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Grand Island CAB requests involvement after shoreline clearing in waterfront revitalization area triggers DEC inquiry
Summary
The Grand Island Conservation Advisory Board received a report on Oct. 23 that town clearing along an East River shoreline removed wetland vegetation in a waterfront revitalization area, and members asked to be involved in any DEC-led investigation and restoration planning.
Members of the Grand Island Conservation Advisory Board raised a concern Oct. 23 about recent clearing at a town-owned shoreline parcel near East River Road that removed wetland vegetation in a waterfront revitalization area. Participants said the work occurred without a consistency review required by the town's waterfront rules; the DEC has been notified and will investigate.
The board described the site conditions as stripped shoreline with exposed debris and concrete and emphasized the need for the town to follow its consistency-review procedures and to consult CAB about restoration planting and low-impact access. CAB members suggested replanting native wetland vegetation and designing a small informal seating area and picnic location that restores ecological function while preserving public access.
CAB requested that the town involve the board in restoration planning and coordinate with DEC. Board members also noted that historic-preservation and long-range-planning interests overlap with shoreline work and asked that those stakeholders be engaged as part of any plan.
No formal vote was taken on policy; the board placed the item under "updates" and asked liaison and town staff to keep CAB informed of DEC findings and restoration plans so CAB can provide planting and ecological recommendations.
