmental Trust
-'79-.
.
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~
11
IMPORTANT >>
File Number:
Pl-473800-00118
00
Use the above number in all
correspondence about this action!
To the Lead Agency:
The above information confirms that filings on the described
positive Declaration were officially received by, and entered in the
SEQR Repository on the daters) shown in the box headed DATE RECEIVED
above. The latest filing is indicated by the most recent date in
that box. The date and time in the second line show when this
document was printed. Please check the information above carefully.
For corrections or questions contact Charles Lockrow, (518)457-2224,
or write to:
SEQR Repository
NYSDEC Division of Regulatory Affairs
50 Wolf Road, Room 514
Albany, NY 12233
10), ~ @ ~ 0 WI ~ ~ rfDll~'/ @Inw I ,~
lJI1~ .- 2 - jllU I.,;. DEC.~~IJII;_,
SOUTHOLD TOWN l');i~'r:,v:u~, TO\;VN
fi0:,!!_~~G..xiQ.BB~.~,"> L".~,-~^___i:~,,:':i~'_;_:':~~~~UlQ.~~L,~~.__,___
Town of SOUTHOLD
Planning Board
53095 Main Road-P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
.
.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Building 40 - SUNY, Stony Brook, New York 11790-2356
Telephone (5161 444-0365
Facsimile 15161444-0373
~~
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Michael D. Zagata
Commissioner
SEOR COORDINA nON RESPONSE AND DRAFT SCOPE COMMENTS
November 20, 1996
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
Town Hall, P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Attn: Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Acting Chairman
Re:Cross Sound Ferry, Rte. 25, Orient
SCTM# 1000-15-9-10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
An initial review by Department staff indicates that the
NYSDEC is an involved agency as defined in SEQR (6 NYCRR
Part 617) due to Article 25 Tidal Wetlands jurisdiction. A pre-
application meeting was conducted with the applicant and our Bureau of
Marine Habitat Protection. However, as of this writing, no application
has been received by DEC for the additional parking areas on lots 11.1,
15.1 and 3.5. The site plan prepared by John J. Raynor last revised
6/28/96, appears to be in accordance with the pre-application meeting
and appears to meet the standards for permit issuance in the Tidal
Wetland Land Use Regulations 6 NYCRR Part 661. A large portion of the
project is greater than 300 feet from the Tidal Wetland Boundary and is
therefore out of Article 25 jurisdiction.
A review of the project site by our Bureau of Environmental Protection
revealed that no endangered/threatened species have been identified at
the project site.
Please be advised the DEC has no objection your agency or
another agency assuming lead agency for this action as the
anticipated impacts are primarily of local significance. If you have any
questions, I can be reached at (516) 444-0403 for further information or
discussion.
Sincerely;
,fP~
Kevin Kispert
Environmental Analyst
cc: Cross Sound Ferry Services
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SDUT;1DLO TOWN
Pli"\~~\!!NG BOARD
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PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
TO:
All involved agencies, and individual or interested agencies
that have expressed, in writing, a request to receive a
draft scope.
Draft scope for proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry
State Road 25, Orient
RE:
DATE:
November 19, 1996
Dear involved/interested agency:
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) 6 NYCRR Part
617.8 "scoping", requires the lead agency to send a copy of the project
sponsor's draft scope to all involved and interested agencies.
The project sponsor's scope was sent to you on October 29, 1996.
The enclosed draft scope has been' prepared by the Town's Environmental
Consultant from a review of the record, together with consultation with
the Planning Board and other involved/interested agencies, and will be
used at the December 4, 1996, meeting to develop the final written scope.
Please review this scope carefully for areas within your jurisdiction that
you may wish to comment on at the meeting.
If you cannot attend this meeting, we would appreciate your comments as
soon as possible, so as to incorporate them into the draft scope.
.
.
If you have any questions, or require additional information, please
contact Robert Kassner, Site Plan Reviewer, at the above telephone
number or address.
dJ:=:t od, jt f,
Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Encl
cc:
William Esseks, Esq.
Frank Yakaboski, Esq.
Laury Dowd, Town Attorney
(continued on attached list)
Southold Town:
County:
State:
.
.
Town Board
Building Dept.
Zoning Board of Appeals
Board of Trustees
P.O. Box 1655
Southold, NY 11971
Vito Minei, Supervisor
Department of Ecology
Department of Health Services
County Center
.Riverhead, NY 11901
Stephen Jones, Director
Department of Planning
P.O. Box 61 00
Hauppauge, NY 11788
John C. Murray, Planner
Transportation Division
Department of Public Works
335 Yaphank Ave.
Yaphank, NY 11980
William Sickles, Superintendent
Department of Parks, Recreation & Conservation
P.O. Box 144, Montauk Hwy.
W. Sayville, NY 11796-0144
George Stafford, Director
Coastal Resources & Waterfront Rev~alization Division
New York Department of State
162 Washington Ave.
Albany, NY 12231
Michael D. Zagata, Commissioner
New York Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Rd. .
Albany, NY 12233
Roger Evans, Director
NYSDEC
Bldg. 40, SUNY Rm. 219
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Darrel Kost, Regional Env. Coordinator
Dept. of Transportation
State Office Building
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Federal:
Interested parties:
.
Barry Hecht
Passenger Transportation Division
NYS Dept. of Transportation
W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus
1220 Washington Ave.
Floor & Rm. 4-115
Albany, NY 12232
Thomas Lyons, Director
Environmental Management Bureau
Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Bldg. 1, 13th Floor
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12238
Dr. Alphonso Tones, Acting Director
Division of Agricultural Research-Plum Island
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O.8ox 848
Greenport, NY 11944
US Army Corp of Engineers
NY District
Jacob K. Javits Federal Bldg.
New York, NY 10278-0090
AlIn: Regulatory Branch
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
26 Federal Plaza
Room 1338
New York, NY 10278
AlIn: Response & Recovery Division
Thor Hanson, President
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
P.O. Box 797
Greenport, NY 11944
John Wright, Acting President
North Fork Environmental Council
P.O. Box 799
Maltituck, NY 11952
.
.
.
Draft Oetober 1, 1996
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CROSS SOUND FERRY
SEQR SCOPING OUTLINE
I 5 1996
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This outline provides a scoping document for use b)' the Planning Board of the Town
of Southold in determining the content and format of the Draft Environment,tl Impact
Statement for Cross Sound Ferry. This outline has been prepared with input from the
consultant to the Planning Board, Planning Board members, and members of the Southold
Board of Zoning Ap~als. In addition, refevant and substantive comments from
coordination letters (received up until date of preparation of this outline) have been
incorporated into the scope where appropriate. The applicant should recognize that each
agency is a separate permitting entity, and applications should be filed with each jurisdiction
to obtain technical comments. The EIS process is intended to provide compr,~hensive and
important information for the decision makjn~ process for use by involved ag.mcies in
preparing their own findings and issuing deciSions on their respective permits
The document should be concise but thorough, well documented, accurate, and
consistent. Review for acceptance or certification of the Draft Ers will involve review of
content for conformance to the final scope, and accuracy to ensure that corre,:t information
is incorporated into the document for imtial review. Review after acceptance will deal in
more detail 'with the specific technical information presented and the analysis provided.
Based on review, substantive comments received from involved agencies and parties of
interest, the public i.earing process, and appropriate direction from the lead agency, a Final
EIS will be prepared which will respond to all substantive comments on the Draft EIS. The
Planning Board will be responsible for the preparation, content and accuracy of the Final
ErS, and this document will be used as a basis for each agency to 'prepare a Statement of
Findings and Facts for use in structuring permit or approval decisIOns.
Overall, the Planning Board seeks a detailed Description of the Proposed Project
including documentation ofthe following: background andbistory, location, design and
layout, recharge handling, water stlpply, sanitary disposal, quantities of site coverage, site
access, mechanisms for open space preservation, ana site acceSs. The Environmental Setting
and Potential Significant Impacts section may be combined, to discuss existing, no-build and
build conditions. Impacts sllould be identified as short term and long term. In addition, a
section should be provided which identifies cumulative impacts of the proposed project.
Consistent with SEQR Draft EIS guidelines, additional chapters of the Potential Significant
Impacts section should include Growth Inducing A~pects, Iireversible and Irretrievable
Commitment of Resources, and Effects on the Conservation of Energy Resources where
appropriate. Adverse Impacts which can not be avoided shall be identified in a separate
section. Consideration of one or more Alternatives will be required to address other
scenarios regarding key resources. The following outline proVldes an updated form for the
content and preparation of a Draft EIS.
Page 1
.
.
0:08. Sound Ferry
Draft E (S Scoplng Outune
HilLE OF CONTENTS AND SUMMARY
A Table of Contones and a brid summary arc required for the Draft EIS. The Table of Contents and
summary will include:
A. Bri"f description of the actiOn.
B. Significant, adverse and beneficial impacts (issues of controversy must be spe.:iIied).
C. Mitigation measures proposed.
D. .Alternatives considercd.
E. Malters to be decided (permits, approvals, statuS, funding).
I, DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED ACTION
A. PROJECT PURPOSE, NEED A."lD BENEFITS
1. Background and H'lStOry.- H'lStOry of ownership and use, extant structures, past use(s),
and prior site plan applications. Describe history of termtnal buildtng improvements
and parking atea changes and history of snack bar parcel. Provide hi~tory of
underwater land tncluding ownership and legal (include survey of underwater land)
permitting and dredging history tncluding placement of spoil and fill of wetlands.
2. Public need for the project, and municipality objectives based on adopted community
development plans -. summarize municipal objectives from land use plans and establish
need for the projeet.
3. Objectives of the project spollSor in expanding business and in changing nature of
seM= offered (Le. addition of high speed fcrry, passenger only service). Discuss other
future business plans, possible expansion, ete.
4. Benefits of the Action.. Transportation seMces, economy.
B. LOCATION
1. Establish geographic site boundaries -. Provide location map of upland and underwater
lands. Identify atea of public land which appears on tax maps in een:er of subject
property, and public access to this sile as appropriate.
2. Description of site aeecss - Road frontage and water access. Deseribe inter.
relationship of State Road 25 and all four parcels.
3. Description of existing zoaiag On subject properties and on eastern-lllost parcel.
C. DESIGN AND LAYOUT
1. Total Site Area.. describe existing and potential site use and describe design features
ineorpolated into the proposed plan.
2. Site Coverage Quantities - Use table to present building, driveway, ::oad, recharge,
landscaping, natural area, and other site coverage quantities.
3. Structures.. Describe expected structures, including the proposed parking and
relocated staging areas. Describe existing lighting: type, WlIttage, locations. Describe
ellisttng traffic management procedures, if any. Describe moving of ,nack bar and
combining with existing rcsidenee for waiting room and snack restaurant.
4. Parking _. Deseribe existing and proposed parking, existing and proposed parking
surfaee type and area, circulation, design and layout.
S. Recharge -. Present method of stormwater recharge, capacity and d"sign requirements.
Describc pwpcsed drainage and measures to minimize overland flow and provide
adequate storm water recharge capacity.
6. Sanitary Disposal.. Describe sanitary disposal methods, design flow, needed additional
capacity, as appropriate. Describe sanitary design flow of ferry terminal building, snack
bar and residence..
7. Water Supply.. Ability to meet Article 4, private water system standards and watcr
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Draft E (S Scoplog QuUlne
quality.
8. Landscaping .. Describe proposed landscaping to improve or visual '.Dd aesthetic site
qualities.
D. CONSTRUcnON Al'iD OPERATION
1. Construction
a) Anticipated period of construction.
b) Schedule of construction activities .. i.e. WUdliie sensitivity and any wetlands
rcsource~.
2. Operation -. discuss future management of proposed project following construction,
i.e. maintcnallce of buildings, roads, recharge, etc.
E. AGENCIES A.'<-n APPROVALS ..listlead agency, involved agencies and interested parties
separately, followed by their jurisdiction or interest, aJld the status of cach pe;,'mil or approval
application. Describe permit history where appropriate.
1. Town Planning Board
2. Southold Town Board
3. Town Board of Trustecs
4. Town Zoning Board of Appeals
5. Sulfolk County Department of Health Services
6. Suffolk County Department of Public Works
7. Suffolk County Department of Parks, Recreation and Cooservation.
8. Suffolk County Departmenl of Planning
9. New York State Departmellt of Environmental Conservation.
10. New York State Department of Transportatioll
11. New York State Department of State
12. New York State Office of Parks, Recrcation & Historic Preservalion
13. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
14. Federal Emcrgcncy Managemenl Agency
1S. Save Our R.)ads
16. North Fork Environmental Council
17. U.S. Departmenl of Agriculture
18. Olher
111. EXISTING, NO. BUILD AND BUILD ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
This section should describe existing environmental conditions, future cnvironmental ,:anditions if the
project is 1I0t implemented, and (uture conditions once che project is completed. Identify thosl:resources that
may be adversely or beneficiaUy affected by the proposed actioll and require discussion. Discuss all
environmental conditions in suClicient detail to determine if significant advorse or beneficial m'pacls arc
expeeled. Identify impacts as long or short lerm where possible and provide separate chapler including discussion
of cumulative impacts. Consistent with SEQR Draft EIS guiddincs, additional chaplers of the Potential
Significant Impacts section should include Growth Inducing Aspects, Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment
of Resources, and Effects olllhe Conservatioll of E.nergy Resources where appropriale. An appropriate design
year should be selected for building traffic, air and noise conditions.
III view of tbe fact tbat ,he current operation includes a passenger/vehicle ferry and a passenger only
ferry, existing conditions will include tbe current operation. In addition, certain additiooallands including tbe
easlerly parcel and parts of the State right-of-way are La use for parking and circulation, and therefore should be
described. Further, other information concerning environmenlal conditions contained in this ::ection shall include
all four parcels and the State right-of-way where it separates thc two westerly parcels from the two easterly
parcels.
PlIge3
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Natural Resources
A. GEOLOGY
L Subsurface
a) compositi04 and lhl,It"p.. of subswface material. To depth,of 17 fect or
gro1IlIdwatcrj prO\lide a summary of test hole lDformalioll.
Surface
a) Liit of $On lY1* pet Suffolk County Soil 811MI)'.
b) DisCllUioD of &Oil cbaracteli6tics/limilatiolls
e) Di&tribulioA of aoil types at project &ite
d) Identify Importurt dune, tidal marsll. or special feature IOiIs u a rClOwce.
Describe dune and beach fOllDations 011 the subject site and their proximity to
the proposed activity.
Topography .
a) DcsaiptioD of topography at project silc, particularly my areu of steep
slopes or draina&e areas. . . .,.' .
WATER RESOURCES - This 5CClioII sII.ould addrOA the IlstQCl issuc\u'dIey pertain to thc . .
effect the proposal aclioll may have 011 the site's capacity to provide po~ water aDd salllWy
waste clisjlosal for the ~.';"g use aDd any proposed uses.
1. Groundwater
a) LocatiOll and c1escriptiOll of aquifcra and recharge areas.
depth of water table ID cIc:ve1opmeat areas.
lca&OlIal variati.OII.
discuss groUlldWaleMlII"face water IDter-relaliolllhipj cIischargc to IIII"face
water; tidal fluctuations if rclevaDt.
ch:tcrmlDe =tiua water quality bencatlo the aite ia lIIIlidpatc4 water .
supply ZOJICi.
e1ircelioll of Dow
IdeDtifacatiOll of pr':SCut uses and level of use of aroUlldwatcr
1ocation of =IJD& weIla
pUblic/private water supply
agricull\lral uscs .
GroUlldwatcr/watcr monagr.meut rcgu1atio.lII.208 study, special p'oUlldwatcr
protcctiOll areas, NURPS study, etc.
Surface Water
a) Describe my nearby lurCaco wat_,iD.cludiua "NYSDEC sw!acc water
classifiutloll
water quality and saIiuity
characteristics and uses
2.
3.
B.
. I..."
, .
b)
c)
2.
3. Draioagc
describe exiiting drainage. pallDl1lS Oil lituJ'dia thear~a.
make DOte of c1raiDa&e swaIcs and nallll"al coI1ccliOll areas.
determine elCect of the proposed acliOll 011 iacr~d rUIIoff and poUutIoa
&om the Maill RoadlDto the storm draias OIl thc PjaccIIt property of thc
Plum Is1aDd ADimal Disease Rc.scarch Laboratory into GardiDers Bay;
4. Flooding
- lo<:atc Rood ZOIl" 011 the subject aile and dcscribo IiIlli1alloaa, features,
jurisclictioDal .ssUCI, and spcc:WlIIq1Iirelll~
C. TERRESTRIALANDAQUATICECOLOG'l(' .-
1. VqetatiOll
,... .
,}
--"'--.~jT..."r
NOY-IS-SO€. FRI
ItB7
P_B2
.
'\ en- SouacI FerrJ
.~ lIS ScopIqOutlbie
a) list vegetation lypCS OD the project lite and withiD the surrounding lIl'Cai
classify into habitats.
b) discuisioA of silt vegctatiou c:haraderistica
. spedes pre&euccand abUllclante
siic
distributiDA
commUllity t:'J:'e&
UlIique. rare and ellclaagered species
value as habitat for wilcllife
c) CoDtact NYS Nat'lI'al Heritage Proaram for iDf___ ~1liDg lIIIique
Yeptatioo, habitats or wildlife speciel 011 site or in the area, and proviclc
discussion/llllalysia ill text IS uecessary.
d) Describe habitat needs and bioIogk:a1 characteristica, of all eadaDscred speciea,
tbrc:atcned and spcc:ics ohpecial CODCCrll ,'..
e) discuss unique flora ill mariDc coviroamellt ill relation to subject site lIIId
activities conducted at the subject site.
2 ~ddliCe '
a) Provide a list of wildUfc utilizing site habitats or expected on sile. IDdicalC ....
dates of slIl'VC)'S and clisliquish species idcDlified OJI site. COJIsult refcrcace5
to delCrmiDe species c:rpccted on site based on habitat type. . .
b) Contact Natural Heritage Program for file review of site and area.
c) IdeJltify Eodaogcre,d. Threatened or Species of Special CoDcerD.
d) Dc~cribe habitat needs and bioloaieal characteristics of all endangered species,
threatened and sp~os of special concern.
3. WctIands . ..
a) Describe wedand~ (VCiCtated andUllvcgctated) and adjaCODt areas as and
charact.-ristics. . .
b) lndicate method of cIc1ineatiOllandagCDcies.,eon~ 4lr ~cation or
agencies with jurisdic:tiDn. SpcciflCllly contact Town Tr\l$l:ccs, NYSDEC and
USACOE. .
c) IdeAtity valuable functions of wedands on site and adjac=l site.
D. AIR RESOURCES
1. Meteorological Conditions - cIeicn'bc Clli$l'''lJ meteorological conditions iD proximity
to Orient, lac:Iudiaa SCISODaI winds, temperatures.. cae. .
2. Ambient Air Quality - delcmUnc cxisliDc ambieat air quality.
3. Air Quality Standards. dell:l1'bc and list air quality standard.
.. .Air Quality Impact. dctcrlJlinc key paramclcra of COIlcom and coacIlICt air quality
iIIlpact alll1ysis for clCW1'Ig and build COIlditiODs iD order to predict iIIlpact. At a
minimum conduct analysis to determine ,Impact of exi$liDg and propcllCd conditions
rcprding carbon monoxlcl" usiD& quantitative mcthodsrecognizcllllDCl accepted in the
flCld.
H_Jlcaoun:u .,,, ;" d.."
A. TRANSPORTATION - This &cction shall include the St.ta..ri&ht.of-....,. (ROW). and lhe 2
ROWs tbroup tho residcotial parcel and the private ROW on the northl:rly boundary of the
town caaterly parcell. Dcacn'bc and idontify all llIrticaha.vias rieb& to _.the northerly
ROW. IdcDdCy boundaries of said ROWand dccc1 rcstrktiOJlS to 1ISC of same, if IDY.
1. RYls/lna: Transpiration services . Separate pasl"l<< .oDlyarviccdatabom .vehicle and
passeager service. Describe oriain/clostinatiOD 0( clientele. Describe ~ ~ivity
periods (i.e. bea'/)' truck trallie, Boy Scout outiDgs,cte.). .
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Dnft;EIS'seoplq OUIIIDe
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B.
a) DesaipCioD. of _to !he aile aDd,ialuaal;road,cir~,I"lO?,
b) DCiCriptiOll of QII'fUIt levd of~ ofsoni",,-
peak bours of \1$0
vehic1c mix
10111'00 of "wed:, tnffic,
e) Obl.... lataltratrae votv.me data for Route 25, ill !he ~ of the project, from
the New York StateDepartmellt of TraDsportadoll. (NYS DOT).
d) Obtain State Accident SurvellIancc System (SASS) data for the latest evailable
three year pa,iocI. Accidcllt data to iDcllldc aD acddioont. aIciiI& Route 25 from
the Grccnport Villagc cuterly boundary to the eastern CJid of RoUte 25. .
c) ." CoDdUc:l traftie VOlume COlIIlls OIl Route 25 imme<!l.tply weat of the pro~
p':~ for a scva;, lI&y llUiocL . '. . .
f) Obtain trip iaformatioD from CTOSIi Sound Ferry rquclillll achcdulca, trip
p&SICIIgCl' and ve.blc1c data, aadother historieel iaforaiatioA,iIccded to cIovoIop
tripgCncrationdaiaforthecxisw.~. ..... " " ...
g) R_eh a'lllli1abIe' pUblIc transportation.aloaa Route 2s ~. of GrCCDport.
h) gu~::~~:U~*!.~~~~:r.~~~~~Of
i) Analyze the ...~:.I<,~; data aad cOlIlpare !he rate aDd frequency to the
NYSDOT __. accidcllt ratC.. ". .
2. TraasportatiOil System bp&etl ii,
a) Estimate !he Inc:rca&cdhourly traffic: wlumeto ~acnulllCd by the proposed
parkiDa areas. . . . ,
b) Determine the ~a tr.mc growthfaetors used by the NYSDOT for the
seetioas of RoUU; '15 cut of Gr_~ . .....
e) Calculate the (utl:1O ~ of scnicc for Route 25 just ~ of !he GrCCllport
ViIJaSc bolllldary few tllo buijd and IlO-bu.ild couditiOlll. ". .
Ii) Quantify site gcncralcd traffic impacts based llp01l tlac level of scmcc
calculatiollS. ,c' .' ..... ....". .
e) Dclcrmiae other impacts, such ~ ~il\t!lrr'!l\!o!i tral'f'lC..l1Qw along Route 25
resultlas &om ve.blc1cs ";"'~~'1'$,at~c~' .' ,
f) Describe site circull\li~ Im~and m~ ofb,a,a~ !tame frolll peak
use. . .' .", '_ .' .... . . .,' , . . ..' ,',
3. Publlc TransportaliOll ScMCcs- D~~IIC~;\ill'~,iail4 the type of
ICI'\'Icc (scheclulc:s) aVai1ab!e (i.e. bUS,' tiIit, tIR1t. ckiz!O bus)." ......
4. Pcdcstrjan EaWOIIJIlcat .. Describe ~trian aDd !.iI.C Use enVinmmcalal sball be
c1ilCllSlCd Make IlOlc of pedestrian cnvUOIlIIlent, bike use, circulatio.il, safety, cle.
LAND USE AND ZONING
L "''';ctn.a 1an4 lISe and zo..mg .
a) Description of lhr; ~liDs laad. \ISll.of ~ projCCl; site 1lIid: ~surrolJDcli"l areL
b) Description of cxistioa ZoDlDs of 4!toand surrollllding area.
c) Deic:ribe -:.tI.. owUnbiPOllthe #10 and.",!h~ arca,r~ ownership, \1$0 and
zoaiDg '0 future llUId ...... lr...w, .and open spBC!l..
2. Land use plaas " . '.<.. . .
a) dcscriplk>u of any Janel UIO plans or muter plans whicb include project site
and s\lrrOll.~ area.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
1. Ed~tionaJ far:iJilies .' discusi existing' rWlilicslllicl ~lon relfti~ to the site and
aa:A:II road. .'
2. PoIiec protection. cIiscuss IeftJ of PU~11c ScryiecbcUlg~~ dd\D,c1l1dc description
c.
Pap 6
,
'X:;
~. ~ '...
t-..O.....-15-'SI6 F~~I
13 1 6
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Cross Sound Ferry
Draft E:iS Scopl... Outline
af service (Le. speed enfarcement, parking, vialations, accidents, etc.)
3. rll'c pratectian - discuss status af flfe proteetian facilities in Orient a"d suitability of
same to. bandle level of haz.vd at the site.
4. Recreatianal facilities - discuss status and location af recreatianal facilities in Orient,
including State and Caunty Roads.
5. Utilities - discuss locatioo. af any public utilities on or adjailling the subject site.
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. Visual resources - describe visual impact by night as well as by day (particularly with
regard to. SilC lighting af parking areas, pedestrilU1 walkways, dack at,:as and staging
areas.
a) descriptian of the physical characcer af the eommUlliey
b) description af site fram viewsheds alang nearby raadways ar:d nearby surface
waters.
2. Histaric/Prc-histaric Resaurces
a} Locatian and descriptioo. af historic arcas or structures listet! 00. Slate or
National Registcr ar designaccd by the commUllity ar included on Statewide
Inventary. Include Society far Preservatian of Long Island Antiquities data an
Orient,
b) Determine significance of any existing histaric structures an site
c) Cantact N"YS Office af Parks, Reereatian and Historic Pres'~rvatian, Histaric
Preservatian Field Serviccs Bureau far infarmation pertainil\g to. histary and
prehislary af site.
3. Noise Resources
a) Identify patential nearby sensitive receptors and determine "xisting sound
levels an sile and at property line of nearest receptor.
b) Establish appropriate guidelines for use in determining potential impact with
regard to naise increases.
c) Identify noise sources a.o;saciatcd with subject use and conduct analysis to
determine increase above ambient nalse based an existing and build
conditions.
Other Resources aad Impacts
A. CUMUlATIVE IMPACTS
B. GROWfH INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE Al'lD IRRETRIEVABLE COMMITMENT OF RESOURCES
D. EFFECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OF ENERGY RESOURCES
IV. MITIGATION MEASURES TO MINIMIZE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Describe measures to reduce ar avaid potential adverse impacts identified in Section IV. The fallowing
is a brief listing of typical measures used for some af the majar areas af impact.
Natural Resourees
A. GEOI.OGY
1. Subsurface
a) use e~cavaced material far land reclamation
2. Surface
a) use topsail stack piled during constructian for restoration and landscaping
b) address proteetian of dune and beach formations during and after construction, and in
general minimi~e disturbance af non-construetian sites
0) design. and implement sail erasian contral plan
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3.
Topogtaphy
a) avoid CODStr1IClioD oureas of steep slope .,' .
b) cIeaip adequate soU erosion delliccs to protect areas of steep s1opo .
WATER RESOURCES .
1. Grouadwalc:r
a) dClip systoms to pnMclo adequate leac:hingofwaslcWa1er uuI st......_r. .
b) maiDtaiD pcnncablo areas OD the.site .
c) D'vlmI7.Q D&tUtll1 area, reduce fertilizcd atC!IS . . .' .
d) desip SyJtclD510 pcovi.dc aclcqualC mitigalioD 01 oil/sr- from parked ~ aDd ua
Surface water . . . . . :.
a) easure use of soil erosion control techlliqucs duriq COIlIlrUC:ticm ud Opelltioll:
10 avoid siItalioa. .'
exa.mp1ca:Ylllf,i" ',;ii '
hay baIea
temporary restontioD 01 veselalion to cli&turbcd areas ....
1aDCIscaploc . .
b) dcaip adequate stormwatct control system ."
c) increase wetlands sctbadla aDd provide COVCIWIU wbcre pcl!IIib1e
d) provide setback from beach aDd protcctiOD of dunes. .
TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC ECOLOGY
1. Veactation/wlldlite
a) restrict c:IeariDs to 0DIy those areas IK'CCSSi'Y
b) preserve part 01 site as uaturahrea
e) aftu COII5trIIctiOD, 1alWcape sile with nalurallYoceurriJlsvesc:lal;on .
cI) preserve cross scdio. olllatural habitat areas. .
e) provide liakageato other sitea and habitats .
f} prcaerve all wetlaDcI& aac1 wetlaDd fuactions throup aetbacb
NOISE RESOURCES'!''';
L Butren, barriers, operationa1 miliption. trafru: mitiption. etc:. 'iha11 be
incorporated into the project as neCllSSaty' to minimize IIOise impacta. .'
B.
2.
<., .
c.
D.
.,
,
'~ . .
HIIIIIU 1lca0llral
A. TRANSPORTATION
1. Transportation sy&lC1I1I, parkiDg. cireulaliOD.etc. . . . . ."
a) diacua& acIeq1Iacy of uialiq aac1 plopoaecl site impro_oalI tC) band1e uiatima anc\' .
projected volume over IICllt 5-10 ~.. . . ..' .
distinsuiah belWllOn vehicular fIoW(ptojOGled) uuI pa-~"lF flow from 1oDa-, '.: .. '.
term parmi areas to tbe ferry.; " .' .
cli&cuss internal circulation patterns propoaed and JPitlpte ptObIems. . .
discuss maDaseme4l 01 tra11ic Ilowto ad from the immediate tCrmina1 . .;;
opcralioas lIDd parkiDg site ill temts"of reau1ating speed alId~"I of ear.. . . .
desisn adequate aDd safe access to projecr: site EO haDcIJe projecucllraflic: Oow'
c1clermiM traffic flow OD Route 25 to iIlsure bike aatCtj'ADa;to' provide rcsiclent
croasin& that if awllablo aDd safe' ". .. i,
LAND USE AND ZONING ,.
1. PYl"I..g 1aDCI use aDd ZllJIing
a) design projcc:t to comply with ClCialiq 1ancl use plans. .... . . '. .
b) desip fllllCliOD-' ilIIcI visually appcallDgfacilily to set5tandatd _ prececleDt
for f)!ture s~ land use ..
b)
c)
d)
e)
f}
~. ....
B,
"
. .'
"'d.'.
!.,F"r' 1. {
....
.. ;'
NDV-15-96 FRI
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C. COMMUNITY SERVICBS
1. PoliccjFire ProtcctioD/Satcty
a) discu$s how adequate _ will be maiDlaiDed io wdu to pcavide poIil:c, fae
aDeI other emetgcJlC)' pl'0leCli04 services. .
b) cliscuss miliplioD measures to improve safety elurias lr&llSport of school
cbilcl1eD. .
3. l1tilitic$
a) install utility scMces WlelergrouDcl
b) iDcorporatc water saviDa: kures into facility !lcsip
c) iDcorpocatc encrgy-saYiDg measures ioto facility clcsip
D. CULTURAL RESOURCES
1. VISual resourcea
a) provide bu1IeriDg to improve aesthetics, partil:Ularly on the DQrth sicle of
re&icleDlial parkiDs lot (if appl"Oltecl bY,,vsA)... ....~j\!,,\\tl I
b) minimize roacI surface area aDd ~igP;fIrea"tlaJiddistliiti&llce.
2. Historicl Archaeoq;w- prc&erVC ac\e4IIatc portion of site to provide for
arcbacological resource use, research aDcI maoagemenl.
Otber Jlaourca .... Impact MitlpdoD
A. CUMUlATIVE IMPACTS
B. GROWI"H INDUCING ASPECTS
C. IRREVERSIBLE AND J1UtEl'RISVABLE COMMITMENT OF RBSOUR(:I!.S
D. EI'I'ECTS ON THE USE AND CONSERVATION OP ENERGY RESoURCES
V. ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL ElTECTS THAT CANNOT BE AVOIDED IF THE PROJECT IS
IMPLEMENTED
ldeDtify tbOIC ac\vcrsC cnvlrQDD1e.aW e.tJects is ScdloD IV that c:aJ1 be upectcd to. occur reprc11c:51 of !he
mitigoiU\ft measures coDSiduecl in Section V.
VI. AL'mRNATIVES
Tbi& section eontallli categories of altenlatiWi wilh exalIIples. DiseussioDof ea4~.oativc should be
at a levd su1llcicDt to penait a comparative ilSSC'S~D1CDl of cosa, bellcliCullcl ellviroDmeDtaI risks far Clcb
alternative. It is IIOt ac:cc:ptable to make simple assertions that a parlicular alternative is (II' is Dot. fcaaiblc. The .
No Action Alternative must be cliscusseel.
A. ALTERNATIVB SITE LOCATIONS
B. ALTERNATIVE SIZE
C. ALTERNATIVE DESIGN
D. NO-ACfiON ALTERNATIVE
VlL RUERENCES AND CONTACTS
Provide complete list of rcl'erences aDcI CODlaCtI uti1izc4 in preparation at the report.
VlIL APPENDICES
Pollowina is a list of materials typically usecl in support of tlle ElS. . . . . I'
A. List of WIcIer1~ Iluclies. reports and inCormatlcm "O"oi-.lercc\' bel rcliecl oD in prcpariag statcmCDI.
B. Tc""nl('1l exhibiu (if any) at a J.:sibIe scale. ' ,. .j.
C. Relcvant correspolldellce regardiDS the proJcct&aay"be ilIcI\ldcd.
l;ik..
..,'
,.,
...." ,,;......,:......
Vito Minei, Supervisor
Department of Ecology
Department of Health Services
County Center
Riverhead, NY 11901
William Sickles, Superintendent
Department of Parks,Recreation&Conservation
P.O. Box 144.
Montauk Hwy.
W. SaYVllle. NY 11796-0144
Roger Evans, Director
NYSDEC
Bldg. 40, SUNY Rm. 219
Stony Brook, NY 11790
Thomas Lyons, Director
Environmental Management Bureau
Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic
Preservation - Bldg. 1, 13th Floor
Empire State Plaza
Albany. NY t 2238
US Army Corp of Engineers
NY District
Jacob K. Javits Federal Bldg.
New York, NY ID27S0090
AIln: Regulatory Branch
William Esseks, Esq.
Esseks, Hefter & Angel
P.O. Box 279
Riverhead, NY 11901
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
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Stephen Jones, Director
Department of Planning
P.O. Box 6100
Hauppauge, NY 11788
George Stafford, Director
Coastal Resources & Waterfront Revitalization
Division
New York Department of State
162 Washington Ave.
Albany. NY 12231
Darrel Kast, Regional Env. Coordinator
Depl. of Transportation
Stale Office Building
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy.
Hauppauge, NY 11788
Dr. Alphonso Tones, Acting Director
Div. of Agricultural Researcl>f'lum Island
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O. Box 848
Greenport, NY 11944
Federal Emergency Management Agency
26 Federal Plaza
Room 1338
New York, NY 10278
AIln: Response & Recovery Division
Frank Yakaboski, Esq.
P.O. Box 389
Riverhead, NY 11901
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
.
John C. Murray, Planner
Transportation Division
Department of Public Works
335 Yaphank Ave.
Yaphank, NY 11980
Michael D. Zagata, Commissioner
New York Department of Environmental
Conservation
50 Wo~ Rd.
Albany, NY 12233
Barry Hecht
Passenger Transportation Div. -NYSDOT
W. Averell Harriman State Office Bldg. Campus
Floor&Rm.4-115
1220 Washington Ave.
Albany. NY 12232
Thor Hanson, President
Southok! Cijizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
P.O. Box 797
Greenport, NY 11944
John Wright, Acting President
North Fork Environmentai Council
P.O. Box 799
Mallituck. NY 11952
ptanning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southok!
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
53095 Main Rd.
Southold, NY 11971
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STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. 11788
EDWARD J. PETROU, P.E.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
JOHN B. DALY
COMMISSIONER
November 19, 1996
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Mr. Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Southold Planning Board
Town Hall
53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southo1d, New York 11971
Draft Seoping Outline
Cross Sound Ferry
Route 25, Orient
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We have reviewed the Draft Seoping outline for the DEIS for the Cross Sound Ferry
parking lot project.
In addition to the subjects which have already been identified, we believe the
following issues should be addressed.
Under #2, adverse impacts, the question of public access to the waterfront should
be addressed.
Under #4, mitigation measures, the provision for busses should be included. The
safe operation of bicycles should be provided. The issue of pedestrian movements
should be addressed.
Under #5, reasonable alternatives, should be a shuttle bUB service be
studied/considered?
We trust this will be useful in your consideration of this proposal.
If you have any questions you may contact G. Beierling at 952-6128.
Very truly yours,
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FRANK PEARSON
Planning & Program Management
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Bemadette Castro
Commissioner
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Agency Building 1, Albany, New York 12238
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518-474-0456
Human. Resources
518-474-0453
Fiscal Management
518-474-0061
TOO: 518-486-1899
November 15,
1996
Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
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Dear Chairman Orlowski:
Thank you for your notice of the scoping meeting for the
Cross Sound Ferry proposal. We will have a representative at the
meeting on December 4th.
We have taken a preliminary look at the draft scope, and
note that the concern we raised previously regarding the bike
route is not specifically included. However, since the effect on
transportation services, including the bike trail, was cited in
the positive Declaration, we trust that the issue will be
addressed.
