|
Environmental information document (draft), Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project — February 2005
Prepared by SGD Environmental Services
for Environmental Engineering Associates, LLP
PROPOSED LEAD AGENCY
Onondaga County, Department of Water Environment Protection
650 Hiawatha Blvd., W., Syracuse, NY 13204
Contact: Richard L. Elander, PE, Commissioner, 315-435-2260
3. Human resources/setting
The purpose of this section is to provide a
description of the existing environmental setting of
the human resources located within the project area
(RTF and conveyances). Human resources identified in
this section consist of transportation, land use,
community services, demographics, and cultural
resources. In addition, information to assess
environmental justice is provided. Information in this
section of the document provides the basis for
assessing the degree human resources will be impacted
by the proposed Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project.
The following subsections describe the existing
setting associated with vehicular, train, and
pedestrian traffic, as well as parking, within the
project area.
illustrate that the conveyance lines are proposed to
parallel Onondaga Creek starting at West Onondaga
Street (southern limit) and run north/northeast to
Fayette Street. In addition, conveyance piping will be
constructed along an approximate two-block portion of
the northbound service road of West Street. The
underflow force main is proposed to be primarily
installed parallel to the conveyance route (see Figure
1-7).
Various types of vehicles travel in the project area
including cars, trucks, delivery vehicles (including
diesel), and buses. Specific to the project, the
conveyances will cross or parallel portions of the
following street rights-of-way:
- West Onondaga Street
- Gifford Street
- South Clinton Street
- Dickerson Street
- Tully Street
- West Jefferson Street
- West Street (northbound service road)
- Walton Street
- Fayette Street
Some of the streets are currently designated as
one-way whereas others allow two-way traffic. Based on
site observations made in February 2005, the majority
of the roadways where the conveyances will be
installed were in fair to good condition.
As described in greater detail in
a traffic study was conducted along the majority the
affected streets. During the study, traffic volumes
were collected in select areas of the project to
evaluate the potential volume that would be rerouted
due to traffic detours. Traffic volumes were collected
during morning, mid-day, and evening peak travel hours
to represent a typical day and "also capture events
that occur in the downtown area, such as the Farmer's
Market and the September 11 remembrance ceremonies"
(SB 2003). The traffic volumes identified during the
study are presented in Appendix D.
Appendix D
Emergency routes:
Snow plowing priorities are as follows: main
arteries-rush hour routes, snow emergency routes,
hospital routes. These routes are plowed first,
followed by secondary routes, side streets, and dead
end streets (SDPW 2003). Based on site observations,
Fayette Street is a designated snow emergency route
whereby vehicles are not allowed to park on either
side of the street during a City-declared snow
emergency. In addition, as needed for snow removal
purposes, meters are sometimes "bagged" to prevent
parking (Esposito 2003).
This subsection describes those services provided by
mass transit (buses and trains) located within the
project area.
3.1.2.1 Centro bus routes
Centro bus routes currently exist along West Onondaga,
Gifford, South Clinton, and Fayette Streets where
conveyances will parallel/cross the street. Bus routes
along these streets include the South Avenue Bus
Route, the Western Lights Bus Route, the Solvay Bus
Route as well as others. In addition, Fayette Street
is reportedly used by many Centro bus drivers before
and/or after their shifts to travel to Centro
headquarters located at One Centro Center (SB 2003).
3.1.2.2 City of Syracuse School District
According to School District representatives, school
children within the Syracuse School District that are
bused are transported to school through Centro (Kuss
2003). A discussion of Centro bus routes currently
running within the project area is described in detail
in Section 3.1.2.1 above.
3.1.2.3 Rail services (OnTrack)
The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency
(OCIDA) owns the elevated tracks and station located
adjacent to the RTF site
The New York Susquehanna and Western (NYS&W) Railroad
operates freight train and OnTrack shuttle service on
the tracks (Clare 2004, VanHattem 2001). OnTrack is a
passenger rail system that provides public rail
transportation from Jamesville Beach north to the
Carousel Mall. OnTrack services include the following
(OnTrack 2003):
-
OnTrack City Express: shuttle service five days
per week between Colvin Street and the Carousel Mall,
-
OnTrack Rail Excursion: shuttle service
departing from Clinton Station (also known as
Susquehanna Station) to a variety of locations during
various times of the year,
-
Orange Express: shuttle service for Dome events
such as football, basketball and shows.
The majority of the streets within the project area
allow for pedestrian traffic via sidewalks. Tully
Street (owned by Hanford Pharmaceuticals) and South
Clinton Street adjacent to the route do not have
sidewalks. As of February 2005, the majority of the
sidewalks were observed to be in good condition.
