New York State Department of Environmental Conservation ih.
e Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12233 ro |
RetanarK Bote:
Commissioner
Robert F. Flacke
November 30, 1979
Mr. Richard Careaga
Jason M. Cortell § Associates, Inc.
396 Orange Street
New Haven, CT 065121
Re: Application § Draft Environ-
mental impact Statement for
Crossgates. Regional Shopping
Center - Guilderiand, NY
DEC - 401-09-S002
UPA - 401-09-0113
Bear Mr. Careaga:
nS ® : The Department of Environmental Conservation has determined
float © that the revised subject application and Draft Environmental
Impact Statement submitted to this Department on November 16,
1979 meets the requirements of 6NYCRR Part 621 entitled Uniform
Procedures Act and can be considered a substantially complete
application for the purposes of review.
The Department does, however, reserve the right to request
additional information from the applicant for clarification
purposes if needed.
This office will advise the Hearing Office of our complete-
. ness determination and request that they proceed to reconvene
if the hearing as directed in the Commissioner's decision of
i . August.13, 1979.
Very truly yours,
Frmen © Coven BS
Terence P, Curran, Director
Division of Regulatory Affairs
; TPC/ERM: scs
ce: W. Dickerson
M. Pellegrino
“ File DEC 401-09-S002
UPA 401-09-0113
- PYRAMID CROSSE
May 31, 1979
SHOPPE Yisset
Albany, New York
REVISED: November 16, 1979
€ TABLE OF CONTENTS
Py Page
READERS GUIDE vii
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS xili
LO PROJECT DESCRIPTION i
11 Purpose and Need I
12 Alternatives 2
2.1 Criteria for Meeting Applicant's Objectives 2
1.2.2 Proposed Project 3
1.2.3 On-site Alternatives 6
1.2.4 Off-site Alternatives 7
1.2.5 No Action g
2.6 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 9
¢& 21 Human Factors 9
2.1.1 Population : 9
2.1.2 Housing : 10
2.1.3 Employment and Income . nis)
2.1.4 Business and industry F 10
2.1.5 LandUse il
2.1.6 Energy Use 16
2.1.7 | Transportation and Traffic 14
2.1.8 Community Facilities and Services 14
2.2 Physical Factors i7
i 2.2.1 Geology and Soils : i7
| 2.2.2 Hydrology and Water Quality 18
| 2.2.3 Air Resources a 21
23 Biological Factors 23
Po 2.3.1 Vegetation : 2
! 2.3.2 Wildlife 25
2.3.3 Ecological Relationships 26
3.0
3.1
3.1.1
312
3.15
3.1.4
31.5
3.1.6
361.7
3.1.8
319
3.2
3.2.1
3.2.2
3.2.3
3.3
3.31
P32
3.3.3
3.4
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.4.3
3.4.4
3.5
3.5.1
3.5.2
3.6
3.7
4.0
3.0
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
Human Factors
Population
Employment and Income
Housing
Business and industry
Community Facilities
Public Services
Land Use
Energy Use and Conservation
Transportation and Traffic
Physical Factors
Geology and Soils
Hydroiagy and Water Quality
Air Resourees
Biological Factors
Vegetation
Wildlife
Ecological Relationships
Summary of Adverse Impacts which Cannot be Avoided
General
Human Factors
Physical Factors
Biological Factors
Minimization and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts
On-Site
Off-Site
Short Term Use versus Long Term Productivity
Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment
of Resources
GLOSSARY
LIST OF PREPARERS
4B
49
LIST OF ATTACHED APPENDICES
Environmental Assessment Form and Applications
Market Report
Traffic Impact Report
Alternative Site Analysis
Veaetation and Wildlife Report
Soils Report and Sedimentation and Erosion Control
Plan é
Water Resources Report and Storm Water Management
Plan *
Air Quality Report
Econometric Report
Socioecenomic Report.
Fiscal Impact Report
Benefit-Cost Analysis of Transportation Improvements
Energy Impact Report
LIST OF FIGURES Following e
Page
Figure 1 Regional Location 4
Figure 2 Albany Pine Bush 4
Figure 3) Annotated Air Photo of Project Site 4
Figure 4 Annotated Air Photo of Project Site with
Superimposed Project Site Plan 4
Figure 5 Representative Exterior Rendering 4
Figure& Representative Interior Rendering 4
Figure 7 Generalized Geologic Cross Section Under
the Site 18
Figure 8 Soils 18
Figure 9 Segment P257 of the Krum Kill on the
Southeastern Corner of the Site 20
Figure 10 Krum Kill, Upstream of P257 on the Site 20 e
Figure 11 Vegetation 24
Figure 12 On Site Karner Blue Butterfly Habitat 26
Figure 13 On Site Powertine Right-of-Way 26
Figure 14 Oblique Aerial View of the Site Showing
Location of Lupine Stems on South Side of Dune 26
Figure 15 Aerial Photo of Old State Road Parcel 38
Figure 16 Typical View of Pitch Pine - Serub Oak Forest
on Old State Road Parcel 38
LIST OF SHEETS IN POCKET
_— HP-A = Overall Highway Improvement Plan
HP-B U.S, Route 20 Highway Improvement Plan
HP-C = Washington Avenue Extension and
Fuller Road/I-90-Ramps Highway
Improvement Plan
A-1 Air Quality Data
SP-1 Layout Plan
SP-2 Grading Plan
SP-3 Utilities Plan
SP-4 Sedimentation and Erosion Controi Pian
L-1 Landscape Plan
T-1 Existing Topography
LU-1 Projected Growth Areas and Planned Develapments,
@ Town of Guilderiand
a,
\/
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1
Tabie 2
Table 3
Table 4
Table 5
Table 6
Table 7
Table &
Table 9
Project Dimensions
Storm Water Flows from the Site under Existing
Conditions
Water Quality Analyses of Krum KIH on Site
and of McKownville Reservoir
The Number of Acres of Each Vegetative
Community Type Located on Project Site
The Number of Acres of Each Vegetative
Community Type Location of the Transportation
Improvements Areas
Storm Water Flows from the Site With
Project Conditians
Water Quality Impacts of Project
Summary of Expected Carbon Monoxide
Concentration (ppm)
Combined Effects of Proposed Project and Old
State Road Parcel on Albany Pine Bush Open
Space
Page
@
19
20
24
25
33
34
36
4)
i i |
TABULAR GUIDE TO SEQR REQUIREMENTS
Article 8, ECL, NYCRR 617.4 (f) sets forth ten specific areas which must be
inciuded in a DEIS. They are:
Requirement Page in this DEIS
1. Aconcise description of the proposed action, 1
its purpose and need;
2. Aconcise description of the environmental setting
of the areas to be affected, sufficient to understand 9
the effects of the proposed action and alternatives;
3. Astatement of the important environmental impacts
of the propased action, including short and long-term 27
effects and typical associated environmental effects;
4. An identification and brief discussian of any adverse
environmental effects which cannot be avoided if the 39
proposed action ts implemented;
5, A description and evaluation of reascnable alternatives
to the action which would achieve the same or similar
- objectives. (The description and evaluation should be 2, 6-8
o at 2 level of detail sufficient to permit a comparative
| assessment of the alternatives discussed. The no-actian
alternative must also be discussed and evaluated);
6. An identification of any irreversible and
irretrievable commitments of resources which 42
would be associated with the proposed action should
it be implemented; :
7. Adescription of mitigation measures to minimize 40
the adverse environmental impacts;
8 Adescription of the growth-inducing effects
of the proposed actions, where applicable and 27, 29
significant;
i ° 9 A discussion of the effects of the proposed
action on the use and conservation of energy, 30
where applicable and significant;
10. A list of any underlying studies, reports and Included as
other information obtained and considered in Appendices
preparing the statement.
