Opposition by Democrats Creates Public Hazard, Threatens Environment
County Executive Maggie Brooks, joined by County Legislature Majority Leader Dan Quatro (15th LD – Webster), Legislature President Wayne Zyra, and Department of Parks representatives, today announced the County was forced to cordon off a section of Ellison Park from public use as a result of dangerous conditions created by unstable banks along Irondequoit Creek. The move, which comes less than a month after County Legislature Democrats voted down a project that would have utilized $250,000 in New York State funding to stabilize the Creek, limits park space and requires unsightly barriers to block access to the affected site.
“Monroe County has long been proud to boast one of the finest municipal park systems in the Nation, and today’s closure is truly disheartening for all who care about this community, its natural beauty, and the preservation of environmental resources,” said Brooks. “Our Department of Parks and private engineers specializing in waterway management stand ready to provide needed stabilization for more than 2,500 linear feet of Irondequoit Creek stream bank in Ellison and Powder Mills Parks, with the State providing 100% funding for the project. However, if certain Legislators continue to prioritize politics over economic and environmental responsibility, putting both taxpayers and two beautiful parks at risk, additional closings will be unavoidable.”
Significant stretches of Irondequoit Creek within both Powder Mills and Ellison Parks have been greatly impacted by storm water flow and other forms of erosion, seriously compromising the structural integrity of its banks. The 2,500 linear feet identified for stabilization would be reinforced through the installation of both stone and plant materials, with an estimated cost of $250,000 to be fully reimbursed by a New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Grant. The County has proposed a bonding authorization in the full amount of the project, to avoid impacting the 2009 operating budget and protect taxpayers in the event that the State is delayed in reimbursing for cost of the stabilization. The bonding authorization will have no effect on the County’s credit rating.
“It is inconceivable that any Legislator could oppose a project intended to slow damaging erosion while providing the appropriate stabilization of environmentally sensitive areas in our local parks, especially when the cost will be fully reimbursed by the State,” said Quatro. “Through their obstruction, Legislature Democrats are putting taxpayers and the environment at risk. The Democrat Caucus must do the right thing and take immediate action to resolve this situation by voting in support of the stabilization project.”
The Irondequoit Creek Stabilization project will be voted upon after a motion to reconsider is offered by Legislature President Wayne Zyra at tomorrow’s meeting of the Full Legislature. In order for the project to move forward, three members of the Democratic caucus are needed to vote yes because bonding authorizations require 18 votes.