Parking as it relates to the Clinton Street CSO
Abatement Project consists of off-street parking
available within parking lots, as well as on-street
parking within the project area.
Parking garage closure and/or partial closures are not
anticipated. Open surface parking lots to be impacted
during the construction of the conveyances consist of
the following lots:
-
Mill Pond Landing parking lot (80 spaces)
-
Walton/West Jefferson Street (Butler) parking lot (75 spaces)
The current use of the proposed RTF site is surface
parking (a 700 space open parking lot). The parcel is
currently owned by the City of Syracuse and leased to
Murbo Parking.
3.1.4.2 On-street public parking
In the vicinity of the conveyance routes, West
Onondaga, South Clinton, Dickerson, and West Streets
do not have on-street parking available to the public.
To the contrary, Gifford, West Jefferson, Walton and
Fayette Streets within the project area have on-street
parking available on either one side or both sides of
the street. Tully Street is owned by Hanford
Pharmaceuticals and used as an entrance to the
pharmaceutical company.
Based on site observations and available literature,
the following subsection describes the land use
(current and planned) in the area to be developed by
the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project.
Table 3-1 illustrates the current zoning and land uses
within the project area. As illustrated by the table,
the project area consists of areas zoned for business,
commercial, and industrial activities. Residential
uses are permitted. Based on observations in the
project area (RTF and conveyances), and information
from the Syracuse - Onondaga County Planning Agency
(SOCPA) (2005), general land use in the project area
consists of vacant lots, parking lots, residential
uses, public service areas, and commercial businesses,
and industrial/utility uses. The current uses along
the proposed conveyance route are described in Table
3-1 below. Appendix C provides relevant photographs of
land use along the conveyance route.
Appendix C. Relevant site photographs: Email Susan Miller, Project Deputy Director or phone 315-435-2260 for copy.
| Table 3-1 Current Land Use in Project Area |
|
Roadway (zoning*):
|
Current land use*
|
Comments:
|
|
West Onondaga St (CBD-OSR and BA)
|
Vacant lot
|
Rescue Mission is seeking to build park on vacant lot (see Section 3.2.2.4)
|
|
Gifford St (CA)
|
Rescue Mission** facilities including access drive, parking and lawn
|
Gethsemane Holiness Church** located within 1000ft
|
|
South Clinton St (CA, CBD-GSA and CBD-R)
|
Parking and railroad
|
Clinton Plaza Apartments** to the south of Clinton Station parking lot. Clinton Station is classified as CBD-GSA.
|
|
Dickerson St (IA, CBD-GSA and CA)
|
Vacant retail building and parking
|
|
|
Tully St (CA and IA)
|
Hanford Pharmaceuticals**
|
|
|
West Jefferson St (IA, CBD-GSA and CA)
|
Railroad, parking, retail at 308-310 Jefferson (music store), and the MOST
|
Portion along Creek to Walton planned for Creekwalk (see Section 3.2.2.1). Area encompasses historic Armory District**
|
|
West St northbound service road (CBA-GSA and CA)
|
Hanford Pharmaceuticals**, vacant structure, and former Dupli Graphics bldg.
|
Fire Department (Station #6) south of conveyance. PEACE** located 500 ft west of conveyances along this route
|
|
Walton St (CBD-GSA)
|
Parking and commercial at 219 Walton St.
|
Portion along Creek to Jefferson planned for Creekwalk (see Section 3.2.2.1). Area encompasses historic Armory District** (including Galaxy Communications**).
|
|
Fayette St (CBD-GSA and CBD-GS)
|
Parking and vacant commercial (first floor) at 329 Fayette St (unknown occupants above 1st floor)
|
|
|
Sources: SGD 2003 site observations, Clare 2003, and Syracuse Zoning Atlas
|
Notes:
* Zoning designations and land use are for the streets impacted by physical placement of the conveyances and construction of the RTF. Source of descriptions for zoning designations: Syracuse 2001.
** Identified as a "sensitive receptor" for purposes of this document. Sensitive receptors consist of educational institutions, churches/synagogues, hospitals/medical facilities, senior citizen complexes,
and structures of cultural significance (see 3.2.3 and 3.5.1). Also included are Hanford and Galaxy due to instrument/equipment sensitivities.
BA Zoned "Business A" - Local retail and service stores, offices and 1,2 and multiple units.
CA Zoned "Commercial A" - Retail and service stores, offices, residential units, warehouses, wholesale businesses, motor freight terminals, new motor vehicle sales.
