Batavia aldermen on July 1 discussed options for managing a gravel accretion and vegetation at the north end of the river channel near Clark Island and voted to table any action until after the Batavia Environmental Commission meets on July 21.

Council members described the feature’s origin as construction debris (a cofferdam placed during bridge reconstruction), and speakers warned that three buried utility pipes — a main water line, a wastewater line and a natural gas line — run beneath the accretion. A long-time alderman recounted that contractors had allowed cofferdam material to settle in the channel during bridge work, which created the current gravel bar; representatives from a utility company have warned the city that future work on a buried gas pipe could require removal of the accretion.

Council members and commenters said the island supports aquatic habitat (spawning and shelter for fish) and native and invasive vegetation such as American water willow and dogbane. Several aldermen said the site is valued by fishers and birdwatchers, but others said the accretion’s appearance draws criticism from donors and residents who helped fund riverfront improvements.

The committee supported a short discussion but asked that the Batavia Environmental Commission be present at future deliberations; Alex (head of the Environmental Commission) had sent background material but was not at the meeting. Staff also said consultant V3 — which previously surveyed the vegetation — could attend to answer technical questions. A motion to table until after the July 21 Environmental Commission meeting passed by voice vote.

Why this matters: the feature lies in downtown riverfront and has ecological, aesthetic and infrastructure implications. Council members said any long-term plan should consider buried utilities, donor-funded riverfront improvements and maintenance costs.

The council asked staff to collect questions for the Environmental Commission and invited the Batavia Park District, Batavia Parks Foundation and other stakeholders to participate in the July 21 discussion.