In addition, since the time that this office submitted
comments in conjunction with the lead agency response, the
agency's Division for Historic Preservation sent you a letter
recommending that an archeological survey be undertaken. The
potential effects on archeological resources should be included
in the final scope.
We are in receipt of comments from other interested parties
which appear to adequately address other potential issues that
should be included in the scope. Of particular interest to State
Parks is the National Natural Landmark listing of Orient Beach
State Park and any potential impacts to its resources.
We remain interested and we thank you for keeping us
informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
Th~m1:::?LY~~ t-X"'-
Director U
Environmental Management Bureau
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P. Battaglino
R. Pierpont
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Human Resources
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Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
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FIscal Management
518-.7.-0061
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November 15. 1996
Dear Chairman Orlowski:
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SOUTHOLO TD'i;i~ i
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Thank you for your notice of the scoping meeting ror the
Cross Sound Ferry proposal. We will have a represent~ttive at the
meeting On December 4th.
we have caken a preliminary look at the draft scope, and
note that che concern we raised previously regarding the bike
rour.e is not specifica:'ly included. However, since t.he effect on
transpcrtat.ion servicea, including che bike trail, was cited in
c;;.e Positive Declaraticn, we trust that the issue wil~_ be
addressed.
In addicion, since the time that chis office subrcitted
comments in ccnjunccion with the lead agency response, che
agency's Division for Historic Preservation sent you d lette~
recommending :::.at an archeological survey be undertaken. The
potential effects on archeological resources should bO! included
in the final scope.
We are in receipt of comments 'from other interested parties
which appear to adequatel:r" address other potential issues that
should be included in the scope. Of particular interest to State
Parks is the NatiOnal Natural Landmark listing of Ori'mt Beach
State Park and any pctential impacts to its resources.
We remain interested and we thank you for keepinq US
informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
Th~1s~LY~: ~----
Director 0
Environmental Manageme~t Bureau
co: E. Wankel
P. Battag1ino
R. Pierpont
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMWEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
November 13, 1996
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Mr, Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Southold Town Planning Board
P.O. Box 1179
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
Re: Cross Sound Fen:)' Services Inc v Planninll Board of the Town of South old
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We would like to comment on several points made by Cross Sound Ferry
Services, Inc. in the above-mentioned lawsuit which seeks to set aside the Planning
Board's Positive Declaration on the company's proposed site plan for changes at the ferry
terminal at Orient Point.
" Cross Sound attempts to disprove the theory that its parking problems are self-
created as a means of gaining from the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a variance
which is critical to its project.
" The Planning Board has both a right and an obligation under the law to consider
the impact of a high speed ferry service at Onent Point; is this not the thrust of SEQR?
* Despite Cross Sound's arguments to the contrary, the Planning Board is not
seeking to regulate its ferry service, but to consider it in its entirety in order to make a
proper SEQR determination.
" Cross Sound must offer more substantial evidence that the lack of a parking lot
could result In "revocation" of its interstate transportation service license.
" On page 17 of its petition, Cross Sound argues that the Planning Board did not
take a "hard look" at the environmental concerns of the area and failed to offer a
"reasoned elaboration" in issuing a Positive Declaration ofthe proposed site plan. The
Positive Declaration identifies potential adverse impacts to the environment; the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement addresses such conce!J1s more specifically.
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* The Planning Board did not identifY environmental concerns when granting
approval for Cross Sound's parking lot on the "West parcel" in 1995 because the high
speed feny, which changes the nature of feny operations at Orient Point, did not exist
until a few weeks afterwards. .
* A comprehensive Positive Declaration does not delay action on the subject site
plan. In seeking site plan approval, an applicant must allow time for the SEQR process
to be properly administered. In reality, any delays which Cross Sound may experience
can be attributed to its own attempts to circumvent, to segment or otherwise to thwart the
process by failing make a proper site plan application in 1995 and by refusing to disclose
the current or intended nature of its business.
We reiterate our support of the Planning Board's Positive Declaration issued on
the proposed site plan of Cross Sound Feny Services, Inc. We look forward to the
smooth administration of a legally-mandated environmental review so that the issue may
be reasonably resolved in accordance, with the best interests of the people of the town of
Southold.
Very truly yours,
t~tt{4 (l~~
Charles Cetas
. Acting President
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November 10, 1996
Ms. Jean Cochran
Supervisor, Town Board
Southold Town Hall
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
RE: Ferrv Lawsuit
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Dear Ms. Cochran:
First of all, I would like to thank the Planning Board for voting to require the Cross
Sound Ferry to submit to a rigorous examination of their plans to expand the Orient
parking facility. It is clear from the recent election that Town of Southold residents
recognize the special place in which they live and we very much appreciate your
efforts, as well as those of the Planning Board, in helping to keep it that way.
However, I have just finished reading the news of the lawsuit filed by the Cross Sound
Ferry against the Southold Town Planning Board regarding the required SEORA
requirements for their proposed parking lot. I am sincerely disappointed and
somewhat outraged at CSF's blatant disregard for the quality of the environment in
the Town of Southold. They feigned sincerity in all of their lobbying efforts! I hope that
everyone in the Town government is fully aware of their real intention--to make as
much money as they can at the expense of anyone standing in their way--particularly
the residents of the East End who so much value their unique environment and quality
of life.
I am very upset by this new turn of events and hope that the Planning Board will stand
firm in the face of this action and defend the integrity of their decision (and from what I
read, I am sure they will). They have helped to maintain a world in this part of Long
Island that has long disappeared from just about everywhere else. I was awestruck
when I first laid eyes on the farmlands and vineyards in our Township. The area has a
peace that is unparalleled and most signs of crass commercialism are absent from the
scene. All you had to do was look at the popularity of our countryside at harvest time
when the farms overflowed with people longing for an original piece of Long Island
country. They came to our Town from as far away as New Jersey because this type of
country is not something you can find easily anymore.
It is particularly important for Orient that the traffic and development be kept to a
minimum.The Suffolk County Water Authority recently told the citizens of Orient that
development be severly restricted to prevent any further impairment of the fragile
aquifer. They stated that, "Every effort should be made to maximize open-
space acquisitions and adopt zoning codes that will prevent any
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increases in activities at Orient that will impact groundwater conditions.
Local government should upzone to very large lot zoning and reduce
vehicular traffic that will add to groundwater pollution."
And lastly, those of us who have recently moved to the Town of Southold (I am
building in Orient) will contribute significantly to the economy of the region. We will
shop in Greenport and Southold for just about everything to furnish a home and run
our everyday lives. I am certain that a stream of traffic from the ferry using our roads as
a corridor will contribute little to the local economy. It will compromise our quality of life
and will begin to damage the fragile environment that the Planning Board and the
good citizens of the Town of Southold have worked so long and hard to create. In
short, we will start to look like the rest of Long Island and loose our unique character. I
am sure no one wants that.
Surely there are places that welcome the commercialism that this kind of "corridor"
brings (I've read that Port Jefferson is interested). Perhaps the Ferry management will
realize that they just cannot ruin a community for a few dollars and look for alternative
ways to attract day-trippers and others looking for the experience that they offer.
Thank you so much for your tireless efforts to help preserve our community, and
please pass my thanks to the Planning Board for its vision and passion. Please help to
stop the Ferry's end-run around the environment and the Township. If there is anything
that I can do to help, please let me know. I will be the first on line to give any
assistance you need. If there is anyone else I should write to, please let me know.
Thank you.
Sincerely, 1}
~Hoag.JC . -
a~:st 11 Stre
New York, NY 10011
(212)-255-3808
Soon to be residing at 4725 Orchard Street, Orient
cc: Richard Ward, Planning Board Chairman /
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMWEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
November 7, 1996
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Mr. Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman, Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Re: Cross Sound Ferry Services Inc v Plannini Board of the Town of South old
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We would like to convey our full support to the Southold Town Planning Board in
the matter of a lawsuit filed against it by Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. on October 16,
1996. In this action, the petitioner seeks to set aside the Positive Declaration issued by
the Planning Board on September 16, 1996 on the proposed site plan for a project on the
. Cross Sound Ferry properties. In issuing a Positive Declaration, and thereby calling for a
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed site plan, we believe that the
Planning Board has followed both the letter and the spirit of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act of the Environmental Conservation Law (6 NYCRR Part 617).
As lead agency under SEQR, the Planning Board must call for a DEIS if it
determines that the proposed project may have one adverse impact on the environment.
In its Positive Declaration, the Planning Board identifies ten areas in which the project
may adversely impact the environment. Although Cross SOUlld argues in its petition that
the Positive Declaration is too broad and improperly addresses certain aspects of the
company's business, SEQR specifically states that the agencies involved in actions such
as these must "conduct their affairs with an awareness that they are the stewards of the
air, water, land, and living resources" (617.1 (b)) of the communities under their
jurisdictions. We believe that the scope of the environmental review should be as broad
as possible under SEQR.
Cross Sound wishes to dismiss its proposed project as the installation of a simple
parking lot, but it is the Planning Board's responsibility to consider the potential impact
that expanded facilities will have on the fragile environment of the Orient Point area. (In
a letter dated September 16, 1996, the NFEC has already submitted a list of specific
concerns with regard to the environmental impact of this proposed project.) It is clear
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that the ferry terminal has the potential to eventually become a major transportation hub
and the Planning Board is required to take this possibility into account when making its
determination. According to SEQR, the Planning Board has "an obligation to protect the
environment for the use and enjoyments of this and allfuture generations" (617.1 (b)). It
also states that a "suitable balance of social, economic and environmental factors"
(617.l(d)) must be incorporated into the decision-making process and that "the lead
agency must consider reasonably related long-term, short-term, direct, indirect and
cumulative impacts" (6 1 7.7(c)(2)) (emphasis added).
In assessing the likely consequences of a proposed action, the Planning Board
must consider the following, as enumerated in 617. 7( c )(3):
(i) its setting (e.g. urban or rural): The unique nlral setting of the Orient
Point area is considered to be bot.'1 aestheticaliy valuable to the surrounding community
as well as historically important to the nation.
(ii) its probability of oecurrence: There is no doubt that the proposed
action will increase the intensity of use at the project site which is located in a Critical
Environmental Area. Such intensity of use must be carefully studied.
(Iii) its duration: The proposed project will result in a permanent
alteration of the site in question. The project also has great potential to result in
increased ferry use, and therefore, increased local traffic (which we believe has already
occurred with prior expansions). These consequences will be ongoing.
(iv) its irreversibility: Establishing the Orient Point Ferry terminal as a
major exit point off of Long Island for almost three million residents will be permanent
and irreversible.
(v) its geographic scope: The Planning Board must consider the potential
for increased ferry use not only by Long Islanders, but also by residents in the entire
.Connecticut and New England area.
(vi) its magnitude: The Planning Board is reasonably concerned that the
proposed action may have impacts of great magnitude with regard to traffic, pollution
and damage to a Critical Environmental Area; this concern renders the DEIS even more'
critical.
(vii) the number of people affected: Residents of Orient Point will be
most immediately affected by the proposed expansion of ferry facilities. Residents of the
towns of both Southold and Riverhead, totaling almost 50,000, also will be significantly
affected.
Despite Cross Sound's repeated assertions in its petition that the proposed action
is only a request for a parking lot, the Planning Board is legally justified in its concern
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that such action may have wider implications for the community. By attempting to
narrow the scope of the environmental review process, Cross Sound is striving to
segment its project by seeking piecemeal approvals for various parking facilities,
including approval for a parking lot granted in 1995 without an environmental review.
The Positive Declaration issued on the proposed project fully complies with the
requirements and intent of SEQR. The Planning Board has fulfilled its responsibility as
lead agency in this matter and should not be deterred from-proceeding in its appropriate
course of action.
Very truly yours,
{~Mt4 &~
Charles Cetas
Acting President
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September 13, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr., Chairman
Southold Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We write on behalf of Southold Citizens for Safe
Roads, Inc. ("SCSR") at your invitation to provide the
Planning Board with SCSR's opinions on this issue of public
importance. The following represents SCSR's response to the
draft Long Environmental Assessment Form ("LEAF") and the
draft SEQR positive Declaration on the Cross Sound Ferry
(II CSF") "terminal site plan prepared by Charles Voorhis &
Associates. We appreciate the Planning Board's adherence to
NYS open government laws, which mandate the release of these
documents for public comment five days in advance of the
hearing. We also welcome the opportunity to express our
opinions.
While we feel that in general the draft LEAF and
SEQR Positive Declaration reach a valid conclusionand raise
many of the relevant issues, SCSR would like the final
documents to address all of the relevant issues, to be
complete and to give full weight to local community concerns
for environmental, safety and quality of life issues.
Toward that end, it is our opinion that the LEAF should be
amended to fully and accurately describe what we believe are
additional relevant facts. Further, the SEQR Declaration
should identify long-term as well as short-term impacts of
the proposed development and should consider likely
cumulative effects of additional development and activities
at Orient Point. For example, the SEQR Declaration should
consider the pattern of progressive development by CSF at
Orient Point and take into account the potential
environmental impact that could result if that pattern
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continues into the future. We believe that a full analysis
of the impact at Orient Point additionally requires the
completion of the supplemental Visual Assessment Form (VAF)
(referenced in Part 2, item 11 of the Long EAF entitled
Project Impacts And Their Magnitude), and the Coastal
Assessment Form (CAF) , which is mandatory where, as here,
the comprehensive site for review exists in a coastal flood
plain or Critical Environmental Area (CEA). SCSR expects
the Planning Board to ensure that a properly completed VAF
and CAF are made available for public comment in the near
future.
Parts I, II and III of our comments represent our
opinions with respect to Parts I, II and III of the LEAF.
Part IV provides our opinion regarding the draft SEQR
Positive Declaration. ~/
PART I-PROJECT INFORMATION
The Description of Action should contain a
reference to underwater lands at the site as well as to what
we believe has been a recent addition of a dock bridge and
rebuilding of the dock to accommodate and to implement the
high-speed passenger-only ferry service. More importantly,
the project information should include reference to the
ongoing intensification of use at the ferry terminal
resulting from the introduction of the high-speed service.
Further, in keeping with the requirement that environmental
assessments look to the total impact of an overall plan and
not incremental pieces, the project description would
benefit from some statement by the applicant regarding its
future growth plans. The project description should make
clear that any growth beyond that disclosed in the current
~/ We note that the instructions for completing the
"Project Impacts" portion of the LEAF indicate that "maybe"
answers should be considered as yes answers.
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application would require a further application to the
Planning Board and a further LEAF.
A. SITE DESCRIPTION
1. The vacant lot should be listed as zoned under an R-80
designation, with an existing snack bar on the eastern
parcel constituting a non-conforming use.
5. We believe that the response is inconsistent with CSF's
May 1984 EAF, prepared by En-Consultants, Inc., which states
that 5% of the proposed project site has slopes of 10-15%.
Given the proximity to protected waters and wetlands in a
critical environmental area, the slope issue may be relevant
to questions of runoff and aquifer pollution.
6. The response should be amended to "yes". The project
is substantially contiguous to what has been referred as the
Kings Highway.
7. The response should be amended to "yes". The project
is substantially contiguous to and part of the Long Beach
ecosystem, which has been designated a National Natural
Landmark.
9. We believe that the response should contain an addendum
reflecting the conclusions of the Suffolk County Water
Authority ("SCWA"). As set forth in the attached letter,
dated September 4, 1996, the SCWA has concluded that:
"The Orient Point and Orient areas are the most
fragile groundwater conditions on Long Island because
the land masses are relatively flat with complete
underlayment of salt water. . .
"Groundwater samples throughout the eastern end of
Southold Town have indicated high concentrations of
nitrates and residual pesticides and herbicides. Any
sustained pumping of water in these areas will upcone
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salt and result in permanent chloride contamination of
the aquifer.
"These unfavorable groundwater conditions have
influenced the SCWA policy of not seeking any well
field locations in the Orient areas. . [I] t is
important that development be severely restricted to
prevent any further impairment of the fragile aquifer.
"Any intensification of land uses will be
detrimental to groundwater conditions. In fact, every
effort should be made to maximize open-space
acquisitions and adopt strict zoning codes that will
prevent any increase in activities at Orient that will
impact groundwater conditions. Local government should
upzone to very large lot zoning and reduce vehicular
traffic that will add to groundwater pollution in the
form of hydrocarbon runoff, formation of phthalates and
combustion pollutants."
10. The response should be amended to "yes". The path of
the ferry is over the Plum Gut, a listed CEA with major
regional importance to commercial and recreational
fishermen.
11. The response should be amended to "yes". As set forth
in the attached September 6, 1996 letter of Dr. Eric Lamont,
a botanist who has conducted botanical studies on Long
Island for twenty years:
"Plans by Cross Sound Ferry Co. to increase the parking
facilities at the Orient Point terminal may result in
the destruction of a globally rare plant population.
Seabeach Knotweed (polygonurn glaucurn), is known to
occur from sandy beaches at nearby Orient State Park,
and suitable habitat for this rare plant also occurs in
the vicinity of the ferry terminal. In addition,
seventeen other rare plant species have been recently
(1991) documented from Orient Beach State Park; some
may occur near or at the proposed development site."
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We here attach a copy of the 1991 scientific article "The
Vascular Flora of Orient Beach State Park, Long Island, New
York", referenced in Dr. Lamont's letter. NFEC biologists
are currently working on a report which will further detail
local flora or fauna which may be threatened by CSF's
proposed action.
Further, the 1991 Draft Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program of the Town of Southold ("DLWRP")
states that Orient Point is the home to a rare ecosystem and
identifies Long Bay Beach, Orient Harbor, and Plum Gut as
areas designated by the NYSDOS as significant fish and
coastal wildlife habitats, hosting a variety of species that
are considered "threatened" or of "special concern" such as
the Osprey, the Piping Plover, the Diamondback Terrapin,
the Eastern Hognose Snake and the Northern Harrier. In
addition, the coastal areas to the Town of Southold--
including the site at issue-- are in the Atlantic Flyway and
provide "valuable breeding and over-wintering areas for
shorebirds, waterfowl, wading birds, raptors and perching
birds." DLWRP at 2-70. As we understand it, the proposal
at issue would remove approximately 2.5 acres of open space
and replace it with a parking facility.
12. The response should be amended to "yes".
Wetlands map shows the presence of intertidal
the residential lot of CSF as of August 1995.
The Federal
wetlands on
13. The response should be amended to "yes". We believe
that the termination of Route 25 at the water's edge has
always been a visual scenic area and is one of the only open
places to view the Atlantic Ocean from the North Fork.
14. The response should be amended to "yes" for the reasons
stated in our comment to question 13.
16. The response should list, in addition to Gardiners Bay,
what we believe were previously interconnected Long Beach
Bay tidal wetlands.
-5-
.
.
19. The response should list,
Bay Estuary: (i) Orient Point;
Bay.
in addition to the Peconic
(ii) Plum Gut; and (iii) Long
B. PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1. (a) We believe that the acreage owned by CSF also
includes 4.1 underwater acres.
(b) The parenthetical statement of an "approved and
pre-existing parcel" should, in our view, state "approved
and nonconforming parcel".
3. The response should be amended to "no". We do not
understand how previously undeveloped open space that is
converted into a parking lot can be said to be "reclaimed".
6-7. The responses should be amended to reflect the fact
that, according to the NYS Department of Transportation,
this must be considered a multi-phase project in light of
the incremental steps of the Zoning Board of Appeals ("ZBA")
variance and the developing DOT plans.
11. The conceptual plan indicates that the existing snack
bar will be removed then re-sited in the existing house on
the western parcel. In our opinion that would constitute an
intensification of use that will limit public access to the
beach at the end of Route 25.
16. The response should be amended to "yes". We believe
the increased use of the passenger-only ferry may well
increase the volume of solid waste generated at the CSF
site.
19. The response may need to amended to "yes" in light of
the projected increase of diesel and automotive exhaust that
may be associated with the increased use of the passenger-
only ferry.
-6-
.
.
20. The response should be amended to
PA system of the Cross Sound Ferry may
acceptable ambient noise levels.
"yes". The current
already exceed
22. CSF's May 1984 EAF states that the pumping capacity of
the CSF wells is 15.6 gal/min.
23. CSF's May 1984 EAF indicated anticipated water usage of
2250 gallons in 1984 with a peak capacity of 22,500 day.
25. We believe that approvals are required from the DOS,
FEMA, and ACOE because the project impacts federally
protected wetlands and underwater areas.
C. ZONING AND PLANNING INFORMATION
1. The project may additionally require approval for any
present non-conforming use of the snack bar lot.
6. The response should be amended to "no". The master
plan, the CEA listing, and Southolds' draft Local Waterfront
Revitalization Program all appear to support the proposition
that development and new nonconforming uses at Orient Point
should be severely restricted.
8. The response should be amended to "no". In our
opinion, the proposed project is incompatible with the
residential and preservation land zoning in effect within a
quarter-mile radius.
10. The response in our view should be amended to "yes".
As noted above, the Suffolk County Water Authority has
concluded that
"Any sustained pumping of water in these areas will
upcone salt and result in permanent chloride
contamination of the aquifer. . . . Since the cost of
[a public water supply] system would be extraordinary
due to existing high nitrates and other contaminants
and the narrow band of fresh water constantly
-7-
.
.
threatened with salt upconing, the SCWA believes it
would be best not to provide a public water supply at
this time. But, to support this policy, it is
important that development be severely restricted to
prevent any further impairment of the fragile aquifer."
SCSR submits that the proposed project may result in
substantially increased pumping of fresh water and may
ultimately require the installation of an "extraordinarily"
expensive public water supply. If that were to occur, the
project may require the authorization of water districts.
11. The response should in our view be amended to "yes",
because the increased volume of traffic and passengers that
may result from the project could require increased fire and
police protection.
12. Although question 12 has been left unanswered, it is
our opinion that the response should be "yes" to reflect the
generation of significant new traffic by passengers
utilizing the high-speed passenger-only ferry.
PART II-PROJECT IMPACTS AND THEIR MAGNITUDE
IMPACT ON LAND
1. Although the LEAF identifies a potential large impact
from construction on slopes of 15% or greater, the LEAF
fails to identify whether or not the impact can be mitigated
by a project change. SCSR respectfully notes that the
slopes on the residential/ snack bar lot originally had
inclines greater than 15% but those inclines appear to have
been leveled.
IMPACT ON WATER
3. Although the LEAF identifies a potential large impact
from the construction on the peconic Estuary and Orient
Point, the LEAF fails to identify impact on the adjacent
-8-
.
.
protected CEA areas
to state whether or
project change.
of Plum Gut and Long Beach Bay and fails
not the impact can be mitigated by a
5. Although the LEAF identifies small to moderate impacts
on surface and groundwater quality from discharges,
stormwater/ construction permits, and possible sanitary
uses, the LEAF fails to identify the potential large impacts
from groundwater contamination that may result from the
following: (i) increased vehicular traffic contributing to
groundwater pollution in the form of additive emissions,
including hydrocarbon runoff, formation of phthalates and
combustion pollutants (as identified in the attached
September 4, 1996 letter of the SWSA); (ii) increased
pumpage of water to serve the increased number of
passengers, threatening to upcone salt and cause the
permanent chloride contamination of the aquifer (as
identified in the attached September 4, 1996 letter of the
SWSA); (iii) increasing parking of automobiles situated in
the 100 year floodplain, threatening a discharge of oil,
gasoline, and diesel fuel into the waterways in the event of
storms, hurricanes or other flooding.
IMPACT ON AIR
7. We believe that the identified increase in on-site and
off-site vehicle use, including increased passenger car,
bus, and ferryboat traffic, may have a potential large
impact on local and regional air quality.
IMPACT ON PLANTS AND ANIMALS
8-9. The response to both should be amended to "yes". As
set forth in our comments to the response to question 11 of
Part I, threatened species which may be affected by the
planned construction include the Seabeach Knotweed and the
Northern Harrier--an effect which is by definition a
Potential Large Impact. Moreover, the proposed action may
substantially interfere with the ecosystems at Orient Point,
Long Bay Beach, and Plum Gut, affecting other species that
-9-
.
.
are classified as "threatened" or of "special concern",
namely the Osprey, the Piping Plover, the Eastern Hognose
snake and Diamondback Terrapin. There may also be an impact
on the regionally important fishing, shellfish, and hatchery
areas adjacent to the ferry site.
SCSR respectfully brings to the attention of the
Planning Board the fact that the 1993 study of the Suffolk
County Planning Commission, conducted pursuant to County
legislation reviewing over 30 Long Island ferry studies,
confirmed a 1981 prediction that the Orient Point terminal
was of finite capacity and, due to its location in a fragile
CEA, the potential damage to the environment should preclude
any expansion at the CSF site.
IMPACT ON AESTHETIC RESOURCES
11. We believe that the visual impact of the size and
location of CSF's proposed parking lot and lighting systems
requires the completion of the supplemental Visual EAF
referenced in this section.
IMPACT ON HISTORIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
12. The response should be amended to "yes". Orient Point
has long been a historic destination for local tourists
separate and apart from any ferry activity. The DOT
administers a state land grant from 1897 that was created to
insure a separate wharf public use. This grant included a
still applicable covenant for a separate roadway named "Dock
Road". It exists on maps east of the historic Kings
Highway. Moreover, the state road of Route 25 has existed
in its entirety since postal route surveys were completed in
the 1790s. This is evidenced by the stone road marker
noting "New Suffolk-3D miles" located at the south-western
end of the Route 25 extension.
IMPACT ON OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION
-10-
.
.
13. The response should be amended to "yes". The end of
Route 25 has always been a visual scenic destination where
local residents and tourists visit. It is one of the only
places to see out to the Atlantic Ocean from the North Fork
and it also serves as a strolling and bathing beach
complemented by a refreshment stand. The neighboring CSF
expansion may interfere with or discourage this long-
established use. In addition, traffic congestion in general
threatens to discourage local tourism.
IMPACT ON TRANSPORTATION
14. (a) The response should be amended to identify a
Potential Large Impact from the alteration of present
patterns of movement of people. The end of Route 25 has
always been a scenic destination for tourists and scenic DOT
parking spaces have been in place from at least the 1940s.
CSF's expansions may alter this long-established local
tourism use.
(b) The response should be amended to identify a
Potential Large Impact from major traffic problems. CSF's
introduction of a high speed ferry service may increase the
amount of vehicular traffic along Route 25 to Orient Point.
A comprehensive and impartial town-wide traffic study is
urgently required to assess the full impact--both present
and future--of CSF's proposed expansion. We believe that
such a study must coincide with and inform the SEQR process.
(c) The LEAF does not specify the nature of the
Potential Large Impact identified in 14.
NOISE AND ODOR IMPACTS
16. This section should also reference any planned P.A.
systems at the ferry terminal.
IMPACT ON PUBLIC HEALTH
-11-
.
.
17. The response should be amended to "yes". The increase
in the number of cars that may be stationed on the flood
plain will increase the risk of oil, gas, and other chemical
leakage into the groundwater. The risk is especially high
in the case of hurricane, flooding or other inclement
weather conditions. In addition, the intensity of vehicular
traffic may threaten public safety by increasing the risk of
accidents, including accidents with pedestrians or cyclists.
IMPACT ON GROWTH AND CHARACTER OF COMMUNITY OR
NEIGHBORHOOD
18. The LEAF identifies a Potential Large Impact from a
change in density of land use but fails to identify whether
the impact can be mitigated by a project change. SCSR
respectfully submits that the impact lies not merely in
increased density of use but also obstruction of public
access to the beach areas and scenic vistas lying at the end
of Route 25--one of the few areas in the North Forth
permitting an open view of the Atlantic Ocean and one
regularly used by the local community as well as seasonal
tourists.
PART III -- EVALUATION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPACTS
SCSR respectfully notes that the LEAF lacks the
required evaluation of impacts for each of the potentially
large impacts identified in Part II. As the LEAF is in this
respect fundamentally inadequate, SCSR reserves its right to
publicly comment on Part III until the draft LEAF contains a
full and complete evaluation of the importance of impacts as
mandated by law.
-12-
, .
.
.
PART IV -- DRAFT SEOR
The SEQR Positive Declaration should in our
opinion reference the following specific reasons supporting
the Positive Declaration in addition to those identified in
the draft:
(i) The proposed action may threaten the contamination
or depletion of the fragile Orient Point acquifer, the
only source of potable water for the community.
(ii) The proposed action may require the cre~tion of
an expensive public water supply and may necessitate
the creation of new water districts.
(iii) The proposed action may significantly increase
non-point source pollution of surface and groundwaters.
(iv) The proposed action may adversely affect
threatened or rare species in the fragile, tidal-
wetlands ecosystem, including the Seabeach Knotweed,
Osprey, the Piping Plover, the Diamondback Terrapin,
the Eastern Hognose Snake and the Northern Harrier.
(v) The proposed action may adversely impact fisheries,
shellfish, and hatcheries in the marine environment at
or adjacent to Orient Point site or the adjacent
waters.
(vi) The proposed action may impair the environmental
characteristics of the Plum Gut and Long Bay CEAs.
(vii) The proposed action may result in the loss of
public parking and beach access at the end of Route 25,
rendering historically scenic views of the Atlantic
Ocean inaccessible.
(viii) The proposed action may severely limit or
preclude future public access to the New York DOT
landlease options.
-13-
'. . -
.
.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Southold Citizens For
Safe Roads, Inc.
-14-
;~-
.
.
\?PE.'.LS BOARD 'vlE'vlBERS
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Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold. New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-1823
Telephone (516) 765-1809
Ce'Clfd P. Goehringer. Chairman
Serge Doyen
James Dinizio, Jr.
Robert A. Villa
Lydia A. Tortora
BOARD OF APPEALS
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
September 9. 1996
Thomas F. Whelan, Esq.
Esseks, Hefter &. Angel
108 East Main Street
Riverhead. NY 11901
Re: Applications to ZBA - Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
Dear Mr. Whelan:
This is sent just as an update since the last communications in
.June.
On August 5, 1996 we received the coordination letter from the
Planning Board, and additional maps which were made available to start
the lead-agency coordination, and the SEQRA process will continue. We
are requesting that the maps delineate:
a) (.,ach accessory parking space provided upon the ferry terminal
lot. i1S well as a line drawn to show those parking spaces outside the 200
feet walking distance of the ferry terminal (Section 100-191H, first
sentence); and
b)
laud area,
i'",rry doek
11)1)- 1 ~Jl II) .
each accessory parking space. the proposed ownership of this
and a line drawn at 200 ft. radius measured from the main
pareel (to the northeast and easterly parcels). {Sectioh
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
Linda Kowalski
cc: Planning Board
,
...
-,"
.
SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Michaal A. loGrande, Chalnn8J1lCEO
Matthaw B. Kondanar, Secretary
. Melvin M. Fritz, M.O., Member
James T.B. Tripp, Member
Eric J. Russo, Member
Administrative Offices: 4060 Sunrise Highway, Oakdele, NY 11769-0901
(516) 589-5200
Fax No.: (516) 563-0370
.
September 4, 1996
.
North Fork Environmental Council
12900 Route 25
Mattituck, New York 11952
Attention: Debra O'Kane
,Dear Ms. O'Kane,
. ,
In answer to your questions regarding groundwater conditions In Southold and
most particularly Orient and Orient Point, the Suffolk County Water Authority has
closely monitored groundwater quality in those areas for nearly twenty years. Our
observations have followed those of the Suffolk County Department of Health
Services whose monitoring program for the North Fork dates back to the fifties.
The Orient Point and Orient areas are the most fragile groundwater conditions
on Long Island because the land masses are relatively flat with complete
underlayment of saltwater. Very little clay barriers exist In these areas that could
serve as an aquifer protection from surface pollutants above or saline waters below.
As a result all surface pollutants can easily penetrate upper soil strata directly
impacting the freshw~ter aquifer: .. .. .
. . . Gtouhdwaler' sairipl~s .throughOUt ihe eastern end oj Southold Town have
indicated' high concentrations of. nitrates and.'residual pesticides and herbicides. Any
sustained pumping. of water In these areas will upcone salt and result in permanent
chloride contamination of the aquifer.
These unfavorable groundwater conditions have influenced the SCWA policy
of not seeking any well field locations In the Orient areas. Originally it was believed
that the best way to insure quality water 10r the families at Orient would be to
establish a public water supply that could monitor all pumpage and treat where
necessary. Since the cost of such a system would be extraordinary due to. existing
high nitrates and other contaminants and the narrow band of fresh water constantly
threatened with salt upconing, the SCWA believes it would be best not to provide a
public water supply at this time. But, to support this policy, it is important that
development be severely restricted to prevent any further impairment of the fragile
aquifer.
\
.
.....
.
.
North Fork Environmental Council
September 4, 1996
-2-
Any intensification of land uses will be detrimental to groundwater conditions.
In fact, every effort should be made to maximize open-space acquisitions and adopt
strict zoning codes that will prevent any increase in activities at Orient that will impact
groundwater conditionlf. Local government should upzone to very large lot zoning
and reduce vehicular traffic that will add to groundwater pollution in the form of
hydrocarbon runofftformation of phthalates and combustion pollutants.
I hope this letter answers your questions. Please do not hesitate to call for
further information.
.
T JH:MLG:dmm
.
.
.Eric Lamont, Ph.D.
Botanist
717 Sound Shore Road, Riverhead, N.Y. 11901
Tel: 5l6n22-5542
~
~
Jean W. Cochran, Supervisor
Town of Southold
P.O. Box 1179, 53095 Main Road
Southold, N.Y. 11971
5 September 1996
RE: Potential Negative Environmental Impacts and
the Proposed Development by Cross Sound Ferry Co.
Dear Supervisor Cochran:
Plans by Cross Sound Ferry Co. to increase the parking facilities at the Orient Point terminal may
result in the destruction of a globally rare plant population. Seabeach Knotweed (Polygonum
glaL/cL/m) is known to occur from sandy beaches at nearby Orient Beach State Park, and suitable
habitat for this rare plant also occurs in the vicinity of the ferry terminal. In addition, seventeen
other rare plant species have been recently documented from Orient Beach State Park; some may
occur near or at the proposed development site.
Enclosed is a copy of the scientific publication, "The Vascular Flora of Orient Beach State Park,
Long Island, New York," which I authored in 1991 with Dr. Richard Stalter from St. John's
University. Twenty years of botanical studies on Long Island induces me to state that the entire
eastern tip of the Orient Peninsula supports the greatest diversity of plant life in the Township of
Southold. Therefore, I urge you to declare the need for a full Environmental Impact
Statement before any development occurs anywhere near the vicinity of the Orient
Point ferry terminal.
If I may be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
c,~'~
Eric Lamont, Ph.D.
Enclosures
-. .
.
Bu.lletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 118(4), 1991, pp. 459-468
.
TORREYA
The vascular flora of Orient Beach State Park,
Long Island, New Yorkl
Eric E. Lamont
New York Botlllical Garden, Bronx. NY 10458-9980
Richard Stalter
Department of Biolocica1 Sciences,
SL John's Univenity, Jamaica, NY 11439
~
ABSTRACT
!.<MONT, E. E. (N. Y. Botlllical Garden, Bronx, NY 1045S) AND R. STAL1'ElI. (Dept. Bioi.
Sci., SL John's Univ., Jamaica. NY 11439). The vascular ftora of Orient Beach Slate Park,
Long Island. New Yorlc. Bull. To=y BOL aub liS: 459-46S. 199 I.-The vascular ftora of
Orient Beach Slate Park. New York, is based exclusively on collections made by the authors
from April 1988 to October 1990. Altogether. 277 vascular plant species in 183 genera and 67
families are reported here. The largest families arc Poaccae (49 species) and Asteraceae (48
species). and the largest genera areAsler. Solidago. Polygonum. and Panicum. The park's CUrTcnt
flora is compared with a 1934 flora published by Latham. Natural plant communities of the
park arc described and disc:usscd. Eighteen plant species ha.vc been designated as rare In New
York Slate (aemanlS 19S9; MitdteU 1986).
Key words: flora. Orient Beach State Park, Long Island. New York. maritime vegetation.
Orient Beach State Park (OBSP), .Suffolk Co..
New York, is located on the north fork of Long
Islaod just southwest of Orient Point (Lat.
41 "OS'N, Long. n'16'W, U.S. Geol. Servo 1956).
The park consists ofa 6.4 Ian long, recurved spit
varying in width from about 550 m near the
park's center to less than SO m near the western
end. OBSP is bordered by Gardiner's Bay on the
south aod Little Bay, Long Beach Bay, aod Ori-
ent Harbor on the north.
The geological featureS of OBSP rellect effects
oflongshore sediment drift from ocean currenlS
originating to the east, aod the combined action
of wind aod water during severe storms aod hur-
ricanes. Land elevation averages less than I m
above sea level aod ranges from sea level to 3
m. The park has been completely submerged be-
neath salt water twice during the past 60 years.
The park exhibits a series of storm ridges com-
posed of coarse sands, pebbles, cobbles, aod oc-
I We acknowledge with gratitude the assistance of
Raymond Dobbins, for unresuictcd access to aBSP
and for providing triUlSportation to areas of clif5cu1t
aCCC$S; F10rence HortOn. for historical information;
Robert Meyer. for assistance in ideDtifyiDg &fU5CS; the
late Joseph Beitel. for sharing the loc:ation of Se/agi-
nella rupestrir. and Alisa AbateUi, for assistance in
preparing herbarium specimens.