IA Zoned "Industrial A" - Retail and service stores, offices, new and used motor vehicle sales, light and heavy duty motor vehicle repair, manufacturing, wholesale businesses and motor freight terminals.
CBD-GSA Zoned "Central Business District - General Service A" - Retail stores, offices and residential units.
CBD-OSR Zoned "Central Business District - Office and Service District (restricted) - Retail stores and offices.
Implementation of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement
Project is consistent with and promotes the public
purpose of protecting public health and advancing
environmental and aesthetic improvements in Onondaga
Creek and Onondaga Lake. These are critical public
interest concerns that immunize the project from the
applicability of local zoning regulations, if and to
the extent that such regulations may be interpreted as
inconsistent with the project as mandated by the ACJ.
As illustrated in
Figures 1-7 and 1-8,
Clinton Station is bordered to the west/northwest by
Onondaga Creek, to the east/northeast by elevated
railroad embankment, and to the south by Dickerson
Street. Structures in close proximity to the RTF site
include Hanford Pharmaceuticals, Clinton Plaza
Apartments, the Museum of Science and Technology
(MOST), and the train station (see Appendix C).
Appendix C. Relevant site photographs: Email Susan Miller, Project Deputy Director or phone 315-435-2260 for copy.
3.2.2.1 City of Syracuse - Onondaga Creekwalk
The City of Syracuse is planning to extend the
existing Onondaga Creekwalk. To the north, the
Creekwalk will extend to the mouth of Onondaga Lake
eventually connecting to an Onondaga Lake Loop Trail
and the Erie Canalway Trail (scheduled to connect
Canal communities from Albany to Buffalo along the NYS
Canal System) (Syracuse 2002).
Portions of the Creekwalk in downtown Syracuse will
parallel the route of the Clinton Street conveyances
between Jefferson and Fayette Streets
(see Figures 1-7 and 1-8).
At this time, the City of Syracuse anticipates that
construction of the Franklin Square to Armory Square
portion of the Creekwalk will commence in 2006 (Clare
2005). The construction of the Clinton Street
conveyances is slated to begin in 2007.
3.2.2.2 Proposed Dickerson Street bridge replacement
Available information from the City indicates that the
City of Syracuse 2005-2006 Capital Improvement Program
includes the Dickerson Street bridge project (Clare
2003). The Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project will
require the construction of a conveyance pipe and a
diversion structure within the Dickerson Street right
of way to the west of the existing Dickerson Street
bridge.
3.2.2.3 Hanford Pharmaceuticals expansion
Located to the south of the project area, Hanford
Pharmaceuticals has secured federal money (grant and
loan), to expand its operation at 429 West Street. The
expansion plan includes the utilization of the former
Dupli Graphics building (located at the corner of West
Jefferson and West Streets) as well as a new building
bordering Fabius Street (Press Release 2002a).
3.2.2.4 Other planned downtown land uses
Other planned land uses within the project area
depicted in
Figures 1-7 and 1-8
that have been identified during the preparation of
this document include the following:
Syracuse University - Former Dunk & Bright Warehouse
In December 2004, Syracuse University announced plans
to temporarily relocate its Architecture School to the
corner of West Fayette and South West Streets (former
Dunk & Bright warehouse). It has been reported that
the relocation will occur in the fall 2005. The
Architecture School will be housed at the West
Fayette/South West Street building for two or three
years until renovations of the Architecture School's
current campus building (Slocum Hall) are complete. At
that time, another Visual & Performing Arts department
(yet to be determined) would permanently move into the
West Fayette/South West Street building (Buczek 2004).
Rescue Mission Park
Based on information from the Rescue Mission as
provided to County representatives, the Rescue Mission
is in the process of trying to secure grant money to
develop a private park (grass lawns, trees, walking
paths, benches, etc.) adjacent to their existing
administrative building. The park, less than one acre
in size, would replace an existing vacant lot owned by
the Rescue Mission that lies between West Onondaga and
Gifford Streets (Clare 2003).
New York State funded projects
The City of Syracuse will receive a $7 million grant
from the New York State Empire Opportunity Fund to
assist in downtown development initiatives. Part of
this grant ($5 million) will be used to develop a new
850-car parking garage along the 200 block of South
Salina Street (approximately 1500 feet east of the
project area) to be utilized by Excellus, Inc.
(insurers). The funding will also provide $2 million
to "support the construction of a new 600 car parking
garage to allow the Hartford Financial Services Group
to remain and grow in Syracuse" (Press Release 2002b).
The Hartford is located on South State Street
approximately 2000 feet east/northeast of the project
area.
