George Field and Cooper Green Projects Nearly Completed

After residents watched workmen take down countless trees and clear George Field to create a storm water retention pond, many were worried that the once beautiful expanse of green would become a permanent eyesore. They were also concerned with whether or not the new system would be successful in relieving the chronic flooding that swamped basements and yards downstream for years. The project converted George Field into one of the largest wetlands areas in Westchester County, able to hold seven acres of water at a depth of one to three feet.

Happily, as the South Fox Meadow Improvement Project, nears completion, most agree that it is aesthetically pleasing and successful at gathering and moving water out of the area. The $3.1 million project included work at George Field Park (re-habilitated wetland and construction of a bio-detention basin), Cambridge Road (installation of catch basins), Cooper Green (construction of rain gardens and a bio-detention basin) and the open watercourse along Post Road (cleaning and stream restoration).

With the project in its final stages, nearby residents have noticed positive results. One Cambridge resident spoke on the projects effects on his area, "the new system has relieved flooding on Cambridge Road and had an even bigger impact on Greendale, Oxford and Windmill, which suffered previously." He also commented on how the new projects in his neighborhood look and have been received by the community, "Cooper Green looks fantastic – better than before... if you drive around you will notice new construction—a sure sign that people feel great about the situation and remediation efforts. The problem is solved." Another resident commented, "it's been raining all day and Oxford hasn't flooded, which is an improvement."

An Eton Road resident shared ideas that could improve the George Field project, "It would be better to look at if there were more shrubs, grasses and small trees planted, as on Cooper Green. At least they did not put in a cell tower...it will hopefully look better in a few years."

We also asked Assistant Village Manager John Goodwin for an update on the project and here is what he shared:

When is planting on George Field planned to take place?

The work at George Field Park is complete. The Village will consider additional landscaping for the project based on the successful achievement of the overall project priorities which are flood mitigation and water quality improvements once construction is complete at Cooper Green and George Field Park and bids have been received for the Harcourt Woods segment of the project. The Harcourt Woods segment of the South Fox Meadow Project is scheduled to be released for bids on May 1, 2013 with an anticipated bid opening on June 3, 2013. After the bid opening, the Village will be able to determine if any funding balances will be available for additional landscaping. Any additional planting would be reviewed comprehensively at both sites.

What has been the biggest rainfall in Scarsdale since the installation, and what effect did the new stormwater management system have?

I do not know the largest rainfall that Scarsdale has experienced since the detention basins were effectively completed and fully functional. With that said, I do not believe that any rain events have been greater than 2" in a 24 hour period. (The basins are designed to mitigate flooding in rain events that are 3.5" in a 24-hour period). Last Thursday/Friday (May 23 and May 24) the rain event was 1.64". For those rain events that have occurred, the basins have operated effectively.

Were there any issues or problems that came up during the planning or execution of the project that were not anticipated?

With all construction projects, unexpected field conditions and changes occur. During the planning stages of the project there were several issues that arose as detailed in the attached resolution. During the construction of the project changes had to be made to accommodate an unmapped residential sanitary sewer lateral pipe at Cooper Green; higher than anticipated ground water at George Field Park; and a redesign/alternation of the tree removal plan at George Field Park. None of the changes had a significant impact to the projects goals.

How much debris was removed from the George Field and Cooper Green areas during the process of the project?

The project entailed the removal of approximately 25,000 CY of soil and 1,000 CY of organic yard and wood waste. The final as-built surveys to determine the exact amounts have yet to be submitted but we anticipate them to be close to what was estimated.

What has been the response of residents living near the project sites?

The Village has received many positive comments about the project from residents neighboring George Field Park and Cooper Green. Some residents have requested additional landscaping at both sites. See above.

When is the entire project expected to be fully functional?

The final administrative work to close -out both contracts is underway and there will be some additional signage, both directional and educational, placed at George Field Park. With the exception of the Harcourt Woods segment of the project, all segments are fully functional.

Given the scale of the project, have you received any inquiries concerning the project from neighboring communities hoping to implement a similar system?

The Westchester County Soil and Water Conservation Board has asked the Village staff to take them on a project site visit, which is scheduled for next month. The Village has not received any other inquiries from local governments, however it is expected that as time goes on and the benefits of the project can be observed, that neighboring communities may inquire.

The final segment of the project at Harcourt Woods was redesigned and is currently out to bid. It is anticipated that construction of the Harcourt Woods segment will start early this summer. A Municipal Services Committee meeting is scheduled for June 5th at 6:30 PM where a presentation will be given detailing the scope of work at Harcourt Woods.

This article was contributed by Brian Shabto, a senior at Scarsdale High School.