Received for publication November 13. 1990, and
in revised fonn February 22, 1991.
casional1y shells. The ridges fonned where stann
waves piled up coarse materials well above nor-
mal high-tide level. Stann ridges arc almost nev-
er composed of sand, since finer sediments are
swept into deeper water by storm waves rather
than being built into ridges (Komar 1976). There
is a slight accumulation of surface humus on some
of the wooded ridges, Depressions containing salt
marshes and salt water ponds occur between
storm ridges. A number of storm washover lobes
extend from ridges into the salt marshes.
Orient Beach State Park was established in 1929
by the Long Island State Park aod Recreation
Commission. In 1934 Roy Latham published a
1I0ra of the new State park that included brief
descriptions of plant commwtities and an an~
notated checklist consisting of227 vascular plant
species. Latham (1934) described ao area rela-
lively undisturbed by hwnao influence, with only
8% of the 1I0ra consisting of non-native species.
Invasive alien pl=ts such as Phralfmiles aus-
tra/is and Taraxacum officina/e were not re-
ported from the parlc. Of particular interest, La-
tham note~ was a mature maritime red cedar
. forest that would later be classified as a rare plant
community in New York State (Reschke 1990).
Latham (1934) also noted that OBSP was near
the nonhern range limit of several southern plant
species (e.g., Fimbrislylis casranea and Silene
caroliniana Vat. pensylvanica)~ and the southern
459
.
460
.
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOl.. 118
range limit of several northern species (e.g., Lia
gusticum scethicum and Draba replans).
The park has been in the path of many severe
nonheasters and hurriCOUlCS, which have had
considerable impact upon the vegetation. Some
of the more memorable hurricanes were in 1938,
1944, 1954, 1968, and 1978.
Many upland vascular plant species reported
by Latham (1934) no longex occur at OBSP: Tilia
amen"cana. Carya glabra. Geranium macu/atum.
Circaea /utetiana ssp. canadensis. Solidago cae~
sia. Herac/eu.m lanatum. and Smilacina race-
mesa. Broda (1968) also noted the subsequent
disappearance of many lichen species reported
. by Latham from Orient Point. In a letter (29 May
1960) to Broda (see Broda 1968), Latham de-
scribed the effects of the great hurricanes of 1938
and 1944 on lichens at OBSP: "Salt water flooded
all of this beach which was exposed to gales and
rolling waves and the beach was swept as clean
as a new house fioor. In places the water was four
to six feet in depth and washed the bark lichens
from the low cedar trunks and wrenched the
branch-growing species away. All traces of Us-
Deas and Ramalinas disappeared in the storm. I
don't think these two species have appeared there
since. The Oadomas showed a fair comeback in
two years, but not in the abundance or large
growth of the old days. After the second hurri-
cane of 1944, the beach was again washed by
high flood tides and left [in] about the same con-
dition as in 1938."
The 1938 hurricane washed away the concrete
road leading to the park, temporarily making
OBSP an island. In 1939 the narrow eastern ap-
proach to the park, between Gardiner's Bay and
Little Bay, was elevated with "fill" and a new
road was constructed on the narrow neck. Many
natural landscape features of the park's eastern
neck had been totally obliterated or altered. After
the 1968 storm, gabions liIIed with rocks were
placed on the shore along the park entrance road,
and Pinus thunbergii was planted to stabilize soil.
Since 1986,P. thunbergii at OBSP has been dying
in large numbers (see Daughtrey and Kowalsick
1988).
During the 1950's and 1960's, park visitation
increased and construction began on new picnic
grounds, concession stands, bathhouses, play-
grounds, and maintenance buildings. All devel-
opment was restriCted to the park's eastem balf
(Orient Beach), while the park's western half
(Lcng Beach) remained natural and relatively un-
disturbed by human induence. Roads were never
constructed along Long Beach, and several areas
were designated as bird sanctuaries. Pu bije access
to the park's west end was restricted and in some
cases prohibited. In 1980 the United States De-
partment of Interior designated Long Beach a
"National Natural Landmark," concluding that:
"this site possesses exceptional value as an il-
lustration of the n~tion's natural heritage and
contributes to a better understanding of man's
environment" (Secretary of the Interior 1980).
Since the flora of OBSP had not been system-
atic:111y studied in almost 60 years, the authors
initiated the present study. The objectives of the
study were to obtain a current record of the veg-
etation of OBSP, and to compare the current
flora with the 1934 flora reported by Latham.
Methods. Orient Beach State Park was sam-
pled at least twice a month from April 1988
through October 1990 for a total of about 46
field days. Herbarium voucher specimens of each
taxon were prepared and deposited at OBPL;
some specimens are also kept on duplicate file
at NY.
The species checklist of OBSP (Appendix I)
contains an inventory of the vascular plants that
reproduce spontaneously and persist for more
than one year without cultivation. including na-
tive taxa, naturalized and adventive weeds, and
escapes from cultivation. Vascular plants col-
lected at OBSP by the current authors but not
reported by Latham (1934) are designated in the
checklist by an addition sign (+). Species re-
ported by Latham (1934) but not collected by
the current authors are designated in the checklist
by an exclamation point (!). All non-native spe.
cies are designated by an asterisk (0). Species
collected by both the current authors and Latham
(1934) are preceded by no symbol, unless they
are not native. The checklist is divided into four
categories: Pteridophyta, Pinophyta, Magno-
liophyta: Magnoliopsida, and Magnoliophyta:
Liliopsida. Nomenclature follows that of Mitch-
ell (1986) and the concept offamilies follows that
of Cronquist (1981).
Results. The current vascular dora of OBSP
consists of67 families, 183 genera, and 277 spe-
ciesofwhich 156 (56%) are native (Table I). New
reGards for the park number 141 species; 104
(74%) of these are non-native. Panicum leuco-
thrtc is a Slate record for New York (see Mitchell
1986). The Poaceae, with 31 genera and 49 spe-
cies, and the Astera.ccae, with 29 genera and 48
species, are the largest families. Together they
comprise 33% of all genera and 35% of all spe-
.
1991]
.
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
461
Table 1. Statistical summary and comparison of the 1990 and 1934 vascular tIora of Orient Beach Slate
Park, Lons Island, New Yark. I
PteridophyteS Conilcn Oicots MonocolS Tow
1990 (1934) 1990 (1934) 1990 (1934) 1990 (1934) 1990 {I 934)
Families 2(4) 2 (2) S3 (49) 10 (8) 67 (63)
Genera 3(4) 2 (2) 133 (116) 4S (36) 183 (IS8)
Species 3 (4) 3 (2) 203 (16S) 68 (S6) 277 (227)
Native: species 3 (4) 2 (2) 112 (ISO) 39 (S3) I S6 (209)
Introduced species ~ 0(0) 1(0) 91 (16) 29 (3) 121 (19)
I Native and intrOduced taxa that reproduce spontaneously.
cies. Other large families are Rosaceae (9 gen.,
19 spp.), Caryopb.yllaceae (10 gen., 14 spp.), Fa-
baceae (9 gen., 13 spp.),.Chenopodiaceae (6 gen.,
12 spp.), Brassicaceae (10 gen., II spp.), and Po-
Iygonaceae (3 gen., 10 spp.). The largest genera
are: Aster. Solidago. Polygonum (eacb. with 7
spp.), Panicum (6 spp.), Rubus, Trifolium. and
Plantago (eacb. with S spp.). When tile fiora is
analyzed by babitat (see Rescb.ke 1990), it is not-
ed that 17 species are present in the beach com.
munity, 56 occur in the swale community, 23
occur in the salt marsh community, 62 occur in
the maritime forest community, while the great
majority, 145, occur in various disturbed nabi.
tats such as roadsides. parking .lots, and near
buildings. A statistical summary of tile compo-
sition of tile vascular fiora of OBSP is presented
in Table l.
Latham (1934) reponed an additional 89 spe-
cies from OBSP not collected by the authors. The
total number of species reponed from OBSP by
all investigators, past and prescnt, is 366 species.
A comparison of numbers of species from OBSP
collected by Latham (1934) and tile current au-
tIlors is presented in Table 1.
Species ricb.ness of tile fiora of Orient Beacb.
(OBSP~t) is compared with that of Long Beach
(OBSP-west) in Table 2. The species/area quo-
tient was calculated to indicate species ricb.ness
to area. The Orient Beacb. portion of OBSP is
richer in species than the Long Beach. portion, a
direct result of tile increased number of intro-
duced. non-native species into the park's east
end, due to increased visitor use. Forty seven
percent of the Orient Beach Bora consists ofoon-
native species, while 19% afthe Long Beach fiora
consists of non-natives.
Discussion.. The vegetation of Orient Beach
State Park can be classified into three general
plant communities: maritime beach and swale,
maritime forest, and coastal salt marsh. The con-
cept of plant communities is based upon Reschke
(1990).
MARmME BEACH AND SWALE COMMUNITY.
Drift lines and areas of occasional overwasb. are
sparsely vegetated by annual plant species, most
notably Cakile edencula. Salsola !<ali. Chamae.
syce polygomfolia, Atriplex patula. A. arenaria.
and Polygonum g/aucum. Characteristic peren-
nials include Honkenya peploides ssp. robusta
and Solidago sempervirens.
The upper beach, located above tb.e normal
bigb.-tide level, is vegetated by Ammophila bre-
viligulata. Artemisia sul/edana. Lathyrus japan.
icus var. glaber. Solidago sempervirens. and Car-
ex si/icea. Primary dune systems do not occur at
OBSP. Instead, beaches usually have a storm ridge
on their shoreward limits where stonn waves
b.ave piled up coarse material above tile normal
bigb.-tide level. The landward side of these ridges
is generally vegetated by Ammophila breviligu-
lata. Hudsonia tomentosa, Lechea maritima. Po-
Iygonella aniculara. Silene caroliniana var. pen-
sylvanica. Toxicodendron radicans. Rosa rugosa.
iW'yn'ca pensy/vanica. and Prunus maritima. Arc-
tostaphylos UYa~ursi. a common plant at Fire Is-
land National Seashore, N.Y. (Stalter et aI. 1986),
was not collected at OBSP, a1thougb. Latham
(1934) listed tile species as common tIlrougb.out
the park.
MA1uTIME FOREST COMMt.1NtTY. The forest at
OBSP consists of two types: maritime oak forest,
dominated by Quercus stellata and Q. velutina.
and maritime red cedar forest dominated by Ju-
niperus virgin/ana.
Table 2. Comparison of species richne$S between
eastern Orient Beach Slate Parle (Orient Beach) and
western Orient Beach State Park (Lens Beach).
Area (km')
Species richness
Spp.larea quotient
Native species
Introduced species
OriCllt Bcacb
(OBSP-east)
0.7
240
343
127
113
LoCI Beach
(OBSP-WCll)
0.9
146
162
118
28
. .
.
462
.
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. 118
The maritime oak forest occurs on the widest,
most stable portions of OBSP. usually about 2
m above sea level. Soils there are well-drained
and composed of line sand with a slight accu-
mulation of organic man.r. Th. tre.s are usually
stunted and fiat. topped because the canopies are
prun.d by salt spray, sand blow-up, cold wind,
and winter ice. The canopy of a mature stand
may b. only 5 to 7 m tall. the dominant tr..s
are Quercus stel/ata and Q. velutina. Other char-
acteristic trees include Prunus serotina. Pinus
rigrda. and sometimes Quercus mari/andica.
Vines such as Toxicodendron radicans and Smi.
lax rotundifolia dominate the understory.
The maritime red cedar forest at OBSP is con.
sidered rare in New Yark State, where fewer than
five occurrences of the plant community bave
been documented. It is uespecially vulnerable to
extirpation in N.w York Stat." (Reschke 1990).
Conard (1935) first docum.nted this plant com-
munity on Long Island at Asharok.n Beach,
Huntington. Greli.r (1977) brielly comment.d
on the community, concluding that: '.vegeta-
tional data are scarce and incomplete for this
typ.... Reschk. (1990) also stat.d that: "more
data on this community are needed. It In re..
sponse, the present authors are currently con-
ducting .cological studi.s of th. maritime red
c.dar forest at OBSP.
Th. maritime r.d c.dar forest at OBSP occurs
on a series of parallel storm ridges composed of
coars. sands, pebbles, and cobbl.s. There is very
little accumulation of surface humus. Between
stonn ridges are depressions containing salt
marshes. Juniperus virginiana is the dominant
tre. on the ridg.s, wl1.re it forms nearly pure
stands. Toxicodendron radicans is usually com-
mon in the understory. Shrubs are uncommon
in the understory; Myrica pensylvanica and Gay-
lussacia baccata are scattered throughout some
ridges. A characteristic groundlayer species is
Opuntia humifusa, wllich often forms large, dense
populations. Other groundIayer plants include
Ligusticum scolhicum. SeiaginelIa rupestris, and
M oehrinl{ia laterij/ora.
COASTAL SALT MAllsa COMMUNITY. The salt
marsh community at OBSP occurs along the
sh.lt.red north shore bordering Littl. Bay and
Long Beach Bay, and commonly extends into
depressions between storm ridges.. The vegeta-
tion of the low salt marsh is almost exclusively
a monospeciJic stand of Spartina altemij/ora. The
high salt marsh is dominat.d by Spartina patens,
Distichlis spicata, a dwarf form of Spartina aI-
lernijIora. and Juncus gerardi. Common species
of the upp.r slop. of the lligh marsh are Limo-
nium caro/inianum. Aster tenuifolius. and [va
frutescens. Salt paones occur in both low and
lligh salt marsh.s where the marsh is poorly
drain.d. Paones in the low marsh usually lack
vegetation, but pannes in the high marsh are usu-
ally vegetated by Salicornia europaea. S. virl{i-
nica, Sperguiaria marina. Pluchea odorala var.
succu1enta. and Triglochin maritimum. Plantago
maritima ssp.juncoides. listed by Latham (1934)
as very common at OBSP. was not observed dur..
ing the current investigation. A shrubland com-
munity dominated by lva frutescens and Bac-
charis halimifo/ia forms the ecotone between salt
marsh and upland vegetation.
RARE~. Ten native and eight non..na..
tiv. speci.s currently observed at OBSP are con-
sidered rare in New York Stat. (Clemants 1989;
Mitchell 1986). Panicum leucoth,ix. Quercus
marilandica. Silene caroliniana Vat. pensylvan.
iea, Atn"p/ex arenaria, Conyza canadensis var.
pusilla. and Plantago pusil/a are all south.rn spe-
cies at or near the nonhem limit of their range
at OBSP (Gleason and Cronquist 1963). All six
speci.. usually occur in dry, sandy or gravelly
soils. Ligusticum scothicum is a northern species
near the southern limit of its range at OBSP;
Polygonum tenue, P. g/aucum. and eiTS/Urn hor-
riduium are also rare native plants in New York.
The eight rare species not native at OBSP are:
A.ira praecox, Hassia hirsuta. Chenopodium des-
sicatum. C. hybridum, Chloris verticil/ata. Glau-
dum flavum, Leucamhemum nipponicum, and
Wisteria sinensis.
Latham (1934) reported an additionall3 rare
plant species from OBSP not observ.d by the
current investigators. Latham's (1934) 10 native
rare species are: Acalypha gracilens. Agalinis
maritima. Cara hormathodes. Cyperus poly-
sraihyos var. macrostachyus, Draba replans,
Fimbristy/i.s castanea. Oenothera oakesiana.
Onosmodium virgin/anum. Paspa/um setaceum
var. muhlenberg/I, and PotentilIa anserina ssp.
pacifica. The 3 non..native rare species are: Ce.
rastium semidecandrum, H %sreum umbel/a-
tum. and Mirabilis linearis.
SIDIlIDarY. The vegetation ofth. w.st.rn half
of Orient Beach Stat. Park (Long B.ach) remains
relatively pristine and very similar to the vege..
lOtion as described there by Latham (1934). Many
rare plants reported by Latham (1934) still per-
sist at OBSP-west. Only 19% of the OBSP-w.st
.
.
19911
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
463
tiara consists of non-native species. The vege-
tation of the eastern half of the park has under-
gone signilicant changes. Eigl1ty live native plant
species reported by Latham (1934) from OBSP
are now apparently extirpated from the park. One
hundred and four non-native species have been
introduced to the park since 1934, of wl1ich 23
species are grasses (Poaceae). Most of the alien
species are thus concentrated in the park's east..
em balf (Table 2).
The loss of many nati~e plant species and the
addition of new species, especially grasses, re-
fiectS the ever-changing environment of OBSP.
Human disturbance and natural forces, such as
salt spray and periodic fiooding during frequent
nonheasters and infrequent hurricanes, are re-
sponsible for tJie dynamic environment and dy-
namic tiara of the park.
Literature Cited
BRODO. 1. M. 1968. The lichcnsofLoagIsland. New
York: A vqctational and 8.oristic analysis. N.Y.S.
Mus. Bull. No. 410. Albany. NY.
e"""""",. S. E. (ed.j 1989. New York rare plant
statUS lUL N.Y. Natural Hetitale Pro&ram. N.Y.S.
Dcpt. Environ. Conservation, Latham. NY. 26 p.
COl'lARD.H.S. 1935. Theplantassociationsofccntral
Lonl Island. Amer. Midi. Natur. 16: 433-515.
CRONQU1ST. A. 1981. An integrated system of clas-
sification offtowcnng plants. Columbia Univ. Press,
NY. 1262 p.
DAUOHTJtEY', M. AND T. KoWALSJCK. 1988. The Jap-
anese black pinc- Wbat's happening? Home Hort.
Facts. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Rivcrhcad,
NY.4p.
GLEASON, H. A. AND A. CRONQUIST. 1963. Manual
ofvascu1arplants ofnonheastcm United StateS and
adjacent Canada. Willard Grant Press. Boston. 810
p.
GREl.LER. A. M. 1977. A classHication armature for-
es'" on Long Island, New York. Bull. TotTey Bot.
Oub 104: 376-382. .
KoMAR. P. O. 1976. Beach processes and scdimcn~
tation. Prentice-Hall Press. NJ. 429 p.
LATHAM. R. 1934. Flora of the state: park. Orient.
Long Island, N.Y. Bull. TotTey Bot. Oub 34: 139-
149.
MtTCHEl.L, R. S. 1986. A checklist of New York State
plan.... N.Y.S. Mus. Bull. No. 458. 272 p.
REscHKE. C. 1990. Ecological communities of New
York State. N.Y. Natural Hetitale Pro&ram. N. Y.S.
Dcpt. Environ. Conservation. Latham, NY. 96 p.
SEClt2TAAY OFTHEINTDJOR. 1980. National Natural
. Landmarks Program. Dept. of the Interior. Nati.
Park Service, Washington, DC.
STALTER. R.. E. LAMONT. AND J. Nop.THt1P. 1986.
Vegetation of rlI'e Island. New Yorlc. Bull Torrey
BOL Oub 113: 298-306.
U.s. GEOLOOICA.I. SURVEY. 1956. Orient, New York
Quadrangle (map).
Appendix
Checklist of the Vascular Flora of Orient Beach State Park, New York. Nomenclature follows
that of Mitchell (1986) and the concept of families and I1igl1er categories folloWs that of Cronquist
(1981). An asterisk (") indicates a non-native taxon, an addition sign (+) indicates a new record for
OBSP. and an exclamation point (!) indicates a taXon reponed by Latham (1934) but not observed
by the current authors. Taxa collected by both the current authors and Latham (1934) are preceded
by 110 symbol, unless they are not native.
PTERIDOPHYTA
Aspleniaceae
+ ..upleniumplaryneuron (1..) BSP.
! Polystichum oaOSlichoidc (Michx.) Schott
+ The/yplerls paJustris Schon
Cvatheaceae
. ! Pteridium aquilinum (L) Kuhn
Polypodiaceae
! Po/ypodium Yirginianum 1..
SeIa&ineIlaceae
S.Iaginella rvpestrU (1..) Spring
PINOPHYTA
Cupressaceae
Juniperus virginiana 1..
Pinaceae
PinlU rigida MUl.
+" P. thunbergii ParI.
MAGNOUOPHYTA-MAGNOUOPSIDA
Aceraceae
+- Acer pseudop/atanus L.
+ A. rubrum L.
Amaranthaceae
+- dl7l4lTJnlhus retrojlexus 1..
Anacardiaceae
RhIU copalllnum L.
R. glabra L.
Toxicodendron radicans (L) Kuntze
Aplaceae
+- Dazu:us carota L.
! Hera.cimm lanatum Michx.
.
464
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BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
(VOL. 118
Ligusricum scorhicum L.
! Sanicula mari/am/lea L.
Apocynaceae
+ Apocynum cannabinum L
Aquifoliaceae
+ flex opaclJ Ait.
! I. verticil/ala (L.) Gray
Araliaceae
! ~ralia nudicaulis L.
~
Asclepiadaceae
+ Asclepias incarnata L. var. pu/chra (Willd.)
PeTS.
A.. syriaca L.
! A. verticil/cua L.
Asteraceae
. Achillea mi/lejolium L.
A.mbrosia arremisiifolia L.
! Anrennana plantaginifolia (L.) Richards.
+.. Arctium minus (Hill) Bemb.
Artemisia campestris L ssp. cauda/a (Michx.)
Hall 8< Clem.
. A. steJleriana Besser
+* A. vulgaris L
+ Aster diwzricatus L.
! A. dumosus L.
A.. ericoides L
! A. linariifolius L.
! A. novj.belgii L.
A. patens Ail.
! A.. paternus Cronq.
+ A. pilosus Willd.
A. subulatus Mic:hx.
A. renuijolius L.
! A. umbel/arus Mill.
A. wuiulalus r...
BaccJuui.s ha/imifolia I-
i Bitkns discoitka (T. 8< G.) BritL
+. CentClurea macu/osa Lam.
+* Cichorium intybus L.
+* Cirsium arveNt (L.) Scop.
e. horridulum MiehL
+' C. vulgar. (San) Tenore
Conyrd canadensis (L.) Cro~q. Yar. canaden-
sis
+ C. canadensis (L.) Coaq. var. pusil/a (Nutt.)
Cronq.
+. Coreopsis laneeolala L
ErI!cillilcs himu:i[olia (1..) DC.
! Erigeron pulcltellus Michx.
E. Slrlgosus Willd.
Eutluunia gramini[olia (1..) Ous.
+' Galinsoga ciliala (Rat:) Blake
GnaphaJium obtusi[olium L
G. uJiginoswn L.
+. H eiiantJulS annuus L
! H. divarieatus L
! H. giganteus L.
+. Hieradum caespilosum Dumon.
! H. gronovii 1-
! H. venosum L
lva frureseens L. ssp. oraria (BanI.) Jackson
Kngia virginica (L.). WilId.
LActuca canadensis L.
+ * L. serriola L.
+* .Leucanthemum nipponicum MOl.."tim.
+* L vulgare Lam.
! Luuris seariosa (L.) Willd. Va!. novae-angiiae
Lunell
+. lJ'alriearia marricarioides (Less.) Porter
!* Onopordum acanlhium L
Pityopsis [alcala (P1=h) Small
Pluchea odorala (L.) C3s$. Vllr. sueculenla
(Fem.) Cronq.
! Prenanthes trl/oliolata (Cass.) Fern.
+* Senecio vulgaris L
Solidago bleolor L.
! S. caesia L.
S. canatknsis r... var. scabra (Muhl.) T. 8< G.
S. juncea A.it.
S. nemoralis Ait.
S. odora Ait.
S. rugosa Mill.
S. sempervlrens L.
+. Tara:w.cum officinale Wiggers
Xamhiumslrumarium L vat. canadense(Mill.)
T. 8< G.
Berberidaceae
+* Berberis lhunbergii DC.
Betulaceae
+ Betula populi/alia Marsh.
Boraginaceae
+* },,{yosotis striao R. & S.
! Onosmodium virginianu'!1 (L.) A. DC.
Brassicaceae
+' Arabidopsis thaliana (1..) Heynh.
Arabis glabra (1..) Bemh.
+' BariJarl!a ..,."" (Mill) Aschen.
+ * B. vulgaris R. Br.
+* Berteroa incana (L.) DC.
Cakil. nt.mula (BigeL) Hook.
+* Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.
Cardamine parviflora L Vat. arenieola {Britt.}
Schulz
! Draba reptans (Lam.) Fern.
* D. verno. L.
+ Lqidiwn virginicum L
+* Raphanur rapnanislrum L
Cactacelle
Gpumia humi[u:ra (Raf.) Raf.
Olesalpiniaceae
! Cassia chamaecrisla 1..
Campanulaceae
! Lobelia inflata L
Triodanis p'rfoliala (1..) Nieuwl.
.
19911
.
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
465
Caprifoliaceae
+. Lonicerajaponica Thunb.
+* L. latar;ca L
Sambucus canadensis L
! T,iosteum perfolimum L.
Caryophyllaceae
.. Arenaria serpyl/ifolla L.
+. Cerastiumfonuurum Bawns. ssp.ln'viaie(Unk)
J alas
!. C. semidecandrum L.
+* Dianthus armeria L
!. Ho/osteum umbel/alum L.
Honk4nya peploides (1..) Ehrh. ssp. robus,o
(Fern.) Hulten
lvloehringia laterijlora (L) Fenzl
+.. Sagina procumbens L.
+.. Scleranchus annuus L
Silent! antirrhina L
S. caroliniana Walt. var. pensylvanica (Michx.)
Fern.
+." S. tali/alia Poir.
Spergu(orio marina (1..) Griscb.
+. S. rubro (1..) Pre,I 8< Pres!
+* SteJ/aria graminea L
+* S. media (L.) VilL
Celastraceae
+.. CelaslfUS orbiculatus Thunb.
! C. scandens L.
Chenopodiaceae
+ A./rip/ex arenana NutL
A. paluJo L
+. Bassia hirnaa (L) Schwein.
+* Chenopodium album L
+. C. ambrosioides L
.. C. dessiCalum A. Nels
.. C. hybridllm L
Salicornia ~paea L.
S. 'lirginica L
Souolo lca/i 1..
SUlJeda /ineoris (E1I.) Moq.
S. maritima (L.) Dumort.
CIstaceae
Hudsonia tomenlosa Nutt.
Lechea rru:zritima BSP.
Clusiaceae
! Hypericum clllUldense L.
H. ge1l1ionoides (1..) BSP.
! H. muli/urn L.
+. H. peiforalum L
CORvolvulaceae
Calyst~gja sepiwn (L.) R. Sr.
Crassulaceae
+* Sedurn acre L.
Cuscutaceae
+ CusCUla granovii Schultz
Elaeagnaceae
+* Elaeagnus angustifolia L.
+* E. umbel/ala Thunb.
Ericac:eae
! A.rctostaphylos uva.ursi (L.) Spreng.
Gaylussacia baccara (Wang.) Koch
! Vaccinium pallidum AiL
Euphorbiaceae
! A.calypha graci/ens Gray
+ Chomaesyce ma::ulalo (1..) Small
C. polygonifolio (1..) Small
+* Euphorbia cyparissias L
Fabaceae
Larhyrw japonicus Willd. var. glaber ($cr.)
Fern.
Lespede=a capitora Michx.
+. i\tledicago /upulina L.
+*l"felUotus alba Lam.
+. Robinia pseudo.Qcacia L
Stropnoslyles helvola (L) Ell.
+. Trifolium arvense L.
+ '" T. campesrre Schrcb.
+. T. dubium Sibth.
+. T. pralense L-
+'" T. repens L
+. Vieio. yil/osa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corbo
+ '" Wisteria sinensis (Sims) Sweet
Fagaceae
+ Qu~rcus coccinea Muenchb.
+ Q. marl/ant//ea Muenchh.
Q. srellala Wang.
Q. velu'ina Lun.
Gentianaceae
! Sabalia sle/farir Plush
Geraniaceae
! Geranium macuJatum L.
G. robertianum L.
Juglandaceae
! Caryo glabro (Mill) Sweet
Lamiaceae
+- Lamium purpunum L.
! Lycopus virginicus L.
+. Nepela cataria L.
Teucrium canadense L.
Trichostema dicholomum L
Lauraceae
! S=o[ros aibidum (Nu'L) Nccs
Molluginaceae
+- Mo/fuga veniciOala L
.
466
.
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. 118
Monotropaceae
! Monolropa hypopithys L.
! JIJ. uniflora L.
Myricaceae
lvlyrica pensylvanica Loisel.
Nyctaginaceae
!. Mirabilis /inearis (Punh) Heim.
~
Oleaceae
+* Liguslrum vulgare L
Onagraceae
! Circaea lutetiana L. ssp. canadensis (L.) Asch-
ers. &. Maanus
OenatherD. biennis L
! O. fnaicosa L.
! O. oakesiana (Gray) S. Wats. &. Coult.
Orobanchaceae
+ Orobanche unif/ora L
Oxalidaceae
OXIJ./is stricta. L
Papaveraceae
.. Glaucium }lavum Crantz
Phytolacca.ceae
PhYla/aceD. anuricana. L
Plantaginaceae
+. Plantago arUlalt:J Michx.
+. P. lanaolata L
.. P. m4jor L.
! P. maritima L. ssp. juncoides (Lam.) HuJten
+ P. pusilJa Nutt..
+ P. rugelii Dene.
Plumbaginaceae
Limonium carolinianum (WalL) Britt.
Po!ygalaceae
! Polygala vntidllaztz L. var. ambigutl (Nutt.)
Wood
! P. verticil/ara L. VU. l1entcil/ala
Polygonacae
PolyroMOa anU:u/01a (1...) Meisn.
.. Polygonum artmastnun Boreau
+ P. glaucum Nutt.
P. pensylvanicwn L
+* P. persicaria L.
! P. ramoswimum Mic:hx. V&r. pro/ijicum Small
P. rarnosissimum Michx. var. ramosi:ssimum
P. sct:mtkns 1..
P. lenue Michx.
+. Ruma acelose/la L. ssp. angiocarpus (Murb.)
Murb.
+4 R. crupw L.
Ponulaacea.e
+* Portulaca o/eracea L.
Primulaceae
+* Anagal/u anensu L.
Lysimachia quadrifa/ia L
! Samaha valerand;; L. ssp. pan'iflarus (Raf.)
Hullen
! Trienlalis borealis Rat.
Pyrolaceae
Chimaphila =I01a (L.) Pursh
! C. umbel/ala (L.) Bart. ssp. cisallanlica (Blake)
Hulten
Ranunculac:eae
Aquilegia canadensis L.
! Tha/ictrum revalutum DC.
Rosacene
! Agrimania gryposepa/a Wallr.
A.me/anchier canadensis (L.) Medic.
Cr01ae/{llJ crus-gaill L.
* Fragari4 virginiana Mill.
GlUm canlUknsu Jacq.
* .Wa/us SY/lIestris (L.) Mill.
! PoulIli//a anserina L. ssp. padjU:a (Howeil)
Rousi
+* P. argenlea L
P. canadenJis L.
+* P. recla L.
Prunus marilima Marsh.
P. serotina Ehrh.
+ Rosa carolina L.
+* R. multiflora MWT.
. R. rugosa Thunb.
R. virginiana MilL
+ Rubus a/legMnlensls Bailey
R. flegel/oris Willd.
+ R. hispidus L.
+ * R. lacinialus Willd.
+* R. phaenico/asius Maxim.
Rubiaceae
+ Ga/ium aparine L
Salicaceae
+ Populus grandidentala Micbx.
+ P. tremu/oides Michx.
+ Sa/ix ducolor MuhL
Scrophulariaceae
! Aga/inl.s maritima (Raf.) Rat.
! A. purpurea (1...) Pennell
! Aurea/aria virginica (L.) Pennell
Linaria canadensis (1...) Dumon.
..' L. vulgaris MilI.
! Mllo.mpyrum liMaTt Desr.
! Pedicularis clVllU'UlUis L.
! Scrophu/aria lanceo/ala Pursh
+- Yerbascum b/aueria L.
+' V. lhap"" L.
+- Veronica arvensis L.
.
!991J
.
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
467
Simaroubaceae
+. Ailanthus alrissima (Mill.) Swingle
Solanaceae
.. So/anum dulcamara L.
.. S. nigrum L.
Tiliaceae
! TUia americana L
Ulmaceae
Celtis occidenla/is L
Verbenaceae
! Verbena urricifolia L
Violaceae
! Viola fimbrialula Sm.
Vitaceae
Panhenodssus quinqlU!folia (1..) DC.
+ Vilis aesliwzlis Michx.
ULIOPSIDA
Commelinaceae
+. Commelina communis.L. var. ludens (Miq.)
Pennell
Cyperaceae
Bu/bostylls capl/larts (1..) Oarke
! Carex horrruuiJodes Fern.
C. pensylvanica Lam.
e. silicea Olney
! C. swan" (Fern.) Macl<z.
Cyperus /iI/culmls Vahl
C. gray; TOrT.
! C. POIYSlachyos Ranb. var. macrostachyus
Boccld.
C. Slrigosus I..
! Eleocharis pOT'lU/a (R. '" S.) Buff. '" FUll-
! Flmbrlstylls caS/anea (Michx.) VahI
! Scirpus ameriaurus Pers.
! S. robustus Punh
J uncaceae
Juncus gerardii Loisel.
J. greenei Oakes &. Tuckenn.
J. lenuis WUld.
! Lumia multiflora (Hotfm.) Lej.
J uncaainaceae
Triglochin maritimum L
UIlaccae
+. Allium 'lineale L.
.. Asparagus offU;inaJis L.
+. HttmerocaJ/isfulva (L) L.
! Maianlhemum call4tkns~ Desf.
! Po/ygonatum commutatum (Schultes &.
SchulteS) Dietr.
! Smi/acina raClmosa (L) Desf.
S. stellala (1..) Dosr.
! Uvu/aria sessi/ifo/ia L.
PoaCe:le
+. A.gropyron r.'pens (L.) Beauv.
Agroslls hiemalls (Walt.) BSP.
+ A.. plrlnnans (Walt) Tuckenn.
! A. st%ni[era L Vat. pa/us/ris (Huds.) Farw.
+. ,-Ura caryophy//ea L
+. A. praeeQ.T L.
Ammophi/a breviligulata Fern.
+ Aristilia dicnotoma Michx.
+. Bromus hordeaceus L.
+- B. racemosus L
+. B. teetorum L
Cenchrus tribuloides L
+- Chloris l'enicillata Nun.
+.. Cynodon daaylon (L) Pers.
+- Dactylis glOmf'ralQ l.
Damhonia spicata (L.) R. &. S.
+ Deschampsiaj1e~",uosa (L.) Trin.
+. Digitaria ischaemum (Schweig.) Muhl.
+. D. sanguinaUs (Ll $cop.
Distich/is spicata (L) Greene
+. Edtinoch/oa crus-galli (L) Beauv.
Elymus virrilli~;;J L. Vo.r. halophilus (Bickn.)
Wieg.
+. Eragrostis ci/iallensis (AU.) Mosher
+ E. pectinacea (MichL) Nees
E. spectabi"s (Pursh) S'eud.
+- Festuca e/atior L
. F. rubra L.
! HierodJ/oe odOTala (L) Beauv.
+! La/ium pennM L.
Muhleni:Mrgia schrtberi OrneI.
Panicum acuminalUm Sw.
P. capi/lare L
+ P. cl4ndestinum L
t P. depauperalum MuhJ.
+ P. didwlomiflorum Michx.
! p, dichotomum L
+ p, /~lhri:t Nasb
! P. oligosanlhes Schultes Vat. saibnerianum
(Nash) Fern.
! P. ovaie L
! P. sphaerocarpon Ell.
P. virgatum L
! Paspalum saaceum Michx. var. mulrlenbergii
(Nash) Bonks
+ P. setaCl!Um Michx. var~ stramineum (Nash)
Bonks
+- Phragmites austra/is (Cav.) Stcud.
+. Poa annua L
+' P. bulbosa I..
+- P. compressa L
+- P. prar.ensis 1..
SchizDchyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash Vat.
Ii"arale (Nash) Gould
! Schizachyrium JCoparium (MicJ1x.) Nash Vat.
scoparium
+. Setaria faberi Rosen
. S. gltSJll:a (1..) Beauv.
SpartilUl. aiternijIora Loisel
S. palens (AiL) MuhL
! S. pectina.ta Link
.
468
.
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. 118
! SporoboJus asper (Mich.;t.) Kunth
+. S. cryptandrus (TOrT.) Gray
+ Tridens jlaVlU (L) Hiu:hc.
Triplasis purpur", (WalL) Chapm.
+,. Vu/pia myuros (L) Ome!.
! v: ocIojlora (WalL) Rydb. vv. glauca (NUlL)
Fern.
Ruppiaceae --
Ruppia maritima L
Smilaoceae
! Smilax herbacea L
S. rotundifo/ia L.
Typhaceae
+ Typha angustifolia L.
Zosteraceae
Zostera marina L. vat. slenophyl/a Aschers.
& GrabD.
.
.