_————
—>———————E—EEEEEEEE—_ —
TABLILAR GUIDE 70 SE3R MaNDEDKK TOPICS
roPic
1 Deserption of Action anc Envitenmental Setting
AL Setting of Action
1. Map showing 12e3%on of aropenrd project
z
30.)
3s Gumntiy of areas robe atferted fecren,
‘Miles, tore, gallo, ete)
4 Emvincrensntat femnes oF areas to 98
affected Ineo
5. Soeinvecoramie chauruereeistics of aress
tebe affected
6. Existing land we plan and teends oF
keane tobe affectee
TL Enviromental Feclors ard impacee
AL Geoiogy ane Saite
1. Centegieel enaracters bedtock, and maficis!
rock
Souls crorscteriszles
3 Orainace
& Percostion rate
Tae
A Agrifers and recharge arezt
Wet tmeation
= Water quatsty
4 Water sie
Seasonal high water table
2. Water-tencing crameeectenre
% Stace water
Brecipitation
Air quailty stardente
Ar martin
eto omblone ir
& Effects on af? quality
Wine factors
i Fegsing, Sing, and heating
Ss Wanitescr cimece mociication
i ee
Finn fenumal ited
Exalogical wecestion ard patra etary
ey
Exo
L Flore (vegetacion)
z
x
4, Incerewlationesnpe ch
& Elle o fn, inter ane mineral
Brecurtion, ae ree
PEtercal or ancreoinpce! Hea
Politicat bounds
F. Solid antes
L Pratvetion
2 Coltsetsen ane trampertation
irae
x
8
27,25
30
POSEEt
2,30
1,10
Row
35,29
4308
1532
ro
Nowe B
1+ Vorime, time, duracion and type »
2 Verto a
He Ehergy Ue ard Cocervation oy
Energy trauiend or comerveg by actien 20
Geyer, suattity, eaarce ete)
ion pf energy requiced by aetien 20
X Recyeting snarene ce]
1 rutasion, siting ans otner design martess 2»
2 Growth treucing Apacs a
1. Qrenographic faesore Zz
% rceceive or Cainewrsivg to peal estate za
‘developenent
% Meaenllareove Cammunicy Fastore
Le Pubic eernce detivery.
2 Tracapertation cireulation
3. Public ard arivsce utitities
‘Tae bave, teal property valves and evoremnic
HRcUte
5+ Sociak ireegrarion, cultural pacternsy ond
community and reigocrhand sateseicy 3,27
& Cemegraniie atrvcivres ard poputation 3,37
sngvementy
Recreation 1,29
Empicyment reg
Strugtures of arch.ceecural eanrit 27
38. Aen Byte
Ki reversibhe nne Irreteievable Commitenents a2
Le Coreumation of ersoureee a
2. Conwerison ef sracerces az
3. Altesacion at ane fers ef meenystems a
en a
s a
EL Greundwater cantaeninnt ion az
UF Atterracives 2
a a
a 2
i 2
o 6
a Z 6
F. Rattion af 9 eiftereac magnate 6
TW MaLtigacion Mesures el
& Sepening, ureheaping and rutting 0
Reclamation ana restoration a0
& Chewing a0
CL Noniteeing 0
& Constnuetion, maintenance an coeeation a
F. Trouptutsiting 0
Saveter SEOR ranchonk (Ort; rit 1698 ew York Sate Dyzactert
(8f Envrranmencal Canaarva
$s
|
READERS GUIDE
This Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) covers the
construction of a regional shopping center in Guilderland, New York,
tagether with improvements to the highway system. These related
projects require a variety of local and State of New York reviews,
permits, and approvals, many of which have in common requirements
for consideration of environmental consequences. This Statement has
been prepared to report these consequences.
An earlier Draft Environmental Impact Statement for this project was
submitted on May 31, 1979. Shortly before the start of public hearings
on the project by the New York State Department of Enviranmental
Conservation in August, 1979, the Applicant was informed by the State
University of New York at Albany that it would not allow the
construction of certain highway improvements on its land southeast of
the intersection of Fuller Road Alternate and Washington Avenue
Extension. .The Department adjourned the public hearing on August 13,
1979 pending submittal of revised applications and this Statement. The
present project differs frarn the eerijer project in provisions made for
highway access. The location of the building and parking areas have not
changed. The design of the stormwater detention system is
substantially the same. Accordingly, the Statement differs from the
previous submittal only with respect to details relating to traffic, air
quality, and tabulation of acreages affected, which changes as a result
of the deletion of two areas offsite and the addition of a small area
onsite. Because of a change in 6 NYCRR 203, August 11, 1979,
proposed roadway improvements, rather than the parking facilities, are
now the subject of the indirect source application mentioned below. No
other substantive revisions to the earlier Statement have been made
herein.
For purposes of compliance with the State Environmental Quality
Review (SEGR) Act (Article .8, Environmental Conservation Law; 6
NYCRR 617.4), this document is a Draft Environmental Impact
Statement, as well as part of permit applications to the New York Stete
Department of Environmental Conservation (Article-15, ECL, 6 NYCRR
608, Protection of Waters; Article 19, ECL, 6 NYCRR 203, indirect
Source; and Article 24, ECL, 6 NYCRR 662 and 663, Freshwater
Wetlands} and to the Town of Guilderland (Zoning Law; Special Use
Permit, Site Plan Approval, and Zoning Permit for Area Variance).
The Statement is divided into three main sections:
1.0 Project Description (including alternatives)
2.6 Affected Environment
3.0 Environmental Consequences
1x
The first section (Section 1.0) centains the rationale for the proposed
action, a description of the project and feasible alternatives considered
by the Applicant. Section 2.0 describes the human, physical, and
biological aspects af the affected ereas. Section 3.0 discusses the
effects: of the proposed action. Several large maps (referred to as
“sheets” in the text) are contained in a pocket.
The following tables provide topical guides to SEQR requirements as set
forth in the Environmental Conservation Law and to SEGR guidelines as
published by the Department of Environmental Conservation. These
tables show the page number in this Statement on which discussion of
each topie begins. A glossary of key words may be found in Section
4,0. Section 5.0 lists the preparers of the DEIS.
