Apple Bloosom Ln-Pine Ridge Dr-Locust Dr-Park Hill Ln r_J
March 25, 2001
Town Board
Town Of Wappinger f
P.O. Box 324 � FRV 46V I
Wappingers Falls,N.Y. 12590 T p N op PV �C)FF�c
Attention: Constance 0. Smith, Supervisor "' / GE�9
RE: Drainage Concerns
Apple Blossom/Pine Ridge/Locust Drive/Park Hill Lane
Dear Supervisor Smith and Board Members,
The attached is a listing of homeowners living along the above mentioned roads. In recent years
we have grown increasing concerned regarding the elevation of the water in the areas
surrounding our properties. While we understand that some improvements were made along the
stream in recent years, this has not sufficiently resolved or alleviated the water elevation
problem.
During a recent inquiry into the problem, we were informed by Graham Foster, Highway
Superintendent, that no further improvements or dredging could be performed in this area
because it was declared a Federally Protected Wetland. Easement improvement could only be
made with the permission and consultation of the Army Corps of Engineers. I am also enclosing
for your information a letter regarding this issue which was sent to you by Paggi, Martin and Del
Bene, LLP, Town Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors.
Current Elevation maps issued by the Town reflect these water areas as Zone X. Although some
drains do exist, they have apparently not been properly monitored or maintained. Residents who
have been in this area for decades have never before witnessed the high elevations to which the
water now rises. In fact, the water is encroaching into backyards and living areas along its route.
In addition, our tax base is the same as for those residents who have full access to their dry,
maintained property.
This situation is a threat to our personal property, a, health hazard due to recent concerns
regarding the West Nile virus, a danger to the. many small children living in the area, and an
environmental hazard to the fragile ecological balance that exists in this habitat.
Therefore, we respectfully request to appear before the Town Board in order to discuss what can
be done to resolve this issue. If this property is, in fact a Federally Protected Wetland, what
rights do we have regarding its use and how do we safeguard our properties? What is their
responsibility? What obligations does the Town now have in maintaining this area? We
anxiously await your response to this letter.
RECEIVED
Cc: Paggi,Martin&Del Bene,LLp MAY 17 2001
Graham Foster,Highway Supertendent
TOWN CLERK
WAPPINGERS LANDOWNERS
THE UNDERSIGNED ARE HOMEOWNERS CONCERNED ABOUT THE WETLANDS AS
DETAILED IN THE ATTACHED LETTER DATED MARCH 23,2001.
NAME ADDRESS SIGNATURE
y
WAPPINGERS LANDOWNERS
THE UNDERSIGNED ARE HOMEOWNERS CONCERNED ABOUT THE WETLANDS AS
DETAILED IN THE ATTACHED LETTER DATED MARCH 23, 2001.
NAME ADDRESS SI A
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I
PAGGI,MARTIN&DEL BENE LLP
Consulting Engineers & Land Surveyors
55 Main Street
Poughkeepsie,New York 12601
845-471-7898
845-471-0905 (FAQ � �EID
December 17, 2001 R
New York District OWN CLER
Army Corp of Engineers
Regulatory Branch 26 Federal Plaza
Room 1937
New York, New York 10278-0090
NO
Attention: Randy English
Reference: Proposed Stream/Wetland Cleaning
Appleblossum Lane to Park Hill Lane
Town of Wappinger
Dutchess County, New York
Dear Mr. English:
As per our telephone conversation of December 14'', 2001, enclosed please find a copy
of an aerial flight indicating the boundary of the above referenced project. Also included
herein are several photographs taken of the area indicating the vegetative characteristics.
While a formal wetland determination has not been performed as of this date,the regular
occurrence of standing water as well as the site specific soils and vegetation are
indicative of a typical wetland hydrology. Therefore, it is assumed that the area in
question is under your jurisdiction.
The area in question begins on the southside of Appleblossum Lane, and continues in a
southerly direction approximately 10,000 feet to the northside of Park Hill Lane. The
subject wetland/stream is tributary to a New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation Designated Freshwater Wetland (HJ-41)to the south of Park Hill Lane.
At the request of some of the residents in the area, the Wappinger Town Board is
investigating the feasibility of performing cleaning and dredging operations through the
area to define the stream channel, and to provide positive drainage from north to south.
The projected area of disturbance is estimated to be 20' wide by 10,000' long, or 4.6
acres.
We would ask that your department clarify:
a. If a permit is required for the Town to perform such work, and
b. What would be required to secure said permit?
Joseph E.Paggi,Jr.,RE. Ernst Martin,Jr.,EE.,L.S. Charles R.Del Bene,Jr_,EE.
Mr. Randy English -2 - December 17, 2001
RE: Appleblossum Lane
Please feel free to contact this office if you have any questions or comments regarding
this matter.
Thank you.
Ve truly yo ,
g�e)
Peter J. Paggi
PJP Jaw
Enclosure
cc: Constance 0. Smith, Supervisor
Town Board
Albert P.Roberts,Esq.
Hon. Gloria Morse
Hon. Graham Foster
TOWN OF WAPPINGER
SUPERINTENDENT • SUPERVISOR
GRAHAM FOSTER JOSEPH RUGGIERO
TOWN COUNCIL
VINCENT BETTINA
CHRISTOPHER J.COLSEY
JOSEPH P. PAOLONI
SUPERINTENDENT OF HIGHWAYS ROBERT L.VALDATI
20 OLD ROUTE 9
WAPPINGERS FALLS,NY 12590-0324
(845)297-9451
FAX:(845)298-0524
TO: JOSEPH RUGGIERO
FROM: GRAHAM FOSTER
DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2003
SUBJECT: FLOODING OF'YARDS ON APPLEBLOSSOM LANE
I have been trying to cure the above problem for quite some time. We have been 80%
successful in lowering the water by changing a pipe on Locust Drive and some cleaning
of the stream. At this point,we have gone as far as we can go,however. Someone has
built two mortared rock walls across the brook. These walls have created two small
ponds which drain very slowly and result in water being backed up to the properties on
Appleblossom Lane.
I feel the walls which actually act as dams were built illegally in the wetland and should
be opened at their low point to allow the water to seek its original level.
Sincerely,
Graham Foster, Highway Superintendent
Town of Wappinger Highway Dept.
Cc: Town Board
Jay Paggi
Al Robrts
SECE1\1ED
" z
TOWN CLERK