NORTH FORK ENVIRON...ENTAL COUNCIL, INC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO BOX 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
~
~
~
September 16, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chaimlan
Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New Yark 1197 I
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We are writing to support the Southold Town Planning Board's intention to issue
a positive declaration on the site plan for proposed changes to the Cross Sound Ferry
property in Orient. As you know, the New York State Enviromnental Quality Review
requires the lead agency to issue a positive declaration if the action may include the
potential for at least one significant adverse environmental impact. With respect to Cross
Sound Ferry's proposed action, we wish to specifically address the criteria for
determining significance in accordance with New York State Environmental
Conservation Law, section 617. 7(c(i-x)):
\ \
(i) The proposed action may result in a substantial adverse change in ground and
surface water quality at Orient Point. The Suffolk County Water Authority has made a
strong recommendation that development in the Orient areas be severely restricted to
prevent impairment of its fragile aquifer which is already threatened by high nitrates and
\i\\\ \\\),'\)\\i\\l\. sew:\ hils ,k,h\\d \h, Orl,n\ \\ll\\\ ~\\,,\ Une\\\ ~\l'ea$ hl ha\e the \\ll)S\
.fragile groundwater conditions on Long Island due to its tlat land masses and complete
underlayment of saltwater. Any intensification ofland uses, such as the expansion ofthe
ferry terminal's parking facilities to accommodate more than 300 cars, is expected to be
detrimental to groundwater conditions. SCWA specifically recommends large lot zoning
to nrevent an\' increase in actjvitie~ at Orient as well a~ a reduction in vehicular traffic
'.:.::~.....: .1';'::.5:': :;,7C"';'.-'':-,;/Z:.=.- ;:(;..-~=~O:11f: the :0:rfi o{nyd{OG&.fu(;{J {u{Juff, i0fr{JCilluli (;/
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.
.
Increased ferry operations in the past ten years have already added to traffic and
noise levels along the entire North Fork. The impact that such intensification has had on
existing air quality must be closely examined. In addition, the Planning Board must
consider the potential for beach erosion which may result from increased ferry trips.
(ii) The North Fork lies entirely within the federally-designated Fish and Wildlife
Service's Northeast Estuary Project (see attachment A) which identifies numerous plant
and animal species as being of national or regional significance and management concern
on Long Island. Some examples include these endangered wildlife specimens: the
shortnose sturgeon, the leatherback turtle, the roseate tern, the bald eagle, the peregrine
falcon, the hwnpback and fin whales, the American burying beetle, the Northeastern
beach tiger beetle and sandplain gerardia plant. The maritime grasslands of Orient Point
are considered a Significant Coastal Habitat on Long Island. Obviously, the further
grading of the residentially-zoned parcel of land controlled by Cross Sound Ferry and the
increased vehicular and ferry traffic which would inevitably result from the proposed
expansion would alter the area's wildlife.
(iii) The residential lot controlled by Cross Sound Ferry (Suffolk County Tax Map
#3.5) lies within a Critical Environmental Area as designated by the County of Suffolk
(see attachment B). All parcels owned or controlled by Cross Sound Ferry are also part
of the Peconic Bay Estuary which is a Critical Environmental Area. The Cross Sound
Ferry terminal lies within the watershed area of the estuary (see attachment C) which
means that any of its polluting activities will affect the water quality of the bay system.
The 1994 Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) Action Plan called for local governments to
adopt land use regulations to minimize or avoid any new source of storm water runoff.
Southold Town has addressed this issue already with R-80 zoning on Orient Point. The
PEP Action Plan also predicted that careless exploitation of the Peconic Estuary system
would lead to increasingly irreversible degradation of a once-pristine ecosystem.
An expanded parking lot and increased vehicular traffic at Orient Point would
only add to stonnwater runoff which the PEP Action Plan deems to be the "largest and
most significant source of total and fecal coliform loading to the Peconic Bay." In
addition to the aforementioned storm water runoff, marine pollutants such as oil, gasoline,
marine paints and debris have severely deteriorated marine life in the Peconic Bay. It is
disturbing to note that when Cross Sound Ferry submitted a site plan application for
changes to the property in 1984, it answered "Yes" to question number nine on Part I of
the Environmental Assessment Form, "Do hunting or fishing opportunities presently exist
in the project area?" In 1996, the company's answer to question nwnber lOon the same
form, "Do hunting, fishing or shell fishing opportunities presently exist in the project
area?" was UNo. II
(iv) The proposed action represents a material conflict with Southold's current
plans or goals as officially approved or adopted, namely the R-80 zoning designation
given to the parcel of land. The PEP Action Plan specifically recommends that local
governments control commercial, industrial and institutional land uses so that the impact
-2-
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.
on groundwater with respect to nitrogen contribution is 'comparable to that of two-acre
residential zoning.
(v) Both the character and quality of the important historical, architectural and
aesthetic resource known as the Orient National Historic District are severely
compromised by the presence in its midst of the Cross Sound Ferry. Since 1984, the
company has transformed the site into a transportation hub of the New London
metropolitan area, without regard for regulatory and public scrutiny and with little
recognition of Orient's historic role. By virtue of its insular location, Orient's charm has
preserved 17th and 18th century architecture, ambiance and landscape features. For three
centuries prior to 1984, ferry service at Orient remained consonant in both size and style
with the scale of land uses in the surrounding area. Cross Sound Ferry's largely
unregulated departures from its 1984 site plan, its current need for inter-state parking and
its cosmopolitan and commercial pretensions for the future are glaringly discontinuous
with every aspect of the fabric of the Orient National Historic District.
The discovery of a double-child burial on Roy Latham's nearby farm (as published
in the New York State Archeological Association Bulletin, November 1962, pages 8ft)
offers presumptive evidence that the land which Cross Sound Ferry occupies and has
unadvisedly cleared holds significant pre-historic and archeological interest.
(vi) Increased parking will necessitate a major change in the quantity and type of
lighting utilized which will have negative visual impact on the surrounding area.
(vii) In the ten years since Cross Sound Ferry has built its terminal and expanded
its operations, traffic accidents in the Town of Southold have increased by 43 percent,
according to Southold Town Police reports. While there is no way to ascertain whether
or not these accidents can be attributed specifically to ferry traffic, it is safe to assume
that traffic safety has become a problem and a hazard to human health which can only be
exacerbated by more vehicular trips to and from the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at Orient
Point.
(viii) The Cross Sound Ferry has already substantially changed the use of the
Orient site as a recreational resource. Route 25, which formerly served as access to the
beach by Orient residents for recreation and other uses in addition to the ferry is now
monopolized by the ferry use alone.
We oppose other changes in use which would result from the completion of the
proposed site plan. With reference to section 617.7(iv), we reiterate that changing an R-
80 zoned parcel to a parking lot represents a substantial change of use and intensity of
use. Similarly, we underline our argument regarding section 617. 7(iii): the R-80 parcel
will in no way have the capacity to support its existing state as a Critical Environmental
Area if it is used as an inter-state parking facility.
We also seriously question Cross Sound Ferry's designation of its parking
facilities as a public utility use. It should be noted that the parking problems at the
Orient Point ferry terminal were created by this privately-owned company and should not
be alleviated by any benefits it may garner from its self-appointment as a public utility.
-3-
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.
(ix) Obviously, the services offered by Cross So~nd Ferry attract a large number
of people to Orient Point, particularly throughout the suITuner months. Cross Sound
Ferry calculates that each year it carries 900,000 passengers to and from Connecticut.
Although the company has argued that expanded parking facilities at Orient Point are
intended only for the convenience of existing customers, more parking will certainly
make it easier for this passenger load to increase. The proposed action may, therefore
attract to Orient Point a large number of people which might not otherwise come.
~
(x) The proposed action will most likely create a material demand for other
actions which would again result in one or more of the above-mentioned negative
impacts. Expansion of Cross Sound Ferry's facilities offers a convenient service for
many existing or proposed business interests in Connecticut. Foxwoods Casino, said to
be the largest casino in the United States, has resulted in cooperative ventures among the
casino, Cross Sound Ferry and the Long Island Railroad. Another casino, as well as a Six
Flags amusement park, have also been slated for Connecticut regions in close proximity
to the New London ferry terminal. Additionally, two Connecticut Indian tribes have
bought ship building capacity and plan the construction of high speed ferries. We can
only speculate on where these ferries are planned to be used. Economic expansion in the
New London area has already placed great pressure on the Orient Terminal and the East
End area. More high speed ferries will require more parking, possibly at remote areas,
and will result in diesel busses wearing away at Route 25 and smaller local roads.
Increased parking and traffic will undoubtedly require more police to enforce
traffic codes. Southold Town currently has a shortage of police officers, and
consequently, experiences difficulties issuing violations to offenders, particularly in the
Orient Point area. This problem will only intensifY with expanded ferry service.
(xi) Each of the ten preceding points represents a significant adverse impact on
the environment which may be reasonably expected to result from the proposed action.
Taken collectively, the potential for a detrimental environmental impact increases
dramatically.
(xii) In reviewing the site plan for the proposed action, we request that you also
consider all segmented improvements made to the Cross Sound Ferry property prior to
and including the 1984 site plan. The unfortunate approval of additional employee
parking facilities which preceded the advent of the high speed ferry last year should serve
as a reminder that Cross Sound Ferry has not been entirely forthcoming with Southold
Town regarding its expansion plans. Full disclosure of the company's intentions for
future growth should be expected.
In conclusion, the North Fork Environmental Council supports the Planning
Board's intention to issue a positive declaration on Cross Sound Ferry's site plan. The
NFEC also strongly opposes the granting of a use variance on the company-controlled R-
80 parcel of land. Massive traffic problems on the East End can be mitigated now with
adherence to current zoning. As an interested party, we ask that you amend Part II of the
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Long Environmental Assessment Form for the proposed 'action to include our numerous
concerns.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
John F. Wright
Acting President
4
enc.
cc Southold Town Supervisor Jean W. Cochran
Members, Southold Town Board
Gerald Goerhinger, Zoning Board of Appeals
County Legislator Michael Carraciolo
Assemblywoman Pat Acampora
Congressman Michael Forbes
Riverhead Town Supervisor James Stark
-5-
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includes all the land within the darker
broken line. Polluting activities in the
watershed affect the water quality.
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To. South old Town Planning Board
Since 1992, the Southold Town Trustees has administered the Coastal Hazard Zone,
and it continues to be within our jurisdiction. At Orient Point, in the area of the site plan
for Cross Sound Ferry, Trustees' jurisdiction also extends specifically from the
high-water mark to a distance of 75 feet inland.
A determination of a wetland line should be made in coordination with NYS Department
of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of State.
The Trustees respectfully request that the following concerns be addressed in the
course of the ongoing SEQRA process:
1. Coordination with NYS DEC, which has jurisdiction within 300 feet of the water and
coordination with FEMA, whose maps indicate floodplain dimensions and borders.
2 Coordination with NYS Department of State to assure their policies are followed.
3. Permitting history of the Cross Sound Ferry vis-a-vis dredging, placement of soils,
and what may be infill and accretion into wetlands areas.
4. Although the CFS owns 4.1 acres of underwater land, this land and its use should be
examined in any review of plans for intensification on the property in question; the
underwater land was omitted from the current siteplan being reviewed.
5. At the time that CSF applied for and was granted permission to develop the 69-car
parking lot, several permits and amendments were issued by NYS DEC to "maintain the
dock." In truth, the development at this time was much broader, including but not limited
to the construction of a bridge tower and replacement dock to enable passengers to get
on and off the high-speed ferry. The Trustees assert that a portion of the work done,
was done without an application to the Trustees, and that application has still not been
received. The construction of the high speed docking structures and the dredging
activities require both Town wetland and CEHA permits.
6. This is a Critical Environmental Area and as such proposed development must be
approved and conducted in accordance with stricter guidelines.
7.The Trustees are also concerned with the unanswered questions of the effect of the
proposed action on increased runoff and pollution from the Main Road into the storm
drains on the adjacent property of the Plum Island Animal Disease Research
Laboratory into Gardiners Bay.
8. The high-water mark has changed in this area, as evidenced by aerial photographs
from decades ago, and has changed as recently as this past winter with continued
accretion of beach land to the east of the ferry docks.
9. It appears from tax maps that there is a section of public land that sits in the middle
of CSF's project - will public access to this property be guaranteed?
We are eager to contribute to this process, and look forward to having our comments
included in the findings of the Town Planning Board. Please feel free to contact the
Trustees for any amplification. Thank. you.
Southold Town Trustees
'~p I 7
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. .
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Region II
Jacob K. Javits Federal Building
26 Federal Plaza, Room 1337
New York, New York 10278-0002
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ADS 9 1996
Mr. Bernard Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Planning Board
Town of Southold
Town Hall
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We received and reviewed the project proposal and the Environmental
Assessment for the Cross Sound Ferry Parking Lot.
This serves as a reminder. Since all or a portion of the project
is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) , the project
shall be constructed in compliance with the Local Flood Damage
Prevention Law for the Town of Southold. In addition, if there are
any federal funds' involved, the Lead Agency must complete a
floodplain review as required under Executive Order, 11988,
Floodplain Management.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please
call Bill Southard, Regional Floodplain Management Coordinator at
(516) 444-0405 or Mary Colvin of my staff at 9212) 225-7200.
Sincer~
7-< ..:~
ph . Picciano, Director
igation Division
cc: Fred Nuffer, NYSDEC
Bill Southard NYSDEC, R 1
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~ NEW YORK STATE ;
Bernadene Castro
Commissionsr
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New York State Office ot Parks. Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 1, Albany, New York 12238
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518-474-0456
Human Resources
518-474-0453
Fiscal Management
518-474-0061
TOO: 518-486-1899
August 30, 1996
Bennett Orlowski, Jr_
Acting Chairman, Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, N.Y. 11971
.!--'
......
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
Thank you for sending us a Lead Agency Coordination Request
for additional parking at the Cross Sound Ferry terminal. As
neighbors, we appreciate being advised of any projects which may
affect Orient Beach State Park.
Upon review of the information provided, it does not appear
that any of the parking alternatives are adjacent to, or would
affect, park land. Thus we would have no approval over the
action and would not be an involved agency under SEQR. We have
referred the information to the Field Services Bureau of the
agency's Division for Historic Preservation who could advise you
as to whether there may be cultural resources in the project
area.
As. the State recreation agency, we do wish to express
concern regarding the possible modification of the Route 25
right-of-way (ROW) for parking. As a bike route which also
links to a bike path in our park, we would ask that any use of
this ROW not obstruct bike access.
Again, thank you for notifying us. We remain an interested
agency with respect to the project and ask that we be provided
any notices or relevant documents as you progress through the
planning process.
~~.
M. Pamela Otis
Associate Environ. Analyst
Environmental Mngt. Bureau
cc: Ruth Pierpont, Director, Field Services
Ray Dobbins, Park Manager
Tom Lyons, Director, Environmental Management
An Equal OPPOrtunity/Affirmative Action Agency
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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Field Services Bureau
Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189
518-237 - 8643
Bernadette Castro
Commissioner
September 30, 1996
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman, Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
RE: SEQRA
Cross Sound Ferry Terminal
Parking Expansion
Southold, Suffolk County
96PR2125
Thank you for requesting the comments of the Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) concerning your project's potential
impact/effect upon historic and/or prehistoric cultural resources. The
documentation which you provided on your project has been reviewed by our
staff. Preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information are
noted on separate attachments accompanying this letter. A determination of
impact/effect will be provided only after ALL documentation requirements
noted on any attachments have been met. Any questions concerning our
preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information should be
directed to the appropriate staff person identified on each attachment.
In cases where a state agency is involved in this undertaking, it,is
appropriate for that agency to determine whether consultation should take
place with OPRHP under Section ~4.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation Law. In addition, if there is any federal agency
involvement, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations,
"Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties" 36 CFR 800 require that
agency to initiate consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) .
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Agency
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ARCHEOLOGY COMMENTS
96PR2125
Based on reported resources, your project area may contain an
archeological site. Therefore, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) recommends that a Stage 1 archeological survey is
warranted unless substantial ground disturbance can be documented.
A Stage 1 survey is designed to determine the presence or absence of
archeological sites or other cultural resources in the project'g area of
potential effect. The Stage 1 survey is divided into two progressive units
of study including a Stage lA sensitivity assessment and initial project
area field inspection, and a Stage IS subsurface testing program for the
project area. The OPRHP can provide standards for conducting cultural
resource investigations upon request. Cultural resource surveys and survey
reports that meet these standards will be accepted and approved by the
OPRHP.
The OPRHP does not conduct cultural resources surveys. A 36 CFR 61
qualified archeologist should be retained to conduct the Stage 1 survey.
Many archeological consulting firms advertise their availability in the
yellow pages. The services of qualified archeologists can also be obtained
by contacting local, regional, or statewide professional archeological
organizations. Stage 1 surveys can be expected to vary in cost per mile of
right-at-way or by the number of acres impacted. The OPRHP encourages you
to contact a number of consulting firms and compare examples of each firms's
work to obtain the best and most cost-effective product.
Documentation of ground disturbance should include a description of the
disturbance with confirming evidence. Confirmation can include current
photographs and/or older photographs of the project area which illustrate
the disturbance (approximately keyed to a project area map), past maps or
site plans that accurately record previous disturbances, or current soil
borings that verify past disruptions to the land. Please note that the
OPRHP does not consider agricultural practices to be ground disturbing.
Many archeological sites are located at depths below the plow zone and would
not be disturbed by plowing, tilling or other agricultural practices.
If you have any questions concerning archeology, please call
Cynthia Blakemore at (218) 237-8643 ext. 288.
G
United States
Department of
Agriculture
~9riCultural
Research
Service
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North Atlantic Area
Plum Island Animal
Disease Center
Fe:.
IC.i<
P.O. Box 848 \1'5
Greenport, New York
11944 - 0848
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August 8, 1996
Mr. Bennet Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Planning Board Office
Town of Southold
P. O. Box 1179
S~uthold, New York 11971
Reference: Lead Agency Coordination Request
Project Name: Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
This is in response to your letter dated July 31, 1996 where the Cross
Sound Ferry proposes to provide additional parking at their ferry
terminal.
1. Jurisdiction in the action described.
This Agency has no jurisdiction in the proposed action.
2. Interest in assuming the responsibilities of lead agency.
This Agency has no objection to your Agency assuming lead agency
status for the proposed action.
3. Issues of concern which we believe should be evaluated.
. The site lighting design should address the impact of local
residents and consider the impact on marine operations in the
area.
. The stormwater discharge poin~ from Property 10.1, just eas~
of our property, is in our property.
Please address all
attention. If you
323-2500 Extension
future correspondence regarding this matter to my
have any questions, please contact me at (516)
210.
Sincerely,
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Assistant Center Director for Management
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cc:
A. Torres, PIADC
J. Crew, NAA
Fax: (516) 323-2507. (FTS) 649-9295
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STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
ACBANY. NY 12231-0001
AL.EXANDER F. TREADWELL
SECRETARY 0" STATE
August 7, 1996
Mr. Robert G. Kassner
Town of Southold
Planning Board
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
AUG I 2._
Re: Lead Agency Coordination Request
Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Kassner:
Thank you for submitting the above mentioned Lead Agency Coordination Request to the
Department of State (DOS). Please note that the DOS is not interested in assuming Lead Agency
status but does not object to the Town of Southold Planning Board as Lead Agency.
If during the course of your review it is determined that a federal permit or federal funding is
required for any portion of the proposed project, please instruct the applicant to submit a Federal
Consistency Assessment Form (FCAF) and supporting information to the U.S. ACOEJNY and to the
DOS. Upon receipt, we will determine if the submitted information is adequate to commence a
formal review of the project.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call me at (518) 474-6000.
:;z;elY, .,
Walter . Meyer
Coastal Resources Specialist
Consistency Review Unit
Division of Coastal Resources
and Waterfront Revitali2ation
WFM/wfm
c. U.S. ACOEJNY - James Haggerty
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMWEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
December 4, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Re: Final Written Scope for DEIS for Proposed Site Plan of
Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
In accordance with 6 NYCRR Part 617.8(f) of the State Environmental Quality
Review Act (SEQR), we would like to request that our concerns regarding the
environmental setting of Orient Point and the Town of Southold be included in the final
written scope for the above-mentioned project. In preparing the scoping outline for the
Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for this proposed site plan, please bear in
mind that all parcels owned or controlled by Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. (Cross
Sound) lie within the watershed area of the Peconic Bay Estuary which is a Critical
Environmental Area. The parcel under review for a variance to allow a business use on
a residentially-zoned lot lies within a Critical Environmental Area separate and apart
from the Peconic Bay Estuary.
The following represents a list of potential adverse impacts which the proposed
site plan may have on the environment. Wherever possible, we have attempted to
identify existing sources of information which will aid in the thorough evaluation of each
impact. Where no such information is readily available, we have suggested that new
information be gathered which will specifically address the issues raised with this
particular site plan.
1. Reasonably related long-term and cumulative impacts. We ask that Cross
Sound provide full disclosure of its future plans for the Orient site in order to facilitate
the environmental review. SEQR specifically charges the lead agency with considering
any reasonably related long-term or cumulative impacts which the proposed action may
have on the environment. The lead agency must also take into account whether or not
a non. profit or9anlzatlon for the prQ{ervatlon of land. sea. air and quality of life
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the proposed action is part of a long-range plan which could result in further adverse
impacts on the environment. (See 6 NYCRR Part 617.7(cX2).) Due to the fact that the
ferry terminal at Orient Point has the potential to become a major transportation hub
connecting the New York metropolitan area with the economically expanding New
England region, we feel that such disclosure on the part of Cross Sound is critical.
An in-depth analysis of the past and present nature of Cross Sound's operation at
Orient Point will help to create a better understanding of its possible direction in the
future. A careful study of the high speed ferry service should be made. The DEIS should
provide a study of Cross Sound's expansion and growth since it initiated service at Orient
Point in 1975. The company's 1984 site plan application should be reviewed and
compared with present operations to determine what, if any, violations exist. Cross
Sound should offer a statement regarding its perceived role in the expanding Connecticut
economy. The DEIS should make projections as to how another casino and a Six Flags
Amusement Park in Connecticut may affect the demand for ferry service to and from
Long Island.
2. Material conflict with Southold's officially approved plans. Cross Sound's
request for a variance to use a residentially-zoned parcel ofland as a parking lot threatens
the balance of the existing zoning code in the Town of Southold. In fact, the entire
project hinges upon the granting of such a variance by Southold's Zoning Board of
Appeals. The 1994 Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) Action Plan specifically
recommends that local governments support two-acre (R-80) zoning and enforce strict
land use regulations to minimize development near the bays. We ask that the DEIS
contain an opinion from the Town of Southold as to whether or not the proposed project,
considered in conjunction with Cross Sound's potential for future growth, adheres to the
planning objectives of the town. Also, the Town should decide if the project is
compatible with the current R-80 zoning at Orient Point.
3. Damage to the Peconic Bay Estuary System. The ferry terminal lies within
the watershed area of the estuary which means that all of its polluting activities will
affect the water quality of the bay system. The PEP Action Plan repeatedly recommends
that local governments enforce strict land use regulations to minimize development near
the bays and to avoid any new source of stormwater runoff. These points should be made
clearly in the DEIS, along with an opinion as to exactly how much of an impact the
planned intensification of use at the proposed site will have on these environmentally
sensitive areas.
4. Impairment of ground and surface water quality at Orient Point. The
Suffolk County Water Authority specifically recommends restricted development and
reduction in vehicular in the Orient area in order to prevent impairment of its fragile
aquifer. SCW A possesses information regarding the effects on the environment of
groundwater pollution in the form of hydrocarbon runoff, formation ofphthalates and
combustion pollutants.
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5. Detrimental effects of marine pollutants. The 1994 PEP Action Plan also
addresses the problem of marine pollutants such a oil, gasoline, marine paints and debris
which have severely deteriorated marine life in the Peconic Bay. An investigation should
be perfonned as to the type and quantity of marine pollutants which Cross Sound
discharges into the bay system today and what discharge may be expected in the future.
If an area is to be designated in the site plan for power-washing of vessels, the projected
amount of debris to be released into the water should be noted.
6. Beach erosion. Increased frequency offerry trips to and from Orient Point may
significantly affect coastal erosion in a Critical Environmental area.
7. Damage to wildlife. The North Fork lies entirely within the federally-
designated Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast Estuary Project which identifies
numerous plant and animal species as being of national or regional significance and
management concern on Long Island. A proper inventory of wildlife specimens at Orient
Point should be obtained from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. We also ask
that Eric Lamont, President of the Long Island Botanical Society, be consulted for an
opinion as to how the proposed project may affect existing flora. The DEIS should
detennine what effect, if any, ferry activities have had on Orient Point wildlife since
1975.
8. Deteriorating effects of increased traffic levels. In addition to traffic studies
offered for inspection by Cross Sound, traffic counts from ten years ago and from the
summer of 1994 (the year prior to the inception of the high speed ferry at Orient) should
be analyzed as a point of comparison. Southold Town Police reports for the same period
of time should be analyzed in order to detennine whether or not traffic accidents have
increased in recent years, due to an increased traffic flow through the town.
9. Increased air and noise pollution. After a comprehensive evaluation has beeI'
made regarding the traffic levels at Orient Point and the potential for traffic to increase if
the proposed site plan is approved, the effects of air and noise pollution caused by an
intensification of use at the ferry site must be carefully considered. The DEIS should
include infonnation on ambient air quality at the project site since 1975. Also, a current
seasonal comparison of ambient air quality should be made. The United States
Environmental Protection Agency should be consulted regarding its new findings on the
effects on air quality of diesel fuel. Increased busing to the ferry site would result in a
higher concentration of diesel fuel and other air pollutants.
10. Compromising the historical, architectural and aesthetic nature of Orient
Point. The value of the Orient National Historic District should be considered in light of
any proposed business expansion at the ferry site. The New York State Office of Parks,
Recreation and Historic Preservation has indicated that the ferry property may contain an
archeological site and has recommended a Stage 1 archeological survey. The discovery
of a double-child burial on Roy Latham's nearby farm (as reported in The New York State
Archeological Association Bulletin, November 1962, pages 8ft) offers presumptive
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evidence that the land which Cross Sound occupies holds significant pre-historic and
archeological interest.
11. Negative visual impact. The current visual impact of the ferry site should be
described in detail. A reasonable prognosis should be offered as to the anticipated
change in such visual impact with the proposed addition of intensified lighting and an
expansive parking lot immediately adjacent to a state park and public beach access.
12. Restriction of public recreation. A study should be made of the public
access to Route 25, the state right-of-way and to the beach. This study should include
local public opinion as to how such access has changed, if at all, since before Cross
Sound's purchase of the company in 1975 and how it will be affected by the proposed
plan.
We strongly urge the Planning Board to include all of our concerns in its final
written scope for the proposed project. Out of an abundance of caution, we also have
enclosed all previous correspondence sent from NFEC to your office regarding this issue.
The Planning Board's draft scope may be read to exclude certain points which we feel
are critical to a proper State Environmental Quality Review; consequently, we are
formally resubmitting these documents in order to ensure that they are on the record.
Please notifY us if we can offer any assistance in gathering information for the DEIS.
This proposed site plan has serious implications for our quality of life on the
North Fork. It is critical that the project receive the most comprehensive and incisive
environmental review possible. .
V,ryrt:
Anne Lowry
President
enc.
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SUFFOLK COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY
Michael A. LoGrande, Chairman/CEO
Matthew B. Kondenar, Secretary
Melvin M. Fritz, M.D., Member
James T.e. Tripp, Member
Eric J. Russo. Member
Administrative Offices: 4060 Sunrise Highway, Oakdale, NY 11769-0901
(516) 589-5200
Fax No.: (516) 563-0370
September 4, 1996
North Fork Environmental Council
12900 Route 25
Mattituck, New York 11952
Attention: Debra O'Kane
Dear Ms. O'Kane,
In answer to your questions regarding groundwater conditions in Southold and
most particularly Orient and Orient Point, the Suffolk County Water Authority has
closely monitored groundwater quality in those areas for nearly twenty years. Our
observations have followed those of the Suffolk County Department of Health
Services whose monitoring program for the North Fork dates back to the fifties.
The Orient Point and Orient areas are the most fragile groundwater conditions
on Long Island because the land masses are relatively flat with complete
underlayment of saltwater. Very little clay barriers exist in these areas that could
serve as an aquifer protection from surface pollutants above or saline waters below.
As a result all surface pollutants can easily penetrate upper soil strata directly
impacting the freshwater aquifer.
Grou;1dwate.. sam pies throughout the eastern end of Southoid Town have
indicated high concentrations of nitrates and residual pesticides and herbicides. Any
sustained pumping of water in these areas will upcone salt and result in permanent
chloride contamination of the aquifer.
These unfavorable groundwater conditions have influenced the SCWA policy
of not seeking any well field locations in the Orient areas. Originally it was believed
that the best way to insure quality water for the families at Orient would be to
establish a public water supply that could monitor all pumpage and treat where
necessary. Since the cost of such a system would be extraordinary due to existing
high nitrates and other contaminants and the narrow band of fresh water constantly
threatened with salt upconing, the SCWA believes it would be best not to provide a
public water supply at this time. But, to support this policy, it is important that
development be severely restricted to prevent any further impairment of the fragile
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North Fork Environmental Council
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September 4, 1996
Any intensification of land uses will be detrimental to groundwater conditions.
In fact, every effort should be made to maximize open-space acquisitions and adopt
strict zoning codes that will prevent any increase in activities at Orient that will impact
groundwater conditions. Local government should upzone to very large lot zoning
and reduce vehicular traffic that will add to groundwater pollution in the form of
hydrocarbon runoff, formation of phthalates and combustion pollutants.
I hope this letter answers your questions. Please do not hesitate to call for
further information.
T JH:MLG:dmm
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o ins, Esq.
ounsel
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. Eric Lamont, Ph.D.
Botanist
717 Sound Shore Road, Riverhead, N.Y. 11901
Tel: 5l6n22-5542
Jean W. Cochran, Supervisor
Town of Southold
P.O. Box 1179, 53095 Main Road
Southold, N.Y. 11971
RE: Potential Negative Environmental Impacts and
the Proposed Development by Cross Sound Ferry Co.
5 September 1996
Dear Supervisor Cochran:
Plans by Cross Sound Ferry Co. to increase the parking facilities at the Orient Point terminal may
result in the destruction of a globally rare plant population. Seabeach Knotweed (Polygonum
glaucum) is known to occur from sandy beaches at nearby Orient Beach State Park, and suitable
habitat for this rare plant also occurs in the vicinity of the ferry terminal. In addition, seventeen
other rare plant species have been recently documented from Orient Beach State Park; some may
occur near or at the proposed development site.
Enclosed is a copy of the scientific publication, "The Vascular Flora of Orient Beach State Park,
Long Island, New York," which I authored in 1991 with Dr. Richard Stalter from St. John's
University. Twenty years of botanical studies on Long Island induces me to state that the entire
eastern tip of the Orient Peninsula supports the greatest diversity of plant life in the Township of
Southold. Therefore, I urge you to declare the need for a full Environmental Impact
Statement before any development occurs anywhere near the vicinity of the Orient
Point ferry terminal.
If I may be of further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
;:=u-
Eric Lamont, Ph.D.
Enclosures
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Bulldin a/the Torrey Botanicol Club 118(4), 199t, pp. 459-468
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TORREYA
The vascular flora of Orient Beach State Park,
Long Island, New York 1
Eric E. Lamont
New York Botanical'j;;arden, Bronx, NY 10458-9980
~ Richard Stalter
Department of Biological Sciences,
St. Joho's University, Jamaica, NY 11439
ABSTRACT
LAMONT, E.' E. (N. Y. Botaniea1 Garden, Bronx:, NY 10458) AND R. STALTER (DepL Bioi.
Sci., St. John's Univ., Jamaica, NY 11439). The vaseular 80ra of Orient Beach State Park,
Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey BoL Club 118: 459-468. 1991.-The vaseular 80ra of
Orient Beach State Park. New Yark. is based exclusively on collec:tions made by the authors
from April 1988 to October 1990. Altogether, 277 vascular plant species in 183 genera and 67
families are reponed here. The largest families are Poaecac (49 species) and Asteraceae (48
species). and the largest genera are Aster. Solidago. Polygonum. and Panicum. The park's current
flora is compared with a 1934 flora published by Latham. Natural plant communities of the
park are described and discussed. Eighteen plant species have been designated as rare in New
York Stale (Clemants 1989; MileheIl1986).
Key words: flora, Orient Beach State Park, Long Island, New York, maritime vegetation.
Orient Beach State Park (OBSP), 'Suffolk Co.,
New York, is located on the 'north fork of Long
Island just southwest of Orient Point (Lat.
41'OS'N, Long. nOl6'W, U.S. Gcol.Serv. 1956).
The park consists oCa 6.4 km long, recurved spit
varying in width from about 550 m near the
park's center to less than SO m near the western
end. OBSP is bordered by Gardiner's Bay on the
south and Linle Bay, Long Beach Bay, and Ori-
ent Harbor on the north.
The geological features ofOBSP reflect effects
oflongshore sediment drift from ocean currents
originating to. the east, and the combined action
of wind and water during severe storms and hur-
ricanes. Land elevation averages less than I m
above sea level and ranges from sea level to 3
m. The park has been completely submerged be-
neath salt water twice during the past 60 years.
The park exhibits a series of storm ridges com-
posed.ofcoarse sands, pebbles, cobbles, and QC-
I We acknowledge with gratitude the assistanc:e of
Raymond Dobbins, for unrestricted access to aBSP
and for providing transponatioD to areas of diflicult
ac:c:essj Florcnc:c Honon. for historical information;
Robert Meyer, for assistance in identifying grasses; the
late Joseph Beitel, for sharing the location of Selagia
lu!/Ia rupntris; and Alisa Abatel1i, for assistance in
preparing herbarium specimens.
Received for publication November 13, 1990, and
in revised form February 22, 1991. .
casionally shells. The ridges formed where storm
waves piled up coarse materials well above nor-
ma! high-tide level. Storm ridges are almost nev-
er composed of sand, since finer sediments are
swept into deeper water by stonn waves rather
than being built into ridges (Komar 1976). There
is a slight accumulation of surface humus on some
of the wooded ridges. Depressions containing salt
marshes and salt water ponds occur between
storm ridges. A number of storm washover lobes
e"tend from ridges into the salt marshes.
Orient Beach State Park was established in 1929
by the Long Island State Park and Recreation
Commission. In 1934 Roy Latham published a
flora of the new State park that included brief
descriptions of plant communities and an an-
notated checklist consisting of227 vascular plant
species. Latham (1934) described an area rela-
tively undisturbed by human inJIuencc, with only
8% of the flora consisting of non-native species.
Invasive alien plants such as Phragmites aus-
lra/is and Taraxacum offidna/e were not re-
ported from the park. Of pamcular interest. La-
tham noted, was a mature maritime red cedar
forest that would later be classified as a rare plant
community in New York State (Reschke 1990).
Latham (1934) also noted that OBSP was near
the northern range limit of several southern plant
species (e.g., Fimbri.stylis castanea and Silene
caroliniana var. pensylvanica), and the southern
459
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460
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. liB
range limit of several northern species (e.g., Li-
gusticum scothicum and Draba reptans).
The park has been in the path of many severe
northeasters and hurricanes, which have had
considerable impact upon the vegetation. Some
of the more memorable hurricanes were in 1938,
1944,1954,1968, and 1978.
Many upland vascular plant species reported
by Latham (1934) no longer OCCUO at OBSP: Tilia
americana. Carya glabra, Geranium maculatum.
Circaea lutetiana ssp. canadensis. Solidago cae-
sia. Heracleum lanatum,and Smilacina race.
mosa. Brodo (1968) also nOled. the subsequent
disappearance of many lic!>en species reported
by Latham from Orient Point. In a letter (29 May
1960) to Brodo (see Brodo 1968), Latham de-
scribed the effects of the great hurricanes of 1938
and 1944 on lichens at OBSP: "Salt water flooded
all of this beach which was exposed to gales and
rolling waves and the beach was swept as clean
as a new house floor. In places the water was four
to six feet in depth and washed the bark lichens
from the low cedar trunks and wrenched the
branch-growing species away. All traces of Us-
neas and Ramalinas disappeared in the storm. I
don't think these two species have appeared there
since. The Cladonias showed a fair comeback in
two years. but not in the abundance or large
growth of the old days. After the second hurri-
cane of 1944, the beach was again washed by
high flood tides and left [in] about the same con-
dition as in 1938,"
The 1938 hurricane washed away the concrete
road leading to the park, temporarily making
OBSP an island. In 1939 the narrow eastern ap-
proach to the park, between Gardiner's Bay and
Little Bay, was elevated with "fill" and a new
road was constnlcted on the narrow neck. Many
naturallandseape features of the park's eastern
neck had been totally obliterated or altered. After
the 1968 storm, gabions filled with rocks were
placed on the shore along the park entrance road,
and Pinus thunbergii was planted to stabilize soil.
Since 1986, P. thunbergii at OBSP has been dying
in large numbers (see DaughtreY and Kowalsick
1988).
