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Conservation board urges town to inspect Town Tavern site, citing alleged wetland burial
Summary
The board voted May 28 to forward a formal recommendation to the town board asking for a joint inspection and enforcement under town code §407‑201 after members raised concerns that work at Town Tavern denuded slopes and buried wetlands near Woods Creek.
The Grand Island Conservation Advisory Board on May 28 voted to recommend that the town board request a joint site inspection and enforcement action at the Town Tavern property after members described apparent erosion, denuded slopes and the burial of wetlands adjacent to a protected stream.
Jim (Committee member) presented a draft recommendation that asks the town to: conduct a joint site inspection by the code enforcement officer and CAB under town code §407‑201 A3; issue a notice of violation to Town Tavern if warranted; require Town Tavern to prepare a reclamation plan specifying grading, landscaping and plantings to be reviewed by CAB and approved by the building department; require monitoring and reporting on restoration success under §407‑201 A4; and impose an appropriate penalty under §407‑201 C.
Members said they had contacted town staff and the DEC and that any delay risks further erosion. "We can't be picky and choosy about what laws we enforce and what laws we don't enforce," a board member said while urging prompt action. Board members emphasized that if Town Tavern cooperates and submits a professional reclamation plan, penalties could be reduced or waived at the town’s discretion.
The board approved the motion and instructed CAB leadership to prepare the formal recommendation to the town board. The motion was recorded in the meeting text as "Passes 7‑0." CAB members said they view the action as an advisory request to the town board and building department to enforce local code and to coordinate with DEC where appropriate.
The recommendation cites specific town code sections and asks town staff to involve the engineering and building departments in enforcement and remediation oversight. The board discussed hiring a consultant to draft an appropriate reclamation plan if Town Tavern lacks the internal expertise; members also urged timely town action to prevent further sedimentation and flood risks to Woods Creek.
