Tonight approximately 70-85 area residents gathered in the Auditorium of Southside High School to hear the final draft of the Chemung River Master Plan.
Given by the primary architects of the plan, a Mr. Haas and another individual whose name I unfortunately didn’t catch, the presentation included lectures, many computer enhanced and composed pictures, actual photographs, posters and slides as well as hand out materials. Although audience participation was sparse, overall the meeting was informative and optimistic.
It appears that the final draft of the Chemung River improvement master plan is for the seasonal use of the Chemung River as it flows from the western most Horseheads line all the way downriver past Elmira to the City of Chemung. There was also some mention that upriver Steuben County and Corning have expressed an interest in improving that part of the Chemung River as well.
Overall, the plans include areas for ‘rough’ camping; hiking/walking trails; areas of trails for hiking/biking and equestrians combined; a small white water rafting areaimproved portage area around the dam, a possible fish ladder, and areas around the concrete river front water control wall where interested parties could hike and/or look over at the activities below.
A priority early project identified was a comprehensive system of informational Kiosks and trail signage. Included on the Kiosks will be Trail Directives, Interpretative information, directional/outdoor wayfinding information, warning and regulatory information, Trail markers, Trail name and Trail logo, as well as Trail Directories and historical site information.
The proposed trails, depending upon their intended use, will be up to 6 feet wide and will include rural and urban areas, flood plains and areas that will be free of the danger of flood damage.
Although I was impressed by the thoroughness of the master plan as presented, I do have a few reservations, not the least of which include:
1) Where will the money come from to pay for this lavish project? The plan is formidable and is certain to carry an extravagant price tag. I couldn’t help but wonder where the City of Elmira and the County of Chemung planned to obtain such substantial funds for this plan. I know grant monies will be involved but I wonder if matching funds will be required of the City and the County and if so, how much of the grant will we be required to match?
2) Since a fair amount of the trails are located on the flood plain which is under water at least twice a year if not more there will be trail flood damage repairs to consider. Even if the areas never flooded, the flood plain trails would carry a heavy cost for routine maintenance to keep them in good condition and safe for a law suit happy public to use. Speaking of which, the liability insurance premiums on these trails and rafting area will have to come from somewhere and I doubt it will be from a government grant.
One attendee brought up the very real concern to the effect that that in the years to come is there a possibility that maintenance of this river front improvement would result in an increase in taxes? I share that concern! (BTW, the I believe that was the question was referred by Mr. Haas to Mr. Tonello. n If that was the onje, but it was not nswered.)
3) Early in the presentation Mr. Haas mentioned necessary acquisition of the lands which are planned for trail usage. He mentioned purchase, voluntary re-titling of properties (yeah, in our dreams!) and worst of all, he mentioned ‘hand shake’ usage of some properties. That ‘hand shake’ use business seriously bothers me as we are all aware of the many ‘hand shake’ deals made by previous administrations that landed the City of Elmira in deep doo-doo.
All of the Elmira Council people, with the possible exception of Jim Hare, were in attendance. I say ‘possible exception’ because while I spotted all of the other council members (as well the Mayor) I didn’t see Mr. Hare although he could have been there. If he was, he was uncharacteristically quiet.
Councilwoman Sue Skidmore asked an excellent question that even the architects of the plan hadn’t taken into consideration. Noting that many of today’s vacationers and tourists travel in large self-contained units Sue suggested that there would be a need for parking for such vehicles in an area that provided utilities. The architects promised to consider this problem and include it in the plan where possible.
Other Council members present said nor asked anything.
To recap: The meeting and its presentation was excellent. The pictures and idea itself was beautiful. There is no doubt in my mind, however, that the river front project is going to be a building project with an astronomical price tag. The maintenance of the project alone promises to be a huge and ongoing expense. I’m wondering how Elmira and Chemung County plan to bear the weight of its maintenance after we figure out how to obtain the funds build it.
In conclusion: I love the idea but I’m afraid the long and short term expense of this plan isn’t something that we can afford at the present time. Especially if even only maintenance funds are eventually expected to come from Elmira’s ever shrinking property tax rolls.
IMHO, repair of presently aging infrastructure should come first.
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Yeah- three times a charm at communicating the need for RV pulloffs- The equestrian idea was new- but even so- those trailers are now pulled by 3rd wheel trucks- and the trailers have living quarters with TV’’s– AC- Microwaves-showers and a section for up to 6 horses… I did love the idea. When Salle Richards came over and asked my name (she’s been interviewing me for 15 yrs and still doesn’t know me) I thought it would get an honorable mention in the paper-did anyone see it? Cause I didn’t….
I think there is alot of misunderstanding of the construction of the pathways. They are not to be a macadam paved walkway- but more a nature trail- hard packed or a crushed stone. Therfore high water or floods shouldn’t really create more repair. The stairways would be concrete- same as the dam…the “white water” would be alongside the dam area and take place of that what ever the price was $100K fish ladder thing with the inflatable whatever-that Jim Hare had been interested in.The handshakes would be for access across private properties along the river.
The biggest problem that isn’t being talked about is there is a need for “someone” to be in charge of this whole thing, which of course means a salary. This river group may comprise people from different municipalites and agencies but will be funded by grants, private money etc…the care and upkeep is still a good question-I’d like some sort of response about that-and will ask. I have asked if we need to create another layer of protection- a police marine unit or now PD on horseback to patrol the river area? Maybe we can put them back on bikes? I was told that the DPW and FD would be responsible. At this point- that’s all I know.
Jim Hare was not present- he was unable to attend.
