Springs Library Parking Lot Update
The APC Board met with Town Board Councilmember Ian Calder-Piedmonte last weekend at Town Hall to discuss the status of a controversial proposal to create a parking area behind the Springs Historical Society and Community Library. With the health of Accabonac Harbor as our primary concern, APC Board members questioned whether the parking lot was necessary, whether alternatives had been considered and what steps the Town was taking next.
Parking Lot Plans in Preliminary Stages
Calder-Piedmonte emphasized that the parking lot was requested by the Springs Historical Society, Ashawagh Hall and the Springs Community Presbyterian Church in response to what they see as a need to accommodate an increased flow of visitors. He reiterated that the design plan shown at prior meetings was entirely preliminary; an engineered plan has yet to be done. He also told APC that the project would not necessarily move forward, but if it did any plans would be designed to mitigate run-off (from as much as 5 inches of rain), be subject to the approval of the Natural Resources Department and require further community meetings and input.
Calder-Piedmonte did not seem optimistic about parking alternatives. He pointed out that more cars parking on School Street or Parson Place would only increase automotive run-off into Pussy’s Pond and that the Dodge property across Springs Fireplace Road was a preserve and had drainage issues. He did speak about design alternatives and aesthetic possibilities. The parking area would definitely not be paved and much of it might be seeded with grass. The idea being to leave it as meadow-like as possible, which is what it once was before it became forested.
If the Town Board decides to proceed, Calder-Piedmonte promised APC would be informed and consulted. In the meantime, we are doing our best to pass on the concerns of our membership so do let us know how you feel.
You can email us at accabonacprotection@gmail.com to voice your comments.
Thank YOU for your Support
Keeping our community informed of the ongoing work to protect Accabonac Harbor is the Accabonac Protection Committee’s top priority. These efforts are possible due to the generous support of our community and it is your donations that help fund critical fact-finding programs, as well as our ongoing remediation efforts to protect the harbor.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we can ensure that Accabonac Harbor, our waterways, and our open spaces remain protected for future generations.
The work continues. Please donate today.