During the 1950's and 1960's, park visitation
increased and construction began on new picnic
grounds, concession stands, bathhouses, play.
grounds, and maintenance buildings. All devel-
opment was restricted to the park's eastern half
(Orient Beach), while the park's western half
(Long Beach) remained narura1 and relatively un-
disturbed by human influence. Roads were never
constructed along Long Beach, and several areas
were designated as bird sanctuaries. Public access
to the park's west end was restricted and in some
cases prohibited. In 1980 the United States De-
partment of Interior designated Long Beach a
"National Natural Landmark," concluding that:
Uthis site possesses exceptional value as an il-
lustration of the nation's natural heritage and
contributes to a better understanding of man's
environment" (Secretary of the Interior 1980).
Since the flora of OBSP had not been system-
atically studied in almost 60 years, the authors
initiated the present study. The objectives of the
study 'Ycre to obtain a current record of the veg-
etation of OBSP, and to compare the current
flora with the 1934 flora reported by Latham.
Methods. Orient Beach State Park was sam-
pled at least twice a month from April 1988
through October 1990 for a total of about 46
field days. Herbarium voucher specimens of each
taXon were prepared and deposited at OBPL;
some specimens are also kept on duplicate file
at NY.
The species checklist of OBSP (Appendix 1)
contains an inventory of the vascular plants that
reproduce spontaneously and persist for morc
than one year without cultivation, including na-
tive taXa, naturalized and adventive weeds, and
escapes from cultivation. Vascular plants col.
lected at OBSP by the current authors but not
reported by Latham (1934) are designated in the
checklist by an addition sign (+). Species re-
ported by Latham (1934) but not collected by
the current authors are designated in the checklist
by an exclamation point (!). All non-native spe-
cies are designated by an asterisk (0). Species
collected by both the current authors and Latham
(1934) are preceded by no symbol, unless they
are not native. The checklist is divided inio four
categories: Pteridophyta, Pinophyta, Magno-
liophyta: Magnoliopsida, and Magnoliophyta:
Liliopsida. Nomenclature follows that of Mitch-
ell (1986) and the concept of families follows that
of Cronquist (1981).
Resnlts. The current vascular flora of OBSP
consists of67 families, 183 genera, and ~'J7 spe-
cies of which 156 (56%) are native (fable I). New
records for the park number 141 species; 104
(74%) of these are non-native. Panicum leuco-
thrix is a state record for New York (see Mitchell
1986). The Poaceae, with 3 I genera and 49 spe-
cies, and the Asteraceae, with 29 genera and 48
species, are the largest families. Together they
comprise 33% of all genera and 35% of all spe-
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1991\
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
461
Table 1. Statistiea1 summary and comparison of the 1990 and 1934 vascular flora of Orient Beach State
Park, Long Island, New Yark. I
Pteridophytes Conifers DicolS MonocolS Total
1990 (1934) 1990 (1934) 1990 (1934) '990 (1934) 1990 (1934)
Families 2 (4) 2(2) 53 (49) 10 (8) 67 (63)
Genera 3 (4) 2(2) 133 (116) 45 (36) 183 (158)
Species 3 (4) 3 (2) 203 (165) 68 (56) 277 (227)
Native species 3 (4) 2(2) 112(150) 39 (53) 156 (209)
Introduced species 40(0) 1(0) 91 (16) 29 (3) 121 (19)
1 Native and introduced taXa that reproduce spontaneously.
cies. Other large families are Rosaceae (9 gen.,
19 spp.), Caryophyllaceae (10 gen., 14 spp.), Fa-
baceae (9 gen., 13 spp.), Chenopodiaceae (6 gen.,
12 spp.), Brassicaceae (10 gen., II spp.), and Po-
Iygonaceae (3 gen., 10 spp.). The largest genera
are: Aster. Solidago. Polygonum (each with 7
spp.), Panicum (6 spp.), Rubus, Trifolium. and
Plantago (each with 5 spp.). When the 1I0ra is
analyzed by habitat (see Reschke 1990), it is not-
ed that l7 species are present in the beach com-
munity. 56 occur in the swale community, 23
occur in the salt marsh community, 62 occur in
the maritime forest community, while the great
majority, l45, occur in various disturbed habi-
tats such as roadsides,. parking lots,. and near
buildings. A statistical summary of the compo-
sition of the vascular flora of OBSP is presented
in Table I.
Latbam (1934) reported an additional 89 spe-
cies from OBSP not collected by the authors. The
total number of species reported from OBSP by
all investigators, past and present, is 366 species.
A comparison of numbers of species from OBSP
collected by Latham (l934) and the current au-
thors is presented in Table I.
Species richness of the 1I0ra of Orient Beach
(OBSP-east) is compared with tbat of Long Beach
(OBSP-west) in Table 2. The species/area quo-
tient was calculated to indicate species richness
to area. The Orient Beach portion of OBSP is
richer in species than the Long Beach portion, a
direct result of the increased number of intro-
duced, non-native species into the park9s east
end9 due to 'increased visitor use. Forty seven
percent of the Orient Beach flora consists of non..
native species, while 19% of the Long Beach flora
consists of non-natives.
Discussion. The vegetation of Orient Beach
Statc Park can be classified into three general
plant communities: maritime beach and swale,
maritime forest, and coastal salt marsb. The con-
cept of plant communities is based upon Reschke
(l990).
MARmME BEACH AND SWALE COMMUNITY.
Drift lines and areas of occasional overwash are
sparsely vegetated by annual plant species, most
notably Cakile edentula. Salsola kali. Chamae-
syce polygonifolia. Atriplex patula. A. arena ria.
and Polygonum glaucum. Characteristic peren-
nials include Honlanya peploides ssp. robusta
and Solidago sempervirens.
The upper beach, located above the normal
high-tide level, is vegetated by Ammophila bre-
viligulata. Artemisia stelleriana. Lathyrus japon-
icus var. glober. Solidago sempervirens, and Car-
ex silicea. Primary dune systems do not occur at
OBSP. Instead, beaches usually have a storm rid8e
on their shoreward limits where storm waves
have piled up coarse material above the normal
high-tide level. The landward side of these ridges
is generally vegetated by Ammophila breviligu-
lata. Hudsonia tomentosa. Lechea maritima. Po-
Iygonella articulata. Silene caroliniana var. pen-
sylvanica. Toxicodendron radicans. Rosa rugosa.
Myrica pensylvanic~ and Prunus maritima. Arc~
tostaphylos uva-ursi. a common plant at Fire Is-
land National Seashore, N.Y. (Stalter et al. 1986),
was not collected at OBSP, although Latham
(1934) listed the species as common throughout
the park.
MARmME FOREST COMMUNITY. The forest at
OBSP consists of two types: maritime oak forest,
dominated by Quercus stellata and Q; velutina.
and maritime red cedar forest dominated by Ju-
niperus virginiana.
Table 2. Comparison of species richness between
eastem Orient Beach State Park (Orient Beach) and
western Orieot Beach State Park (Long Beach).
Area (Jcm')
Species richness
SppJarea quotient
Native species
. Introduced species
Orieal Beach
(OBSP-easl)
0.7
240
343
l27
113
Lonl Beach
lOBSP-.....)
0.9
146
l62
118
2g
'If
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BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. 118
The maritime oak forest occurs on the widest,
most stable portions of OBSP, usually about 2
m above sea level. Soils there are well-drained
and composed of fine sand with a slight accu-
mulation of qrganic matter. The trees are usually
stunted and fiat-topped because the canopies are
pruned by salt spray, sand blow-up, cold wind,
and winter ice. The canopy..of a mature stand
may be only 5 to 7 m tall. The dominant trees
arc Quercus stel/ata and Q. velutina. Other char-
acteristic trees include' Prunus serotina. Pinus
rigida, and sometimes Quercus marilandica.
Vines such as Toxicodendron radicans and Smi-
lax rotundifolia dominate the understory.
The maritime red cedar forest at OBSP is con-
sidered rare in New York State, where fewer than
five occurrences of the plant community have
been documented. It is "especially vulnerable to
extirpation in New York State" (Reschke 1990).
Conard (1935) first documented this plant com-
munity on Long Island at Asharoken Beach,
Huntington. Greller (1977) briefly commented
on the community, concluding that: "vegeta-
tional data are scarce and incomplete for this
type." Reschke (1990) also stated that: "more
data on this community are needed." In re-
sponse, the present authors are currently con-
ducting ecological studies of the maritime red
cedar forest at OBSP.
The maritime red cedar forest at OBSP occurs
on a series of parallel storm ridges composed of
coarse sands, pebbles, and cobbles. There is very
little accumulation of surface humus. Between
stonn ridges are depressions containing salt
marshes. Juniperus virginiana is the dominant
tree on the ridges, where it forms nearly pure
stands. Toxicodendron radicans is usually com-
mon in the understory. Shrubs arc uncommon
in the understory; Myrica pensy/vanica and Gay-
lussacia baccata arc scattered throughout some
ridges. A characteristic groundlayer species is
Opumia humi[usa. which often forms large, dense
populations. Other groundlayer plants include
Ligusticum scothicum, Se/aginel/a rupestris. and
M oehringia laterijlora.
COASTAL SALT MARsH COMMUNITY. The salt
marsh community at OBSP occurs along the
sheltered north shore bordering Little Bay and
Long Beach Bay, and commonly extends into
. depressions between storm ridges. The vegeta-
tion of the low salt marsh is almost exclusively
a monospecific stand of Spartina alternijlora. The
high salt marsh is dominated by Spartina patens, .
Distich/is spicata. a dwarf form of Spartina a/-
ternijlora. and Juncus gerardi. Common species
of the upper slope of the high marsh arc Limo-
nium caroIinianum. Aster tenuifo/ius. and [va
frutescens. Salt pannes occur in both low and
high salt marshes where the marsh is poorly
drained. Pannes in the low marsh usually lack
vegetation, but paones in the high marsh are usu-
ally vegetated by Salicornia europaea, S. virgi-
nica. Spergu/aria marina. Pluchea odorata var.
succu/enta. and Triglochin maritimum. Plantago
maritima ssp.juncoides, listed by Latham (1934)
as very common at OBSP, was not observed dur-
ing the current investigation. A shrubland com-
munity dominated by Iva frutescens and Bac-
charis ha/imifolla forms the ecotone between salt
marsh and upland vegetation.
RARE PLANTs. Ten native and eight non-na-
tive species currently observed at OBSP arc con-
sidered rare in New York State (Clemants 1989;
Mitchell 1986). Panicum leucothrix. Quercus
marilandica. Silene caro/iniana var. pensylvan-
ica. Atrip/ex arenaria. Conyza canadensis Vat.
pusilla. and Plantago pusilla are all southern spe-
cies at or near the northern limit of their range
at OBSP (Gleason and Cronquist 1963). All six
species usually occur in dry, sandy or gravelly
soils. Ligusticum scolhicum is a northern species
near the southern limit of its range at OBSP;
Po/ygonum tenue, P. glaucum, and Clrsium hor-
ridu/um arc also rare native plants in New York.
The eight rare species not native at OBSP arc:
Aira praecox, Bassia hirsuta, Chenopodium des-
sicatum, C. hybridum, Chloris verticil/ata, Glau-
dum j/avum. LeucanJhemum nipponicum, and
Wisteria sinensis.
Latham (1934) reported an additional 13 rare
plant species from OBSP not observed by the
current investigators. Latham's (1934) 10 native
rare species arc: Acalypha graci/ens, Agalinis
maritima, Carex hormathodes, Cyperus poly-
stachyos var. macrostachyus, Draba reptans.
FimbristyIis castanea. Oenolhera oakesiana.
Onosmodium virginianum. Paspalum setaceum
var. muh/enbergii, and Potemilla anserina ssp.
pacifica. The 3 non-native rare species are: Ce-
rastium semidecandrum. H%steum umbel/a-
lum. and Mirabilis linearis.
SUIIUIIlIl")'. The vegetation of the western half
ofOrienl Beach State Park (Long Beach) remains
relatively pristine and very similar to the vege-
tation as described there by Latham (1934). Many
rare plants reported by Latham (1934) still per-
sist at OBSP-wcsl. Only 19% of the OBSP-west
"-~^-""I
"
1,/'! "
h
"
.
--r
.
1991)
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
463
flora consists of non-natiy~ species. The vege.
tation of the eastern half or the park has under-
gone significant changes. Eighty five native plant
species reported by Latham (1934) from OBSP
are now apparently extirpated from the park. One
hundred and four non-native species have been
introduced to the park since 1934, of which 23
species are grasses (poaceae). Most of the alien
species are tbus concentrateg. in the park's east.
ern half (Table 2).
The loss of many native plant species and the
addition of new species, especially grasses, re-
flects the ever-changing environment of OBSP.
Human disturbance and natural forces, such as
salt spray and periodic flooding during frequent
northeasters and infrequent hurricanes, are re..
sponsible for the dynamic environment and dy-
namic flora of the park.
Literature Cited
BRODO, I. M. 1968. The lichens of Long Island. New
York; A vegetational andftoristic analysis. N.Y.S.
Mus. Bull. No. 410, Albany, NY.
CLEMANTS, S. E. [ed.] 1989. New York rare plant
status list. N.Y. Natural Heritage Program, N.Y.S.
Dept. Environ. Conservation. Latham. NY. 26 p.
CONMD,H.S. 1935. Tbeplantassociationsofcentral
Long Island. Amer. MidI. Natur.'16: 433-515.
CRONQUlSI', A. 1981. An integrated system orelas-
sification of flowering plants. Columbia Univ. Press,
NY. 1262 p.
DAVOHTREY. M. AND T. KOWALSICK. 1988. The Jap-
anese black pine-What's happening? Home Hort.
Facts, Cornell Cooperative Extension. Riverhead,
NY.4p.
GLEASON, H. A. AND A. CRONQUIST. 1963. Manual
of vascular plants ofnonheastcm U oited States and
adjacent Canada. Willard Grant Press, Boston. 810
p.
GREU.ER. A. M. 1977. A classification of mature for-
ests on Long Island, New York. Bull. Torrey Bot.
Club 104: 376-382. '
KoMAk, P. D. 1976. Beach processes and sedimen-
tation. Prentice-Hall Press, NJ. 429 p.
LATHAM, R. 1934. Flora of the state park, Orient,
Long Island, N.Y. Bull. Torrey BOL Club 34: 139-
149.
MITCHELL,R.S. 1986. A checldist of New York State
plants. N.Y.S. Mus. Bull. No. 458. 272 p.
RESCHKE. C. 1990. Ecological communities of New
York State. N.Y. Natural Heritage Program, N.Y.S.
Dept. Environ. Conservation, Latham, NY. 96 p.
SECRETARY OF THE INTERJOR. 1980. National Natural
. Landmarks PrograIp. Dept. of the Interior, Natl.
Park Service, Washington, DC.
STALTER, R., E. LAMONT. AND J. NORTHUP. 1986.
Vegetation ofFue Island. New York. Bull Torrey
BOL Club 113: 29g...306.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. 1956. Orient, New York
Quadrangle (map).
Appendix
Checklist of the Vascular Flora of Orient Beach State Park, New York. Nomenclature follows
that of Mitchell (1986) and the concept of families and higher categories follows that of Cronquist
(1981). An asterisk (*) indicates a non-native taxon, an addition sign (+) indicates a new record for
OBSP, and an exclamation point (I) indicates a taxon reported by Latham (1934) but not observed
by the current authors. Taxa collected by both the current authors and Latham (1934) are preceded
by no symbol, unless they are not native.
PTERIDOPHYTA
Aspleniaceae
+ Asplenium platyneuron (L.) BSP.
! Polys/ichum acrostichoides (Michx.) SchOll
+ Thelyp/eTis palus/Tis SchOll
Cyatheaceae
! Pteridillm aquUinum (L.) Kuhn
polypodiaceae
! Polypodium virginianum L.
SeJagineJJaeeae
Selaginella rupes/Tis (L.) SpriDs
PlNOPHYTA
Cupressaceae
Juniperus virginiana L
Pinaceae
Pinus rigida Mill.
+* P. tltunbergii Pari.
MAGNOUOPHYTA-MAGNOUOPSIDA
Aceraceae
+. Acer pseudoplazanus L.
+ A. rubrum 1..
Amaranthaceae
+. Amaranthus retrojlexus L.
AnacardJaceae
Rhus copallinum 1..
R. glabra 1..
Toxicodendron radicaru (L.) Kun1%e
, Apiaceae
+. Daucus carota L.
I Hera&/eum /analum Michx.
7!
/
/;
/;
.
,
I
,..
.
464
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
(VOL. 118
Ligwticum scothicum L.
! Sanicula mari/andica L.
Apocynaceae
+ Apocynum cannabinum L
Aquifoliaceae
+ llex opaca AiL
! /. verticil/ala (L.) Gray
~
Araliaceae
! Aralia nudicaulis L.
Asclepiadateae
+ Asclepias incarnata L. var. pu/chra (Willd.)
Pers.
A. syriaca X-
! A. verticil/ala L.
Asteraceae
. Achillea mi/lefo/ium L.
Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.
! An/ennarla planlaginifolia (L.) Richards.
+. Arclium minus (Hill) Bernh.
Artemisia campesrris L. ssp. caudata (Mich".)
Hall 8< Oem. .
. A. stelleriana Besser
+* .4. vulgaris L.
+ Aster divaricatus L.
! A. dumosus L
A. ericoldes L.
! A. Iinariifolius L.
! A. novi-be/gii L
A. patens Nt.
! A. paternus Cronq.
+ A. pllosus Willd.
A. subulalus Michl<.
A. lenuifollus L.
! A. umbellatus Mill.
A. undulalus L.
Btucharis hallmifolla L.
! Bldens discoldea cr. 8< G.) Britt.
+* Centaurea 1tUJCUlosa Lam.
+* Cichorium intybus L
+* eiTSiurn arven.se (L.) Seop.
C. horridulum Michl<.
+" C. vulgare (Savi) Tenore
Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronq. var. canat/en.
sls
+ C. canadensis (L.) Con'l. var. pusl/la (NulL)
Cronq.
+* Coreofnis lanceo/ala L.
ErechJ.Ues hiertuifalla (1..) DC.
! Er/geron pulche/Ius Michl<.
E. slr/gasUS Willd.
EUlhamia graminifolla (1..) Cass.
+" Gallnsoga clllala (Raf.) Blake
Gnaphallum oblusifollum L.
G. uJiginosum L.
+* He/ianthus annuus L
! H. diwzricatus I-
t H. gigantf!US L.
+* Hieracium caespitosum Dumon.
t H. granoYii 1- .
! H. yenosum L.
lvafrutescens L. ssp. oraria (Bartl.) Jackson
Krigia virginica (L.) Wi1Id.
Lactuca canadensis 1-
+* L. serriola 1-
+* Leucanthemum nipponicum Maxim.
+* L. vulgare Lam.
! Liatris scariosa (L.) Willd. var. novae-angliae
LuneU
+* Matricaria matricarioides (Less.) Porter
!* Onopordum acanlhium L.
Pityopsls falcara (Pursh) Small
Pluchea odorala (L.) Cass. var. succulenla
(Fern.) Cron'l.
I Prenanthes trifo/iolata (Cass.) Fern.
+* Senecio vulgaris L.
Solidago bicolor I-
! S. eaesia L.
S. canadensis L. var. scobra (Moo!.) T. 8< G.
S. juncea Ail.
S. nemara/is Ait.
S. odora Ail.
S. rugosa Mill.
S. sempervirens L.
+*. Taraxacum o.fficinaJe Wiggers
Xanlhium strumarium L. var. canadense (Mill.)
T. 8< G.
Berberidaceae
+* Berberis lhunbergii DC.
Betulaceae
+ Betula popuiifolia Manh.
Boraginaceae
+. Myosotis stricta R. & S.
! Onosmodium virginianu'!' (L.) A. DC.
Brassicaceae
+" Arobldopsls lha/lana (1..) Heyqh.
Arobls glabra (1..) Bemh.
+" Barbarea verna (Mill.) Aschers.
+" B. vulgaris R. Br.
+" Berteroo Incana (1..) DC.
CaJdle eden/ula (Bisel.) Hook.
+" Capse//a bursa-pastaris (1..) Medic.
Cardamine parviflora 1.. var. arenico/a (Britt.)
Schulz
! Droba replans (Lam.) Fern.
. D. ve17UJ L.
+ Lepidium virginicum 1-
+- Raphanus raphanistrum 1..
Cactaceae
Opuntla humifusa (Raf.) Rat:
CaesaIpinlaceae
! Cassia chamaecrista 1..
CampannJaceae
! Lobelia illfhua L.
. Tr/odanIs perfoli4la (1..) Nieuwl.
----.-,-.-.'-
~<~
'1
.
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.
i
1991]
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
465
Caprifoliaceae
+ '" Lonicera japon;ca Thunb.
+. L. tatar;ca L.
Sambucus canadensis L.
! Triosteum perfoliatum L.
Caryophyllaceae
'" Arenar;a serpy//ifolia L
+'" Cerast;umfomanum Baumg. ssp. triviale(Link)
Jalas 4
!'" C. semidecandrum L.
+'" Dianthus armeria L.
J'" Holosteum umbel/atum L
Honke.ya peploides (L.) Ehrh. ssp. robusta
(Fern.) Holten
Moehringia lateriflora (L.) Fenzl
+'" Sagina procumbens L.
+'" Scleranthus annuus L.
Silene antirrhina L. .
S. caroliniana Walt. var. pensylvanica (Michx.)
Fern.
+'" S. lalifolia Pair.
Spergularia marina (L.) Griseb.
.+' S. rubra (L.) Presl & Pres!
+'" Stellaria graminea L.
+' S. media (L.) Vill.
Celastraceae
+ '" Celastrus orbicu/atus Thunb.
! C. scandens L.
Chenopodiaceae
+ Atrip/ex arenaria Nutt.
A.. palula L.
+'" Bassia hirsuta (L.) Schwein.
+'" Chenopodium album L.
+'" C. ambrosioides L.
'" C. dessiCalum A. Neb
. C. hybridum L.
Salicornia europaea L.
S. virginica L.
Sauola k41i L.
Suaeda /inearis (Ell) Moq.
S. maritima (L.) Dumon.
Clstaceae
Hudsonia tomemosa Nun.
Lechea maritima BSP.
Clusiaceae
! Hypericum canadense L.
. H. gentianoides (L.) BSP.
! H. mulllurn L.
+ '" H. perforalum L.
Convolvulaceae
Calystegja sepium (L) R. Sr.
Crassulaceae
+'" Set/urn acre L.
Cuscutaceae
+ Cuscuta groncwii Schultz
Elaeagnaceae
+ '" Elaeagnus angustifo/ia L.
+. E. umbellata Thunb.
Ericaceae
! Arctostaphy/os uva-ursi (L) Spreng.
Gaylussacia baccata (Wang.) Koch
! Vaccinium pa/lidum Ait.
Euphorbiaceae
! Acalypha graci/ens Gray
+ Chamaesyce maculala (L.) Small
C. polygonifolia (L.) Small
+* Euphorbia cyparissias L.
Fabaceae
Lathyrus japonicus Willd. var. g/aber (Ser.)
Fern.
Lespedeza capitata Michx.
+'" Medicago /upu/ina L.
+' Meli/otus alba Lam.
+* Robinia pseudo-acacia L.
Strophostyles helvola (L.) Ell.
+* Trifolium arvense L.
+* T. campestre Sc:hrcb.
+' T. dubium Sibth.
+'" T. pratense L
+. T. repens L
+'" Vicia vi/losa Roth ssp. varia (Host) Corbo
+* Wisteria sinensis (Sim!) Sweet
Fagaceae
+ Quercus coccinea Muenchh.
+ Q. marilandiea Muenchb:
Q. stellata Wang.
Q. velUlina Lam.
Gentlanaceae
! 'Sabatia stellaris Punh
Geraniaceae
! Geranium macuJalum L.
G. robertianum L.
JngJandaceae
! Carya glabra (Mill) Sweet
Lamiaceae
+. Lamium purpureum L.
! Lycopus virginicus L.
+" Nepeta cataria L
Teucrlum. canodense L
trichostemn dlchotomum L.
Laurac:eae
I Sassafras a/bidum (Nut!.) Noes
. Molluginaceae
+' Molluga verticillala L.
......~.....,...
'."
/
.
!
,
!
/1
;'
-- ,.~
.
466
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VoL,118
Monotropaceae
! Monotropa.hypopithys L.
! lV/. uniflora I-
Myricaceae
Myrica pensy/yanica Loisel.
Nyctaginaceae
'''' Mirabilis linearis (Pursh) Heim.
~
Oleaceae
+'" Ugustrum yu/gare L.
Onagraceae
, Cireaealutetiana L. ssp. canadensis (L.) Asch.
ers. & Magnus .
Oenolhera biennis L.
! O,frut/cosa L.
! 0, oakes/ana (Gray) S, WalS, & CoulL
Orobanchaceae
+ Orobanche unijIora L.
Oxalidaceae
Oxalis stricla I-
Papaveraceae
'" Glauciumflayum Crantz
Phytolaccaceae
Phyto/acea americana I-
Plantaginaceae
+'" P/anlago aristata Micbx.
+'" P. lanceo/ata I-
'" P. major I-
! P. maritima L ssp. juneoides (Lam.) Hulten
+ P. pusil/a Nutt.-
+ P. ruge/ii Dene.
Plumbaginaceae
Limonium earo/inianum \'Halt.) Britt.
polygalaceae
'Polyga/a verticil/ala I- var. ambigua (Nutt.)
Wood
! P. yerticillata I- var. yertici//ata
Polygonaceae
Polygonella art/culaJa (L.) Mei.n.
'" po/ygonum arenaslrum Bareau .
+ P. g/aucum Nutt.
P. pensylyanicum L
+* P. persicana L.
t P. ramosissimum Micbx. vat. proli)icum Small
P. ramoswimum Michx. var. ramosissimum
P. scandens L.
P. temur Micbx.
+'" Rumex acelose/la L. ssp. angiocarpus (Murb.)
Murb.
+'" R. erispus I-
portulacaceae
+* Portulaca oJeracea L
Primulaceae
+'" Anagallis anensis I-
Lys/mach/a quadrifolia L.
.! Sarno/us ya/erandii L. ssp. paniflorus (Raf.)
Hulten
, Trientalis borealis Rat:
Pyrolaceae
Chlmaphila maculata (L.) Pursh
! C. umbellata (L,) Bart. ssp. clsatlan/lca (Blake)
HullOn
Ranunculaceae
Aqui/egia canadensis L.
! Thaliclrum revolutum DC.
Rosaceae
! Agrimonia gryposepala Wallr.
Ame/anchier canadensis (L) Medic.
Crataegw crus-,alli L.
* Fragaria Yirginiana Mill.
Geum canadensis Jacq.
. Malus sylvestrls (L.) Mill.
! POlemi/la anserina L ssp. pacifiia (Howell)
Rousi
+ '" P. argentea I-
P. canadensis L.
+* P. recla I-
Prunus marilima Marsh.
P. serotina Ehrh.
+ Rosa carolina L
+'" R. multiflora Murr.
'" R. rugosa Thunb.
R. rirginiana Mill.
+ Rubus alleghenlensls Bailey
R. j/agellaris Willd.
+ R, hlspidus L.
+. R. lac/n/atus Willd.
+* R. phoenico/asius Maxim.
Rubiaceae
+ Galium aparine L
SalIcaceae
+ Populus grandidenlata Micbx.
+ P. tremuloides Michx.
+ SaJjx discolor Muhl.
Sc:rophularlaceae
I AgoJlnI.r maritima (Raf,) Raf,
I A. purpurea (L.) Pennell
I Aurl!Olaria y/rginica (L.) Pennell
Linaria canadensis (L.) Duman.
+. 1.. YUlgaris Mill.
! Melampyrum linear< Desr.
I PedlcuJarls canadensis L.
! Saophularla lanaolata Pursh
+. Verbascum blatteria L.
+. V. thapsus L.
+'" Veronica arvtnsis L.
,..~:<\t.",".'.,;'~'<~~" .
.----
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.
1991J
LAMONT AND STALTER: FLORA OF ORIENT BEACH STATE PARK
467
Simaroubaceae
+. Ailanthus altissima (Mil1.) Swingle
Solanaceae
. Solanum dulcamara L.
. S. nigrum L.
Tiliaceae
! TUia americana L. ....
Ulmaceae
Celtis occidenta/is L.
Verbenaceae
! Verbena urticifolia L
Violaceae
! Viola fimbrialula Sm.
Vitaceae
Parthenoc:issus quinquefolia (L.) DC.
+ Vitis aestivalis Michx.
LILlOPSIDA
Commelinaceae
+. Commelina communis L vat. ludens (Miq.)
Pennell
Cyperac:eae
Su/bosey/is copillaris (L.) Clarke
! Carex hormathodes Fern.
C. pen.sylvanica Lam.
e. si/icea Olney
! C. .swanll (Fern.) Mackz.
Cyperus filiculmis Vahl
C. grayi Torr.
! C. polystachyos Rottb.' vat. macrostachyus
Boeck!.
C. serigasus L.
! E/eocharis parvu/a (R. & S.) Bulf. & Fing.
! Fimbristy/is castanea (Mich..) Vahl
! Scirpus americanus Pcrs.
! S. robustus Pursh
J uncaceae
Juncus gerardil Loisel.
J. greenei Oakes & Tuckcrm.
J. tenuis Willd.
! Lum/a multij/ora (Holfm.) Lei.
Juncaginaceae
Triglochin maritimum L
Llliac:eae
+* Allium vineale L
* Asparagus officinalis L.
+* HemerocaJ/isfulWl (L.) L.
! Maianthemum canadense Desf.
! polygonatum commutatum (Schultes &.'
Schultes) Diet<.
! Smi/acina racemosa (L.) Desf.
S. slellata (L.) Desr.
! Uvularia sessi/ifolia L.
Poaceae
+* Agropyron repens (L) 8Cauv.
Agros/is hiema/is (Walt.) BSP.
+ A. perennans (Walt.) Tuckerm.
! A. stoloni/era L var. palustris (Huds.) Farw.
+* Aim caryophyl/ea L.
+* A. praecox L
Ammophi/a brevi/igulata Fern.
+ Aristida dichOloma Michx.
+* Bromus hordeaceus L.
+* B. racemosus L
+* B. teclorum L
Cenchrus lribuloides L.
+. Chloris verticil/ala Nun.
+* Cynodon daclylon eL.) Pers.
+* Dacty{is glomtrata L.
Danthonia spicata (L.) R. & S.
+ DeschampsiajIexuosa (L.) Trin.
+* Digilaria ischaemum (Schweig.) Muhl.
+. D. sanguinalis (L.) Seop.
Distich/is spicala (L.) Greene
+* Echinochloa crus.galli (L.) Beauv.
E/ymus virgf1Ti~~IJ L. V3r. Iralophilus (Bickn.)
Wieg.
+* Eragrostis cilial1ensis (All.) Mosher
+ E. pectinacea (Michx.) Nees
E. spec/abilis lPursh) Steud.
+* Festuca elalior L.
* F. rubra L.
! Hierochloe odorata (L.) Beauv.
+1 Lolium perenne L.
Muhlenbergia schreberi Grnel.
Panicum acuminalUm Sw.
P. capil/are L.
+ P. clandestinum L.
! P. depauperalum Muhl.
+ P. dichotomiflorum Michx.
! P. dichotomum L.
+ P. leucolhrix Nash
! P. oligosanthes Schultes vat. scribnerianum
(Nash) Fern.
! P. ovale L.
! P. sphaerocarpon Ell.
P. virgatum L.
! Paspalum setaceum Michx. var. muhlenbergii
(Nash) Banks
+ P. setaceum Michx. var. stramineum (Nash)
Banks
+* Phragmites australis (Cav.) Steud.
+* Poa annua L.
+* P. bulbosa L.
+* P. compressa L.
+* P. pratensis L.
Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash var.
littorale (Nash) Gould
! Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash vat.
scoparium .
+" Setariafaberi Rosen
* S. g/auca (L.) Bcauv.
Spanina alterniflora Loisel
S. palens (Ait.) Muhl.
I S. peet/nata Link
"'~'_;;W.H'.'.".~."
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L
.
.
46,
BULLETIN OF THE TORREY BOTANICAL CLUB
[VOL. 118
! SporoboJus cuper (Michx.) Kunlh
.. s. cryptandrus (Torr.) Gray
I-- Tridens jlavus (L.) Hitchc.
TripJasis purpurea (Walt.) Chapm.
+. VuJpia myuros (L.) Gmel.
! V. octojlora (Walt.) Rydb. var. glauca (Nutt.)
Fern.
Rllppiaceae -01
Ruppia maritima L.
Smilacaceae
! Smilax herbacea L.
S. rotundifoJia L.
Typbaceae
+ Typha angus/ifolia 1...
Zosteraceae
Zostera marina L. var. stenophylla Aschers.
& Gtabn.
,
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~ NEW YORK STATE ~
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("'S
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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Fieid Services Bureau
Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterlord, New York 12188-0189
518-237-8643
Bernadette Castro
Commissioner
September 30, 1996
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman, Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
RE: SEQRA
Cross Sound Ferry Terminal
Parking Expansion
Southold, Suffolk County
96PR2125
Thank you for requesting the comments of the Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) concerning your project's potential
impact/effect upon historic and/or prehistoric cultural resources. The
documentation which you provided on your project has been reviewed by our
staff. Preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information are
noted on separate attachments accompanying this letter. A determination of
impact/effect will be provided only after ALL documentation requirements
noted on any attachments have been met. Any questions concerning our
preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information should be
directed to the appropriate staff person identified on each attachment.
In cases where a state agency is involved in this undertaking, it is
appropriate for that agency to determine whether consultation should take
place with OPRHP under Section 14.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation Law. In addition, if there is any federal agency
involvement, Advisory Council on Historic preservation's regulations,
"Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties" 36 CFR 800 require that
agency to initiate consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) .
An Equal Opportunlty/Affirmallve Aclion Agency
o prinled on recycled paper
..
..
When responding, please be sure to refer to the OPRHP Project Review
(PR) number noted above.
Sincerely,
~~p~
Ruth L. Pierpont
Director, Historic Preservation
Field Services Bureau
RLP:cm
attachments:
[*] Archeology Comments
cc: Pam Otis
~
~
ARCHEOLOGY COMMENTS
96PR2l25
Based on reported resources, your project area may contain an
archeological site~ Therefore, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) recommends that a Stage 1 archeological survey is
warranted unless substantial ground disturbance can be documented.
A Stage 1 survey is designed to determine the presence or absence of
archeological sites or other cultural resources in the project'~ area of
potential effect. The stage 1 survey is divided into two progressive units
of study including a Stage lA sensitivity assessment and initial project
area field inspection, and a stage IB subsurface testing program for the
project area. The OPRHP can provide standards for conducting cultural
resource investigations upon request. Cultural resource surveys and survey
reports that meet these standards will be accepted and approved by the
OPRHP.
The OPRHP does not conduct cultural resources surveys. A 36 CFR 61
qualified archeologist should be retained to conduct the Stage 1 survey.
Many archeological consulting firms advertise their availability in the
yellow pages. The services of qualified archeologists can also be obtained
by contacting local, regional, or statewide professional archeological
organizations. Stage 1 surveys can be expected to vary in cost per mile of
right-of-way or by the number of acres impacted. The OPRHP encourages you
to contact a number of consulting firms and compare examples of each firms's
work to obtain the best and most cost-effective product.
Documentation of ground disturbance should include a description of the
disturbance with confirming evidence. Confirmation can include current
photographs and/or older photographs of the project area which illustrate
the disturbance (approximately keyed to a project area map), past maps or
site plans that accurately record previous disturbances, or current soil
borings that verify past disruptions to the land. Please note that the
OPRHP does not consider agricultural practices to be ground disturbing.
Many archeological sites are located at depths below the plow zone and would
not be disturbed by plowing, tilling or other agricultural practices.
If you have any questions concerning archeology, please call
Cynthia Blakemore at (2lB) 237-B643 ext. 2B8.
--7
)6 rUE 15: 28
LONG ISL! FIELD OFFICE FAX NO. 51658111
FINAL REPORT
NORTHEAST COASTAL AREAS STUDY:
SIGNIFICANT COASTAL HABITATS
OF SOUTIIERN NEW ENGI,AND
AND PORTIONS OF LONG ISLAND, l'ffiW YORK
Submitted to
U.S. HOUSE ,OF REPRESENTATIVES
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
AND
U.S. SENATE
COMMI'ITEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
August 1991
PREPARED BY:
U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
Southern New Englalid - Lona Island Sound Coastal and Estuary OrrlCe
Box 307
" CharlCb1own, Rhode Island 02813
p, 02
.
~6 TUE 15:29
.
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
FAX NO. 51658~42
P.03
APPENDIX B
NORTHEAST COASTAL AREAS STUDY
U.S. FISIl ANDWU..DLIFE SERVICE
SOU'IHERN NEW ENGLAND-NEW YORK
COASTAL SPECIES OF SPECIAL EMmASIS
The following species have been identified by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Northeast
Estuary Proaram as being of national or regional significance and of special management
concern in the coastal reeion of southern New Eneland CMA, RI and CT) and New York.