In addition, on November 12, 2002, a news release from
Assemblyman Sheldon Silver announced a grant for $3.8
million from the New York State Assembly to renovate
and expand the Landmark Theatre on the 300 block of
South Salina Street (approximately 1200 feet from the
project area) (Press Release 2002c).
3.2.3.1 Area receptors
Noise receptors consist of pedestrians, local
businesses, and residential complexes (including
apartments and hotels). Sensitive receptors as it
relates to this document consist of educational
institutions, churches/synagogues, hospitals/medical
facilities, and senior citizen complexes. Current
sensitive receptors identified within 1000 feet of the
project consist of the following:
|
Sensitive receptor:
|
Address:
|
Distance from RTF (est.)
|
|
Gethsemane Holiness Church
|
201 Gifford St
|
1000ft south*
|
|
Rescue Mission complex
|
Gifford St
|
1000ft south**
|
|
PEACE West Side Family Resource Center
|
200 Wyoming St
|
1000ft west*
|
|
Clinton Plaza Apartments (senior housing)
|
550 S Clinton St
|
900ft east*
|
|
Hanford Pharmaceuticals***
|
429 West St
|
200ft north**
|
|
Galaxy Communications***
|
235 Walton St
|
600ft north*
|
Note: * Also within 500ft of pipeline route
** Building also located adjacent to conveyance route
*** Due to instrument/equipment sensitivity, Hanford and Galaxy have been identified as sensitive receptors.
|
3.2.3.2 Urban sounds and noise
The predominant sounds in the project area emanate
from vehicular traffic (cars, trucks, buses, etc.). As
the railroad tracks are present in the area, noise
from freight and OnTrack trains exists as they travel
through downtown. During public participation
meetings, resident representatives in the project area
have identified that noise from the trains is an issue
(EEA 2002).
The information presented in this subsection
identifies community services in the project area such
as fire protection, police protection, recreational
facilities, public utilities, and waste management
programs.
The Syracuse Fire Department is responsible for
responding to fire emergencies within the City. The
Fire Department consists of eleven fire stations and
approximately 400 uniformed personnel (Smith 2002).
The conveyance route as planned will be installed
along West Street in the vicinity of Fire Station #6.
The fire station is located on the corner of Fabius
and West Streets (601 West Street) approximately 400
feet from the conveyance route along West Street.
The Syracuse Police Department is a metropolitan
police department, comprised of more than 450 sworn
officers and civilian employees (Syracuse 2002). The
Police Department is located at 511 South State
Street, outside the project area (approximately
0.3-mile).
Recreational facilities within the Clinton Street CSO
Abatement Project area include the MOST, Armory Square
Park (across from the MOST and beyond the elevated
tracks), and Jefferson Park (grounds around the
Armory) (Syracuse 2002). As previously noted, when
constructed, the Onondaga Creekwalk will also provide
recreational opportunities for the Syracuse community
and visitors.
Above and below grade utilities and appurtenances
within the project area include the following:
-
Potable water lines (Syracuse)
-
Sewer lines (Syracuse and County)
-
Natural gas and electric lines (Niagara Mohawk)
-
Telephone and telecommunications (various)
Upon implementation of the Clinton Street CSO
Abatement Project, the County will be responsible for
managing wastes from both the construction phase and
operational phase of the project.
3.3.5.1 Waste management during construction
Construction and demolition (C&D) debris will
primarily include items such as asphalt, brick,
concrete, lumber, and piping. In addition, the
preliminary geotechnical study prepared by H&A (2003)
suggests that fill at the Clinton Station RTF site
will have to be removed. It is estimated that 10 feet
of fill material will require excavation to reach an
adequate bearing layer.
Section 5.3.2.2
presents the findings of a Draft Phase I Environmental
Assessment Report prepared by EEA (2003b) and limited
sampling conducted at the RTF site and along select
portions of the conveyances.
3.3.5.2 Waste management during operation
Operation of the RTF will result in wastes that
include office waste, process waste, and regulated
wastes.
Section 5.3.2.3
identifies these wastes in greater detail and the
disposal practices to be employed by the County during
the operational phase of the project.
This section has been developed to provide relevant
information pertaining to area population, housing,
employment, and economics.
Table 3-2 provides a population statistics summary. To
represent the demographic area affected by project
implementation (i.e., that area surrounding the RTF
site ), "Block Group" and "Block" level data from the
United States Census Bureau 2000 was utilized. A
subdivision of a Census Tract, a Block Group is the
"smallest geographic unit for which the Census Bureau
tabulates sample data" (USCB 2004). A Block Group
summary is presented herein since Block Groups are
used in both federal and state required review
processes, in particular a component of the
environmental justice review process (see Sections 3.6
and
5.6
below). Based on 2000 census data, 1,931 persons
reside in the two Block Groups associated with the RTF
site [Tract 30-Block Group #1 (T30-BG1) and T32-BG1].
