Mariners and Arlington Marsh Master Plan Executive Summary

Mariners and Arlington Marsh Master Plan Executive Summary

The Mariners/Arlington Marsh Master Pl an was prepared with funds provided by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund

Project Goals At the start of this project, goals were established to help guide the master planning process and are intended to incorporate the desires of the community and stakeholders. While these goals may continue to evolve as the project progresses beyond the master plan, their purpose was to lay a foundation for the plan’s development. As such, the MMP and AM master plan aims to, and future design and implementation should continue to:

Assess short term and long term strategies for opening the park to public access: due to the site’s scale and constraints, this master plan incorporates a phasing plan that can be implemented over time.

Evaluate stakeholder feedback and input: stakeholder input is critical in helping to determine park program and function.

Consider site connectivity and circulation alongside environmental constraints: pedestrian and vehicular entry points improve site connectivity to adjacent neighborhoods, while a formal trail system improves circulation while keeping in mind environmental considerations.

Identify areas suitable for passive and active recreation: keeping mindful of the ecological systems and environmental constraints on site, the master plan employs a light touch with mostly passive trail systems and one area of active recreation concentrated near Richmond Terrace.

Establish a Park Identity: master planning efforts seek to establish a park identity that balances site access and remediation/restoration efforts.

Introduction Mariners Marsh Park (MMP) and Arlington Marsh (AM) are two New York City-owned parcels under the jurisdiction of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), totaling approximately 178 acres in size. Located on the North Shore of Staten Island, MMP and AM are distinctively characterized by their post-industrial landscape and varied ecological communities. MMP alone contains 100+ acres of contiguous habitat and a large freshwater system, which is quite rare in NYC. The site also displays many unique viewsheds from within, and of the surrounding context.

The project team brought on by NYC Parks (including SWA/Balsley, Biohabitats, Matrix, Munoz and Accu-Cost) was tasked with creating a vision for the site that provided public access while keeping environmental concerns in mind, capitalized on the site’s unique history, enhanced ecological functions, and recognized and incorporated needs of local stakeholders. As the project team developed the plan, analysis, restoration, remediation, and design efforts involved coordination with various city/regulatory agencies and the community. This master plan is a culmination of those efforts; feedback received from stakeholders is incorporated throughout, taking into consideration local need and environmental concerns alongside program functionality.

This plan was made possible by the New York State Department of State Local Waterfront Revitalization Program Grant, and is prepared with funds by the New York State Department of State under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund.

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

Community Engagement Community engagement is vitally important to this master plan. Three public meetings were held over the course of 13 months and included community members, elected officials, local organizations (Mariners Marsh Conservancy, North Shore Waterfront Conservancy, Arlington Civic Association, City West Home Owners Association, Your Second Home, Elm Park Civic Association), and government agencies. The project team implemented various strategies of community engagement to learn about the site and understand the desired program. The feedback received at each of these meetings largely informed the master planning process.

Each of these three public meetings had a different goal. The first meeting focused on gathering initial feedback from community members. The second meeting helped the project team gain an understanding for open space needs and desired park amenities.

The third meeting was used to present conceptual alternatives and solicit feedback from the community to help determine a preferred option.

G ra p h ic su mma r iz in g c om m un it y in p u t on des ired pa r k prog ra m .

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

M illi ken B rot hers St r u c tu ra l S tee l a n d I ron Wor ks (C i rc a 1 9 07 )

To p Left : Tun n e l by former Gas Producers a n d Bo iler H o us e ( MMP) To p Rig ht : View of Ma n h at tan (AM) Bot tom : Pa lust rin e Fore sted Min era l So il Wet la n ds ( MMP)

History

Existing Site Conditions

Site history played an important roll in shaping the master planning process. The design team utilized previous environmental reports, historical maps and other resources to better understand the history of the industrial uses on site.

Historic documentation, existing GIS data, and on-site observations were all utilized to better understand existing site conditions. Input during public meetings helped further understand these conditions.

The project sites and surrounding areas have a history of heavy industrial and manufacturing uses, dating back to the early 1900’s. Concrete foundations, floor slabs, scattered concrete, brick, and metal debris, several former rail spurs (which extend into MMP along its southern boundary), and other structures from the former industrial activities are still present in MMP. Since the end of industrial activities in 1931, the site has naturalized to a large extent.

