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WATERFRONT PLANNING

Oakleigh Forest Neighbors:
October 29, 2008

Environmental Improvements (Living Shoreline): The environmental improvements and investigations were driven by Joe Giacinto. Highlights of his investigations are summarized in the following:

1. The bulkhead at the shoreline is relatively new and in excellent condition, it was assumed that this should not be removed.
   
   
2. The firm of Shoreline Designs Inc. was contacted (www.shorelinedesign.net) as was Burke Environmental Associates to review the design requirements for the Living Shoreline.
   1. The object of the Living Shoreline is to provide a filtering of runoff water into Cattail Creek so as to naturally clean that water, and the subsequent improvement of water quality for the entire Chesapeake Bay.
   2. A rock embankment would be built just inside the dock, filling the area to the bulkhead with sand and planting aquatic grasses in that area.
   3. A shallow swale would be placed to channel the water from the boat ramp into the area as mentioned above.
   4. The cost would be approximately $200/ft. of shoreline or $30,000.
   5. Cost could be reduced slightly if OFCA planted the grasses. This cost, however, is thought to be negligible in comparison to the creation of the area as described above.
   6. A grant for a portion of the installation expense could provide partial funding, should OFCA qualify for such a grant (see below).
   7. A Photoshop rendition of the proposed shoreline will be made available for community review on the website in the future.
      
      
3. Phil Belgrader representing Berrywood South Homeowners Association (BWS), provided input describing BWS' efforts to install as similar Living Shoreline.
   1. The estimated cost for BWS' water front (which is directly adjacent to OFCA's to the North) was approximately $80,000 with the possibility of a $40,000 grant and the balance supported by BWS.
   2. The higher cost for BWS (despite the similar creek footage) was due to drainage associated with the surrounding properties. (OFCA does not have a similar situation, and thus a lower estimated cost.)
   3. BWS has decided not to proceed with their Living Shoreline project for financial reasons.
      
      
4. Robinson Landing Ridge Homeowners Association (RLR) was asked to participate in the discussions and was represented by Scott Reaser.
   1. The concept of the Living Shoreline project was discussed.
   2. RLR is concerned that modifications made to the OFCA Waterfront would affect their neighborhood and make them liable environmentally for changes that OF would undertake.
   3. OFCA will keep RLR informed and continue to ask for relevant input concerning improvements.
      
      
5. Future plans, Continuing Efforts:
   1. A visual presentation of the Living Shoreline will be presented to the Community on the OFCA website.
   2. In order to obtain a grant to fund the Living Shoreline (it is theorized that approximately 50% of the required funding could be obtained via grants), a "Tax Exempt" IRS status is required (matching funds can be in the form of cash or labor hours). The investigation into the benefits and risks of this "Tax Exempt" status needs more investigation. Should a benefit for OFCA be determined and seem reasonable, then approximately $2,000 dollars for legal and accounting fees will be required to attain "Tax Exempt" status.
   3. Community input will be sought as to continuation of the project and any input from OFCA, RLR and BWS considered.
   4. The Greater Severna Park Council (GSPC) has also been noted as a source for a grant to fund the project should it proceed.
   5. Maintenance of the Living Shore Line will also need to be discussed.

Recreational Improvements: This "phase" of the WFIC's work was driven by the committee and surrounding community representatives' walk of the sight.

1. WFIC recommends that the OFCA Waterfront Board of Directors take responsibility to:
   1. Review the parking of trailers and boats at the waterfront area, and rearrange the parking of trailers so as not to use the area presently cluttered with old boats and empty trailers.(The area north of the entry road.)
   2. The area west of the Pumping Station Road could be used for parking provided all environmental issues with clearing brush out of the area are adhered to. (see area map.)
   3. Anne Arundel County has discussed the pumping station with Joe Giacinto and is at present modifying the chemical treatment for the station so as to reduce odors that in the past were randomly emitted from that facility.
   4. Should the use of the Waterfront increase, future parking will become a issue.
      
      
2. The area adjacent to the bulkhead was agreed upon as being the only place available for a recreational area and improvements.
   1. This area's development is restricted due to needing a boat launching turnaround.
   2. Picnic tables (one or two) along the bulkhead could possibly be added so as to provide more places to enjoy the waterfront.
   3. The present canoe and kayak racks may be able to be repositioned to afford more open space next to the boat ramp.
   4. Access to the dock area for fishing should be considered if the community feels that there is a large enough demand to modify security to the slip area.
      
      
3. The possibility exists of "partnering" with BWS by negotiating an agreement so that OFCA and BWS would share waterfront areas.
   1. BWS has beach space.
   2. BWS' approach road and the OFCA approach roads might be able to be connected to form a large turn around, thus making launching of boats easier and thus freeing up some area near the creek.
   3. Environmental regulations and obtaining permits for modification of the land that close to the shore line are envisioned as being very difficult if not impossible to obtain at a reasonable price.
   4. The benefit of combining waterfront areas with that of OFCA affords little advantage to BWS.
   5. No discussion has taken place concerning this alternative to date.
      
      
4. Electricity Service
   1. Electricity is presently supplied through a neighbor's service and is necessary for use in the winter to prevent freezing. It is supplied at residential rates. As long as we pay within the agreed upon time frame supply is dependable.
   2. Lighting at the waterfront is supplied by a pole light at the dock. This light is now turned off at night as the lack of light keeps vandalism to a minimum
   3. At the present the cost for BG&E electric service is estimated at being greater than $20,000
   4. The conclusion of this group is that the benefits of improving the electrical service, at this time, are marginal and not worth pursuing
      
      
5. Water Service
   1. There is no running water at the waterfront.
   2. The cost to run water service to the area is again estimated to be greater than $20,000.
   3. The utility of having flowing drinkable water is thought to be marginal for the price of installation and the small benefit.
      
      
6. Needed Follow Up
   1. Using the OFCA Website, solicit community input concerning the above mentioned items- Submit any input to the OFCA Waterfront Board.
   2. Move the boats and random trailer storage in 2009 so that parking is improved (see above).
   3. All funding for the recreational improvements (picnic tables, clean up, rearrangement of racks etc.) would be through waterfront budgeting and under the direction of the OFCA Waterfront Board of Directors.
   4. Finalize the benefits of having OFCA attain a "Tax Exempt" Status. A Volunteer from the community is being requested to investigate the benefits and costs and report to the OFCA Board of Directors. Note any interest thru the website.
   5. Finalize the design, cost and possible funding for the "Living Shoreline"- Joe Giacinto
   6. Review the Waterfront Charter and Bylaws, (at present the only rules and regulations (that can be found) pertain to the allocation of boat slips), any information should be submitted thru the OF website to the Waterfront Board of Directors
   7. Community interest is needed as to initiating any discussions of partnering with BWS for mutual use of the waterfront areas. Again feed back via the OFCA website would be appreciated.

Respectfully Submitted,
Chuck Trenkle
Steve Patrick
Joe Giacinto
Steve Pallett
Frank Cingel

Waterfront Improvement Committee Update
Oakleaf September 2008

C.Trenkle

Fellow Oakleigh Forest Neighbors:
April 10, 2008

Chuck Trenkle

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