Based on the Block Group data, approximately 56% of
this population is identified as minority.
| Table 3-2 Population Statistics for Census Year |
|
|
Block Group*
|
Block **
|
City
|
County
|
|
Total:
|
1,931
|
485
|
154,874
|
469,062
|
|
Not Hispanic or Latino:
|
|
|
|
|
|
White alone
|
816
|
252
|
94,457
|
388,244
|
|
Black or African-American+
|
577
|
165
|
36,945
|
42,096
|
|
American Indian+/Alaskan Native
|
31
|
5
|
1,790
|
4,104
|
|
Asian+, Hawaiian, Pacific Islander+
|
14
|
1
|
4,937
|
9,697
|
|
Other
|
71
|
14
|
9,197
|
14,195
|
|
Hispanic/Latino+
|
422
|
48
|
7,548
|
10,726
|
|
Percent Minority++
|
56.13%
|
46.50%
|
35.16%
|
14.65%
|
|
Sources: USCB 2004, SOCPA 2003a
|
Notes:
* In affected RTF area. Census 2000 Summary File 1 100% Data: Tract 30 Block Group 1 and Tract 32 Block Group 1.
** In affected RTF area. Census 2000 Summary File 1 100% Data: Tract 30 Block Group 1: Blocks 1005, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, and 1034 and Tract 32 Block Group 1: Blocks 1055, 1056, 1058, 1059 and 1060.
+ Considered "minority" based on CP-29 Environmental Justice and Permitting (NYSDEC 2003a).
++ In assessing minority percentage, category "other" was not included in computation per state definitions.
Figure 3-1, Census Tract 30, Block Group 1 and the project area
As illustrated in Figures 3-1 and 3-2, the two Block
Groups (T30-BG1 and T32-BG1) associated with the RTF
site are geographically larger than the proposed
project site:
-
The western edge of T30-BG1 is North Geddes Street (more than 0.5 mile from the RTF)
-
The eastern edge of T32-BG1 is Montgomery Street and Oswego Boulevard (more than 0.25 mile from the RTF site)
Figure 3-2, Census Tract 32, Block Group 1 and the project area
As such, the Block Group data encompasses a much
greater demographic area (i.e., population) than that
which would be impacted from the construction and
operation of the RTF. Given the broader review area
associated with the "Block Group" level, a review of
the population in the RTF area based on smaller census
units was also performed (i.e., a "Block" review). A
Block is the "smallest geographic unit for which the
Census Bureau tabulates 100-percent data" (many Blocks
correspond to individual city blocks bounded by
streets) (USCB 2004). Based on 2000 census data, it is
estimated that 485 persons reside in the eleven Blocks
directly adjacent to the RTF site (see Figures 3-1 and
3-2). Consistent with the land use of the RTF area as
commercial/industrial, only three Blocks contain
census data indicating a residential population:
T30-BG1 Block 1034; T32-BG1 Block 1055; and T32-BG1
Block 1056 (see Figure 3-1); the remaining Blocks have
no census data (i.e., no population statistics). At
the Block level, approximately 47% of the affected
project area is identified as minority.
As depicted in Table 3-2, 154,874 persons reside in
the City of Syracuse (approximately 35% minority
base). According to SOCPA figures, an approximate 10%
decrease in population was witnessed between 1990 and
2002. At the County level, a 2% decrease in population
was witnessed over the two decades (SOCPA 2003a).
As represented in Table 3-3, tenants occupy the
majority of the households within the Block Groups of
the affected project area (88%). Residential complexes
in proximity to the project area include such
residential buildings as the Rescue Mission, Clinton
Plaza Apartments, Center Armory, and scattered
residential buildings within the Armory and on Gifford
Street. Existing housing within these areas is diverse
from assisted housing at Clinton Plaza Apartments to
upscale townhouse/condominium complexes within the
Armory Square Historic District (SDCD 2000 and SOCPA
2003a).
| Table 3-3 Housing statistics for census year 2000 |
|
|
Block Group*
|
Block **
|
City
|
County
|
|
Households:
|
864
|
--
|
59,486
|
181,153
|
|
Owner occupied
|
103
|
--
|
23,987
|
116,815
|
|
Renter occupied
|
761
|
--
|
35,499
|
64,338
|
|
Units:
|
1,038
|
332
|
68,196
|
196,633
|
|
Occupied
|
864
|
271
|
59,486
|
181,153
|
|
Vacant
|
174
|
61
|
8,710
|
15,480
|
|
Sources: USCB 2004, SOCPA 2003a
|
Notes:
* Affected RTF area. Census 2000 Summary File 3 Sample Data: Tract 30 Block Group 1 and Tract 32 Block Group 1.