Many are species whose populations have declined or are presently declining from historical
levels of abundance in the region and/or are especially vulnerable to habitat loss and
degradation, disturbance, competition with exotic or nuisance species, overexploitation or
environmental contnminAnts. Some groups, e.g. sheIIrlSh and certain rmf'lSh, while not
especially rare or declining, are of considerable ecological, cOIl1l[llcrclal or recreational
importance in the region. The primary pUt'poses of these species IIsts are to establish a base
for identifying habitats in netd of protection in the project area and to develop ecol'Clional
strategies for the long-term protection, conservation, and monitoring of both species and
habitats.
I. J'lNFfSR: (Spawning areas, nursery and feeding grounds, migl'lltion pathways)
Shortnose stul'geon (Acipenser br,viro.wrum) E
Atlantic sturgeon (Acipenser oxy""ynchus)
American shad (Alosa sapldissima)
Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Bluefish (Pomalomus saltalrix)
Winter nounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)
Summer nounder, nuke (ParoJichthys dentalus)
Weakfish (Cynoscion regalls)
Blackf'lSh, Tautog (Tauloga onilis)
Stup or Porgy (Slenotomus chrysops)
Alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus)
Blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis)
Rainbow smelt (Dameros mon/ax)
Menhaden (Brevoorlia tyrannus)
American sandia nee (Ammodytes american/Is)
American eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilh)
Atlantic silverside (Mellldia menidia)
"
E = U.S. Endangered Species
T = U.S. Threatened Species
I, 2 = Category 1 or 2 Candidate Species
.".. T
J6 TUE 15:30
.
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
.
FAX NO. 5165811642
P.04
APPENDIX B
n. MARlNFJESTUARINE SHFLLFlSH: (Major shellrlSb beds; horsesboe crab spawning
areas)
American lobster (HOmtlTUS a11lencanus)
Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)
Horseshoe crab (Umulus polyphemus)
AmerIcan oyster (Crassostrea virginica)
Hard-shelled clam or Quahoi (Mercenaria mereefUJria)
Soft-shelled c1arn (Mya arenaria)
Ocean quahog CAretiea islandiea)
Surf clam (Spisula solidissima)
Bay scallop (Aequipeeten imulians)
m. RF;PnT.F.llANJ) AMPH.lBIAN~: (Nesting, breeding, nursery and rcedinl areas)
Northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys t. terrapin) 2
Sea Turtles: (JuveoUe concentration areas)
Loggerbead (Carelta caretla) T
Green (Chelonia mydas) T
Atlantic or Kemp's Ridley (upidocheJys kempu) E
Leatherback (Dennochelys coriacea) E
Tiger salamander (Ambystolna tignnum)
Blue-spotted salamander CAmbystoma lateraJe)
IV. JmIDS:
A. Federally ListedlDn)oosedIcandidate SJlCCles and FIsh and Wildlife Servia
SDecies of snecial DIllllJU!"emeDt c:oocem:
Roseate tem (Sterna dougallil) E
Gull-billed tern (Sterna nikJtica)
Piping plover (Cbaradrius melodus) T
Northern barrier (Circus cyaneus)
Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leueocephalus) E
Osprey (Pandion baliaetus)
Peregrine falcon (Falco peregnnus) E, T
Short-eared owl (Asio flammeus)
American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Least bittern (lxobryehus exilis) .
Black rail (LateralJus jamaicensis)
Seaside sparrow (Ammodramus maritimus)
Common barn owl (1)to alba)
-- -~ T
d TUE 15:31
.
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
.
FAX NO, 5165811642
p, 05
APPENDIX B
B. M"ll!:rllnto;: (Wintering concentrations and staging areas; resident breeding populations)
Common loon (Gavia immen
Red-throated loon (Gavla steUata)
Horned grebe (Podiceps auritus)
Red-necked grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Pied-billed grebe (Podi1ymbus podiceps)
Canada lOose (Brallta canadensis)
Atlantic brant (Branta bemiclo)
Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
American wl&eon (Anna amencana)
Mallard (Anna pli1t]rhynchos)
American black duck (Anas rublipes)
Gadwa8 (Ana8 Glrepera)
Canvasback (Aythya lIalisineria)
Greater scaup (A,ythya marila)
Lesser scaup (Aythya riffiniB)
Harlequin duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Common elder (Somateria moUissilllil)
Oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis)
Burnehead (Bucephala albeola)
Common goldeneye (BucephaIa clangula)
Scoters (MelallitUlfusca, M. nigra and M. perspicillatu)
Hooded merganser (1..opl1odyte8 cucullatus)
Red-breasted meraanser (Mergus Berraton
Clapper rail (RaUus lDngirostris)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Short-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus gnBeU8)
Whinabrel (Numenius phaeoplds)
Grasshopper sparrow (Amlllodl'amUS savannarum)
C. NMin. Colonial Waterb~:
Double-crested connorant (Phalacrocorax aumus)
little blue heron (Egretta caerulea)
Tricolored heron (Egretta 'ricolon
Great egret (Ownerodius albu8)
Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
CaUle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Black-crowned night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
Yellow-crowned night-heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
Green-backed heron (ButorideB striatus)
Continued on rollowing page.
---~ '
d rUE 15:32
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LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
.
FAX NO, 5165811642
p, 06
APPENDIX B
C. NPdblf CoIonh!l Waterldrds: continued.
Glossy ibis (Pugadis lalcinelIlIs) .
American oystercatcher (Haematopus pallia/us)
Lau&hina lUll (Larus atricilla)
Least tern (Sterna antillarum)
COD1lDon tern (SterllQ hirundo)
Black skimmer (Rynchops niger)
D. NII-nee- Soeclt:a: (Species of particular management concern because
of impacts on other species)
Mute Swan (Cygnus 0101')
Herring lUll (Larus argentatlls)
Great black-backed lUll (Larus m~rinus)
V. M'AMMAI-B
A. Marine Mamlllllll'.!~ CWbale concentration and migration areas; seal
pupping and hauUng out sites) ,
Whales:
Minke (Balaenoptero acutoro8llTlla)
Fin (Balaenopte1'a physoJus) E
Humpback (Megaptero novaeangline) E
Northern riaht whale (Eubalaena gklcialis) E
Gray seal (Halichoerus grypus)
Harbor sea) (Phoca vilulilla)
B. Tt!l'I'eI.triAl Mam~ (Island endemics-Some of dubious taxonomic status)
Martha's Vineyard short-tailed shrew (Bklrina brevicauda alonga) :z
Nautucket short-tailed shrew (BkJrillQ brevicauda compacta) :z
Small-Cooted myotis (Myotis leibh) 2
Monomoy white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus ammodytes) 2
Martha's V"meyard white-footed mouse (Peromyscus lellC(lpuS luscus) 2
Block Island meadow vole (Microtus pennsylvanicus provectus) 2
Beach or Muskeaet Island vole (Microtus breweri) 2
.~...
,>..
.
.
-96 TUE 15:33
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE FAX NO. 5165811642
VI. 1NVEk1'EBRATFS:
American burying beetle (Nicrophorua americanua) E
Northeastern beach tiger beetle (Cincindela d. dorsalis) T
Puritan tlier beetle (Cincindela purltana) T
Decodon borer moth (PapalpemQ sulphuralD) 1
Banded bo, skimmer draaonfly (WilliDmsonia limnen) 1
Lemmer's noctuid moth (lithophone lemmen) 2
Regal fritillary butterfly (Speyeno ida1ia) 1
Barrens bluet damseltly (Enallagrna recurvatum)
Lateral bluet damseltly (Enallagrna laterale)
Hessel's halrstreak (Milourl heasell)
Barrens buckmoth (Hemaeuca maia)
Dwarf wedge mussel CAlasmidonta heterodon) E
VB. n~:
A. FederaIl'f T Wed:
Sand plain gerardia CAgalinis acuta) E
B. Federal CanAIBtm:
P. 07
APPENDIX B
Sea-beach pigweed (Amaramhus pumilis) 2
Nantucket serviceberry (Amelanchier nantucketensis) 2
Variable sedge (Carex polymorpha) 1
Spreadinll TIck-trefoil (Desmodium humifus"m) 2
New England boneset (Eupatorium leucolepis var novae-Gngliae) 2
Pine Barrens boneset (Eupatorium resinosum) 2
New England blazing-star (Liotrls borealis) 2
Graves' beach plum (Prunus maritilna var gl'avesil) 2
Cbaffseed (Schwalbea americana) 1
Long's bulrusb (Scirpus longil) 2
C. R~ol1lll Soecks JJf Snecial Concern:
Annual peanut-grass (Amphicarpum purshil)
Eastern silvery aster (Aster concQlo~
Bicknell's hawthorn (CralDegus bicknelli{)
S<!SSile-leaved tick-treCoil (Desmodium sessilifolium)
Continued on Collowing page.
,---,--,-.-----iJIlI'" '
96'TUE 15:34
.
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
.
FAX NO, 5165811642
C. R~I S'-"'" of SJ)H'hl CODC'.eI'II: continued.
Saltpond arass (DiplochM 11I81itinUZ)
Tbree-ao&led spike-sed&e (Eleocluzrls trlconata)
Parker's plpewort (Brlocauloll parketi)
Bushy rockrose (Helianlhemum dum06um)
Creepm. St. Jobn's-wort (Hyperlcum adpressum)
Round-rruited raJse-Joosestrlre (Ludwigi4 sphael'ocaf]Ja)
Climblna rern (LygodJum pablUllum)
Sea-beach knotweed (Polygonum glaucum)
Pondsbore knot weed (Polygonum purilanorum)
Bald rush (Psilocarya 6cirpoides)
Torrey's mountain-mint (PyclJIlfIthemum torrei)
Inundated borned-rusb (Rhynchosporrz inundata)
Torrey's beak-rush (RhYllchosporrz tom/yana)
Plymouth &cntian (Sabatia kennedyana)
Quill-leaved arrowhead (Sagittaria teres)
Untubel'dcd bulrush (Scirpus etuberculatu6)
Coast violet (Viola brittonia/Ul)
P. 08
APPENDIX B
.~~."-----_.-,-----------"r
-96 rUE 15: 35
.
LONG ISLAND FIELD OFFICE
.
FAX NO, 5165811642
P.09
SHORELAND AND AQUATIC COASTAL
IlABITATS OF SPECIAL EMmAsIS SPEClES
IN SOU'l:w:RN NEW ENGLAND AND NEW YORK
APPENDIX B
A. Primary focus or the Northeast Coastal Areas Study it OD those br-dl"&,,spawning
areas, DII1'Sel'y areas, f-.fI"&"stagilBl areas, winterin& areas and mip-ation pathways
or importance to Federal tmst suedes of rqlnnaJ or nation..' fjtrnlr............ partic:u]arly
those in the following groups:
- migratory birds
- anadromous fISh
- endangered species of rtsh, wildlife and plants (Federally listed, proposed and
candidates)
- marine mammals
- nati~e species populatiollS OD Federal lands
- recreationally and commercially Important species
- ecologically signifieant species
- depredating, nuisance, exotic and potentially invasive species
In addition, other habitats and areas of speeial emplJasis are:
- Areas of si&nificant biolo~caI,diversity
- Outstanding representatives of Re~onal Coastal Community types
B. Signif"lCant Coastal Habitat Types" in Southern New F..nglAnd aocl Long Island
- Maritime grasslands
- Vegetated tidal wetlands (freshwater and brackisb) with contiguous upland buffers
- Sandplain gl'aSSlands and heathlands
- Coastal Plain fresbwater and brackish ponds
- Pitch Pine/Scrub Oak barrens
- Atlantic White Cedar swamps
- Colonial bird rookeries
- Relatively undisturbed sand beaches and contiguous dunelands
- Intertidal mud and sand flats
- Submerged aquatic vegetation beds
- Relatively undisturbed and free-flOWing freshwater coastal streams
- ShellrlSh beds
- FlOodplain forests
- Productive subtidal shoal areas
Open peatlands
- Marine mammal pupping and haUling out islands (seal islands and rocks)
· Preferred or Important Habitats of Federal Trust SpecieS/Species of Special Emphasis.
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MORTH FORK EMVIROM...EMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
September 16, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We are writing to support the Southold Town Planning Board's intention to issue
a positive declaration on the site plan for proposed changes to the Cross Sound Ferry
property in Orient. As you know, the New York State Environmental Quality Review
requires the lead agency to issue a positive declaration if the action may include the
potential for at least one significant adverse environmental impact. With respect to Cross
Sound Ferry's proposed action, we wish to specifically address the criteria for
determining significance in accordance with New York State Environmental
Conservation Law, section 617. 7( c(i-x)):
(i) The proposed action may result in a substantial adverse change in ground and
surface water quality at Orient Point. The Suffolk County Water Authority has made a
strong recommendation that development in the Orient areas be severely restricted to
prevent impairment of its fragile aquifer which is already threatened by high nitrates and
salt upconing. SCW A has declared the Orient Point and Orient areas to have the most
fragile groundwater conditions on Long Island due to its flat land masses and complete
underlayment of saltwater. Any intensification of land uses, such as the expansion of the
ferry terminal's parking facilities to accommodate more than 300 cars, is expected to be
detrimental to groundwater conditions, sew A specifically recommends large lot zoning
to prevent any increase in activities at Orient as well as a reduction in vehicular traffic
which adds to groundwater pollution in the form of hydrocarbon runoff, formation of
phthalates and combustion pollutants.
. .....
a non-profit organization for the presEMktlon of land, sea, air and quality of life
printed on 100% recycled paper
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Increased ferry operations in the past ten years have already added to traffic and
noise levels along the entire North Fork. The impact that such intensification has had on
existing air quality must be closely examined. In addition, the Planning Board must
consider the potential for beach erosion which may result from increased ferry trips.
(ii) The North Fork lies entirely within the federally-designated Fish and Wildlife
Service's Northeast Estuary Project (see attachment A) which identifies numerous plant
and animal species as being of national or regional significance and management concern
on Long Island. Some examples include these endangered wildlife specimens: the
shortnose sturgeon, the leatherback turtle, the roseate tern, the bald eagle, the peregrine
falcon, the humpback and fin whales, the American burying beetle, the Northeastern
beach tiger beetle and sandplain gerardia plant. The maritime grasslands of Orient Point
are considered a Significant Coastal Habitat on Long Island. Obviously, the further
grading of the residentially-zoned parcel ofland controlled by Cross Sound Ferry and the
increased vehicular and ferry traffic which would inevitably result from the proposed
expansion would alter the area's wildlife.
(iii) The residential lot controlled by Cross Sound Ferry (Suffolk County Tax Map
#3.5) lies within a Critical Environmental Area as designated by the County of Suffolk
(see attachment B). All parcels owned or controlled by Cross Sound Ferry are also part
of the Peconic Bay Estuary which is a Critical Environmental Area. The Cross Sound
Ferry terminal lies within the watershed area of the estuary (see attachment C) which
means that any of its polluting activities will affect the water quality of the bay system.
The 1994 Peconic Estuary Program (PEP) Action Plan called for local governments to
adopt land use regulations to minimize or avoid any new source of storm water runoff
Southold Town has addressed this issue already with R-80 zoning on Orient Point. The
PEP Action Plan also predicted that careless exploitation of the Peconic Estuary system
would lead to increasingly irreversible degradation of a once-pristine ecosystem.
An expanded parking lot and increased vehicular traffic at Orient Point would
only add to stormwater runoff which the PEP Action Plan deems to be the "largest and
most significant source of total and fecal coliform loading to the Peconic Bay." In
addition to the aforementioned storm water runoff, marine pollutants such as oil, gasoline,
marine paints and debris have severely deteriorated marine life in the Peconic Bay. It is
disturbing to note that when Cross Sound Ferry submitted a site plan application for
changes to the property in 1984, it answered "Yes" to question number nine on Part I of
the Environrilental Assessment Form, "Do hunting or fishing opportunities presently exist
in the project area?" In 1996, the company's answer to question number 10 on the same
form, "Do hunting, fishing or shell fishing opportunities presently exist in the project
area?" was "No.1I
(iv) The proposed action represents a material conflict with Southold's current
plans or goals as officially approved or adopted, namely the R-80 zoning designation
given to the parcel ofland. The PEP Action Plan specifically recommends that local
governments control commercial, industrial and institutional land uses so that the impact
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on groundwater with respect to nitrogen contribution is comparable to that of two-acre
residential zoning.
(v) Both the character and quality of the important historical, architectural and
aesthetic resource known as the Orient National Historic District are severely
compromised by the presence in its midst of the Cross Sound Ferry. Since 1984, the
company has transformed the site into a transportation hub of the New London
metropolitan area, without regard for regulatory and public scrutiny and with little
recognition of Orient's historic role. By virtue of its insular location, Orient's charm has
preserved 17th and 18th century architecture, ambiance and landscape features. Forthree
centuries prior to 1984, ferry service at Orient remained consonant in both size and style
with the scale of land uses in the surrounding area. Cross Sound Ferry's largely
unregulated departures from its 1984 site plan, its current need for inter-state parking and
its cosmopolitan and commercial pretensions for the future are glaringly discontinuous
with every aspect of the fabric of the Orient National Historic District.
The discovery of a double-child burial on Roy Latham's nearby farm (as published
in the New York State Archeological Association Bulletin, November 1962, pages 8ft)
offers presumptive evidence that the land which Cross Sound Ferry occupies and has
unadvisedly cleared holds significant pre-historic and archeological interest.
(vi) Increased parking will necessitate a major change in the quantity and type of
lighting utilized which will have negative visual impact on the surrounding area.
(vii) In the ten years since Cross Sound Ferry has built its terminal and expanded
its operations, traffic accidents in the Town of Southold have increased by 43 percent,
according to Southold Town Police reports. While there is no way to ascertain whether
or not these accidents can be attributed specifically to ferry traffic, it is safe to assume
that traffic safety has become a problem and a hazard to human health which can only be
exacerbated by more vehicular trips to and from the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at Orient
Point.
(viii) The Cross Sound Ferry has already substantially changed the use of the
Orient site as a recreational resource. Route 25, which formerly served as access to the
beach by Orient residents for recreation and other uses in addition to the ferry is now
monopolized by the ferry use alone.
We oppose other changes in use which would result from the completion of the
proposed site plan. With reference to section 617.7(iv), we reiterate that changing an R-
80 zoned parcel to a parking lot represents a substantial change of use and intensity of
use. Similarly, we underline our argument regarding section 617. 7(iii): the R-80 parcel
will in no way have the capacity to support its existing state as a Critical Environmental
Area if it is used as an inter-state parking facility.
We also seriously question Cross Sound Ferry's designation of its parking
facilities as a public utility use. It should be noted that the parking problems at the
Orient Point ferry terminal were created by this privately-owned company and should not
be alleviated by any benefits it may garner from its self-appointment as a public utility.
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(ix) Obviously, the services offered by Cross Sound Ferry attract a large number
of people to Orient Point, particularly throughout the summer months. Cross Sound
Ferry calculates that each year it carries 900,000 passengers to and from Connecticut.
Although the company has argued that expanded parking facilities at Orient Point are
intended only for the convenience of existing customers, more parking will certainly
make it easier for this passenger load to increase. The proposed action may, therefore
attract to Orient Point a large number of people which might not otherwise come.
(x) The proposed action will most likely create a material demand for other
actions which would again result in one or more of the above-mentioned negative
impacts. Expansion of Cross Sound Ferry's facilities offers a convenient service for
many existing or proposed business interests in Connecticut. Foxwoods Casino, said to
be the largest casino in the United States, has resulted in cooperative ventures among the
casino, Cross Sound Ferry and the Long Island Railroad. Another casino, as well as a Six
Flags amusement park, have also been slated for Connecticut regions in close proximity
to the New London ferry terminal. Additionally, two Connecticut Indian tribes have
bought ship building capacity and plan the construction of high speed ferries. We can
only speculate on where these ferries are planned to be used. Economic expansion in the
New London area has already placed great pressure on the Orient Terminal and the East
End area. More high speed ferries will require more parking, possibly at remote areas,
and will result in diesel busses wearing away at Route 25 and smaller local roads.
Increased parking and traffic will undoubtedly require more police to enforce
traffic codes. Southold Town currently has a shortage of police officers, and
consequently, experiences difficulties issuing violations to offenders, particularly in the
Orient Point area. This problem will only intensify with expanded ferry service.
(xi) Each of the ten preceding points represents a significant adverse impact on
the enviromnent which may be reasonably expected to result from the proposed action.
Taken collectively, the potential for a detrimental enviromnental impact increases
dramatically.
(xii) In reviewing the site plan for the proposed action, we request that you also
consider all segmented improvements made to the Cross Sound Ferry property prior to
and including the 1984 site plan. The unfortunate approval of additional employee
parking facilities which preceded the advent of the high speed ferry last year should serve
as a reminder that Cross Sound Ferry has not been entirely forthcoming with Southold
Town regarding its expansion plans. Full disclosure of the company's intentions for
future growth should be expected.
In conclusion, the North Fork Enviromnental Council supports the Planning
Board's intention to issue a positive declaration on Cross Sound Ferry's site plan. The
NFEC also strongly opposes the granting of a use variance on the company-controlled R.
80 parcel of land. Massive traffic problems on the East End can be mitigated now with
adherence to current zoning. As an interested party, we ask that you amend Part II of the
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Long Environmental Assessment Fonn for the proposed action to include our numerous
concerns.
Thank you.
Very truly yours,
John F. Wright
Acting President
enc.
cc Southold Town Supervisor Jean W. Cochran
Members, Southold Town Board
Gerald Goerhinger, Zoning Board of Appeals
County Legislator Michael Carraciolo
Assemblywoman Pat Acampora
Congressman Michael Forbes
Riverhead Town Supervisor James Stark
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMWEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
November 7, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman, Southold Town Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Re: Cross Sound Fell)' Services Inc v. Plannin~ Board of the Town of South old
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We would like to convey our full support to the Southold Town Planning Board in
the matter ofa lawsuit filed against it by Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. on October 16,
1996. In this action, the petitioner seeks to set aside the Positive Declaration issued by
the Planning Board on September 16, 1996 on the proposed site plan for a project on the
Cross Sound Ferry properties. In issuing a Positive Declaration, and thereby calling for a
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed site plan, we believe that the
Planning Board has followed both the letter and the spirit of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act of the Environmental Conservation Law (6 NYCRR Part 617),
As lead agency under SEQR, the Planning Board must call for a DEIS if it
determines that the proposed project may have one adverse impact on the environment.
In its Positive Declaration, the Planning Board identifies ten areas in which the project
may adversely impact the environment. Although Cross Sound argues in its petition that
the Positive Declaration is too broad and improperly addresses certain aspects of the
company's business, SEQR specifically states that the agencies involved in actions such
as these must "conduct their affairs with an awareness that they are the stewards of the
air, water, land, and living resources" (617.1(b)) of the communities under their
jurisdictions. We believe that the scope of the environmental review should be as broad
as possible under SEQR.
Cross Sound wishes to dismiss its proposed project as the installation of a simple
parking lot, but it is the Planning Board's responsibility to consider the potential impact
that expanded facilities will have on the fragile environment of the Orient Point area. (In
a letter dated September 16, 1996, the NFEC has already submitted a list of specific
concerns with regard to the environmental impact oftl\is proposed project.) It is clear
a non-profit organization fOr the prestlYatlon of land, sea, air and quality of life
printed on 100% recycled paper
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that the ferry terminal has the potential to eventually become a major transportation hub
and the Planning Board is required to take this possibility into account when making its
determination. According to SEQR, the Planning Board has "an obligation to protect the
environment for the use and enjoyments of this and allfuture generations" (617. I (b)). It
also states that a "suitable balance of social, economic and environmental factors"
(617.I(d)) must be incorporated into the decision-making process and that "the lead
agency must consider reasonably related long-term, short-term, direct, indirect and
cumulative impacts" (617. 7( c )(2)) (emphasis added).
In assessing the likely consequences of a proposed action, the Planning Board
must consider the following, as enumerated in 617.7(c)(3):
(i) its setting (e.g. urban or rural): The unique rural setting of the Orient
Point area is considered to be both aesthetically valuable to the surrounding community
as well as historically important to the nation.
(ii) its probability of occurrence: There is no doubt that the proposed
action will increase the intensity of use at the project site which is located in a Critical
Environmental Area. Such intensity of use must be carefully studied.
(Hi) its duration: The proposed project will result in a permanent
alteration of the site in question. The project also has great potential to result in
increased ferry use, and therefore, increased local traffic (which we believe has already
occurred with prior expansions). These consequences will be ongoing.
(iv) its irreversibility: Establishing the Orient Point Ferry terminal as a
major exit point off of Long Island for almost three million residents will be permanent
and irreversible.
(v) its geographic scope: The Planning Board must consider the potential
for increased ferry use not only by Long Islanders, but also by residents in the entire
Connecticut and New England area.
(vi) its magnitude: The Planning Board is reasonably concerned that the
proposed action may have impacts of great magnitude with regard to traffic, pollution
and damage to a Critical Environmental Area; this concern renders the DEIS even more
critical.
(vii) the number of people affected: Residents of Orient Point will be
most immediately affected by the proposed expansion offerry facilities. Residents of the
towns of both Southold and Riverhead, totaling almost 50,000, also will be significantly
affected.
Despite Cross Sound's repeated assertions in its petition that the proposed action
is only a request for a parking lot, the Planning Board is legally justified in its concern
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that such action may have wider implications for the community. By attempting to
narrow the scope of the environmental review process, Cross Sound is striving to
segment its project by seeking piecemeal approvals for various parking facilities,
including approval for a parking lot granted in 1995 without an environmental review.
The Positive Declaration issued on the proposed project fully complies with the
requirements and intent of SEQR. The Planning Board has fulfilled its responsibility as
lead agency in this matter and should not be deterred from proceeding in its appropriate
course of action.
Very truly yours,
Charles Cetas
Acting President
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMhlIEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
~overnber13, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Southold Town Planning Board
P.O. Box 1179
53095 Main Road
Southold, ~ew York 11971
Re: Cross Sound Fen:)' Services Inc v Planninl: Board of the Town of Southold
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We would like to comment on several points made by Cross Sound Ferry
. Services, Inc. in the above-mentioned lawsuit which seeks to set aside the Planning
Board's Positive Declaration on the company's proposed site plan for changes at the ferry
. tenninal at Orient Point.
* Cross Sound attempts to disprove the tl)eory that its parking problems are self-
created as a means of gaining from the Zoning Board of Appeals approval for a variance
which is critical to its project.
* The Planning Board has both a right and an obligation under the law to consider
the impact of a high speed ferry service at Orient Point; is this not the thrust of SEQR?
* Despite Cross Sound's arguments to the contrary, the Planning Board is not
seeking to regulate its ferry service, but to consider it in its entirety in order to make a
proper SEQR determination.
* Cross Sound must offer more substantial evidence that the lack of a parking lot
could result in "revocation" of its interstate transportation service license.
* On page 17 of its petition, Cross Sound argues that the Planning Board did not
take a "hard look" at the environmental concerns of the area and failed to offer a
"reasoned elaboration" in issuing a Positive Declaration of the proposed site plan. The
Positive Declaration identifies potential adverse impacts to the environment; the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement addresses such conc.e.rns more specifically.
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a non-profit organtzatlol1fortlle presttvatlOn of laOd.:sea. air and quality of life.
printed on 100'll recycled paper
.
.
* The Planning Board did not identifY environmental concerns when granting
approval for Cross Sound's parking lot on the "West parcel" in 1995 because the high
speed ferry, which changes the nature of ferry operations at Orient Point, did not exist
until a few weeks afterwards.
* A comprehensive Positive Declaration does not delay action on the subject site
plan. In seeking site plan approval, an applicant must allow time for the SEQR process
to be properly administered. In reality, any delays which Cross Sound may experience
can be attributed to its own attempts to circumvent, to segment or otherwise to thwart the
process by failing make a proper site plan application in 1995 and by refusing to disclose
the current or intended nature of its business.
We reiterate our support of the Planning Board's Positive Declaration issued on
the proposed site plan of Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. We look forward to the
smooth administration of a legally-mandated environmental review so that the issue may
bc reasonably resolved in accordance, with the best interests of the people of the toWn of
Southold.
Very truly yours,
vi ti~t4- (ltr~
Charles Cetas
. Acting President
~
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November 26, 1996
George E. Pataki
Governor
Alexander F. Treadwell
Secretary of State
Mr Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
Town Hall
53095 Main Road
PO Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Re: Scoping for proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr Orlowski
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the project sponsor's draft scope outline. I would like
to take this opportunity to provide you with details of the requirement to address the state's coastal
management policies within an EIS.
Article 42 of the Executive Law requires state agency actions within New York's coastal area to be
undertaken in a manner that is consistent with the state's coastal area policies. Land development and
related activities in New York's coastal area which require state permits for actions involving an EIS
under the State Enviromnental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) must be consistent with the coastal area
policies in Article 42 and 19 NYCRR Part 600.5.
No state agency involved in a Type I or Unlisted Action, as the term is deImed in 6 NYCRR Part
617.2, shall approve the action until the agency has complied with the provisions of Article 42 of the
Executive Law and implementing regulations contained in 19 NYCRR Part 600. Article 42 and its
implementing regulations in 19 NYCRR Part 600 require certain Type I or Unlisted state agency actions
to be consistent with the coastal policies in 19 NYCRR Part 600.5.
Where a positive declaration is made and an EIS is prepared pursuant to SEQRA, and a state agency
is a lead or involved agency, the EIS must contain an identification of the applicable coastal policies
and a discussion of the effects of the proposed action on and consistency with such policies (6 NYCRR
617.9(b)(5)(vi)). The SEQRA regulations provide that no state agency shall make a fInal decision on
NYS DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Division of Coastal Resources and Waterfront Revitalization
Albany, NY 12231-0001
Voice: (518) 474-6000 Fax: (518) 473-2464
,
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the action until it has made a written fmding that it is consistent with the coastal policies set forth in
19 NYCRR Part 600.5 (6 NYCRR 617. 11 (e)).
In order to avoid segmentation, the EIS must consider the impacts associated with the reconfiguration
of all parcels in the terminal complex associated with any additional plans of the applicant to increase
the intensity of use at the terminal complex. In addition to specifically addressing the coastal
management policies and the items discussed in the applicant's draft scoping outline, the EIS must
address the specific effects of increased traffic resulting from increased parking on the character of the
community.
A very important element of the EIS will be the evaluation of the effects of reasonable alternatives to
the proposed action. The project sponsor's proposed alternative "B. Floating, moored parking platform
with ramp to shoreline" should not be considered as part of the review. Such a use is not water
dependent, and would not be consistent with Policy 2 of the NYS Coastal Management Program, the
pUlpOse of which is to reserve the in-water area for water-dependent uses. Instead, a number of other
alternatives should be considered. These include the development of the site for its residentially zoned
use; provision of a smaller parking area with a reduced number of parking spaces; the provision of
parking on alternative adjacent sites; reconfiguration of all lots at the ferry terminal; and parking at a
remote location with customers bussed to the ferry terminal. The effects of all such alternatives should
be considered in the EIS.
Federally authorized and funded activities are reviewed by the Department of State for consistency with
the New York State Coastal Management Program. If during the course of your review it is determined
that any federal authorization or funding is required for any portion of the proposal, please instruct the
applicant to submit a completed Federal Consistency Assessment Form (FCAF) and all necessary
supporting information to the appropriate federal agency and the New York State Department of State.
The issues addressed in the EIS should provide the most appropriate supporting information required
by Section D of the FCAF. Upon receipt of the FCAF and supporting information, we will determine
if the submitted information is adequate to commence a formal review of the project for its consistency
with the New York Coastal Management Program.
If you have any questions please call Steve Ridler at (518) 474-6000.
t1~M< ~ m?J
~SOfftb~
Drrector
Division of Coastal Resources
and waterfront Revitalization
GRS/sdr
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THE LEAGUE
OF WOMEN VOTERS OF SUFFOLK COUNT)
November 3, 1996
To: Planning Board, Town of Southold, N.Y.
From: Johanna Northam
Please include the following comments as part of the scoping
proceedings regarding the site plan proposal of Cross Sound
Ferry Services:
Starting in 1965, League members have been active in protecting
the water, wetlands and watershed areas.
In relation to said proposal, there is concern that the
State Environmental Quality Review Act of 1975 (SEQRA)
guidelines, supported by the League, does not focus on
natural resource issues for this project.
It is cleacly defined in SEQRA, that the environmental impact
statement (EIS) should contain a comprehensive description
of the environmental setting of the project site, the
nearby area and the affected region.
Without this information
the EIS would lack insufficient analysis to provide an under-
standing of existing environmental conditions.
As lead agency, the Planning Board must comply with the
State law and uphold local zoning and related legislation
in reviewing the site plan proposal for this project.
ENC:
Johanna Northam
P.O. #1053
Natural Resource Chair
,
Southold NY 11971 ,...,....,n'
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New York Stale Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
The Governor Nelson A. RocKefeller Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 1, Albany, New York 12238
518.474-0456
December 3, 1996
Human R9sources
518-474-0453
Fiscal Management
518-474-0061
TOD: 518.486.1899
Bennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
H<l-)o( :>1"ir4~-
7378'
Dear Chairman Orlowski:
Thank ybu for the Draft SEQR Scoping Outline for the Cross
Sound Ferry 'proposal. We found it to be comprehensive and well-
prepared. We understand that you may have received s~me comments
after the time that the outline was drafted which will be
incorporated into the Final Scope. So as to be clear on this
agency's previous recommendations, we suggest the following
modifications to the scope, all in Section III:
- Under Natural Resourc""s, A.2.d), add the following: "Include
specifically the National Natural Landmark listing ~f Orient
Beach State Park, a description of the reasons for listing, and
identify any impacts to the qualities for which it is listed."
Under Human Resources, A.4., correct the statement ~n
Pedestrian Environment as follows: "Describe pedestrian and
bike use environment [al shall be discussed]. Make:1ote of.. "
Also under Human Resources, D.2.c), change to the f:lllowing:
"Unless substantial ground disturbance can be docum,=nted,
undertake a Stage 1 archeological survey to determi~e the
presence or absence of archeological sites or other cultural
resources in the project's area of potential effect."
Again, thank you for keeping us informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
~.~
Thomas B. L
Director
Environmental Manageme:1t Bureau
cc: E. Wankel
R. Dobbins
P. Battaglino
R. Pierpont
P. Otis
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STATE OF NEW YORK
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
VETERANS MEMORIAL HIGHWAY
HAUPPAUGE, N,Y, 11788
EDWARD J. PETROU, P_E.
REGIONAL DIHECTOR
JOHN B. DALY
COMMISSIONER
November 19, 1996
Mr. BenIlett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Southold Planning Board
Town Hall
53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New Yor){ 11971
IS- - ']'-. /0, (
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Qraf~ ScoE!ng Outline
Cross Sound FerEY
Route ~25;-OrTent -
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
We have revlewed the Draft seaping Outline for the DEJS for the .CrOBB Sound Ferry
parking lot project.
III addition to t~~ ~ubjectB which have already been identified, we believe the
following issues I3h~uld be addressed.
Under H2, adverse impacts, the question of public access to the waterfront should
be addressed.
Under #4, mitigation measures, the provision fa!: busses should be included. The
safe operation of bicycles should be provided. The issue of pedestrian movements
should be addl:essed.
Ullder #5, reasonable alternatives,
studied/considered?
should be a shuttle bus service be
We trust tllis will be useful in your cOllsideration of this proposal.
If you have any questi.olls you may contact G. Belerling at 952-6128.
Vel~Y truly YOlJ)~8,
~2i t~~~
FHANI{ PEl\RSON
Planning & Program Management
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New York Stale Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pre seriation
The Governor Nelson A. Roel,_feller Empire State Plaza
Agency Building 1, Albany. New York 12238
Human Resources
518-474.0453
November 15,
1996
FIscal Managemtmt
518.474.0061
roo: 518.486-1899
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8ennett Orlowski
Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
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Dear Chairman Orlowski:
Thank you for your notice of the scoping meeting for the
Cross Sound Ferry proposal. We will have a representative at the
meeting on December 4th.
We have caken a preliminary look at th~ draft scope, and
note that the concern we raised previously regarding the bike
t'ouce is not specifically included. However, since th.,. effect on
transPQt.tat1::m s"rvice.3, including ehe bike trail, wa~; cited In
the Positive Declaration, we crust that the issue wil:_ be
addressed.
In addition, sinc~ the time that this office subr~itted
camrnents in conjunction with the lead agency response, che
agerlcy's Divisicn for Historic Preservation sene you it letter
ceccmmendin'J ti1ac an archeological sUL'vey be undertaken. The
Dotential effects on archeological resources should be included
in the final scope. .
We are in receipt of comments froln oth~r interesl:~d parties
which appear to adequately address other potential issues that
should be included in ehe scope. Of particular interest to State
Parks is the National Natural Landmark liseing of Orient 8each
Stat~ Park and any potential impacts to its resources.