The site is surrounded by a mix of residential and industrial land uses. Richmond Terrace, a primary vehicular road, divides MMP from AM. Though access into the site is limited, a former trail system has the potential to allow hikers to experience the varying types of ecological communities, and remnants of old industrial activities. The site contains many scenic views from within, and out to the surrounding context.

Properties including Mariners and Arlington were initially purchased by the City in 1974. In 1993 (prior to the site coming under NYC Parks’ jurisdiction) two ballfields were installed as part of the Dinkins administration’s Field of Dreams initiative, which turned unused lands into public open space. These ballfields were situated in a cleared area abutting Richmond Terrace on the northern end of MMP.

MMP and AM display an incredible diversity of ecological communities including both salt and freshwater wetlands. Both sites were impacted by Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Flooding may continue to be a problem in the future. Site topography is mostly flat with a few mounds and ponds.

In 1997, the MMP property was transferred to NYC Parks. In 2001, a subsequent environmental assessment of a portion of MMP led to further investigation of environmental conditions, and the site was closed to the public. Since its closure in 2003, MMP has been the subject of extensive environmental site assessment work as well as targeted remedial action.

In 2016, four lots along Holland Ave were transferred to NYC Parks and added to Mariners Marsh Park. In 2017, most of Arlington Marsh was transferred to NYC Parks.

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

Issues

Opportunities

Project area is a brownfield site, which could limit potential uses and public access. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and other regulatory guidance would largely shape permissible uses and levels of access to site.

Healthy ecological habitats create unique settings for wildlife habitat observation and passive recreation.

Invasive species inhibit healthy habitat and visibility.

Some historical structures are crumbling and could present dangerous conditions if not addressed.

Easements, while potentially limiting, also provide opportunity for access to waterfront.

Motivated community base with a strong interest in the site.

Illegal dumping and marine debris litter the site and would likely continue to be an on-going maintenance issue.

Surrounding views of Newark Bay, New Jersey, and Lower Manhattan.

New York City Department of Transportation (NYC CDOT) use of portion of the Arlington Marsh side limits potential uses.

Historical structures epitomize Mariners Arlington Marsh’s unique history and can celebrate Staten Island North Shore’s maritime history.

Existing utility easements limit potential access.

Illegal dumping

Former trails, desire lines, and existing utility corridors can be utilized as a starting point for access throughout the site.

Safe pedestrian access is limited along Richmond Terrace.

Remediated Site A and Former Coal Tar Area, and the cleared Former Recreation Area are open areas with potential for public access.

Regulatory coordination and permitting would be necessary throughout the project.

If CDOT is found a suitable relocation site, their current space could be used for additional active recreation.

Site flooding during storms limits potential access.

Connections to residential neighborhood, and nearby bus.

Invasive species (Phragmites)

Deteriorating historical remnants pose potentially unsafe conditions

The “former recreation area” is one of few un-forested areas on site, and provides opportunities for future active recreation

Undeveloped waterfront on Arlington Marsh side provides potential water access that is unique to the north shore of Staten Island

A variety of healthy ecological habitats exist throughout the site

Mariners & Arlington Marsh Conceptual Masterplan

Final Conceptual Master Plan After presenting some initial options to the community, the project team developed a conceptual master plan for Mariners Marsh Park (MMP) and Arlington Marsh (AM) that incorporated feedback received from local stakeholders. As desired by the community, the plan features passive recreation throughout most of the site, employing a light touch in environmentally sensitive areas.

Passive recreation could be incorporated in the form of pathways, overlooks, and seating areas. The only places envisioned to be programmed with more intensive active recreation would be in the vicinity of the Former Recreation Area in Mariners, and the current CDOT lot in Arlington, both of which are already mostly clear of existing vegetation and are in close proximity to Richmond Terrace, the main vehicular circulation route near the sites.