Section 6.0 contains original studies from which much of the data in the
Statement derives. These reports, more detsiled and more technical
than the Statement, are listed in CONTENTS on page fi.
Changes in the Appendices from the previous Statement include revised
applications in Appendix A; a new Traffic Impact Study submitted as
Appendix C, replacing in its entirety the previous material; a new Air
Resources Study submitted as Appendix H, replacing in its entirety the
previous materials a new Transportation Improvements Report
submitted in Appendix L, replacing in its entirety the previous. material;
letters from the consultants responsible for the preparation of other
appendices which amend er conform to the previousiy submitted
reports; and several of the sheets, as necessary, to show the revised
highway improvements.
Jn copies of the DEIS prepared for distribution to the public, Section 6.0
and the large rnaps ("sheets") do not appear. Copies of the Statement
including Section 6.0 and the sheets are available for public inspectian
at the following locations:
New York State Department of Environmental Conservatian
Region 4 Headquarters
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12223
(business hours)
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Region 4 Field Office
Jefferson Road, Route 16
Stamford, New York 12167
(business hours)
Town of Guilderland
Town Mall
Guilderland, New York 12203
(business hours)
\vY
City of Albany
City Hall
Albany, New York 12207
(business hours}
Crossgates Group
Executive Tower Park (3rd Floor)
Albany, New York 12203
(business hours)
Reserve Room
State University af New York at Albany Main Library
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York 12222
(business hours, evenings, and weekends)
Guilderland Free Library
1900 Western Avenue
Guilderland, New York 12203
SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The Applicant proposes to construct a regional shopping center in
Guilderland, New York on a 169 acre site located between Washington Avenue
Extension, Western Avenue, the New York State Thruway and Rapp Road.
The center would initially inciude four department stores and approximately
269 thousand square feet for other retail shops; two more department stores
would be added later, subject to a separate review and approval process.
Major highway improvements to provide improved shopper access ta the site
include the construction of a new bridge along Western Avenue over the New
York State Thruway and an interchange between Washington Avenue
Extension and the center's ringroad. (Part of the center's ringroad would be a
dedicated County road.)
The chief effects of the project on the human environment relate to the
regional economy, taxes, land use, and environmentally sensitive areas.
The project would create 2,783 full-time equivalent construction jobs and $34
million in wages and salaries. Permanent employment would increase by
2,565 full-time equivalent jobs over present regional employment. The net
increase in regional personal income would be $19 million per year. The
project would generate annual tax revenues of $2.7 million more than the
costs of public services associated with the project.
The project would further the land use goals of the Town of Guilderland, the
City of Albany and Albany County. It would provide both formal and informal
settings for a variety of community events and social activities.
The availability of a wider range of retail goods, including those of two
high-fashion department stores'new to the region, would increase consumer
choice, reverse the outward flow of retail expenditures from the region and
attract new-consumers from outside the region.
Together with driveways to the. major roadways abutting the site, the
proposed major highway improvements to he made by the Applicant would
provide for adequate traffic flow of shopper traffic to and from the highway
system. The addition of shopper traffic to the improved highway system
would not significantly change levels of service. Increased traffic due to the
praject would not violate air quality standards for CO.
Due to on-site detention of stormwater runoff, replacing 87 acres of existing
soils and landforms with. building and parking areas would not result in
downstream flooding. Runoff detention might smeliorate downstream
flooding problerns by reducing the rate of peak fload flows. Receiving water
quality standards would not be violated because of stormwater runoff. The
quantity and quality of groundwater outflow from the site would not be
affected.
The site contains a 16 acre wetland which would be filled by construction of
the project. Parts of the site provide actual or potential habitat for the
worm snake, the hognose snake, the spadefoot toad and Fowler's toad, species
which are at or near the northern limits of their continental ranges in the
Albany region... Canstruction of the project would remove at least parts of
their habitats. The project plan provides for on-site conservation of a colony
of the Kerner Blue Butterfly, a species listed as endangered by the
Department of Environmental Conservation and as threatened by the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. The project would remove 2 acres of pitch
Pine-serub oak habitat and 56 acres of potential pitch pine-scrub oak habitat.
The project would affect no site on the National Register of Historic Places.
Construction would result in a change of open space to a man-made
landscape. Environmental effects are summarized further in Appendix A.
The project is located in the Albany Pine Bush, an environmentally sensitive
area noted for its vegetation, wildlife, landforms, groundwater resources,
scenic qualities and historic interest. To assist in the permanent preservation
of the Albany Pine Bush, the Applicant propases ta dedicate approximately 65
acres of pitch pine-scrub oak habitat in the Old State Road/New Karner Road
area to the City of Albany as part of its open space holdings.
xiy
1.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Purpose and Need
The Applicant, the Pyramid Crossgates Company, is a partnership registered
in the State of New York. Its principal members are experienced in the
planning, design, leasing, construction and operation of iarge retailing
facilities,
The Applicant proposes to construct a retailing center of the enclosed-mall
type on a site which it controis in Guilderland, New York, in order to change
the existing retail market for shoppers goods in the Albany region (Figure 1).
To do this, it is necessary to accomplish two related objectives:
Provide shopping opportunities of a type and size to attract consumers
who are now either shopping in other areas or who now spend less of their
dispesable income on shoppers goods than would be expected, besed on
economic indicators such as household income; and
Provide shopping opportunities of a type and size to attract consumers
from outside the region.
A private economic entity, the Applicant intends to realize a return on its
investments in expanding the present retail market in the Albany region. If it
is successful, there will be both private and public benefits as detailed
elsewhere in this Statement. Several social and economic needs would be
directly or indirectly met by the proposed project. For the Applicant -to
attain its objectives, it must pravide economic satisfactions of a type and/or
quality not now available to consumers in the-region. This would increase
consumer choice. ,The return on the Applicant's investment would result in
capital formation and sources of new investment. The operation’ of the
project would provide a large number of construction and permanent: jobs.
The project would attract new businesses to the. Albany region, including two
major department stores not now represented in New ‘York State. The capital
investment and operating returns represented ‘by the project would enlarge
total economic activity regionally through the multiplier effect. The
facilities of the. proposed project would be available for a variety of
community events and would serve as a setting for many Informal social
activities.
The project would broaden the tax bases of a number of jurisdictions through
increased asssessed valuation and increased ad valorem revenues. Regional
sales tax receipts would increase. Proposed transportation improvements
would result in substantial net public benefits. By providing a park-and-ride
transfer point, bus service stops, and by linking existing routes along
Washington Avenue Extension and Western Avenue, public transportation
would be encouraged. By reducing the travel of residents of the Albany
region to retailing districts outside the region, the project would contribute
to energy conservation goals. Additionally, the project would contribute to
the implementation of land use goals of Guilderland, the City of Albany and
Albany County, including the preservation af 65 acres of environmentally
sensitive land in the Albany Pine Bush.