We remain interested and we thank you for keeping us
informed of this proposal.
Sincerely,
/ h~.:> (9. Zr~
Thomas B. Lyons
Director
Environmental Management Bureau
cc, 8. Wankel
P. Battaglino
R. Pierpont
P. Otis
An Equal Opportunily/Affirmalive Action Aoency
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-3- Natural Resources
Impact on Issues 1995-97
WATER RESOURCES (See Impact on Issues, 1994-96, LWVUS, p. 39)
Starting in 1965, League members have been active in protecting the water, wetland." and
watershed areas of the state. We have worked for the state's Pure Waters for Life. the
federal Oean Waters Act. and numerous local and regionallegisJation to prevent pollution
from point and non-point sources. We support statewide water resources strategies as well
as financial aid that would rehabilitate water supplies, and clean-up wastewater and
watershed threats. We support statewide water metering, watershed protection, and
groundwater protection, identification and management. Again, members serve on local
environmental boards, committees and councils.
As a result of our position supporting regional management of water resources, three
League inter-state organizations were created:
the Inter-League Council of the Delaware River Basin composed of New
York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania Leagues.!
the Lake Erie Basin Committee composed of Leagues from New York,
Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan.
the Tri-State League composed of members from New York, New Jersey and
Connecticut.
These organizatio'Rs'monitor and advise on water management in their area~. They have
alerted other Leagues to take action on legislation or problems that affect their water basins.
We support funding for the Great Lakes Commission and other activities that prevent
degradation of existing waters and promote clean up projects.
Through the Tri-State League, we supported the Interstate Sanitation Commission (ISC)
which advocates for improved water quality through regulation enforcement, research and
monitoring for the Long Island Sound, lower Hudson River Valley and other tri-state waters.
At the 1995 Convention, the League adopted a mini-study: "NEED FOR MEASURES TO
ACHIEVE WATERSHED PROTECTION FOR DRINKING WATER, INCLUDING
PESTICIDE ISSUES." The basis for this study was the BOCC League watershed study
which was adopted for concurrence by the Westchester ILO.
11116 State Board dropped its membership in the Inter-League Council of the Delaware
River Basin.' The Council was no longer addressing New York's concerns.
-77.-
.
.
-4- Natural Resources
Impact on Issues 1995-97
NATIJRAL RESOURCE PROGRAM OF THE LWVNYS
LAND USE
Support for a state-established intergovernmental system for land resource management
LAND USE - Stattoment of Position
as announced by the State Board, May 1976
The League of Women Voters believes that New York State must
develop an intergovernmental system for land resource management.
Such a system would require:
1. Local governments to adopt local land use plans under
minimum state standards with direct or indirect financial and
technical help from the state.
2. Review by higher levels of government of those land use
decisions which have larger-than-Iocal impact.
3. The development of land to meet public needs (such as low
and moderate-income housing, recreational and open space
. . .uses) under a system which fairly distributes the costs aod
. benefits of such uses within a region.
4. The strengthening of county and multi-county regional
planning bodies.
S. The use of regional commissions to represent larger-than-Iocal
interest in managing unique natural resource areas of the
state.
The League ofWomeo Vottors is concerned that inadequate planning
at the state level wastes resources: natural, social and fiscal.
The state must coordinate functional plans of state agencies with
each other, with federal programs, and with the budgetary process.
The combined impact of state plans and actions upon land use
should be considered.
1lte state must coordinate standards and guidelines in state
programs to reduce inconsistencies which frustrate citizens and local
governments.
-78-
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-5. Natural Resources
Impact on Issues 1995-97
The State Environmental Quality Review Act of 1975 (SEQRA) was supported by the
League; and we continue to oppose attempts to weaken it.
We supported the laws on Coastal Zone Manag,ement in 1981 and the update of these laws
ill 1992.
We are learning about the attempt by legislators, interest groups and lawyers to incorporate
the principles of the Public Trust Doctrine into our land use laws. Because they have Jaws
that date back to colonial times, New York and the Long Island region have unique status
with rights and privileges granted to them. The recognition of these laws has resulted ill
opening up bodies of water for recreational purposes, and some localities/groups are
attempting to expand these rights.
In 1918 Leagues in New York State agreed on key components of an intergovernmental
process for managing land within the state and supported the Adirondack Park ~encv
(APA). The key features of the APA that the League supports include;
1. Support the Adirondack Park Agency and the State Land Master Plan, including the
unit management plans for state-owned lands. This plan calls for comprehensive
review every five years.
2.
Support the Land Use and Development Plan applied to the private lands in the
Park.
3. Support the concept of the state and local governments sharing the planning
and control process over use of private lands in the Adirondack Park.
4. Support local government in providing sound loca1land use planning throughout the
Park.
5. Support preservation of open space, consisting of both private and public lands, and
development of supporting facilities necessary to the proper use and enjoyment of the
unique wild forest atmosphere of the Park.
The League is pleased that the legislature, in the 1994 and 1995 sessions, passed and the
governors signed into law a number of bills designed to improve the quality of land use
planning and enforcement. Passage of this legislation was an attempt to address the various
court decisions that have occurred over the years and to provide a uniform basis for zoning.
The League continues to monitor changes to the Park, supporting some that we feel
str'elfgthen the original legislation and opposing proposed laws that weaken the purposes of
protecting this unique natural resource.
III 1990 we supported the Environmental Quality Bond Act which was defeated by the
voters. However. we continue to support the establishment of an Environmental Trust
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ROB~RT J. GAFF"N&:Y
SuJ"FOI.K COUNTY e;):.ECuTIVf!
CEPARTMENT OF" PLANNiNG
STEPHEN M. ,JONES. A.I.C.P,
OIAECTOR or PLANNII"IG
November 14, 1996
Bennett Orlowski. Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 ~1ail1 Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
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RE: Draft Scope of the Proposed Sitc Plan for the Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
Please be advised that the Suffolk County Department of Planning is in receipt of thc
draft scope for the above referenced project. This office is in concllrrence with the outline as
,
presented. The inajor Planning Department concerns cemer around the traffic situation. parking,
and compatibilicy of the requested use variance with surrounding use. [n a Novemher 6. 1996
lener from Mr. William: Esseks to all involved agencies and individuals or interested agencies
concerning a draft scope for the project, it is pointed out that the Interstate Commen:e
Commission (ICe) granted Cross Sound its certificate under the Interstate Commerce Act and
the National Environm~ntal Policy .".ct (NEPAl. and imposed no restrictions on scrvice.
Therefore. the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed variance and sire plan
approval should also contain a history of the ICC environmental review conductcd lor ferry
operations at the existing sIte. This should include the Environmental Impact Assessment or EIS
that was prepared W1der NEP A by the ICC, which should bave analyzed all impacts of rhe ferry
operation on the site and the surrounding area. However, it should be pointed out tbt NEP A
does not necessarily suffice for SEQRi\ which should be done independently by local State
agencies.
I
As you know, the criteria for determining signiticance include the following:
A substantial advers~ change in existing air quality, ground or surface water qua!ity or
quantity, traffic or noise levels.
The impairment of tilc environmental characteristics of a Critical Environmental Area within
which the project sit~ is located.
The creation of a material conflict with the community's current plans or goals il'; officially
approved or adopted!.
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November 14,1996
The impairment of the character ar quality of existing community or neighborhood character.
.'\. substamial change in the 'Jse or intensity of usc c,f land or in its capacity to support existing
uses.
TI1e encouraging or attracting of llal'ge number of people to a place or places for more than a
few days. compared to the number of people that would come to such place absent the action.
The creation of a material demand for other actions that would result in one of the above
consequences.
Changes in two or more dements of the environment. no one of which hus a significant
impact on the envitoqunem. but when considered together result in a substantial impact on the
envirorunent.
All of these criteria appear to be triggered by the proposed action, therefore. requiring
preparation of a DEIS as proposed by the lead agency_
Mr. Esseks pointcd out that the lype and frequency of service including the vessels uscd.
IS beyond the Town's jurisdiction and outside the scope of the site plan and variance application
for the proposed parking lot. However, the proposed project is directly linked and a result of
ongoing opcrations at the fer::, which must be discussed and included within the context of the
DEIS. Title 6 NYCRR Part 617.9 implementing SEQRA and dealing with the preparation and
content of impact statements states that a concise description of the existing environment:!1
setting, of which the current ferry operations are a part, must be included within the DEIS in
order [0 understand the impaCts of the proposed action and its altern<:\tives. Since the proposed
action is an outgro\'<1h of the existing environmental situation cause.i by ongoing ferry
operations. such information is necessary to clearly evaluate the proposed action and its
alternatives.
If the Plarming Dl:!partment can bl:! of further help with respect [0 this matter. please let us
know. We would appreciate receiving a copy of the DEIS when it is prepared for rt:view and
conunent.
Sincerely,
(4~~fl- .e/l;J
J~:es F Bagg f/{/
Chief Envirorunental Analyst
JFB/tk
cc: George Gana. Deputy COW1ty Executive
Stephen:VI. Jones, Director of Planning Department
Michael Frank, Conunissioner of Department of Parks. Recreation and Conservation
Members of Suffolk COW1ty Plarming Commission
TOTHL P,O:
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ROBERT J. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING
STEPHEN M. JONES. A.I.C.P.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING
November 14, 1996
Bennett Orlowski, Acting Chairman
Town of Southold Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
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PLANNING BOARD
RE: Draft Scope of the Proposed Site Plan for the Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
Please be advised that the Suffolk County Department of Planning is in receipt of the
draft scope for the above referenced project. This office is in concurrence with the outline as
presented. The major Planning Department concerns center around the traffic situation, parking,
and compatibility of the requested use variance with surrounding use. In a November 6, 1996
letter from Mr. William Esseks to all involved agencies and individuals or interested agencies
concerning a draft scope for the project, it is pointed out that the Interstate Commerce
Commission (ICC) granted Cross Sound its certificate under the Interstate Commerce Act and
the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and imposed no restrictions on service.
Therefore, the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed variance and site plan
approval should also contain a history of the ICC environmental review conducted for ferry
operations at the existing site. This should include the Environmental Impact Assessment or EIS
that was prepared under NEPA by the ICC, which should have analyzed all impacts of the ferry
operation on the site and the surrounding area. However, it should be pointed out that NEP A
does not necessarily suffice for SEQRA which should be done independently by local State
agencIes.
As you know, the criteria for determining significance include the following:
A substantial adverse change in existing air quality, ground or surface water quality or
quantity, traffic or noise levels.
The impairment of the environmental characteristics of a Critical Environmental Area within
which the project site is located.
The creation of a material conflict with the community's current plans or goals as officially
approved or adopted.
220 RABRO DRIVE
.
P.O. BOX 6100
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HAUPPAUGE, LONG ISLAND, NY 1 1788..0099
. (15161853-5192
FAX l5161 853.4044
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Bennett Orlowski
-2-
November 14, 1996
The impairment of the character or quality of existing community or neighborhood character.
A substantial change in the use or intensity of use ofland or in its capacity to support existing
uses.
The encouraging or attracting of a large number of people to a place or places for more than a
few days, compared to the number of people that would come to such place absent the action.
The creation of a material demand for other actions that would result in one of the above
consequences.
Changes in two or more elements of the environment, no one of which has a significant
impact on the environment, but when considered together result in a substantial impact on the
environment.
All of these criteria appear to be triggered by the proposed action, therefore, requiring
preparation of a DEIS as proposed by the lead agency.
Mr. Esseks pointed out that the type and frequency of service including the vessels used,
is beyond the Town's jurisdiction and outside the scope ofthe site plan and variance application
for the proposed parking lot. However, the proposed project is directly linked and a result of
ongoing operations at the ferry, which must be discussed and included within the context of the
DEIS. Title 6 NYCRR Part 617.9 implementing SEQRA and dealing with the preparation and
content of impact statements states that a concise description of the existing environmental
setting, of which the current ferry operations are a part, must be included within the DEIS in
order to understand the impacts of the proposed action and its alternatives. Since the proposed
action is an outgrowth of the existing environmental situation caused by ongoing ferry
operations, such information is necessary to clearly evaluate the proposed action and its
alternatives.
If the Planning Department can be of further help with respect to this matter, please let us
know. We would appreciate receiving a copy ofthe DEIS when it is prepared for review and
comment.
Sincerely,
~~~
Chief Environmental Analyst
JFB/tk
cc: George Gatta, Deputy County Executive
Stephen M. Jones, Director of Planning Department
Michael Frank, Commissioner of Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation
Members of Suffolk County Planning Commission
.- -
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· COUNTY OF SUFFOLK-
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ROBERT oJ. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY ExECUTIVE
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
MARY E. HIBBERD, M.D., M.P,H.
COMMISSIONER
November 13, 1996
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Town of Southo1d
Planning Board
Town Hall
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
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Re:
Draft Scope for proposed s;'
SCTM# 1000-15-9-10.1
,nd Ferry, Orient
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..1 the accompanying "Draft Scoping
..:w of the scoping document, it appears
.,} increased number of patrons") and item
.nined from the installation of an on-site test
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
This Office is in receipt of your letter d"
Outline" for the above referenced project.
that Item 2C (..."increased sanitary waste ge.
3B ("...groundwater and water quality shall b~
wel!...") involve this agency.
It is my understanding that the Ferry Service has or is expanding its operation, necessitating an
expansion of its parking facilities. Increased parking facilities for ferry services are not specifically
covered by our construction standards; however, the use of the sewage disposal and water supply
facilities on site are. If the use of any of the buildings change (e.g., increase in number of passengers
or employees using the bathroom facilities in the terminal) then this office would be actively
concerned with the effect on and the adequacy of the existing sewage disposal system and water
supply. Knowing the logistics of the operation are important in order to determine if a substantial
increase in the use of the bathroom facilities can be expected. For example, if there is an increase
in the number of passengers and all passengers are required to physically enter the terminal building
to purchase or pick-up tickets, then it can reasonably be expected that a large percentage of these
passengers would use the bathroom facilities, causing an increase in sewage discharge. If, however,
passengers are not required to enter the terminal on a routine basis, then the usage of the bathrooms
at the terminal would not be expected to increase proportionally with the number of passengers.
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
COUNlY CENTER
RIVERHEAD, N.Y. I 1901-3397
852-2 I 00
.
.
The sewage disposal aspects of the project should be considered as part of the review process, as
well as the adequacy of the water supply to serve any additional passengers on the premises.
If you have any questions concerning this, please feel free to contact me.
a::Q9-.
Royal Reynolds, P.E.
Senior Public Health Engineer
cc: Office of Ecology
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ROBERT ,j, GAFFNt!y
SUFFOLK COUNTY ExECUTiVe:
DEPAF<TM~NT OF HEALTH SERVICES
MARY E. HIBa~A:O M 0" M.P_H.
COf'olMIS~il0NER
November 13, 1996
ToM'll of Southoltl
PIJruung Board
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Tolwn Hall
P.0. Box 1179
SOllthold, New York 11971
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Re: Draft Scope for proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry, Orient
SCTM# tOOO.15-9-10.1, 111.15.1,&35
Dorar Mr. Orlowski:
This Office is in receipt ofyonr letter dated October 29, 1996 and the accompanying "Draft Seoping
Outline" tor the above referenced project. Based upon a review of the scoping document, it appears
that Item 2C (.....incrcased sanitary waste generation from increased number ofpatrens") and item
38 ("...groundwarer and water quality shall be determined from the installation aLII! on-site test
well...") involve this agency.
It. is my unders,anding that the Ferry Service has or is expanding its operation, necessitating an
expansion of hs parking facilhies. lncreased parking facilities for ferry services are not specifically
c()vered by Otlr construction standards; however, the use of the sewage disposal and water supply
facilities on site are. If the use of any of the buildings change (e.g., increase in number of passengers
O{ employees using the bathroom facilities in the terminal) then this office would be actively
concerned with the effect on and the adequacy of the existing sewage disposal system and water
supply. Knowing the logistics of the operation arc important in order to de,ermine 1f a substantial
increase in the LIse of the bathroom facilities can be expected. For example, ifther~' is an increase
in the number '1fpassengers and all passengers are required to physically enter the terminal building
to purchase or pick-up tickets, then it can reasonably be expected that a large percentage of these
passengers would use the bathroom !acilities. causing an increase in sewage discharge. It: however,
passengers are not required to enter the terminal on a routine basis. then the usage of the bathrooms
at the terminal would not be expected to increase proponionally with the number or passengers.
DI....ISION CP EN\lI~ONMEl'oiT"'L OU"'I..I"T"l'
COUNTY c~NTER
FlIVERHEAO. N'f I I gO I -:J.:Js1
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The sewage disposal aspects of the project should be considered ilS part of the review process, as
well as the adequacy of the water supply to serve any additil'nal passengers on the premises.
If you have any questions cuncerning this, please t~cl free to contact me.
Sincerely,
(wCl.9-
Royal Reynolds, P.E.
SerioI' Public Health Engineer
cc: Office llf Ecology
2
TOTHL P.03
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
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PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS'
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
To: All involved agencies, and individual or interested agencies that have expressed, in
writing, a request to receive the project sponsors draft scope.
Re: Draft Scope for proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry
State Road 25, Orient
SCTM# 1000-15.9.10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Date: October 29, 1996
Dear Involved /Interested Agency:
The State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRAl 6 NYCRR Part 617.8 "scoping", requires the Lead
Agency to send a copy of the project sponsor's draft scope to all involved or interested agencies.
Enclosed is the project sponsor's scope outline which was received by the Southold Planning Board as
Lead Agency, on October 21,1996.
A scoping meeting has been set for December 4, 1996 at Southold Town Hall, at 2 p.m.
Because of the large number of involved or interested agencies, and the logistics involved in preparation
for this meeting, we would appreciate written confirmation as to whether you or a designated
representative will attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, please send your written comments on the
enclosed draft scope, by November 15, 1996.
If you have any questions, or require additional information, please contact Robert Kassner, Site Plan
Reviewer, at the above telephone number or address.
. C4-{)~
QBennett Orlowski "\
Acting Chairman
Encl:
cc:
William Esseks, Esq.
Frank Yakaboski, Esq.
Laury Dowd, Town Attorney
(continued on attached list)
.
.
landscaping, etc.).
F. Impact to existing wildlife usage on the subject site and nearby
properties from the utilization of this site as a parking area-
3. The extent and quality of information needed for the preparer to adequately address
each impact, including an identification of relevant existing information, and required
new infonnation, including the required methodology(ies) for obtaining new
information.
A Existing traffic conditions to be determined from field counts taken
within the last two years, as well as parking demand counts undertaken
by the Town of Southold during 1996.
B. Exi sting depth to groundwater and water quality shall be determined
from the installation of an on-site test well and site-specific water
quality sampiing;
C. Inventories of existing vegetation, wildlife and soil conditions shall be
prepared from on-site investigations, field inspections and existing
literature review (e.g. u.s. Dept. of Agriculture Suffolk County Soil
Survey to confirm on-site soil borings).
4. An initial identification of mitigation measures.
A. Proposed landscaping and low-level lighting to minimize visual and
aesthetic impacts;
B. Installation of on-site drainage system to control stormwater runoff;
C. Utilization of gravel-surfaced parking area to reduce overall stormwater
runoff-an-site.
D. Controlled access and egress to the site and organized parking plan, to
ensure patron safety.
5. The reasonable alternatives to be considered.
A Construction ofmuiti-Ievel parking garage overtop of existing parking
areas on the adjoining Cross Sound Fe.'TY Services, lnc. properties
B. Floating, moored parking platform with ramp to shoreline.
C. No action alternative.
Federal:
Interested parties:
.
Barry Hecht
Passenger Transportation Division
NYS Dept. of Transportation
W. Averell Harriman State Office Building Campus
1220 Washington Ave.
Floor & Rm. 4-115
Albany, NY 12232
Thomas Lyons, Director
Environmental Management Bureau
Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Bldg. 1, 13th Floor
Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12238
Dr. Alphonso Tones, Acting Director
Division of Agricultural Research-Plum Island
U.S. Department of Agriculture
P.O.Box 848
Greenport, NY 11944
US Army Corp of Engineers
NY District
Jacob K. Javits Federal Bldg.
New York, NY 10278-0090
Alln: Regulatory Branch
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
26 Federal Plaza
Room 1338
New York, NY 10278
Attn: Response & Recovery Division
Thor Hanson, President
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
P.O. Box 797
Greenport, NY 11944
John Wright, Acting President
North Fork Environmental Council
P.O. Box 799
Mattiluck, NY 11952
.
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SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
october 24, 1996
Planning Board
Town of Southold
Town Ha 11
53095 Main 'Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
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SOUTHOLD TOWN
PLANNING BOARO
Cross Sound Ferry Site Plan Application, SCTM
Nos. 1000-15-9-10.1. 11.1, 15.1, & 3.5
Dear Sirs:
As you requested, the following constitutes the
preliminary comments of Southold Citizens For Safe Roads,
Inc. ("SCSR") on the October 21, 1996 submission by Cross
Sound Ferry Services, Inc. ("Cross Sound"). ObviouSly, if
and when a draft scoping document is accepted by the
Planning Board, SCSR reserves its right to submit comments
on that document.
Cross Sound's most recent submission appears to be
an effort to undo all of the work that has been done by the
Town, the Planning Board and the other interested parties in
preparing to conduct the environmental and site plan review
necessitated by Cross sound's intensification of its use of
the Orient point terry terminal. Cross Sound now asserts
that the only issue properly before the Planning Board
involves Cross Sound's October 1995 application tor a
variance to construct a parking lot on SCTM
No. 1000-015-9-3.5. Cross Sound argues that "[n]o analyses
can proceed as long as there are efforts to broaden the
application beyond what CroSB Sound has itself proposed"
(Esseks Letter at 3). Crois Sound's unilateral effort to
narrow the scope of this Board's responsibilities and
obligation under SEQR relies upon a miestatement of both the
facts and the governing law and should be rejected.
CrOBS Sound alleges that the Town sought a
preliminary injunction in the summer of 1995 because "there
was insufficient parking for the passengers who do not take
SOUTH OLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
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cars on the vessel" (Esseks Letter at 2, !I 5). Based upon
that incomplete statement of the record, Cross Sound asserts
that they have solved the problem by making an application
for additional parking. In SCSR's opinion, cross Sound has
rewritten history. The Town commenced its action in the
summer of 1995 because "[blv resolution, the Planninq Board
determined that the ro osed addition of a hi h-s eed,
assen er-onl er is a si n ficant chan e in t e nature
and intensity of t e ferry operat on and requires t e ferry
o eration to a 1 for and receive a revised lite Ian
approva prior to imp ementinq the c anae in use".
Affidavit of George Ritchie Latham Jr., July 17, 1995 at
, 10 (emphasis added). At the time of the Planning Board's
resolution, Mr. Latham's affidavit and the Town's lawsuit,
there was no application to obtain a variance for a parking
lot on SCTM No. 1000-015-9-3.5. Hence, the required site
plan application and approval at issue was and is a site
plan for the existing and proposed future Cross Sound
operation at Orient Point, not, as Cross Sound now asserts,
solely the october 1995 request for a variance.
Cross Sound's position appears to be that it will
not submit a revised sIte plan on its current and admittedly
"non-conforming" use of its facility, nor will it
participate in a non-segmented SEQR review of its operations
at orient point. Such an approach is contrary to the
fundamental principles of SEQR. Under SEQR review of
projects must not be segmented. SEQR defines segmentation
as "the division of the environmental review of an action
5uch that various activities or stages are addressed under
this part as though they were independent, unrelated
activities, needing individual determinations of
significance" (6 N.Y. .IDe 617.2 (ag))..!/ Here, Cross Sound
argues that the introduction of the high-speed ferry, which
1/ The law is clear that: "[c]onsiderin9 only a part or
segment of an action is contrary to the intent of SEQR. If
a lead agency believes that circumstances warrant a
segmented review, it must Clearly state in its determination
of significance, and any subsequent EIS, the supporting
reasons and must demonstrate that such a review is clearly
no less protective of the environment. Related actions
should be identified and discussed to the fullest extent
possible" (6 N.Y. ADC 617.3(1)). What Cross Sound proposes
here is not only an improper segmentation, but in effect a
procesethat would shield its' non-conforming activities from
any review.
.
.
3
is already the subject of a Planning Board resolution, a
lawsuit and a positive declaration, is to be ignored. Cross
sound asserts that only the parking facility allegedly
necessitated by its unilateral and unauthorized
intensification of the use of the Orient Point site through
the introduction of the high-speed terry should be
considered. That effort at segmentation must be rejected.
To do otherwise in SCSR's opinion would be to set in motion
a fatally flawed review process that inevitably would be
subject to challenge.
Cross Sound also argues that the scope of the
environmental and site plan review must be limited to only
the additional parking lot in part because "(f)ederal law
requires Cross sound to reasonably satisfy public demand for
its interstate transportation servIces, including increased
pUblic demand". Again, cross Sound is wrong. In 1995,
Congress abolished the Interstate Commerce Commission
("ICC") and effectively deregulated all interstate ferry
services. ~,~, Ice Termination Act of 1995, see also
49 U.S.C. S 70l(a); S. Rep. No. 104-76 at 26-27 (1995); and
H.R. Conf. Rep. No. 104-422 at 165 (1995). consequently,
Cross sound's ICC Certificate of Convenience and Nece8sity
is of no further force or effect and the argument that
federal law "requires" cross'Sound to do anything is, in
SCSR's view, totally without merit.
Moreover, CroSS sound's repeated assertion that
state and local environmental and zoning laws do not and
cannot reach Cross sound is also wrong. The Supreme court
of the united States has held that state and local
governments may exercise their police power in enforcing
environmental regulations against entities that operate in
interstate commerce. For example, in Huron Portland cement
Company v. City of Detroit, the Supreme court held that "the
constitution when conferring upon congress the regulation of
commerce, never intended to cut the State8 off from
leqislatinq on all subiects relatinq to the health, life,
and safet of their citizens thou h the eqtslation miqht
in irectl affect the commerce 0 the count. 362 U.s. 440,
443-44 (1960) (emphasiS ad ed). The Supreme Court in Huron
expressly held that in the exercise of local police power
(in that case a regulation dealing with air pollution), "the
states and their instrumentalities may act, in many areas of
interstate commerce and maritime activities, concurrently
with the federal government (~ at 442).
.
.
.
4
In the matter before this Board, there can be no
question that neither the applicable local zoning or
environmental laws, nor the New York State environmental
regulations at issue would discriminate against or
impermissably burden interstate commerce. Those laws and
regulations are equally applicable to all citizens of
Southold, More importantly, they are precisely the type of
regulation that the supreme court has determined that state
and local governments may enforce against entities engaged
in interstate commerce. Consequently, it is SCSR's opinion
that CrosS Sound's "interstate commerce" argument can in no
way serve to limit or to alter the appropriate scope of
environmental review required by the positive declaration
adopted by this Planning Board in its role as lead agency.
Finally, it appears from Cross Sound's submission
that its unwillingness to proceed with the complete
environmental review required by law is not grounded on any
legitimate reading of the facts or of the relevant law,
Instead, Cross Sound's position seems to flow entirely from
its concern that a comprehensive review "will prejudiCe its
non-conforming rights" (E$seks Letter at 2-3, ~ 6(b)). That
i8 not in SCSR's view a legitimate basis upon which an
applicant may avoid a SEQR review following a positive
declaration. SCSR believes that the Planning Board and
Trustees should consider whether Cross Sound has
"non-conforming rights" or is simply engaged in a continuing
course of "non-conforming ullage" 1n violation of Cross
sound's existing site plan and, consequently, 1n SCSR's
opinion, prohibited by law.
We urge the Board either to require Cross Sound to
submit a complete draft seoping document that addresses all
of the issues relating to the totality of Cross sound's
current and future operations at Orient point or to draft
such a document itself for use at the seoping session.
very truly ~
SO~[~1t1zens' f::--------
Safe Roads, Inc,
copies tOI
supervisor Cochran
Southold Trustees
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MORTH FORK EMVIROM...EMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
October 22, 1996
Ms. Judith T. Terry, Town Clerk
Office of the Town Clerk
Town of Southold
Post Office Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Ms. Terry:
Thank you for your phone call this morning acknowldeging our letter and
enclosures of October 18, 1996.
The Council is glad to know that as an interested party North Fork
Environmental Council (NFEC) will have access at the Office of the Town Clerk
to all correspondence and other data received by or sent by Southold Town and
its Planning Board or staff relative to the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at Orient
Point in Southold, New York in a timely manner and in their entirety as
required by State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) and that any excluded
document or portion of any document will be accompanied by a written
explanation as to the reason for exclusion.
In particular, your willingness to allow authorized personnel from the NFEC to
review entire files provided by your Office and to select from them particular,
needed items for copying is appreciated in assuring the Council timeliness of
receipt.
As understood, the Council will present a copy of the completed Application
for Public Access to Records enclosed with our letter to you of October 18, 1996
on each occasion access to records is required.
Thank you for your and your staff's continuing helpfulness un the Council's
behalf.
Sincerely,
''\. ~..~
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Henry Bookout
Acting Program Coordinator
For Debra O'Kane, Coordinator
'if: Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Southold Planning Board
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Ptl~NNING BOARD
a non. profit organization for the preservation of land. sea, air and quality of life
printed on 100% recycled paper
.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
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Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
October 22, 1996
John Wright, Acting President
North Fork Environmental Council
Route 25 at Love Lane
P.O. Box 799
Matlituck, NY 11952
RE: Request for Documents on Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Wright,
Thank you for your letter of 26, September, 1996, requesting that NFEC be copied on all
correspondence and other data received or sent by the Planning Board or staff relative to the
Cross Sound Ferry.
The Planning Board does not maintain a public distribution list for material concerning Cross
Sound Ferry. However, your organization will be copied material such as the final written scope
as required by SEQRA NYCRR Part 617.8 (I), (I) to (7).
If you have any questions, or require further information, please contact this office.
Sincerely,
13~ ()~~t..J)~'
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman
cc:
Frank Yakaboski, Special Counsel
PLAc"INING BOARD MEMBa
RICHARD G. WARD
Chalnnan
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM. JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI. JR.
WILLIAlVl .J. CRElvlERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
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Town Hall. .5309.5 ylain Road
PO. Box 1179
Southold, )Jew York 11971
Fax (.516! 76543136
Telephone ,.516) 76.5.1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
October 22, 1996
Thor Hanson, President
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
P.O. Box 797
Greenport, NY 11944
RE: Request for Documents on Cross Sound Ferry
Dear Mr. Hanson,
Thank you for your letter of 26, September, 1996, requesting that SCSR
be copied on all correspondence and other data received or sent by the
Planning Board or staff t'elative to the Cross Sound Ferry.
The Planning Board does not maintain a public distribution list for
material concerning Cross Sound Ferry. However, your organization will be
copied material such as the final written scope as required by SEQRA
NYCRR Part 617.8 (f), (1) to (7).
If you have any questions, or t'equire further information, please contact
this office.
~cerelY~Jkfd(}I/
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et lowski, r.
Acting Chairman
cc: Frank Yakaboski, Special Counsel
.
.
ESSEKS, HEFTER & ANGEL
COUNSELORS AT LAW
108 EAST MAIN STREET
P. O. Box 279
RIVERHEAD. N.Y. 11901-0279
WilliAM W. ESSEKS
MARCIA Z. HEFTER
STEPHEN R. ANGEL
JANE ANN R. KRATZ
..JOHN M. WAGNER
(516) 369-1700
WATER MILL OFFICE
MONTAUK HIGHWAY
P. Q. Box 570
WATER MilL, N.Y. 11976
(516) 726-6633
TELECOPIER NUMBER (516) 369-2065
WILLIAM POWER MALONEY
THOMAS F. WHELAN
CARMELA M. 0, TALlA
October 21, 1996
Planning Board
Town of Southold
c/o Frank J. Yakaboski, Esq.
Special Counsel
Smith, Finkelstein, Lundberg,
Isler & Yakaboski
P.O. Box 389
456 Griffing Avenue
Riverhead, NY 11901-0203
Re: Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc.
site Plan and Variance ADDlication
Dear Mr. Yakaboski:
Enclosed is the "Sponsor's" Draft Scope pursuant to 6
NYCRR Part 617.8(b) and (f) (1-5) for the proposed parking lot
adjacent to Cross Sound's terminal.
The project, as described in the Draft Scope, arises
from the following:
1. Federally-licensed water carrier service has been
provided from the terminal site immediately adjoining the
proposed parking lot since the mid-1940's. Since 1975 Cross
Sound Ferry Services, Inc. ("Cross Sound"), has operated that
service as licensed by the Interstate Commerce Commission,
pursuant to a Federal Certificate of Public Convenience and
Necessity to Provide Water Carrier Service, providing passenger,
vehicle and freight services as a common carrier by water between
New London, Connecticut and Orient, Long Island, New York. After
pUblic notice and an opportunity for public comment and
participation, the ICC granted Cross Sound's Certificate under
the Interstate Commerce Act and National Environmental Policy Act
and imposed no restrictions on the service. Since then, Cross
Sound has served as an increasingly important portion of the
interstate transportation network. Federal law requires Cross
Sound to reasonably satisfy public demand for its interstate
transportation services, including increased pUblic demand.
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DeT2t_
SOUTHOLD TOWN
PlANNING BOARD
.
.
ESSEKS, HEFTER & ANGEL
Cou NSELORS AT LAW
2. In Spring, 1994, Cross Sound began to offer a
special combination round trip and bus fare (at New Lon~on) so
that Long Island residents could go to the Foxwoods Cas~no
without having to take their cars onto the vessel and drive them
to the Casino in Connecticut. Those walk-on passengers, availing
themselves of that fare and service, made the journey on a
vehicle/passenger vessel. If no bus service were provided, a
large proportion of the passengers would still make the trip and
would take their cars.
3. Starting in the Summer of 1995, Cross Sound
provided a seasonal high speed service to accommodate public
demand for interstate service, including the Foxwooda Caaino-
bound and commuting walk-on customers, and to provide ample
reserve capacity for times when one or more vessels were out of
service. In both 1995 and 1996 when the high speed vessel was ~
not operating, a significant number of walk-on passengers
utilized the slower and less comfortable vehicle/passenger
vessels.
4. When all vessels are operational, the passenger
capacity of the vehicle vessels is seldom reached even in the
peak season. The capacity of the John H is 1,000; the capacity
of the Cape Henelopen is 900; the capacity of the New London is
300; and the capacity of the North Star is 300. The passengers
using the high speed vessel could and would be accommodated on
the John H or Cape Henelopen, although there would be occasional
capacity constraints during peak times of use and potential
difficulties if and when any of the vessels was out of service
for repair or refurbishing.
5. The Town of Southold, in July 1995, the year after
the combination passenger vessel and bus from orient to Foxwoods
Casino began, sought an injunction from Justice Henry to stop the
passenger service on the high speed passenger vessel and alleged
that there was insufficient parking for the passengers who do not
take cars on the vessel. The injunction was denied with an
admonition to Cross Sound to make an appropriate application to
the Town.
6. a) In OctOber, 1995, a site plan and a variance
application were submitted to allow the use of the subject
parcel, SCTM #1000-015-9-3.5 for parking to serve the growing
demand by users of all the vessels who do not take their cars on
board.
b) Cross Sound was and is willing to process a
site plan review for the snack bar parcel but not a review which
.
.
ESSEKS, HEFTER & ANGEL
COUNSEL-ORS AT LAW
will prejudice its non-conforming riqhts to park cars on the
site at a density and configuration different from what might be
granted if a 1996 application were made.
Sponsor's Nscope" should be viewed in the context of
the foregoing. The NprojectN is not accurately described in the
Positive Declaration. The project to be scoped is a parkinq lot
for ferry service. It is not a proposal for the use of one or
more vessels. Furthermore, it appears that the Positive
Declaration has pre-judqed a number of matters based on a
misunderstandinq of the proposal, unfamiliarity with relevant
history and background facts, and assumptions that are completely
unsupported by data. We hereby request copies of all documents
that were considered or that were created in connection with the
Positive Declaration.
The type and frequency of service, including the
vessels used, is beyond the Town's jurisdiction and outside the
scope of the site Plan and Variance Application for the proposed
parking lot. Cross Sound is prepared to qo forward with an
appropriate environmental analysis of the proposed parkinq lot,
but not with an irrelevant and improper analysis of the supposed
environmental impacts of hiqh speed vessel operations. No
analysis can proceed as lonq as there are efforts to broaden the
application beyond what Cross Sound has itself proposed.
Very truly yours,
w~""' w. ~{v.J
William W. Esseks
Iml
Enclosure
.
.
Draft SeoDin!! Outline for
~OSS SOUND FERRY SERVrrCES. INC.
The following is the Sponsor's draft scope for the preparation of the Draft Environmental
Impact Statement (Draft EIS) for the Cross Sound Ferry parking lot project, prepared
pursuant to 6 NYCRR Part 617.8(b) of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR).
The outline that follows utilizes the required format as identified in Section 617.8(1)(1-5).