I like the idea of using the river to our advantage- If the river works- then the store fronts along the river become more interesting and the apartments above more enticing. This arguement is the chicken or the egg- I say build and they will come. We could do nothing and have everything as stagnant as it is now. Some of the “downtown” will be revitilized and other issues will finally come to resolution.
One of the things that paralyzes Elmira is the FLOOD OF 72…. still in 2008. The preceding floods- Elmira rebuilt and moved forward. …physical therapy doesn’t last that long-we need to start moving on our own.
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Are you of the opinion that hard packed earth or stone trails will be maintenance free? Unless maintained on a regular basis, nature will reclaim such paths. The paths will require maintenance on a regular basis and even more so after a flood the swiftness of which we see in this area. The Kiosks and signs will require regular maintenance after the routine graffiti attention they are bound to receive.
Then, too, we will have to have insurance in the very likely event that someone sprains an ankle on a crushed stone trail or loses their life in the white water. THAT won’t come cheap!
Any number of people will need to be hired before this project can come to fruition: Subcommittees to work with the hired consultants, qualified sign design consultants, acquisition of easements, securing designs and permits for launches, etc etc. Not to mention to cost of attorneys to research rules and regulations of NYSDOT, NYSDEC, USACOE, DOS, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other federal and state agencies from whom the project will need approval.
THEN, who knows how many contracts must be written, how many bids let, how many people must be convinced to sell rights of use of their land, designs must be completed, etc etc.
This is a VERY BIG project and is going to come with a VERY BIG price tag.
I, as do you, would like to see Elmira amount to something wonderful again. But for crying out loud, the City is still wanting top sell the golf course to pay off some of its debt and we’re thinking about doing a project of this magnitude when the city barely has a pot for pee or a window for throwing out?
What about our antiquated water delivery system? What about our antiquated sewer system? What about man-eating holes in most of our streets?
I’m impressed by the architects vision. The idea and pictures were wonderful. But such beauty on this scale doesn’t come for free. And it isn’t maintained for free or insured for free. And I don’t agree with hand-shake deals for ANYTHING. Sue, we both know what kind of problem THAT got the city into! It all needs to be put on paper, properly signed, and recorded.
As I stated before, I LOVE the idea. I loved the pictures of the mowed grass and manicured flower beds, the lovely HARD SURFACED trails that were presented in the pictures. BUT…I’m just not so sure it is feasible. There is quite a difference between an architect’s creative dream and the cost of a finished product. I’m not convinced Elmira can afford a pipe dream of this size at this point in time.
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This is probably one of the first positives I have seen in a long time in this area. Yes it is going to cost but, it has the potential to do many wonderful things not only for the area but, maybe it will encourage people to get out , participate, and become more healthy. From what I have seen as of late, the people of the area could use something to get them off their couches and away from McDonalds.
As far as potential “lawsuits” , just day to day living brings that potential. There are already laws in place covering many of the hazards ie. wearing life vests and such. Post carefully worded and constructed signs to make the users responsiblity for themselves. I know that being responsible for one’s own actions has become an abstract concept as of late but, perhaps it’s time to ressurrect it.
If it becomes a popular enough attraction, the people using it will help in the policing of it for such things are people who choose to destroy others property by tagging or vandalism.
If the horse trail is separated from the hiking trail, that would help with the cleanup. Is that the case? And again, what is wrong with something in print stating to “take responsibility” , help out and clean up after yourself.
I guess my parents taught me better because, I treat other’s property like I treat my own. With respect.
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Kinseylr, I would hope that is how it would be, personal responsibility is a great thing.
Action is better than inaction. I’ll take it.
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I realize my concerns may make it sound as though I am against the river front improvement project. I am not. I am all for beautification of the river front but truly feel that to do it for the purpose of attracting tourists or top encourage couch potatoes to get up and walk is not realistic.
Beautify the river front….yes, that would be wonderful. But those who wish to increase their exercise level are already so doing. Folks lay on the couch because that is what they LIKE to do. A more scenic river front isn’t going to affect those folks one way or the other.
As far as law suits, I agree, this is a law suit crazy society. And you just watch what will happen the first time someone steps on one of those trails, falls and ends up with a fractured leg. Someone will pay, it is guaranteed!
The expense of the building of the river front project is mostly covered by a grant. 5% of the expense will fall to Elmira. 5% really doesn’t sound like much at first glance but when one considers we’re planning for hundreds of thousands to go into this project, 5% will be quite a bit. Required long term maintenance isn’t covered at all by the grant. That expense will fall to Elmira. And that bothers me.
Currently 38% of Elmira properties are not on the tax rolls. That leaves the remaining 62% of property owners paying 100% of the property taxes that are collected in Elmira. Unless some way of paying for the maintenance of the river front project is conceived before the project is begun, you can count on property owner taxes footing the bill.
Like you, kinseylr, I was taught to clean up after myself, as was Bill Unfortunately, we are in the minority. Elmira has a difficult time getting dog owners to clean up after their pets so you KNOW there is going to be a plethora of trash being left on the trails. Gum wrappers, candy wrappers, plastic bottles, dirty diapers, cigarette butts, left over food, KFC buckets, miscellaneous cans, containers, and paper are just the beginning. Even if left near (but probably not IN) a trash receptacle someone will need to be paid to pick it up and haul it away. NHT to mention repair and maintenance of Kiosks, trails and any structures.
I’m for working out in ADVANCE the details of exactly how this project and maintenance thereof can be achieved without the lion’s share falling at the feet of the property owner.
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