The consumer and business need for, and feasibility of, the proposed project is
further documented in Appendix 6B, “Market Study." Appendix I,
"Econometric Study" documents the need for the proposed project in relation
to regional economic development. Appendix K, "Fiscal Impect Report”
provides the calculation of public revenues and expenditures in relation to the
project. Appendix L, "Transportation Improvements Report" contains a public
cost-benefit analysis of the proposed highway improvements.
1.2 Alternatives
1.2.1 Criteria for Meeting Applicant's Objectives
For @ major retailing center to bath meet latent demand and to Increase
market size, several requirements must be met:
Location within a primary trade area capable of reaching as many
persons as possible;
Location in reasonable proximity ta the major existing retail district of
Wolf Road;
Location accessible by at Ieast one {preferably two) interstate highways;
Location accessible by one of more major commercial arterial streets;
Proper zoning;
Minimum size of 100 acres (20 acres for central business district sites if
there are adjacent parking structures with sufficient capacity);
Adequate public utilities (especially water and sewer);
Workable topographic and soil conditions;
Ownership of the bulk of the site by a single entity;
Land costs in reasonable praportion to overall project casts; and
Adjoining land uses compatible with regiona! shopping center uses.
The Applicant knows of no ether action open to it which can beth meet latent
demand and increase market size.
”
2.2.2 Propased Project
The proposed project is located on a 149-acre site in Guilderland and the City
of. Albany, New York (Figures 1,2,3 and Sheet T-1). It is approximately
bounded by the New York State Thruway on the east, Western Avenue on the
south, Rapp Road on the west, and Weshingtan Avenue Extension on the north,
The project Jayout, including transportation improvements, is shown as Figure
4 and Sheet HP-A. -The project occupies 87 acres of the 169-acre site.
Transportation improvements off-site occupy 3.2 acres in an area totaling 6.6
acres. Table 1 provides a tabulation of project dimensions.
The proposed structure is a 150-store, two level enclosed mall with four
major department stores, including two full-line and two high-fashion
department stores, and.a food service and cinema complex. A representative
exterior elevation is shown as Figure 5 and a representative interior view as
Figure 6. The building would include 1,293,160 square feet of gross leasable
area and would cover approximately 17 acres.
Surface parking would be provided for 7,090 cars in six major areas (three
serving the upper levels and three, the lower) separated by landscaped slopes.
Each parking level would be divided into smaller pafking modules, separated
by landscaped berms, The site would be graded (Sheet SP-2} on a balanced
cut and fill basis using 1,120,000 cubic yards of on-site material and
importing 300,G00 cubic yards of coarser, granular material for sub-base
constuction of roads.
Stormwater draining through and from the site would be detained in several
on-site basins (Sheets SP-2, SP-3). The rate at which stormwater would leave
these detention basins would be Jess than the present rate (Appendix G,
"Water Resources Repart").
Weter for the project (inciuding fire protection} would be drawn from a
12-inch main loop connected to existing water mains of the Westmere Water
District in Western Avenue (Sheet: SP-3). Projected water use would average
100,000 gallons per day. Approximately 80,000 gallons per day of domestic
sanitary wastewater would be discharged through a 10-inch sewer service line
to a 14-inch Guilderland interceptor sewer that is tributary to the Albany
County North Wastewater Treatment Plant (Sheet SP-3),
The project's energy consumption would be approximately 41 million kilowatt
. hours {kWh) of electricity per year, supplied by Niagara~Mohawk Power
Corporation. Up to 3,520 million cubic feet per year of natural gas for space
heating, if available, might be substituted for electricity in one of the
department stores.
Traffic access to and from the site would be provided by driveways to
Western Avenue, Rapp Road, and Washington Avenue Extension. A dedicated
public roadway serving entering traffic only would be built to allow exiting
TASLE t
PROJECT DIMENSTONS . ,
_ Dimension Existing Proposed
On-site
Open Space 145.5 27,5
Developed 23,5. Mme
Landscaped N.c.t 31.0
impervious N.c.3 TrO.E
Bui 1ding* N.c.t 7.0
Farking™* N.c.t 70.0
Roads NCE 23.1
Totel Acres 168. 168.8
Of fesite
Open Spece 72.0 68.8
Developed 6.0 3.2
Landscaped N.C.) 21
Impervious N.c.2 It
(roads)
Totel Acres 72.0 72.0
Publis 0.0 65.4
Combi ned
Open Space 96.3
Developed 145.8
Landscaped 33. @
Impervious TEL.2
Building (7.0
Parking 70.0
Roads 23.1
Total acres 240.8
Public 0.0 65.4
*Building Floor Araa
Department Store A 112,500 square feet
8 135,000 st.
c 97,500 sf.
D $0,000 sf.
Mall Tenant Area 566,756 sf.
Cinema 30,000 sf.
NET SALES AREA 1,033,758 st,
Stockrooms, and 2
tenant non-sales 244,000 st,
GROSS LEASABLE AREA =, 293, 160 sf,
Mails, courts and
servica areas 201,000 sf.
TOTAL BUELDING FLCOR
AREA 1,484,160 sf.
1 ~ N.C.= not calculated
Parking spaces + 7,090
Source: “Appendix E, "Vegstatian and Wildlita Report and Appendix MN,
Project Descripzlon and Operations Report!
Figure 1
Rensselaer County
Saratoga County
a6 Alternate Site Locations
Albany County
Existing Urban Service Areas 1977
LZ Short Term Growth Areas 1977-1985
MSN Long Term Growth Areas 1977-2000
REGIONAL LOCATION
(@2 4 6 8 10m
@
d Land Use
FIGURE 2
OPEN space]
Oe oe at
PROPOSED PRESERVED OPEN
SPACE BY APPLICANT
BY OTHERS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
OR APPROVED LZ
DEVELOPED
PRESERVED §
OPEN SPACE baal
DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS Tammy
iZO
General:
I Study
2miles
cipal
and Project Site Location
Source: Pinebush tntermuni
‘Albany Pine Bush Land Use Patterns
Annotated Air Photo of Project Site Figure 3
os. @ Air Monitor 5 Wellspring House Site
“L' 4& Water Sampling Pitch Pine/Shrub Oak Areas
= Lupine/Karner Blue Site
Annotated Air Photo of Project Site Figure 4
with Superimposed Project Site Pian
Representative Exterior Rendering Figure 5
Representitive Interior Rendering Figure 6
southbound Fuller Road Alternate traffic to reach the site (through Driveway
A on Figure 4 and Sheet HP-A) without entering the mainstrearn of traffic on
Western Avenue westbound. This connection, as weil as the interchange an
Washington Avenue Extension, would be constructed by the Applicant to the
specifications of the New York State Department. of Transportation
(NYSDOT), which would own the campleted bridges and ramps. The Applicant
would also modify certain other intersections in the vicinity to improve their
operation, as discussed in Appendix C.