** Affected RTF area. Census 2000 Summary File 3 Sample Data: Tract 30 Block Group 1: Blocks 1005, 1030, 1031, 1032, 1033, and 1034 and Tract 32 Block Group 1: Blocks 1055, 1056, 1058, 1059 and 1060.
-- Data at "block" level not calculated by USCB and, therefore, unavailable.
Vacant units within the affected project area are
similar for the impacted Block Groups and Blocks (17%
and 18%, respectively). Citywide vacant units
represent 13% of the residential units and countywide
vacant units represent 8% (SOCPA 2003a). Based on
information provided by SOCPA, 60 building permits and
608 demolition permits were sought within City limits.
The opposite scenario exists at the County level,
whereas building permits outnumbered demolition
permits (SOCPA 2003b).
Based on the Block Group information presented in
Table 3-4, unemployment is greater in the project area
(29.8%) than compared to that of the City and County
levels (9.3% and 5.4%, respectively). The annual
median income within the affected project area has
been estimated at $11,738 lower than that of the
average City income ($25,000) or County income
($40,847). Approximately 49.45% of individuals within
the project area live below the poverty line.
| Table 3-4. Employment/Economic Statistics for Census Year 2000 |
|
|
Block Group
|
Block
|
City
|
County
|
|
% Unemployed
|
29.8%
|
--
|
9.3%
|
5.4%
|
|
Household income (median)
|
$11,738
|
--
|
$25,000
|
$40,847
|
|
% In Poverty
|
49.45%
|
--
|
12.8%
|
7.9%
|
|
Sources: USCB 2004, SOCPA 2003a
|
Notes:
-- Data at "Block" level not calculated by USCB and, therefore, unavailable.
Economic consequences expected from the implementation
of the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project are
described in detail in
Section 5.4.4.
In 2001, Hartgen prepared a Phase 1A Literature Review
and Archeological Sensitivity Assessment for the
alternative RTF siting locations associated with the
Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project. Relevant
portions of the report as it pertains to Clinton
Station are summarized below.
3.5.1.1 Clinton Station (Trolley Lot RTF site) - Phase 1A summary
Site history.
Until 1849, the proposed RTF site was either a mill
pond or a portion of Onondaga Creek and laid unused.
After the Creek was redirected and the pond was
filled, the site became a large railroad depot for the
Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad. The depot had
a number of configurations and anywhere from one to
ten buildings of varying sizes existed on the site
through its 130-year history. It was an active freight
station until the late 1970s. Although an active rail
line still runs on the elevated tracks along the
eastern edge of the RTF site, the site became a
commercial parking lot in the 1990s. The rail line
carries OnTrack passenger shuttle trains as well as
freight service operated by the NYS&W Railroad
(Hartgen 2001).
Known archeological sites.
Hartgen (2001) reported that five OPRHP-recorded and
two New York State Museum (NYSM) archeological sites
are located within a one-mile radius of the project
area. These sites consist of the following:
OPRHP sites:
-
Erie Canal located more than 1400 feet north of Armory Square (Erie Boulevard constructed over canal)
-
Clinton Square Boat Basin - Erie Canal located more than 1600 feet north/northeast of Armory Square
-
Underground railroad (Wesleyan Methodist Church) site located more than 2000 feet east of Armory Square,
-
Fray Foundry site. Coal slag deposit and 19th century bricks located more than 5100 feet west/northwest of Armory Square
-
Pump House and Salt Manufacturing site located more than 4300 feet north/north west of Armory Square. Remains of piping encased in wooden trough and partial remains of the pump house were discovered
NYSM sites:
-
Native American Village dating from the early 1700s located within the Syracuse city limits at the southern end of Onondaga Lake
-
Early Site located on an elevated area within a marsh on the west side of Creek
State and National Register review.
Hartgen (2001) examined OPRHP files for properties
located in the vicinity of the project area that are
listed or are eligible for listing the National
Register of Historic Places. The following sites were
listed:
-
Armory Square Historic District. This district is just east of the RTF site and is three blocks long (north to south) and two blocks wide and is composed of 46 historic buildings. The majority of the buildings are used for commercial and
industrial purposes. Most of the buildings were constructed between 1870 and 1941 and exhibit a wide variety of architectural styles.
