Environmental Advisory Council

Minutes – February 24, 2004

Members present: Brian Clark, Nancy Crickman, Chris Hanson, David Hart, Peg Hebner, Jeff Jabco, Sue Kelly, Lora Lavin, Rich Shimko, Alan Yen


OLD BUSINESS

There was no formal meeting in January so there were no minutes to approve.

Review letter regarding 84 Yale Avenue development

The Council reviewed a draft letter to Mr. Ken Crowther regarding his plan to demolish existing properties at 84 Yale Avenue and build new houses. His plan had been presented to the Planning Commission and they forwarded it to the EAC for comments. Mr. Crowther had met with several members of the EAC in January and a draft letter was prepared. The EAC made the following comments on the draft letter:
• Mention poor quality of Little Crum Creek as reason for preserving land around the Creek,
• Request deed restrictions on building near Creek,
• State that this letter is preliminary comments.
In addition, it was suggested that the Natural Lands Trust be contacted for guidance on setting aside land.

Follow-up on NPDES Stormwater Article

The article about ways to eliminate pollutants in stormwater was published in the Swartmorean so this item is closed.

Update from Art McGarrity on wetland public education

The Chairperson will contact Art McGarity about whether he could provide additional training on maintaining the Little Crum Creek Park wetlands. He will also inquire whether a public viewing walkway is still planned.

Update on Rutgers School Project

The Council was informed of plans by a neighborhood group to reorient the athletic fields on the Rutgers Avenue School property and construct a skateboard park and basketball court. There would be some encroachment into the woods. The planning is in a preliminary stage and no action by the EAC is required now.

New Business

New Member

The new EAC members were welcomed: Nancy Crickman, Lora Lavin, and Alan Yen.

New Educational Program for Borough Residents

Lora Lavin said she had agreed to help distribute a (CRC) questionnaire to Swarthmorean who live near Crum Creek. She also suggested getting a grant to distribute educational pamphlets, such as combating invasive plants, to Swarthmore residents. It was suggested that educational material could be put on the Borough’s website.

Adopt-a-buffer toolkit/Delaware Riverkeeper publications

The Chairperson showed a copy of a State document “Adopt-a-buffer toolkit”. He will make copies of relevant pages and distribute them at the next meeting. He also recommended the Delaware Riverkeeper website: www.delawareriverkeeper.org.

Upcoming events

March 6 – Regional EAC meeting, Villanova
March 20 – Crum Creek Conference, Swarthmore College
March 26 – Riparian Buffer Workshop, Springfield
March 27 – PennFuture Watershed Workshop, Villanova
May 1 – Annual stream cleanup, local creeks
May 4 – Crum Creek cleanup, Swarthmore College

Sediment runoff at Swarthmore & Yale Aves.

The Chairperson reported that Jane Billings has complained to Springfield township about the sediment runoff onto the streets at the new home construction site at the corner of Swarthmore & Yale Avenues.

Other Items

Peg Hebner reported that the comprehensive planning process has started and will include issues such as how to use open space and the parks. Seven focus groups have been formed but eventually there will be public meetings.

Swarthmore College has prepared, along with the Natural Lands Trust, a report on the Crum woods on the College property. A copy is in the library.

There have been no recent developments on the Airport Expansion project.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 p.m.

The next meeting of the EAC is scheduled for March 23, 2004.