Although the existing surface transit system of the region is not capable of
reaching the entire market to be served by the proposed praject, a portion of
the travel demand to the center can be satisified by proposed local
improvements to the bus system. In anticipation of extension of existing bus
lines along Western Avenue and Washington Avenue Extension, bus stops and
shelters would be provided. The demand generated by the project would
result in increased transit ridership, thus reinforcing surface transit.in the
area and improving connections between Western Avenue and Washington
Avenue Extension by providing a new transfer point.
A portion of the parking lot would be designated for "park and ride," for
carpooling, and for bus transit operations. Such an area would accommodate
commuters ta dawntown Albany who now drive but who would use bus service
if available, thus avoiding downtown traffic congestion and parking problems
and minimizing commuting expenses. Express bus service in this area may
prove to be viable should demand develop. The park-and-ride area could also
be a carpool location for Albany-bound commuters living to the west of the
project. Since commuting-parking and shopping-parking requirements peak at
different times on weekdays, and since commuter-parking demand on
Saturday is minimal, the same physical resource could meet both needs.
Areas adjacent to buildings would be landscaped with. shade-tolerant piants,
while in mediens, grade transitions, sand in areas outside the ringroad,
landscaping plans emphasize native plants, Sheet SP-4 contains the proposed
Sedimentation and Erosion Control Pian for the project. Sheet L-1 shows the
landscaping plan.
The propased project is concentrated in the southeastern corner of the site,
leaving the western quarter mostly vacant. The Applicant has no definite
plans for these areas at present but intends to develop therm in the future for
uses compatible with the conference/office/research zoning in Guilderland
and with the proposed project. In the portion af the site in the City of
Albany, future development would be in accordance with obtainable zoning or
variances and would be cornpatible with the proposed project. Such future
projects are all subject ta the requirements of the State Environmental
Quality Review Act (SEQRA), including the preparation of Environmental
impact Statements for projects which the designated lead agency determines
to have significant impacts.
Future expansion plans sre for the addition of two department stores. No
other expansion of the proposed shopping center is contemplated. Timing of
additional construction depends on the initial commercial success of the
project and upon future economic conditions. Construction of the addition
would also require compliance with SEQRA, prior to approval. All analyses
contained in the statement are based on’a four department store project of
slightly less than 1.3 million ft? leasibte floor area.
1.2.3 On-Site Alternatives
Several on-site alternatives have been reviewed. A single-level building of
the same size would double the building area coverage This would create a
center of impracticable length. An enclosed mail requires the maximum
possible internal pedestrian circulation, evenly distributed.
Multi-level design is possible as long as pedestrian traffic can be evenly
distributed between levels. The experience of the Applicant has shown that
pedestrian circulation flows more readily from upper to lower levels than the
reverse; thus; to achieve balance, shoppers must be encouraged to enter the
center on both the upper and iower levels. Further decreasing building area
coverage by designing for three or more major levels could be accomplished
only by providing an equal number of parking levels. This would require
parking garages. Construction costs and customer perference make this an
impractical solution.
Four other highway access alternatives connecting the project site to the
Northway/Fuller Road Alternate have been considered (Appendix L,
"Transportation Improvements Report”). These alternatives differed from the
proposed plan principaily ‘in providing direct return from the site to the
Northway/Fuller Road Aiternate. One of these alternatives was rejected
because it would have required signalized intersections on the
Northway/Fuller Alternate off-ramp and on Washington Avenue Extension. It
would alsa have been incompatible with possible future extension of the
Northway. The second alternative, involving a 700-foot bridge to the
Northway/Fuller Read Alternate from the proposed dedicated Albany County
road, was rejected because construction casts and time requirements would
have also been substantially greater than for the proposed alternetive. Also,
it.might be incompatible with the possible Northway extension. The other
two alternatives were rejected because of incompatibility with future plans
of the State University of New York.
A smalier project (e.g., two department stores and less leasable area for
other tenants) could not meet the Applicant's objectives. First, a smaller
center would not attract custamers from outside the region. Second, a
smalier center would not be as effective in reversing outshapping. Third,
because of lower revenues, a smaller center could not justify the costs of
transportation impravements, Therefore, such a project would have to be
served by surface streets exclusively, which would be likely to increase
traffic congestion.
Action at a different time would adversely affect the Applicant's ability to
consummate leasing arrangements with tenants.
ra,
1.2.4 Off-site Alternative
Within the Albany region, there are ten alternative sites (Figure 1) for a major
regional shopping center; located at or near the intersection of major
arterials with 1-87, 1-90, 1-890, and I-787. A total of eleven sites, including
the proposed site, has been identified and evaluated in detail (Appendix D,
"Alternative Site Analysis"). The sites were ranked with respect to several
weighted factors of tocation, zoning, size, availability, and potential
environmental impacts.
Three sites are not feasible (in accordance with DEC's policy that applicants
need not consider sites incompatibly zoned) due to existing zoning. Gne is
near Exit 23 of 1-87; one is near Exit 9A of I-890; and one is a site served by
an interchange (not open) between Exits 5 and 6 of 1-90. All three are zoned
for single farnily residential uses.
Of the remaining eight sites, three lacked adequate acreage to accammadate
a major regional shopping center. One is near Exit 23 of I-887; one is near
Exit 9A of I-890 and one is near the Menands Exit of I-787. This left five
sites to be evaluated on the basis of other factors. The ratios of primary
trade zone populations (persons living within a ten-minute drive time) of
these sites were estimated as follows:
Exit 6 1-87 (2 sites) Q.63
Exit 7 1-890 0.68
Menands Exit 1-787 0.70
(second site)
Proposed Site 1.00
The proposed site, in addition to superior accessibility to a large primary
trade zone population, is the only site in reasonable proximity to the existing
major retailing district (Colonie Center, Northway Mall, and Twenty Mall).
Such proximity is essential if major facilities are to act in mutually
supporting ways. The proposed jocation was the only site identified that is
correctly zoned, sufficiently large, available, and capable of meeting the
Applicant's objectives of primary trade zone market coverage.
No central business district site could be identified, Any such site would have
to be located in the City of Albany in order to attract a regional market
{Appendix D, "Alternative Site Analysis"). No site large enough was found in
downtown Albany to accommodate 2 regional shopping center as proposed by
the Applicant. Even a site smaller than the 10Q-acre size required for
surface parking could probably only be assembled by a public agency with
condemnation powers. This is contrary to local planning policies. Moreover,
if such a smaller site were available, it would require a parking structure.