Passive Recreation

A phased development approach could allow for staggered implementation of phases over time. MMP Phase 1 could be prioritized due to its proximity to the community, and ability to provide for a diversity of recreation types. MMP Phase 2’s visibility along Richmond Terrace and location adjacent to Phase 1 potentially positions it as a proposed second phase for public access. MMP Phase 3 could be the next accompanying phase due to its proximity to Holland Ave and being directly below the potential Phase 1 area, which is ideal for connecting existing pathways. MMP Phase 4 could progress into the middle of the site, on the western end of Mariners Marsh, adjacent to Phase 3. MMP Phase 5 could be the final phase of MMP since it is the deepest into the site and the furthest from the communities nearby. AM Phase 1 could require minimal site disturbance by capitalizing on an existing cleared pipeline easement for foot traffic. AM Phase 2 is contingent upon CDOT finding a suitable relocation site for their operations.

This area is already relatively flat and could provide the opportunity for additional active and passive recreational activities and programming. AM Phase 3 encompasses the rest of the Arlignton site and focuses on the restoration and enhancement of valuable tidal marsh along the waterfront and other ecological communities on the interior of the site.

Parking

Active Recreation Passive/ Active Recreation

Trails Overlooks

Richmond Terrace

Site A Former Recreation Area

Ruins

Holland Ave

Former Coal Tar Area

MMP Phase 1 could provide several active and passive program elements. Shade covered seating areas could serve as respite for users of basketball courts, playgrounds and adult fitness equipment. At the request of the community, playground amenities are proposed to be situated away from Richmond Terrace, buffering children from vehicular traffic. A large elliptical lawn to the south could provide flexible programming options, by supporting informal recreation and gathering opportunities, as well as more formal active field sports. Since many community members would commute to the park via car, providing ample parking would be an important part of the design.

The plan for the New York City Department of Transportation (CDOT) lot only comes into effect if CDOT is found a suitable relocation area, and could be implemented at a later time. This plan would focus heavily on providing a diversity of active programming at this site. A skate-park could be situated alongside Richmond Terrace to buffer vehicular traffic from park users.

Handball, basketball and tennis courts could be incorporated to meet the community’s desire for more recreation amenities. An outdoor seating area and shelter could provide users with a place of respite in between activity.

Phasing: Mariners Marsh (5 Phases) Arlington Marsh (3 Phases)

Overall, these sites are unique and can fill multiple needs for the local community such as: access to nature, passive and active recreational amenities, and waterfront access on the north shore. The goal of this plan is to facilitate the reopening of this special amenity to the public, and will require further coordination with regulatory agencies.

1

3

The designs featured here are for conceptual purposes only. A more formal design process would ensue when project funding is in hand.

3 2

2 1 3

4 5

S WA/ B alsley presenti n g c on c e pt de si g n a l tern ati ve s to communi t y members a n d va r i o u s c i ty ag en c i e s.

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

G rou p d is c u s s ion on c on c ept a ltern at ives .

NTS For conceptual purposes only

Fina l Con c e pt u al Mas te r P l a n

Arlington Cove

Based on community feedback and further design analysis, spacial relationships between active program elements were adjusted from the conceptual master plan to the final. On both the Mariners Marsh and Arlington sides, parking was shifted to the west so the structures could be more centrally located. While some elements shifted, the overall design intent of the master plan remained the same.

Newark Bay

In response to sea level rise, it is anticipated that certain program elements could be located at higher elevations to mitigate the impact of future flooding and storm events.

KEY: Passive Recreation

Active Recreation

Passive/ Active Recreation

Parking

Trails

Overlooks

Ruins

Arlington Marsh

race d Ter

on ichm

Overlooks

Trail Network

Passive vs Active Space

Nodes

Mariners Marsh Holland Ave

Western Ave

R

0’

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

For conceptual purposes only

100’

200’

For conceptual purposes only

Tra i l Typologie s

Arlington Cove

Path D

Path C

Newark Bay

Path A could be used in conditions where pathways are located directly on grade. This could be a less intensive and expensive option than path B.

Arlington Marsh

Path B could also be used in on-grade conditions. The raised berm and planting help screen the fence and create a more natural buffer between the trail users and site.

race d Ter

on ichm

R

Path C could be utilized for wetland conditions.