1. A brief description of the proposed action.
The applicant seeks a variance and site plan approval to establish and maintain
a parking lot for vehicles on a 2.5 acre parcel ofland (SCTM No. 1000-015-9-
3.5), 10caJ:ed immediately to the east of the Cross Sound Terminal off of Main
Road (S.R 25), Orient, Town of Southold, New York. The proposed parking
lot is to be utilized by patrons of the existing passenger, vehicle and freight
water carrier service which has operated on the immediately adjoining site since
the mid 1940's.
2. Potentially significant adverse impacts identified both in the positive declaration (which
Sponsor proposed should be changed by Lead Agency amendment or court
determination) and as a result of consultation with the other involved agencies and the
public, including an identification of those particular aspect(s) of the environmental
setting that may be impacted.
A. The potential for an increase in traffic, and the potential impacts to the
existing traffic patterns, incidence of traffic accidents, and the level of
service of the adjacent roadway system (Main Road, S.R. 25) caused by
the availability of parking on the proposed lot.
B. Potential visual impacts caused by the alteration of the eXlstmg
conditions of the site to a parking lot (including proposed landscaping
and lighting)
C. Potential impacts to the groundwater underlying the subject property
from the anticipated usage of the property as a parking area (including
contaminants from vehicles, recharge of stormwater runoff; and
increased sanitary waste generation from increased number of patrons).
D. Potential impacts to adjacent surface waters from the utilization of the
subject site as a parking lot.
E. Impacts to existing site conditions (site topography, and vegetation)
from the alteration of the site for utilization as parking (including site
grading and excavation, installation of drainage control strucflires,
.
.
landscaping, etc.).
F. Impact to existing wildlife usage on the subject site and nearby
properties from the utilization of this site as a parking aretL
3. The extent and quality of information needed for the preparer to adequately address
each impact, including an identification of relevant existing information, and required
new information, including the required methodology(ies) for obtaining new
information.
A Existing traffic conditions to be determined from field counts taken
within the last two years, as well as parking demand counts undertaken
by the Town of Southold during 1996.
B. Existing depth to groundwater and water quality shall be determined
from the installation of an on-site test well and site-specific water
quality sampling;
C. Inventories of existing vegetation, wildlife and soil conditions shall be
prepared from on-site investigations, field inspections and existing
literature review (e.g. U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Suffolk County Soil
Survey to confirm on-site soil borings).
4. An initial identification of mitigation measures.
A. Proposed landscaping and low-level lighting to minimize visual and
aesthetic impacts;
B. Installation of on-site drainage system to control stormwater runoff;
C. Utilization of gravel-surfaced parking area to reduce overall stormwater
runoff-on-site.
D. Controlled access and egress to the site and organized parking plan, to
ensure patron safety.
5. The reasonable alternatives to be considered.
A Construction ofrouln-Ievel parking garage overtop of existing parking
areas on the adjoining Cross Sound Ferry Services, Inc. properties
B. Floating, moored parking platform with ramp to shoreline.
C. No action alternative.
.
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MORTH FORK EMVIROMWEMTAL COUMCIL, IMC.
Route 25 at Love Lane, PO Box 799, Mattltuck, NY 11952
516-298-8880
CERTIFIED MAIL #P 486365 906
October 18, 1996
Ms. Judith T. Terry, Town Clerk
Office of the Town Clerk
Town of South old
Post Office Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Ms. Terry:
On behalf of North Fork Enviornmental Council, I enclose a completed
copy of Application for Public Access to Records requested by your
office.
I am also enclosing a copy of the Council's letter of September 26,
1996 to Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr:, Southold Planning Board.
Mr. Orlowski acknowledged receipt of this letter at the October 7,
1996 meeting of the Southold Town Planning Board.
At this meeting Mr. Orlowski said that all interested parties are
entitled to any documents pertinent to the scoping process and that
they will be available at Town Hall.
Sincerely,
l~v~~
Henry Bookout
Acting Program Coordinator
For Debra O'Kane, Coordinator
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ill
OCT 2 I t996
SOUTHOlO TOWN I
PlAN!!lliQ.!lQ8!!!L-_---'
Enclosure: completed FOIL request of 10/18/96
'Vh:: Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Southold Planning Board
a non-profit organization for the preservation of land, sea, air and quality of life
printed on 1001'. recycled paper
eVIl
FIEO
N\AIL
w'J If'6 (0 3 {O5 cr 0 (p
JUDITH T. TERRY
TOWN CLERK
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-1823
Telephone (516) 765-1800
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
D\J\=>l-\CATE-
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete Section I of this form and g~ve to Town Clerk's'
Office (agency Freedom of Information Officer). One copy will be returned to you
in response to your request, or as an interim response.
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SECTION I.
TO: :S-\J D 1"\ H \: TeRRY I TDwN c..l-f.:,RK
(Department or Officer, if known, that has the information you are requesting.)
RECORD YOU WISH TO INSPECT: (Describe the record sought. If possible, supply
date, file title, tax map number, and any other pertinent information.)
OfHcial writt8R a9tir@ a(ij rg~'1ir9d ~)' ~IiiQP ...~u:: [~At tQ )fr B~gvou {)rlmAf4:'l-i hJ' NPpr in I",up-r nf
9/26/96 and acknowledged by Mr. Orlowski at 10/7/96 meeting of the Planning Board that as an
iRterest@E:l flulJlie flarty ~lf~C F8ij\l8E:tE repieE gf all ~grrtu:p9Rd.~R~v ~A.d n.lu:.... Ao:Ilf-"" r""rp1u""r1 hJl
or sent by the Planning Board or staff relative to the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at
OyiERt PaiR! 1ft ~811tk8hl, NeT.'.' YBTk. 'A'e \tRaen:taas tbat F9rtiR9Rt ]""m p.......uirlo'" t-h-::.t- -:Jl]
documents be made available in a timely manner and in their entirety. Any excluded portion of any
cl8ftlftlf.l'it ftltl3t he aee8ftll'al'iiul hy a .. TiM-ea eHtdaBatisR as ts tke reaseR fer e1~hu;ieR
Signature of Applicant:J~. O~-t , NFec.... J-
, _\ ~ Y..h &-'1(1~ C...-v-'\ c:L:../VI. 19~-
Printed Name: \,P\'\Y"j \=l"'Al.<'n"v-t"
Address: yDb 'I qq AAn++\1-\J ('k AI \( I ,qS- Q..
) 1
Mailing Address (if different from above):
Telephone Number: 2-'] IS - ~ 'b ~ 0
Date: (i)&~ \ 9,) /C(C(w,
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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[ ] APPROVED
[ ] APPROVED WITH DELA V"
[ ] DENIED"
Judith T. Terry
Freedom of Information Officer
Date
. If delayed or denied see reverse side for explanation.
.
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IMPORTANT >>
File Number:
P1-473800-00118
00
Use the above number in all
correspondence about this action!
To the Lead Agency:
The above information confirms that filings on the described
Positive Declaration were officially received by, and entered in the
SEQR Repository on the date(s) shown in the box headed DATE RECEIVED
above. The latest filing is indicated by the most recent date in
that box. The date and time in the second line show when this
document was printed. Please check the information above carefully.
For corrections or questions contact Charles Lockrow, (518)457-2224,
or write to:
SEQR Repository
NYSDEC Division of Regulatory Affairs
50 Wolf Road, Room 514
Albany, NY 12233
Town of SOUTHOLD
Planning Board
53095 Main Road-P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
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OCT 11.,..
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SOUTHOLOiRiINNi---
PLANNING BOARD
ef
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
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Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765.3136
Telephone (516) 765.1938
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PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTH OLD
October 3, 1996
William Esseks
Esseks, Hefter & Angel
108 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
RE: Proposed Site Plan for
Cross Sound Ferry
Main Road, (Rt. 25), Orient
Zoning District: Marine II (MII) & Residential Low-Density R-80
SCTM# 1000-15-9-10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Dear lVIr. Esseks,
The statutory luthority of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6
NYCRR Part 6~'7.8 (b) states that the project sponsor must submit a
draft scope to the lead agency that contains the items identified in
paragraphs 61't.8(f) (1) through (5), Section 617.8(f) (2) indicates that
impacts identified in the positive declaration, and comments by involved
agencies and the pllbli" are part of the scoping process.
In order to assht Y0U in the preparation of the draft scope I am
enclosing all commeLts the Board has received to date from the public and
involved agende!; for your use. The positive declaration was previously
sent to you.
If you have any c[lwstions, 01' require further assistance, please contact
this office.
.
.
If you have any questions, or require assistance, please contact this
office.
@II.!X.,~~
Site Plan Reviewer
":/.
cc: Frank Yal<aboski, Attorney
Laury Dowd, 'Lown Attorney
John Raynor, P.E.
Richard McMurry, Cross Sound Ferry
Enc1's.
Snut'lold Cithens for Safe Roads-9-13-96
De}Jartmnnt of Public Works-8-28-96
Memo I'rc,." Southold Trustees-undated, received-9-17-96
Suffolk Gnmty Water Authority-9-4-96
Draft LoeC\1 Waterfront Revitalization Program-2-91
North Fork Environmental Council-9-16-96
N'{S Office, of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation-8-30-96
NYS Department of Transportation-8-26-96
Federal Energy Management Agency-8-9-96
US lieparlment of Agriculture-8-8-96
l\VS De,'lJrtmBnt of State-8-7-96
Eric l'UQont, Botanist-9-5-96
j 8~" DEiS, Cross Sound-received-9-16-84
N1S Of;'ir-~ of Parks, Recreation and Historic
PI'eW)pVal ton -9-30-96
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PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
,'1,
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
October 3, 1996
William Esseks
Esseks, Hefter & Angel
108 East Main Street
Riverhead, NY 11901
RE: Proposed Site Plan for
Cross Sound Ferry
Main Road, (Rt. 25), Orient
Zoning District: Marine II (MIl) S, Residential Low-Density R-80
SCTM# 1000-15-9-10.1, 11.1, 15.1 & 3.5
Dear Mr. Esseks,
The statutory luthority of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, 6
NYCRR Part 6; '7.8 Ib) states that the project sponsor must submit a
draft scope to the lead agency that contains the items identified in
paragraphs 61'{.8(f) (1) through (5). Section 617.8(f) (2) indicates that
impacts identified in the positive declaration, and comments by involved
agencies and the publico are part of the scoping process.
In order to aS5i.3t y.,u in the preparation of the draft scope I am
enclosing all comm8r.ts the Board has received to date from the public and
involved agencle,; for your use. The positive declaration was previously
sent to you.
If you have any qu<!stions, 01' r'equire further assistance, please contact
this office.
---~
".
If you have any q lWS tions, or req uire assis tance, please con tact this
office.
WJ/ !!.,~~
Site Plan ReviE'wer
cc: Frank YaJ<aboski, Attorney
Laury Dowu, " own Attorney
John Raynor, ['.E.
Richard McMurry, Cross Sound Ferry
Enel's.
SClut',old Citllens for Safe Roads-9-13-96
Dep,u-tment of Public Works-8-28-96
Memu fro"" Sou thold Trustees-undated, received -9-17 -96
Suffolk Cnmty Water Authority-9-4-96
DJ'ai't LoC"\! Waterfront Revitalization Program-2-91
North Fork Environmental Council-9-16-96
NYS Office of Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation-8-30-96
NYS !:Jepa l'tment of Transportation-8-26-96
Federal Energy Management Agency-8-9-96
US Depart ment of Agriculture-8-8-96
i\Y:S De"?artment or State-8-7-96
Eric [JuQont, Botanist-9-5-96
bH nE1S, Cross Sounu-received-9-16-84
N1S ('f:'i," of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Pl'"s',rVa, ,,,n-9-30-96
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New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation Field Services Bureau
Peebles Island, PO Box 189, Waterford, New York 12188-0189
518-237-8643
Bernadette Castro
Commissioner
September 30, 1996
Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Acting Chairman, Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
RE: SEQRA
Cross Sound Ferry Terminal
Parking Expansion
Southold, Suffolk County
96PR2125
Thank you for requesting the comments of the Office of Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) concerning your project's potential
impact/effect upon historic and/or prehistoric cultural resources. The
documentation which you provided on your project has been reviewed by our
staff. preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information are
noted on separate attachments accompanying this letter. A determination of
impact/effect will be provided only after ALL documentation requirements
noted on any attachments have been met. Any questions concerning our
preliminary comments and/or requests for additional information should be
directed to the appropriate staff person identified on each attachment.
In cases where a state agency is involved in this undertaking, it is
appropriate for that agency to determine whether consultation should take
place with OPRHP under Section 14.09 of the New York State Parks, Recreation
and Historic Preservation Law. In addition, if there is any federal agency
involvement, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's regulations,
"Protection of Historic and Cultural Properties" 36 CFR 800 require that
agency to initiate consultation with the State Historic Preservation Officer
(SHPO) .
OCT 4
An Equal Opportunltyl Affirmative Action Agency
o printed on recycled peper
.
.
.
When responding, please be sure to refer to the OPRHP Project Review
(PR) number noted above.
Sincerely,
~eK. p~
Ruth L. Pierpont
Director, Historic Preservation
Field Services Bureau
RLP : crn
attachments:
[*] Archeology Comments
cc: Pam Otis
.
.
ARCHEOLOGY COMMENTS
96PR2l25
Based on reported resources, your project area may contain an
archeological site. Therefore, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic
Preservation (OPRHP) recommends that a stage 1 archeological survey is
warranted unless substantial ground disturbance can be documented.
A Stage 1 survey is designed to determine the presence or absence of
archeological sites or other cultural resources in the project's area of
potential effect. The stage 1 survey is divided into two progressive units
of study including a stage lA sensitivity assessment and initial project
area field inspection, and a Stage 18 subsurface testing program for the
project area. The OPRHP can provide standards for conducting cultural
resource investigations upon request. Cultural resource surveys and survey
reports that meet these standards will be accepted and approved by the
OPRHP.
The OPRHP does not conduct cultural resources surveys. A 36 CFR 61
qualified archeologist should be retained to conduct the Stage 1 survey.
Many archeological consulting firms advertise their availability in the
yellow pages. The services of qualified archeologists can also be obtained
by contacting local, regional, or statewide professional archeological
organizations. stage 1 surveys can be expected to vary in cost per mile of
right-of-way or by the number of acres impacted. The OPRHP encourages you
to contact a number of consulting firms and compare examples of each firms's
work to obtain the best and most cost-effective product.
Documentation of ground disturbance should include a description of the
disturbance with confirming evidence. Confirmation can include current
photographs and/or older photographs of the project area which illustrate
the disturbance (approximately keyed to a project area map), past maps or
site plans that accurately record previous disturbances, or current soil
borings that verify past disruptions to the land. Please note that the
OPRHP does not consider agricultural practices to be ground disturbing.
Many archeological sites are located at depths below the plow zone and would
not be disturbed by plowing, tilling or other agricultural practices.
If you have any questions concerning archeology, please call
Cynthia Blakemore at (218) 237-8643 ext. 288.
RECEIVED
oei 2 1996
ST!OF NEW YORK-OEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR.ON
TRAFFIC ANO SAFETY OIVISION
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NOTICE OF ORDER
STUDY NO.:
FILE: 47.37 - 25
TROOP: L
Southold Town Oerl<
THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION HAS FILED AN ORDER WITH THE SECRETARY OF STATE WHEREBY:
SECTION
3047.37
SUBDIVISION
(i'll
PARAGRAPH
(32
OF THE DEPARTMENT'S REGULATIONS is mADDED D AMENDED to read as follows: 0 REPEALED
(32) On the east side of Route 25, 3H 8380, fran Ferry Slip northerly for a
distance of SO:t feet, in the unincorpJrated ccmnunity of Orient Point.
The ebove order will be effective upon the installation, modification or removal of the necessary trllffoc control device (sl required by and
conformillll to the State Manual of Uniform Treffic Control Devices.
JS:BAM
9/25/96
APPROVED BY,
-A.....
Acting Regional Traffic Engineer
IDATE)
SIGNATURE)
ITITLE)
DESCRIPTiO..:
This order establishes a "No Stopping Anytime" restriction at the entrance
to the Ferry Parking Lot on the east side of Route 25. """""""""'"''
ocr 3 1996
COUNTY: Suffolk
OTHER RELATED ACTIONS 0 NONE
LOCALITY: Town of Southold
IX! 1047.37 k)( 23)
(Identify)
ce: 0 CITY
o VILLAGE
Kl TOWN
o COUNTY SUPT.
o SHERIFF
g] STATE POLiCE
o PERMITTEE
[] Southold Town POLICE DEPARTMENT
[] REGiON 1" TRAFFIC ENGiNEER
o OTHER
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September 26, 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Southold Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P. O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
I am writing to provide official written notice required by State
Environmental Ql1ality Review (SEQR) that as an interested public
party, North Fork Environmental Council (NFEC) requests that NFEC
be added to the distribution list to receive copies of all
correspondence and other data received by or sent by the Planning
Board or staff relative to the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at Orient
Point In Southold, New York.
We understand that pertinent law provides that all documents be
made available in a timely manner and in their entirety.
Any excluded portion of any document must be accompanied by a
written explanation as to the reason for exclusion.
Thank you for your consideration on our behalf.
Sincerely,
OCT 4
cc: Ms. Jean Cochran, Southold Town Supervisor
Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
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SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
26 September 1996
Mr. Bennett Orlowski, Jr.
Southold Planning Board
Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, NY 11971
Dear Mr. Orlowski:
I am writing to provide official written notice required by SEQRA that as
an interested public party, Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc. (SCSR)
requests that SCSR be added to the distribution list to receive copies of
all correspondence and other data received by or sent by the Planning
Board or staff relative to the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at Orient Point
in Southold, N.Y.
We understand that pertinent law provides that all documents be made
available in a timely manner and in their entirety with any excluded
portion of documents to be accompanied by a written explanation of the
reason for exclusion.
Thank you for your consideration to this matter.
Sin,.,,', ~
:~j~lon ~
President, SCSR
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cc: Ms. Jean Cochran, Southold Town Supervisor
SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
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SOUTHOLD CITIZENS FOR SAFE ROADS, INC. (SCSR)
P.O. BOX 797
GREENPORT, NY 11944
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
26 Federal Plaza
Rom 1338
New York, NY 10278
Attn: Response & Recovery Division
26 September 1996
Dear Sirs & Madams:
Enclosed is a copy of a response of Southold Citizens for Safe Roads, Inc.
(SCSR) to the draft Long Environmental Assessment Form and the draft
SEQR Positive Declaration on the Cross Sound Ferry terminal site plan.
This response was prepared and submitted to the Southold Planning Board
at that Board's request. We hope that this additional information is useful
to you in your agency's participation in the SEQR process.
SCSR is a citizen's group formed last year to help the Town of Southold
maintain its unique environment and quality of life and particularly to
respond to the potential threat to those qualities that we fear is posed by
the introduction by Cross Sound Ferry of a high speed passenger only ferry
to service the Connecticut gambling casino business. We currently have
some 800 supporters in Southold, are represented by legal counsel and are
playing an active role as public participants in this issue. We intend to be
particularly active in the scoping process and hope that your agency will
be deeply involved.
S~7Z;jL ~
Thor Hanson
President, SCSR
'i
SEP 3 0
cc: North Fork Environmental Council
v Pt,. I Pip.."';' fJ_"",^-.
. - ., SOUTHOLD TOWN: A DESTINATION, NOT A CORRIDOR
A GATEWAY, NOT A THRUWAY
.COUNTY OF SUFFOLK .
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ROBERT J. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
August 28. 1996
STEPHEN G. HAYQUK. P.E.
COMMISSIONER
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Hon. Jean W. Cochran. Supervisor
Town of Southold
53095 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
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SEP I 8 199f1
Re: Bus Service between Tanger Outlet Mall, Riverhead and
Orient Point F~%~
Dear supervlso~(J'
I am writing as a follow-uP to a recent meeting attended by Richard
LaValle of my staff concerning the Orient Point Ferry Service. This letter
provides information in response to questions raised about bus service in the
North Fork area.
In a telephone conversation with Mr. Robert Brown. President of Sunrise
Coach Lines. Inc.. we were advised that his company does not operate any bus
service beTWeen the above two points. Mr. Brown indicated that it is his
understanding that bus service to and from the Tanger Mall is contingenr upon
an authorizing agreement with the mall management. something his company does
not hold. Sunrise does operate a locai pubiic bus line with a number of stops
that include Riverhead and the Orient Point Ferry. This service. which is
under contract with Suffoik County, does not, however. go to the Tanger Mall.
The New York Sate Department of Transportation (NYSDOn reguiates locai
public bus services including issuing the necessary operating authority to bus
companies providing the service. Although the County can exercise controi
over The services it contracts. bus carriers must still obtain operating
authority from NYSDOT. Presently. Suffolk County does not contract for any
bus services which enter the mall property.
Last year, the Riverhead Trolley Corp. sought to operate a public bus
line between the Tanger Mall and various points in and around Riverhead. We
were advised by company representatives that they had obtained the necessary
contract rights with T:Jnger to provide exclusive bus service to and from the
mail. ::mC would be seeking NYSDOT authority to provide the service.
UitimaTelv. the Riverneaa Trolley redefined the service They sought to provide
from a 8ubilc bus line to a signTseelng service, and notified the NYSDOT of
Their intemions in this regard by letter oared August 21. 1995 tc NYSDOT
.""amlnlsTraTive Law Judge Thomas Tcrres. While NYSDOT issues operaTing
cuthontv . for public bus 'ines, it is our understanaing ffi' I rs yO~not
regUlaTe sigmseelng services. i D . 1_1._
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'AP~.ANK. ""'." .. 960 -C"'~j:.l-;:': '':' ...:~e}-,8~2.....0OC
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To: South old Town Planning Board
Since 1992, the Southold Town Trustees has administered the Coastal Hazard Zone,
and it continues to be within our jurisdiction. At Orient Point, in the area of the site plan
for Cross Sound Ferry, Trustees' jurisdiction also extends specifically from the
high-water mark to a distance of 75 feet inland.
A determination of a wetland line should be made in coordination with NYS Department
of Environmental Conservation and NYS Department of State.
The Trustees respectfully request that the following concerns be addressed in the
course of the ongoing SEQRA process:
1. Coordination with NYS DEC, which has jurisdiction within 300 feet of the water and
coordination with FEMA, whose maps indicate floodplain dimensions and borders.
2. Coordination with NYS Department of State to assure their policies are followed.
3. Permitting history of the Cross Sound Ferry vis-a-vis dredging, placement of soils,
and what may be infill and accretion into wetlands areas.
4. Although the CFS owns 4.1 acres of underwater land, this land and its use should be
examined in any review of plans for intensification on the property in question; the
underwater land was omitted from the current siteplan being reviewed.
5. At the time that CSF applied for and was granted permission to develop the 59-car
parking lot, several permits and amendments were issued by NYS DEC to "maintain the
dock." In truth, the development at this time was much broader, including but not limited
to the construction of a bridge tower and replacement dock to enable passengers to get
on and off the high-speed ferry. The Trustees assert that a portion of the work done,
was done without an application to the Trustees, and that application has still not been
received. The construction of the high speed docking structures and the dredging
activities require both Town wetland and CEHA permits.
5. This is a Critical Environmental Area and as such proposed development must be
approved and conducted in accordance with stricter guidelines.
7.The Trustees are also concerned with the unanswered questions of the effect of the
proposed action on increased runoff and pollution from the Main Road into the storm
drains on the adjacent property of the Plum Island Animal Disease Research
Laboratory into Gardiners Bay.
8. The high-water mark has changed in this area, as evidenced by aerial photographs
from decades ago, and has changed as recently as this past winter with continued
accretion of beach land to the east of the ferry docks.
9. It appears from tax maps that there is a section of public land that sits in the middle
of CSF's project - will public access to tl1is property be guaranteed?
We are eager to contribute to this process, and look forward to having our comments
included in the findings of the Town Planning Board. Please feel free to contact the
Trustees for any amplification. Thank. you.
Southold Town Trustees
SEP I 1 !g9'"
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PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
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GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
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Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-313E
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
September 17, 1996
. William Esseks, Esq.
Esseks, Hefter and Angel
108 East Main St.
Riverhead, NY 11901
Re: Proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry
SCTM# 1000-15-9-10,1,11,1,15,1 & 3,5
Dear Mr, Esseks:
The following resolutions were adopted by the Southold Town Planning
Board at a meeting held on Monday, September 16, 1996,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Southold Town Planning Board, acting under the
State Environmental Quality Review Act, assumes lead agency status on this
Type 1 action,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Planning Board, as lead agency, finds that
the action may significantly effect the environment, and makes a
determination of a Positive Declaration,
Enclosed please find a copy of the Positive Declaration for your records,
Please contact this office within the next week for a scoping session date
prior to your compiling the Draft Environmentai Impact Statement.
Sincerely, ,: ('
/)~ I~Jl/f)t~*-< ,~
~~tt Orlowski
Acting Chairman
enc,
.
PLANNING BOARD MEMBERS
RICHARD G. WARD
Chairman
GEORGE RITCHIE LATHAM, JR.
BENNETT ORLOWSKI, JR.
WILLIAM J. CREMERS
KENNETH L. EDWARDS
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Town Hall, 53095 Main Road
P.O. Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-3136
Telephone (516) 765-1938
PLANNING BOARD OFFICE
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
State Environmental Quality Review
POSITIVE DECLARATION
Notice of Intent to Prepare a Draft EIS
Determination of Significance
September 16, 1996
This notice is issued pursuant to Part 617 of the implementing regulations
pertaining to Article 8 (State Environmental Quality Review Act) of the
Environmental Conservation Law.
The Southold Town Planning Board, as lead agency, has determined that the
proposed action described below may have a significant effect on the
environment and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared.
Name of Action:
Proposed site plan for Cross Sound Ferry
SCTM#:
1000-15-9-10.1,11.1,15.1 & 3.5
Location:
E/S State Rt. 25 at Orient Point
SEQR Status:
Type I ( X )
Unlisted ()
Description of Action:
To provide additional parking to a previously approved ferry terminal on Rt. 25 in
Orient; in order to accommodate increased demand for parking that has been
generated in part by the inclusion of a high speed passenger only ferry service
to the existing vehicular ferry service.
.
.
Page 2
SEQR Positive Declaration - Cross Sound Ferry
September 16,1996
Reasons Supporting This Determination:
The applicant has provided the lead agency with a Long Environmental
Assessment Form. The LEAF has been reviewed by the Planning Board, the
Planning Board's Environmental Consultant, and other involved agencies. The
Cross Sound project is expected to have a potential significant impact
particularly in view of site sensitivity regarding the following issues:
1. The project is a Type 1 action, which is more likely to require the
preparation of a Draft EIS. In addition, the project is located adjacent to
the surface waters of Gardiners Bay, which comprises a portion of the
Peconic Bay Estuary, and lies within the Orient Point Critical
Environmental Area (CEA). The proposed project may impair the
environmental characteristics of this CEA. In addition, the project is in
proximity to the Orient Beach State Park and 48+ acres of County owned
land.
2. The proposed action will cause a significant increase in the intensity of
land use on the project site, as a function of the expanded parking,
demand for parking in connection with ferry operations and on-site traffic
circulation for parking access.
3. The proposed action may change the need and use of public and pedes-
trian transportation services (including existing bike trail), and may
increase the demand for other community services including fire, police
recreational facilities and utilities.
4. The proposed action will cause a significant increase in the number of
vehicle trips which utilize off-site infrastructure facilities primarily including
existing transportation systems.
5. The project may adversely change noise and air quality as a function of
increased traffic, and/or may substantially increase solid waste
generation. Existing and proposed site drainage must be analyzed and
controlled.
6. Increased intensity of site use for high speed ferry service will increase
the use of on-site facilities, particularly sanitary flow and water use, and
may result in an adverse impact upon the environment.
7. The project may impact visual and aesthetic resources, particularly as
. .
.
.
.
page 3
SEaR Positive Declaration - Cross Sound Ferry
September 16,1996
regards lighting, and use during both daytime and night time hours.
8. The proposed project may cause growth inducing aspects associated with
the proposed project. In addition, the study of mitigation of potential
environmental impacts and alternatives would be facilitated by the
preparation of a Draft EIS.
9. The project involves multiple agency jurisdictions and permits, and the
comprehensive review of potential impacts would be facilitated through
the preparation of a Draft EIS.
10. Impact of passenger only jet boats on marine environment.
The Southold Town Planning Board has determined that an Environmental Impact
Statement be prepared in order to provide a means to assess the significance of the
impacts of the project, to obtain input from involved agencies and the community, and
to research possible alternatives and mitigation measures.
For Further Information:
Contact Person: Robert G. Kassner
Address: Planning Board
Telephone Number: (516) 765-1938
cc:
Southold Town Board
Southold Town Building Dept.
Southold Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Southold Town Board of Trustees
Suffolk County Dept of Health Services
Suffolk County Dept. of Planning
Suffolk County Dept. of Public Works
Suffolk County Dept. of Parks
NYS Dept. of State, Coastal Resources &Waterfront Revitalization Division
NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation - Albany & Stony Brook offices
NYS Dept. of Transportation - Albany & Hauppauge offices
NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
U.S. Dept of Agriculture
U.S. Army Corp of Engineers
Federal Emergency Management Agency
.
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JUDITH T. TERRY
TOWN CLERK
N\AIL
WJ lt~ (v 3&5
CfDlv
REGISTRAR OF VITAL STATISTICS
MARRIAGE OFFICER
RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICER
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION OFFICER
Town HaJl, 53095 Main Road
P,O, Box 1179
Southold, New York 11971
Fax (516) 765-1823
Telephone (516) 765-1800
D0 ~l-\ CATE.
OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK
TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ACCESS TO RECORDS
INSTRUCTIONS: Please complete Section I of this form and g~ve to Town Clerk's'
Office (agency Freedom of Information Officer). One copy will be returned to you
in response to your request, or as an interim response.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION I.
TO: 'S'\J 0 I\"\-\ T TeRRY. TDwN c"l--F-RK
(Department or Officer, if known, that has the information you are requesting.)
RECORD YOU WISH TO INSPECT: (Describe the record sought. If possible, supply
date, file title, tax map number, and any other pertinent information.)
Official -"ritt@R Betin! iiU T8'1"linu,i by ~IlQP ur",\, fliRt ..? ~,f... '9~....nou ('h-lrm,clrl hJ' 'I\II:::J:;r in l".ttPT nf
9/26/96 and acknowledged by Mr. Orlowski at 1017/96 meeting of the Planning Board that as an
iRteresteEl tJuhlic tJQf"~' ~lfl!C :refiiyests capias Bf all nlrrgEFgA4'JvR....~ J1....,.1 nt-ha... rJo:Jl1"-::I -rpr""iuprt ft)'
or sent by the Planning Board or staff relative to the Cross Sound Ferry terminal at
GrieRt PaiRt IR ~allth.ahl, tIe.l Yark. 'ATe yadi!!nltaaQ tl1at PQrtiRC'JRt hJ"' Fr.Q,,;rI~... t-h.,t- all
documents be made available in a timely manner and in their entirety. Any excluded portion of any
86ittlftel'it ftllut 'he. Rii6111fJRRieil 11) a .. FiK:ea enfllaRatisR as ts the TeaseR t"sr ~md'lsisR
Signature of Applicant:j~. O~-t, NFec.. J-.
. _\ ~ \,).h~ ~ Ce-tY\ cL:../V\, {)..
Printed Name: I' P h Y' j ~ f) ,,\,<'- r;~..+
Address: '"'Pub '7 qq ) AAn++\nJ rk AI \l, I \q~ Q..
1
Mailing Address (if different from above):
Telephone Number: ;2 'l fS - q; '& ~ 0
Date: fi)~~ 19., lqq0>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------------------
[ ] APPROVED
[ ] APPROVED WITH DELAY*
[ ] DENIED*
Judith T. Terry
Freedom of Information Officer
Date
* If delayed or denied see reverse side for explanation.
SECTION II. (For use by Freedom of Information Officer only.)
Your request has been DENIED or the reason(s) check below:
[] Confidential Disclosure
[] Part of I nvestigatory Files
[] Unwarranted Invasion of Privacy
[] Record of which this agency is legal custodian, but cannot be found
[] Record is not. Maintained by this Agency
[] Exempted by Statute other than the Freedom of Information Act
[] Other (specify):
Your request is ACKNOWLEDGED. There will be a delay in supplying the requested
record until
Reason for delay:
SECTION III. RIGHT TO APPEAL
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO APPEAL A DENIAL OF THIS APPLJCATION IN WRITiNG
WITHIN 3:0: DAYS OF THE DENIAL. CONTACT THE SOUTHOLD TOWN BOARD (see
below). THE TOWN BOARD MUST RESPOND TO YOU IN WRITING WITHIN TEN
BUSINESS DAYS OF RECEIPT OF YOUR APPEAL.
Southold Town Board
Southold Town Hall
53095 Main Road
Southold, New York 11971
Telephone: (516) 765-1800
..",-_..".".,.,.-""~~""""-,,..-_....,,",,,-,,-
. COUNTY OF SUFFOLK .
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ROBERT J. GAFFNEY
SUFFOLK COUNTY EXECUTIVE
August 28, 1996
STEPHEN G. HAYCUK. P.E..
COMMISSIONER
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Hon, Jean W. Cochran, Supervisor
Town of Southold
53095 Main Road
Southold, NY 11971
SEP I 8 1996
Re: Bus Service between Tanger Outlet Mall, Riverhead and
Orient Point F~~~
Dear superviso~r(f'
I am writing as a follow-uP to a recent meeting attended by Richard
LaValle of my staff concerning the Orient Point Ferry Service. This letter
provides information in response to questions raised about bus service in the
North Fork area.
In a telephone conversation with Mr. Robert Brown, President of Sunrise
Coach Lines, Inc.. we were advised that his company does not operate any bus
service between the above two points. Mr. Brown indicated that it is his
understanding that bus service to and from the Tanger Mall is contingenT upon
an authorizing agreement with the mall management, something his compeny does
not hold. Sunrise does operate a local public bus line with a number of stops
that include Riverhead and the Orient PoinT Ferry. This service, which is
under contract with Suffoik Couniy, does not. however. go to the Tenger Mail.
The New York Sate Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) regulates local
public bus services including issuing the necessery operating aumoriiy to bus
compenies providing the service. Although the Couniy ccn exerCise control
over The services it contracts, bus carriers must still obtain operating
authority from NYSDOT. Presently, Suffolk County does not contract for cny
bus services which enter the mall property.
Last year, the Riverhead Troiley Corp. sought to operate a publiC bus
line between the Tanger Mall and various points in and around Riverhead. We
were advised by company representatives that they had obtained the necessary
contrect rights with T::mger to provide exclusive bus service to and from the
meli. and would be seeking NYSDOT authoriiy to provide the service.
Ultimatelv. the Riverheed Trolley redefined the service they sought to provide
~rom a cublic bus iine to a slgmseeing service, ana notified the NYSDOT of
Tr,elrmenrions in this regerdoy letter detea August 21, 1995 te NYSDOT
,A.amlr,lstrcTive Law Judge Thomas Terres. While NYSDOT issues operaTing
Guthentv ~er public bus iines, it is our understaneing: 1r2,', '" ~6',::-not
regulcTe sigmseeing services. I n ~ :2 '1__,'
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5UF=-CU< COUNTY !S AN ;::CUAL .:lPPORTUNITY/AFFIRfwIIAT1VE ..l"C71CN ~MPL~-;::7.'.~:~.
'.l,P'-+ANK. 'I." ~ 980 t. -':','';;'.\- :-::,'': - ~1.ar_9~2-..l,COO
o:-"'x 5105l952-..:.~5C
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TO: Hon. Jean W. Cochran
RE: Bus SeNices bet\o.ien Tanger Outlet Mall. Rlverhead and Orient Point Ferry
We are not familiar with the specific seNice(s) provided by the
Riverhead Trolley. although we are advised the company is currently promoting
a seNice bet\o.ieen the Tanger Mall and the Orient Point Ferry which includes a
combined trolley/ferry fare.
I hope the above information clarifies some of the issues raised at the
meeting.
Very t Iy yours.
.A /1. J2-'
s!ePhen G. Hayduk. P.E.
/tommissioner
_/
SGH:RJL:er
cc: Hon. James Stark. SupeNisor. Town of Riverhead
Tony Apolloro. Assistant Deputy County Executive
Janet DeMarzo. Assistant Deputy County Executive
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PARKING SPACES �� INTEGRATED
EAST LOT: 541 SPACES SITE PLAN
WEST LOT: 38 SPACES
TOTAL: 579 SPACES PREPARED FOR
CROSS SOUND
FERRY SERVICES, INC.
PREPARED: JULY 25, 1996 FOR PROPERTY SITUATE AT
REVISED: JULY 30, 1996 �'0 OF NfW ORIENT
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TOWN OF SOUTHOLD
SUFFOLK COUNTY, NEW YORK
John J. Raynor, P.E. & L.S., p.c. m *
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Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor 2s ', ro - Caw SCALE: 1" = 20'
• Deerfield Green P.O. Box 720
Water Mill, New York 11976 Phone: (516) 726-7600 Qt`ess;oNV
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