Due to the high cast (approximately $10,000 per stail) of such parking, the
Applicant considers it financially unfeasible to develop a central business
district site as a private undertaking. -
There are approximately 23 acres in the Albany central business district,
including the site of the Old Union Station, which are owned, jointly or in
part, by the City and the State. This does not represent a feasible site for
the proposed project because of its physical limitations. With or without
adaptive reuse of the building, the site is potentially feasible for a specialized
retailing center with foodstuffs, crafts, specialty clothing, end related lines,
geared for the commuter market and for residents of revitalized
neighborhoods. Fanueii Hall in Boston is a well-known example of such an
"anchoriess" mal}, Because of concentration an a relatively narrow range of
retail goods, this type of project is not directly competitive with, nor
comparable ta, traditional regional shopping centers.
1.2.5 No Action
For purposes of this Statement, the no-action alternative can be taken to
mean the denial of permits necessary to the construction of the project. If
should be recagnized, however, that the no-action alternative is not
equivalent to preservation of the site in its existing state indefinitely. The
no-action alternative is not capable of meeting the objectives of the
Applicant. The no-action alternative would leave the site available only for
jow-intensity uses, contrary to the land use planning objectives of Guilderland
and Albany County. Low-intensity uses which provide a reasonable economic
return on the site exclude agriculture, open space, and recreation.
Economically feasible low-intensity uses, such as housing, result in probable
environmental impacts of the same type as the proposed project. However,
alternative lIower-intensity uses would net provide equal environmental
control measures, such as runoff detention and habitat protection, as the
Proposed project. This is especially true were piecemeal developrnent to
cccur. The no-action alternative would also result in the loss of an
immediate opportunity for preservation, under public ownership, of
approximately 65 acres in the Aibany Pine Bush known as the Old State Road
Parcel, 2 site which the Applicant proposes to dedicate to the City of Albany.
Lugar
2.0 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Human Factors
2.1.1 Population
The 1980 population within the Capital District Region (excluding
Montgomery County) will be 780,000. Projected populations in 1990 and 2000
are 841,000 and 897,000, respectively (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report").
The total population equivalent to be served by the proposed project in 1980
would be 166,292, growing to 171,760 by 1985 (Appendix A, "Market Report").
Growth is expected to accur at the greatest rate in the suburban counties,
such as Saratoga County. In 1960, Saratoga County had about 14% of the
region's population, but by 1975, its share had increased to 19%, By 2000,
Saratoga County's share should increase to about 23% of the region. Albany
County's share of the regional population, by contrast, has been’ declining
since 1960, when it was 42% of the total. By 1975, the proportion had
dropped to 39% and will continue te decline through 2G00 when it will reach
37%.
Although Albany County's share of the regional population is growing smaller,
the number of persons living in the County will increase at @ moderate pace
through 2000. Shifts in population distribution have taken place between the
cities, villages, and suburban and rural towns in Albany County. The most
marked shifts have been fram the central cities to the suburbs. In 1960, 60%
of the county's population resided in the central cities of Albany, Cohoes, and
Wetervliet. By 2000, that proportion will.decline to 46% and there will be a
net population loss of 12,172 compared ta 1960, The suburban communities of
Bethlehem, Colonie, and Guilderland accounted for 28% of the county's 1960
population, but will have 38% of the population in 2060 and a net population
gain of 48,265 over 1960 levels. However, post-1980 growth is expected to be
fairly evenly distributed between the central cities and the suburbs, The
older municipalities will gain 14,900 residents by 2000, while the suburbs will
gain 14,700. The projected trends between 1980-2000 will, accordingly,
reverse the substantia] outmigration experienced in the central cities
between 1960 and the late 1970's.
The 1986 population of Guiiderland is estimated at 23,700, a 7.4% increase
over the 1976 population. Population is expected to increase by 18.5%
between 1980-2000 -- to 25,200 by 1990 and to 28,J00 by 2000. Existing
population in-Guilderland is cancentrated alang the City of Aibany/Town of
Guildertand boundary. There is a notable concentration along - Western
Avenue in the Hamlets of Guilderland Center and Fort Hunter and the Village
of Altamont (1976 population of 1,642).
2.1.2 Housing
During the past 20 years in Albany County, new housing construction has been
concentrated in the suburbs. From 1960-1970, 86% of new home construction
occurred in the County's suburban communities. The 1970 housing stock in the
County was 98,412 units. An additional 12,546 units were built from: 1970-1976;
36% of these units were in the suburbs, 33% in the central cities and 11% in
rural communities, In the urban areas, however, there has been a fairly high
rate of attrition in the older housing stock. The 1970 housing stock of
Guilderland consisted of 6,306 dweiling units of which 83% were single-family
units. Average household size in Guilderiand was 3.) persons. ,
2.1.3 Employment and Income
The regional labor area includes Albany, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga,
and Schenectady Counties and had a September, i978 labor force of over
360,000. More than 80% are employed in the non-manufacturing sectors, such
as government, trade, dnd services (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report”).
White collar workers make up 58% of the 4-county (Albany, Rensselaer,
Saratoga, and Schenectady Counties) work force, reflecting the influence of
State government employment. Wholesale and retail trade accounted for 20%
of 1978 regional employment.
Unemployment in the regional labor area is lower than the state rate. In
Septernber, 1978, unemployment was 5.9%. Albany County unemployment’ has
been lower than the regional rate; unemployment rates in the Guilderland
have been lower than either. Retail trade is the single largest category of
unemployment in the regional labor area; in May, [978, more than 16% of
unemployment insurance beneficiaries in the regional labor erea previously
had been employed in retail trade.
Average 1974 per capita income for the regional Jabor aree was $4,643, which
was higher than the national average ($4,572) but lower than the state
average ($4,903). In the City of Albany per capita income was $4,748;
Colonie had $4,563 per capita and Guilderland, $5,896 per capita (Appendix J,
"Socioeconomic Report"),
2.14 Business and Industry
The region is a long-established major center of government, finance,
transportation, and manufacturing in upstate New York. However, several
sectors of the regional economy, notably menufacturing and the construction
industry, have declined in recent years. From 1972-1976 manufacturing sector
employment dropped 7.5%; during the same period, construction employment
dropped 38.3%. It has been growth in the nonmanufecturing sector,
particularly state government, which has helped maintain the regional
economy. Government is the single largest employer, accounting for nesrly
30% of regional employment in 1978 Nationally, government sector
employment wes 15.1%; in New York State, overall, it was 18.9%.
Wholesale and retail trade is a substantial part of the regionat economy.
Total retail sales of shoppers goods in 1972 were $55] million; it is estimated
that there is more than $134 million additional in potential sales available in
the marketplace (Appendix I, "Econometric Report"). The location of the
trade. sector has shifted from the central cities to the suburbs. Between the
economic census years 1967 and 1972, the City of Albany, for example, lost 14]
retail establishments. From 1958-1972, there was @ 75% constant dollar
(inflation adjusted) decline in downtown Albany retail sales. Over the same
period, retail and wholesale trade has increased in the suburbs.
