Lancaster Approves Cross Creek Map – Flooding Continues to Hamper Construction

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Development
Lancaster Approves Cross Creek Map – Flooding Continues to Hamper Construction
By Gary S. Howell
Mar 20, 2008, 16:12

On Monday, March 17th, the Lancaster Town Board approved an amended plat map for Cross Creek Subdivision. The Town approved the original map cover in January. That map outlined a 264 single-family homes subdivision, located along Pleasantview Drive and Stony Road.

The amended map reflects a change in the New York State Electric and Gas easement. The utility company’s easement was increased from 50 feet to 100 feet. Two lots were removed from the original map to accommodate the increase.

Lancaster added three conditions before they accepted the map. The developer must install sidewalks on Pleasantview Drive and Stony Road. All homes fronting Pleasantview and Stony must include concrete or asphalt, tee turnaround driveways, installed at the developer’s expense. All State and Federal wetlands must be identified by monumentation.

Roy Schneggenberger, who lives near the development, asked the Town to table the resolution until they can enforce several conditions. He demanded the Town enforce Local Law #2 of 2007, Erosion and Sedimentation Control. Sewer construction in and around Ellicott Creek has caused destruction to the creek banks and sediment has leeched into the creek.

Schneggenberger asked the Town to enforce the five-ton weight limit on Pleasantview and Stony. He complained that construction activity is destroying these roadways.

Lastly, Mr. Schneggenberger said that the Town should require the developer to clear roads of mud, dirt, and debris on a daily basis.

Flooding Continues to Hamper Sewer Construction at Cross Creek Site

Recent rain, snow, and snow melt exacerbated continuing construction problems of the sewer installation at the Cross Creek site. Construction has been virtually halted since the site flooded in mid-February and subsequently froze over.

February 19th Flooding

The site has been plagued with problems since construction began.

On November 26th, rains inundated the site and breached silt fencing erected to protect it. On December 3rd, the DEC issued a stop work order. That same day, a representative of the Developer told the Lancaster Town Board that no such order was issued.

As of today, fines have not been levied for the violation.

The Developer took steps to reinforce the barrier protecting the site.

On December 11th, rain and snow caused water levels to rise again. The rising waters breached the reinforced barrier. The Developer took further steps to strengthen the barrier.

The barrier was breached again on December 29th, by rain and snowmelt.

Early in January of 2007 the Lancaster Town Board told residents that the DEC felt the developer had a proper soil stabilization program in place and they were ready to proceed with the sewer installation.

The first week in February, unstable weather caused flooding which led to further sediment discharge. The DEC cited the developer for further violations on February 5th.

On February 6th, heavy rains and snowmelt again flooded the site.

The problems worsened this week. Water backed up south of the construction site.

Water Backed up Behind Worksite

The backed-up water is running around the worksite and seeping back into the creek around the retaining walls.

Water Seeping into Creek around Retaining Wall

The original intent of the project was to install the sewer in the winter, while the ground was frozen. The planners were apparently unaware of the fact that this area is part of the creek and is usually covered with ice and water from early winter until late spring.

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