Island Dispatch, 1993-05-21

              ISLAND  DISPATCH The Dispatch Has A Temporary New Address: 1854 C Whitehaven Rd. "J (behind Rockwood Bros. Collision) SERVING THE GRAND ISLAND COMMUNITY SINCE 1944 500 With The GRAND ISLAND NEWS GRAND ISLAND, NY (716) 773-7676 24 PAGES VOL. 50 • NO. 8 MAY 21, 1993 Planning Bd. Recommends Master Plan Revisions by Elizabeth Watz THE PLANNING Board, though in general agreement with the context of the proposed Master Plan, have recommended more specific definitions and several revisions. Concerned with (he need for more environmental sensitivity, the board recommends a statement stressing "low profile, low density development maximizing the preservation of green space." Apparently, the definition of "green space" is not clearly defined in the plan and the board recommends it be revised to include all areas of scenic beauty, all areas that would establish a desirable pattern in future development and all areas that would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources, within the limits of the objectives of the municipality. Six types of ecosystems have been identified by the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation as worthy of protection. These areas, including Upland Forest Habitat, Stream Corridor Habitat and State Regulated Wetland, are recommended to be referred to in the plan as "green space." Agriculture is recommended to be listed as a permitted and desirable use of low density residential areas. The Planning Board also recommends a clearer description of the current capacity of the sewer plant for the purpose of estimating the amount of development the plant can further support. If additional sewer plant capacity becomes available in the future, the board advises the first expansion to be along East River Rd. along the waterfront, as opposed to being used in areas of new development. Greater sewage capacity along the waterfront reduces the risk of pollution through septic system runoff and seepage. Also discussed in the Master Plan are hamlet centers. These are suggested to be defined as small rural groupings of shops on a neighborhood scale. Hamlet centers should provide the neighborhood residents with safe streets, sidewalks and bike paths. The board advises the elimination of the hamlet center on Staley Rd. near West River claiming that the area is too rural. Recommended are improvements to the commercial area on Love Rd. to aesthetically upgrade that hamlet. The board suggests that further development of high density multifamily housing in the town center should not occur. All land owned by St. Stephen's and Trinity Churches should be used for church related activities not to exclude senior citizen housing, nursing homes, hospitals and non-profit uses. Also recommended by the Planning Board is the expansion of the business area just south and east of town center on the Blvd. to the town garage. Low density multifamily housing would serve as a buffer between the commercial and single family residential areas. Concluding the list of revisions is the recommendation for stronger statement about the bridge situation. The south bridge is ncaring capacity and until there is a comprehensive traffic plan explaining alternative ways of getting off the Island, development should be curtailed. The Town Board was asked by the Planning Board for authorization to retain Saratoga Associates to complete the recommended changes which was approved Monday. Councilman Sharpe indicated he would like the Master Plan Committee to stay involved until formal adoption by the Town Board. Discussion will continue on the Master Plan at the joint boards meeting 8 P.M. Monday, May 24. WEATHER: The Old Farmer's Almanac says - May 11--24: showers, turning cool. May 25-27: sunny. May 28: warming, showers. Jewels Of The Isle Go On View Today The Island '93 Show of Homes officially kicks off today for a 17 day run in Woodstream Meadows Subdivision off Baseline Rd. Ten homes, themed Jewels of the Isle, are showcased in one of the premier neighborhoods of Grand Island. Pictured are Russ and Rick I -cut of Lent Construction installing a sign promoting the show. Rick is the current president of the Grand Island Builders Assoc, which annually sponsors the show. Co-sponsors are National Fuel and Kep Corp Mortgage Co. Don't miss this opportunity to view beautiful, yet affordable homes that meet (he needs of the 90s lifestyles.