1992-07-08
QUEENSBUR Y RECREATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MEETING
JULY 8. 1992
Minutes of the regular meeting of the Recreation Commission of the Town of Queensbury
held Wednesday, July 8, 1992, at the Queensbury Water Treatment Plant, West Mountain
Road, Queensbury, New York. Chairman Simmonds called the meeting to order at 7:02
p.m.
PRESENT: Commissioners Labatore, LaBombard, Simmonds and Sperry
ALSO
PRESENT: Councilmen Goetz, Monahan, Tucker &: Director Hansen
ABSENT: Commissioners Carusone (ex) and Hersh (ex)
VISITORS: None
WALKING TOUR - NIAGARA MOHAWK PROPERTY
The group proceeded on a walking tour of the parcels of property along the Hudson River,
which are being offered by the Michael's Group/Niagara Mohawk Corporation (recreation
assessment), as part of their planned unit development (PUD). The Sherman Island Road
development includes 166 housing units and approximately 99 acres in 2 parcels has been
earmarked initially for Town usage as parkland. A small 5 acre parcel adjacent to the
water plant overlooks the river on the southside of Corinth Road. This parcel was relatively
flat with moderately thick vegetation and the consensus was that this location might be
usable as a small picnic/passive recreation site. The other parcel (94.1 acres) was located
on West Mountain, on the north side of the Corinth Road and appears to be quite steep
and heavily wooded. This parcel is being conveyed as an open space conservation area
for hiking and other types of related recreation use. Overall, those in attendance questioned
the value and usability of the larger parcel primarily because of its location and terrain
features.
The group then proceeded westerly along the edge of the river to tour another parcel
of Niagara Mohawk property which is not included in the PUD project. This parcel had
been discussed years ago as a possible park/boat launch area and inasmuch as it might
still be a possibility (future Town park), the Director thought it worthwhile to walk and
evaluate the site firsthand. This riverside linear parcel seemed to be ideal for a possible
walking/nature trail along the river and the Director pointed out that a portion of the
site further west was of value and had been used previously (unofficial) as a canoe/boat
launch site.
In summary, the Commissioners in attendance agreed that the 5 acre overlook area and
the linear "riverside" parcel had potential as possible future recreation sites. However,
the 94.1 acre parcel seemed to be less usable and not as desirable as the other areas.
This information will be relayed by the Director to both the Supervisor and the Planning
Board who are presently reviewing the PUD application.
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The group returned to the Water Treatment Plant parking lot where a short business meeting
was conducted.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner LaBombard moved to approve the minutes of the April 8, 1992 meeting.
Commission Labatore seconded the motion and after polling all commissioners, the motion
was unanimously approved.
PARK/PROGRAM UPDATE
The Director updated the Commission on the progress of the work being done at Hovey
Pond. Information on the fabric material which is on order was relayed and there was
discussion with regard to the assistance being provided by Highway and Water Department
work crews. It was explained that the equipment and crews were on loan temporarily
and not working at the site on a full time basis. When the primary work load responsibility
of these other departments allowed, the use of the men and equipment necessary to finish
the Hovey Pond project was made available to the project. However, when the situation
dictated otherwise, i.e.: equipment breakdown, manpower shortage, other work
responsibilities, etc., work at the Hovey Pond project site was secondary and thus was
postponed. The Director explained that this was a fact of life and a necessary trade-off
of time versus expense (longer to complete, but less costly).
The Director mentioned that Mr. Lucien Potvin, a resident on Mt. View Lane, had donated
many 1 "-3" diameter oak and maple trees to be planted at both Hovey Pond and the park
at Ridge/ J enkinsville. These trees will be marked later this summer and replanted at
the two locations when they become dormant this fall.
Commissioner Sperry relayed information about the Empire State BMX Association and
a childrens' dirt bike program. She outlined specifics about a bike track facility, explained
about the BMX organization, and the the bike races they sponsor. She agreed to make
additional information available to the Director who will then contact the owner of BMX
track facility in Rotterdam and set up a visit by members of Commission at a later date.
MONTHLY DEPARTMENT REPORT
The Director briefly reviewed the monthly report and updated the Commission on the
summer programs and activities, most of which were underway. Program registration
and attendance were higher, so far this summer, when compared to 1991 figures, and this
has occurred, in spite of this summer's weather which seemed to be cooler and more rainy
than usual. Overall, the Department's total summer program of activities is proceeding
well with only minor problems and difficulties.
There being no further business, the Commission was adjourned at 8:31 p.m. The next
meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 1992, beginning at 7:00 p.m., at park site
yet to be determined.
Minutes prepared by Harry R. Hansen