Easier Phragmites Removal
The local laws adopted on Friday that concluded the East Hampton Village Board’s business for 2015 were overshadowed by a moment of silence observed for Karen Rickenbach, the daughter of Mayor Paul F. Rickenbach Jr., who died on Dec. 12.
“Every October, I do my little speech about breast cancer because it has affected me personally,” said Deputy Mayor Barbara Borsack, presiding in the mayor’s absence. “Sadly, it’s also recently affected the village family in another way . . . We’re very sorry about it, and our hearts go out to him and his family.”
The board heard comment afterward on a proposed amendment to its freshwater wetlands code. Non-native phragmites have invaded and damaged the wetland areas that not only contribute to the village’s beauty but are a key component of its ecological system and wildlife, according to the law’s intent. Given the species’s resiliency, restoration projects that remove phragmites and restore the natural ecosystem can take years.
The amended law would ease restrictions on property owners, creating a permit to remove phragmites that is valid for up to four years, replacing the currently required annual permit and survey. This will encourage restoration projects while ensuring that phragmites removal is done properly, said Becky Molinaro, the village administrator. The amendment, she said on Monday, “tweaks it so it’s a little less cumbersome and, hopefully, encourages more people. Some have found the annual permitting process daunting.” With the amendment, the village will match the town’s code with respect to phragmites removal, she noted.
Sara Davison, project manager for the nonprofit Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation, thanked the board for its commitment to protecting native habitats. “Friends of Georgica Pond believe the amendments are warranted, appropriate, and will have a beneficial effect on our community’s efforts to restore wetlands in the village,” she said. “At Georgica Pond, Phragmites australis has resulted in a decrease in the diversity of the pond’s wetlands. In addition, dense phragmites growth blocks public access to the pond and impedes water circulation within the pond.”
With no further comment, the amendment was adopted.
The board also revised the definition of “structure” to exclude dry wells or catch basins installed for drainage purposes, an amendment aimed at containing stormwater runoff and preventing it from flooding streets, waterways, or neighboring properties.
Defining dry wells and catch basins as structures, thereby requiring them to meet the village’s setback requirements, was “counterproductive to our stormwater prevention” efforts, Ken Collum, the code enforcement officer and fire marshal, said Monday. As with the modification of the freshwater wetlands code, the revised definition encourages “something we really want people to be doing,” he said, “instead of making them come to the zoning board to get relief.”
No nearby municipalities regard dry wells or catch basins as structures that must meet setback requirements. Dry wells or catch basins installed in wetlands would still require a review by the village’s environmental consultant, Mr. Collum said, and dry wells associated with swimming pool drainage will still have to meet setback requirements.
“Merry Christmas and happy holidays, a healthy and safe new year,” said Elbert Edwards of the board as the meeting concluded. “That’s from all the board, including the mayor.”