-
Syracuse Post Office and Courthouse located at 4 Clinton Square more than 1000 feet northeast of the Clinton Station parking lot. The building is "remarkable as one of the few examples of an early 20th century, neo-classical public building in
the
City of Syracuse".
-
The Amos Block of Water Street is located 1000 feet to the north of the RTF site. Originally, the structure was one of the many warehouses and light industrial complexes that faced the Erie Canal and demonstrates the importance of the canal to
commercialism.
-
Erie Canal.- Former canal is located more than 1000 feet to the north of the Clinton Station parking lot.
-
206 Gifford Street - This parcel, more than 1500 feet to the south of the RTF site, has been identified by the OPRHP as eligible for listing. Specifics regarding the significance of this site are unknown as the OPRHP file is missing.
State and National Register Inventoried
Buildings.
As reported by Hartgen (2001), the Building-Structure
inventory forms that were located in the OPRHP site
files consist of the following addresses:
-
130 South Franklin Street (Syracuse Northern Railroad Station) (>1000 feet north),
-
207 Gifford Street (1880 brick barn razed and currently owned by the Rescue Mission (>1500 feet south)
-
302 Gifford Street (site file missing) (>1500 feet southwest)
-
312 Gifford Street (site file missing) (>1500 feet southwest)
-
164 Seymour Street (wood-frame residence) (>1500 feet southwest)
-
161-163 Wyoming Street (site file missing) (>1000 feet west)
-
200 Wyoming Street (site file missing) (>1000 feet west)
-
205 Wyoming Street (site file missing) (>1000 feet west)
The above structures require the same level of
mitigation as National Register Listed structures
(Hartgen 2001).
Archeologic sensitivity assessment.
According to Hartgen (2001), the region's precontact
sensitivity has been considerably compromised by
historical modification of the landscape. As such, the
project area was deemed by Hartgen to have a low
sensitivity for containing precontact archeological
deposits. Based on the historic past of Clinton
Station (mill pond, railroad properties, parking lot),
the possibility of intact archeological deposits
relevant to the industrial development of Syracuse and
the railroads having survived is identified by Hartgen
to be good. As such, the project area's sensitivity
for material remains from the 19th century is high.
Based on the findings the Phase 1A, and the County's
selection of Clinton Station for the siting of the
RTF, Hartgen was authorized to conduct a Phase 1B
study (excavation) within the site as well as
previously undisturbed areas along the conveyance
route. A summary of these findings are included in
Section 3.5.1.2 below.
3.5.1.2 Clinton Station and conveyances - Phase 1B summary
Given that the project area (RTF and conveyances) was
determined likely to contain historic sites (as noted
above), a Phase 1B study was undertaken by Hartgen.
Designed to assess the presence or absence of
archeological sites, a total of nine exploratory
archeological trenches were excavated within the
confines of the project area in July 2003. Four
trenches (Trenches 1-4) were placed in the anticipated
footprint of the RTF in the northwest end of Clinton
Station. The other five trenches (Trenches 5-9) were
located in select areas where conveyances are to be
installed "on previously undisturbed alignments."
Trenches 5 through 7 were placed near the Dickerson
Street bridge and Trenches 8 and 9 were located on the
east side of the Walton Street bridge (Hartgen 2003).
In summary, the findings of the Hartgen (2003) Phase
1B study revealed the following:
-
All trenches attained buried subsoil (natural riverine or lacustrine deposits).
-
No precontact archeological sites were encountered in any trenches excavated.
-
Nearly all trenches encountered buried walls from demolished structures.
-
Trenches 1, 2, 5, 7 through 9 did not encounter any archeological sites or deposits likely to be considered National Register eligible (NRE).
-
Trenches 3, 4, and 6 encountered buried walls and other deposits identified by Hartgen as "likely to be National Register eligible as historic sites."
-
The RTF site (Trenches 3 and 4) contain 0.39 acres of a former railroad machine shop and related structures. Such finds are likely to be considered NRE because of the abiding public interest in railroad history and because of the significance of
railroads in national, regional and local history.
-
The identified Dickerson Street historic site (a stone building foundation and privy) in the vicinity of Trench 6 is approximately 0.08 acres in extent. Such finds are likely to be considered NRE because of the unique and varied information
contained in privies.
Recommendations by Hartgen regarding the above Phase
1B findings are discussed in
Section 5.5.1 below.
Given that the conveyances will be installed
underground, permanent visual impacts to area
receptors from the conveyance piping will not occur.
The visual resource sections (Sections 3.5.2 and
5.5.2)
will therefore, focus on the siting of the RTF
building which will be obscured from pedestrians in
the Armory Square area due to its location behind the
elevated railroad embankment.