2.1.5 Land Use
Historically, land use and development in Albany County were strongly shaped
by the area's strategic location at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk
Rivers. The Port of Albany, the only imland deepwater port in the regian open
year-round, has been only ane component of the transportation system which
has influenced the growth of Albany County. Urban growth has occurred in 2
gaciet pattern outward from the City of Albany along major arterials, (Figure
1.
Albany County is approximately 158 square miles in area and is comprised of
the following proportions of lend uses:
Residential 8.9%
Commercial and Service 2.1%
Industrial and Extractive 15%
Transportation and Utilities 2.1%
Agriculture, Recreation and 83.6%
Open Space
Water 1.8%
The Town of Guilderland has an area of approximately 58 square miles in the
following proportions of land uses:
Residential 9.4%
Cammercial and Services 1.6%
Industrial and Extractive 1.8%
Transportation and Utilities 1.6% .
Agriculture, Recreation and 84.3%
Open Space
Water 1.3%
Development in Guilderland is concentrated along Western Avenue and
Carmen Road (Route 146) in the eastern part of the town. Industrial lend uses
are concentrated in the Northeast industrial Park (Skiroule Snowmobiles,
Scott Paper, Chrysler Motors, and J.J. Newberry).
The major portion (150 aeres) of the project site is in Guilderland. Most of
this area is zoned B-2 (general business). Most of the area surrounding the
B-2 zoning district is zoned COR (conference/office/research). The i acre
portion of the site in the City of Albany is within the R-I (single family
residential) zoning district. Relevant land use development plans show uses
compatible with existing zoning and include The Town of Guilderland
Development Plan, 1969; The City of Albany Overall Development Plan, 1977;
The Albany County Land Use and Development Plan, 1978; and The Capital
District Regional Development Plan, 1978. There are no known plans of any
public agency to acquire land on the site.
The site lies along the southern boundary of a geographic area bounded by
Fuller Road, Western Avenue, Carmen Road, the Albany/Schenectady County
line and Central Avenue (Figure 2). This area is knawn as the "Albany Pine
Bush" and contains areas which are environmentally sensitive by virtue of
sandy soils, regional groundwater recharge areas, pitch pine - scrub oak forest
habitats, or by combinations of these factors. :
Land use on-site is classified as urban vacant since it is closely associated
with two major surface arterial streets and urban development. There are
several single family houses and mobile homes on the site. Commercial land
uses onthe site include a motel and a riding stable. Within a few hundred
yards of the site are office buildings, apartment buildings, police and fire
stations, a community shopping center, motels, restaurants, gas stations, a
nursing home, community centers and social clubs, a construction yard,
schools, a cemetery, trailer courts, single-family houses, an electric
substation, and a tandem trailer terminal (Figure 3).
The site is bounded on the east by the New York State Thruway, a 4-lane
divided Interstate highway. The view of the site from the road is limited by
the dense growth of brush and trees along embankments for most of the
Toadside and by the high speed of traffic passing the site at a right angle.
There are approximately 400 lineal feet of visually accessible openings along
the Thruway. One is at a point 700 feet south of the Washington Avenue
Extension overpass; it is 300 feet wide and penetrates some 400 feet of
emergent wetland vegetation (part of a regulated wetland) The other is
approximately 700 feet further scuth and is 100 feet wide, offering a view of
approximately 600 feet into the site of 1 acre of emergent vegetation (which
is not part of a requlated wetland). At a speed of 55 mph, the first area
offers a glimpse of just under 4 seconds and the second area, one of just over
l second duration. Neither area includes a body of open water.
Roughly parallel to the Thruway on the east is the Northway/Fuller Road
Alternate which is a high-speed arteriai highway providing access between
the 187/I-90 interchange and Western Avenue. The Northway/Fuller Road
Alternate is separated from the Thruway by a 150-500 foot wide median with
trees which block the site from view.
East of the Fuller Road Alternate is Executive Park Tower, a 10-story office
building from which parts of the site are visible. Next to this building is
Stuyvesant Plaza, a community shopping center. This is bordered on the
north and east by an established single-family residential area, part af the
MeKownville neighborhood. To the east is the State University of New York
at Albany (SUNYA) and the State Office Campus (SOC). On the south of
Western Avenue are more single-family neighborhoods and
highway-commercial land uses.
The site is bounded on the south by urben land uses along Western Avenue,
presently a four-lane undivided arterial. The New York State Department of
Transportation is widening Western Avenue to five lanes (the fifth lane to be
used for left turns to and from adjoining properties). It is anticipated that
construction will be completed by early 1980. On the north side of Western
Avenue are mortuary, a church, highway-related commercial uses, a trailer
court, a stable, and twa single-family residential areas (Lehner Terrace and
Gabriel Terrace). Gn the south side of Western Avenue are more
highway-commercial businesses and a cemetery. Behind these are
single-family housing, apartment huildings, a trailer court, an elementary
school, and vacant land. Little of the site is visible from Western Avenue.
On the west, Rapp Road, a 2-lane narrow road between Western Avenue and
Washington Avenue Extension, contains several residences, vacant land, a
stable, and a Nisgera-Mehawk power line right-of-way which runs east-west
across the site, To the northwest are a nursing home, a high-rise apartment
building for the elderly, and vacant land. Portions of the site are visible from
Rapp Road but views are limited by topography and vegetation.
As it passes the site on the north Washington Avenue Extension is a 4-lene
divided arterial. There is a house trailer on its southern frontage road, On
the northern side there are a few houses between the northern service road
and the Thruway as it curves to the west. To the west are a police and fire
station and community association buildings. The view fram Washington
Avenue is predominantly. of trees, except where the road crosses the
Thruway. There, part of the site is visible.
Recreational use of the site is neither expressly permitted or prohibited by
current landowners. The main portion of the site has been used for trail bike
and horseback riding, target shooting, hiking, and nature observation.
There are no archaelogical or historical remains on the site presently listed
on the National Register of Historic Places and none are under consideration
for nomination by the State Historie Preservation Officer. One structure, at
1 Lehner Terrace, may be eligible and is being studied further by the
Applicant's archaelogical consultant.
2.1.6 Energy Use
Present consumption of electrical energy in the region is estimated at 9.76
billion kWh per year. Gas and electric service to the site area is provided by
Niagara-Mohawk Corporation, Annual consumption of gasoline and other
transportation fuels in the region is an estimated 333 million gallons per
year. (Appendix M, “Energy Impact Report.")
2.1.7 Transportation and Traffic
Albany County is served by two major Interstate highway systems - I-90
(east/west) and I-87 (north/south). 1-90, west of Albany County, and’ 1-87,
south of the County, comprise the New York State Thruway. The Thruway
south of Aibany County provides access to New York City and points south;
1-90 west. of the County links the region to Buffalo and points west. East of
Albany County, I-90 becomes the Berkshire Spur, linking the Thruway to
Boston and.other points east. The Adirondack Northway (I-87) originates in
Guilderland and continues north to Montreal. The project site is immediately
adjacent to ‘the interehange of the Northway and the Thruway. Immediate
access to the site would logically be developed through those parcels fronting
on the Iloca! connecter roadway system including Washinton Avenue
Extension, Western Avenue, and Rapp Road.