This allows for preservation of hydrological and natural systems

Mariners Marsh Holland Ave

Western Ave

Path B

Path A

Trails could be low impact, consider adjacent wetlands, and constructed in a manner that avoid erosion and sedimentation into wetlands. Soil cap could consist of material that is ecologically appropriate of the surrounding habitat.

Path D could be utilized along Richmond Terrace.

The planting adjacent to the curb provides a buffer between pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

0’

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

For conceptual purposes only

100’

200’

For conceptual purposes only

Arlington Marsh

Ma ri ners Mar sh Park - P ha s e 1 P ro g ra m P l a n This area was chosen as a suitable location for park programming since it is in close proximity to Richmond Terrace and clear of vegetation.

MMP Phase 1 could provide several active and passive program elements. Shade covered seating areas could serve as respite for users of basketball courts, playgrounds and adult fitness equipment. At the request of the community, playground amenities are proposed to be situated away from Richmond Terrace, buffering children from vehicular traffic. A large elliptical lawn to the south could provide flexible programming options, by supporting informal recreation and gathering opportunities, as well as more formal active field sports. Since some community members would commute to the park via car, providing ample parking would be an important part of the design.

Richmond Terrace

3

1 2

KEY: Passive Recreation

Active Recreation

Passive/ Active Recreation

Parking

Fence

4

Ruins

5

Fence

Par kin g Lot ( 1)

Ba sket ba l l C o u rt ( 2)

6

Plaza w ith Se at in g (3)

Adult Fitness (4)

Playgroun d ( 5)

M u l t i -Pu rp o s e L a wn ( 6 ) 0’

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

For conceptual purposes only

100’

200’

For conceptual purposes only

A rl ington Mar sh - C D OT L OT P ro g ra m P l a n The plan for the New York City Department of Transportation (CDOT) lot only comes into effect if CDOT is found a suitable relocation area, and could be implemented at a later time. This area could be chosen as a potential location for park programming since it is in close proximity to Richmond Terrace, and is clear of vegetation.

This plan would focus on providing a diversity of active program. A skate-park could be situated alongside Richmond Terrace to buffer vehicular traffic from park users. The potential addition of handball, basketball and tennis courts could be incorporated to meet the community’s desire for more recreation amenities. An outdoor seating area and shelter could provide users with a place of respite in between activity.

KEY: Passive Recreation

Active Recreation

Parking

Fence Fence 1

3 5 Han dbal l C our ts ( 1 )

P l a yg ro u n d ( 2)

4 2

6

Sh elte r ( 3)

P l a za wi t h S e a t i n g ( 4 )

Richmond Terrace Mariners Marsh Park

Basketball C our ts (5 )

S ka te Pa rk ( 6 ) 0’

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

For conceptual purposes only

100’

200’

For conceptual purposes only

Imp l em en ta t i on In order to implement this project, capital funding is necessary for construction and expense funding is needed for site operations.

Arlington Cove

Newark Bay

NYC Parks would continue to coordinate with regulatory agencies before and after funding is acquired to implement any phases of the project. This ongoing coordination would inform methods of monitoring, site management, and operations before, during, and after construction.

Phase 1 Phase 3

Cost Estimate

Phase 3 Approximate Range

Mariners Marsh Phase 1

$29.4M

$26.1M - $32.6M

Mariners Marsh Phase 2

$8.8M

$7.5M - $10.1M

Mariners Marsh Phase 3

$4M

$3.4M - $4.6M

Mariners Marsh Phase 4

$3.2M

$2.9M - $3.5M

Phase 2

Arlington Marsh nd hmo

Ric

Phase 2

Phase 1

e

c Terra

Holland Ave

Estimated Cost

Western Ave

Phase

Mariners Marsh Mariners Marsh Phase 5

$4.1M

$3.4M - $4.7M

Arlington Marsh Phase 1

$4M

$3.3M - $4.7M

Arlington Marsh Phase 2*

$20.4M

$20.4M

Phase 3 Phase 4

Arlington Marsh Phase 3

TBD

TBD

Total

$73.8M

$67M - $80.1M

All estimates are shown in 2019 dollars

*Contingent upon relocation of CDOT

Phase 5 0’

Mariners /Arlington Marsh Master Plan: Executive Summary

200’

400’

For conceptual purposes only