Neighborhood use in the vicinity of the RTF parcel is
a mix of commercial, industry and residential.
Structures in close proximity of the RTF site (less
than 1000 feet) include Hanford Pharmaceuticals,
Clinton Plaza Apartments, the MOST, Hawthorne Suites
(former Dome Hotel), and several commercial
businesses. Given that the project area is relatively
flat, visual receptors will also include multi-story
neighboring businesses such as those listed above, and
the MONY building, Hotel Syracuse, Marx Hotel, Chimes
building, train station, neighboring multi-story
residential complexes, and persons passing through the
immediate area (train traffic and/or pedestrian
traffic).
An inventory of significant scenic and aesthetic
resources as defined by the State (NYSDEC 2000a) did
not reveal the presence of the following resources
within the project area:
-
NYSHPO-listed state parks including urban cultural parks (OPRHP 2003)
-
State forest preserves (NYSDEC 2003c)
-
National natural landmarks (NPS 2003)
-
National park system, recreation areas, seashores or forests (NPS 2003)
-
National or state designated refuges, preserves, wild and/or scenic rivers, sites, lakes, or highways, including scenic areas of state-wide significance (NYSDEC 2003c, NPS 2003 and OPRHP 2003)
-
State nature and historic preserve areas (NYSDEC 2003c and OPRHP 2003)
The following properties are listed or are eligible
for listing on the National Register of Historic
Places (Hartgen 2001):
National Register listings:
-
Armory Square Historic District (north/northeast of the elevated railroad embankment)
-
Syracuse Post Office and Courthouse (4 Clinton Square more than 1000 feet north)
-
Amos Block of Water Street (more that 1000 feet to the north)
Eligible for listing:
-
Erie Canal (more than 1000 feet to the north)
-
206 Gifford Street (approximately 1000 feet south)
Sensitive receptors as described in Section 3.2.3
(e.g., schools, healthcare facilities, etc.) located
within an approximate 1000 foot radius of the RTF site
include the following:
|
Sensitive receptor:
|
Address:
|
Distance (approx):
|
|
Gethsemane Holiness Church
|
201 Gifford St
|
1000ft south
|
|
Rescue Mission complex
|
Gifford St
|
1000ft south*
|
|
PEACE West Side Center
|
200 Wyoming St
|
1000ft west**
|
|
Clinton Plaza Apartments
|
550 South Clinton St
|
900ft east*
|
|
Hanford Pharmaceuticals
|
429 West St
|
200ft north**
|
|
Galaxy Communications
|
235 Walton St
|
600ft north*
|
Notes: * Building also located adjacent to conveyance route
** Building approximately 500 feet from West St route
|
From a local perspective, nearby sensitive receptors
and aesthetic resources include the MOST to the north
of the RTF site beyond the elevated railroad
embankment, Armory Square Park (across from the MOST
and beyond the elevated tracks), and Jefferson Park
(grounds around the Armory). As previously noted, when
constructed, the Onondaga Creekwalk will follow the
Creek along Walton and Fayette Streets.
In February 1994, President Clinton issued Executive
Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental
Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income
Populations. The USEPA defines environmental justice
as:
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all
people regardless of race, color, national origin, or
income with respect to the development,
implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws,
regulations, and policies. Fair treatment means that
no group of people, including racial, ethnic, or
socioeconomic group should bear a disproportionate
share of the negative environmental consequences
resulting from industrial, municipal, and commercial
operations or the execution of Federal, State, local,
and tribal programs and policies (USEPA 1998).
In March 2003, the NYSDEC formally issued its
environmental justice and permitting policy (CP-29) to
provide guidance for incorporating environmental
justice concerns into the NYSDEC environmental permit
review process and the NYSDEC application of SEQR
(NYSDEC 2003a). The policy is "designed to ensure fair
treatment and meaningful involvement of all people,
regardless of race, color or income, with respect to
the development, implementation and enforcement of
environmental laws, regulations and policies" (NYSDEC
2003b). The policy applies to NYSDEC applications for
major projects or major permit modifications such as
SPDES projects that could impact a potential
environmental justice area. The policy defines a
potential environmental justice area as:
A minority or low-income community that may bear a
disproportionate share of the negative environmental
consequences resulting from industrial, municipal, and
commercial operations or the execution of federal,
state, local, and tribal programs and policies (NYSDEC
2003a).
Given that the Clinton Street CSO Abatement Project
will be seeking a SPDES permit for the discharge of
treated effluent, the project is considered a major
project under the State's environmental justice
policy. An evaluation with respect to environmental
justice is described in greater detail in
Section 5.6.
|
Onondaga County Dept of Water Environment Protection