Existing traffic conditions along Western Avenue in the vicinity of the site
are congested during the morning and evening peak commuter rush hours, a
situation which the previously mentioned NYSDOT's planned addition of a
fifth lane is intended to alleviate. There are also many curb cuts along both
sides of Western Avenue; these tend ta reduce overall travel speeds. Along
Washington Avenue Extension, congestion occurs at the signatized
intersection with Fuller Road. Other areas in the area which now experience
congestion during peak cemmuter hours are the I-90/I-87 cloverieaf
interchange and the Northway/Fuller Road alternate ramps to western
avenue. These traffic operating conditions are influenced by the nearby State
Office Campus and the State University of New York at Albany campus and
the’ limited number of routes available for traffic to and from these areas
(Appendix C, "Traffic Impact Study").
2.1.8 Community Facilities and Services
Albany County residents are served by five primary health care facilities
having a total licensed bed capacity of 1,566. As of April, 1978 there were
1,095 physicians registered in the County including 794 patient-care
physicians.
The doctor/petient ratio for the County (one patient care physician per 362
residents} is more than 3 times greater than the recommended minimum
standard (Appendix J, "Socicecanomic Report"), Use of the medical/surgical
and obstetrical services in some of the County's major primary health care
facilities’ exceed optimum occupancy rates defined by the New York State
Health Department. Overutilization is due to the high percentage of
physicians practicing in the County relative ta surrounding areas, Four
Neighboring counties are classified by the State as “physician - shortage
counties.”
The project site and its surrounding area are part of the Albany County Sewer
District. Wastewater from this area is treated by the Albany County North
Wastewater Treatment Plant. ~ Guilderland maintains collector and
interceptor sewers. Guilderland’s contracted share of system capacity is
1,160,G00 gallons per day to the Dillenbeck Pumping Station. Guilderland now
uses about 465,000 gpd of its contracted capacity. The flows for unconnected
lots, undeveloped land, and the Church Read sewer extension now under
construction will total 280,000 gpd. This leaves 355,000 gpd reserve capacity
(Appendix J, "Sacioeconamic Report").
The Guilderland municipal water supply system consists of five water
districts with a system capacity of 3.6 mgd. The project site is’ within the
Westmere Water District which has ¢ 12-inch main alang Western Avenue.
Current weter use is about 67% of design capacity of the District's system.
The District is considering additional supplies from Watervliet Reservoir, in
the near future, and in the long term from the Hunger Kill (Appendix J,
"Socioeconomic Report").
Guilderland owns and operates a sanitary landfill expected to reach capacity
in 1982. Solid waste is transported to the landfill by municipal and
commercial haulers and by individual residents at a rate of 108 tans per day.
In addition to residential and commercial wastes, solid’ waste from some light
industrial facilities is also accepted. Guilderland expects to participate in
the ANSWERS. project, a resource-recovery solid waste management plan,
scheduled to begin operation in 1980 (Appendix J, "Socioeconamic Report").
Guilderland residents and businesses receive police protection primarily from
the Guilderland Police Department, which is composed of a chief; two
juvenile aid offices, an arson investigator, and six patrol officers. An
additional police officer has been authorized. The department operates five
patrol cars. The police/population ratio in Guilderland is 6.45 officers per
1,006 residents. The national average is 2.1 and the average for communities
in the 10,G00-24,999 size range is 2.05. The department does not operate on @
24-hour basis. It provides police services from 8:00 AM to 4:60 AM, Thursday
through Sunday, and from 8:00 AM through midnight, Monday through
Wednesday. Back-up services are provided by the officers of a New York
State Police substation in Guilderland which is staffed by 13 officers with
four vehicles. The Albany County Sheriff Department provides lock-up
facilities (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report").
Most 1977 crimes in Guilderland were against property. Criminal mischief
(346 cases) was the most frequently reported offense, followed by petty
jarceny (258 cases) and burglary (245 cases), Of the 126 arrests made that
year, 100 were for violations and misdemeanors. Grand iarceny and burglary
were the most common felonies. Juvenile delinquency is the major crime
contro] problem in Guilderland; 1977 crime rate was higher among juveniles
than in the adult population (Appendix 3, "Socioeconomic Report").
The Town of Guilderland receives fire protection from six volunteer fire
departments. Fire protection services are generally regarded as excellent.
There is one fire fighter for every 22 parcels of land (45.5 fire fighters per
1,000 parcels) which is a ratio in excess of the standard of 2 per 1,060
dwelling units for a suburb or fringe community in the 10,000-30,000
population cless. The project site area is within the jurisdiction of the
Westmere Volunteer Fire Department, with 55 men and 5 vehicles. The
department's fire. fighting equipment has a pumping capacity of 4,750 gallons
per minute (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report"),
The Town of, Guilderland operates a Town Supervisor/Town Board form of
municipal government. The Town Supervisor acts as the chief executive and
fiscal officer and works in cooperation with the Town Board in discharging
the town's legislative functions. Four councilors serve on the Town Board.
Two town justices carry out the town’s judicial administration. A
Comptrolter manages the town's finances. Other elected officials include the
Town Clerk, the Receiver of Taxes, and the Highway Superintendent.
Non-elected town employees are an additional 80 persons (Appendix J,
"Socioeconomic Report").
Student enrollment in the Guilderland Central Schoo] District declined 14%
between the 1969-1970 and 1978-1979 school years, reflecting nationwide
demographic trends. The number of pre-school age children in the school
district drapped 30% during the same period. Since 1970, 4 elementary
schools in Guilderland have closed. The school district now has a vacancy
rate of 8% (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report").
The only publicly-owned outdoor recreation facility in Guilderland is
Towasentha Park, Its 110 acres can accomodate approximately 760 persons.
Additional outdoor recreation is provided by private and commercial facilities
offering activities ranging from golf to target-shaoting and camping. Indoor
recreational facilities are provided by the town's school gymnasiums and
meeting halls, All indoor and outdoor recreational facilities receive heavy
use, primarily by town residents. Need currently exists for a public swimming
pool and skating rink (Appendix J, "Socicecanomie Report"),
e
2.2 Physical Factors
2.2.1 Geology and Sails
The elevation of bedrock below the site surface ranges from more than 106 ft
above sea level on the east to about sea level on the west. This bedrock
occurs about 130 to 300 feet below the surface. Regional bedrock types are
jointed, fractured, and folded sandstones and shales (Dineen, Robert J, 1975,
Geology and Land Uses in the Albany Pine Bush, New York State Gealogical
Survey Bulletin 75; Albany, New York; 23 pp)-
A generalized stratigraphic section is shown in Figure 7. The basal unit is
glacial till (McKownville till ridge) which is overlain by approximately 60 feet
of glacial lake clays. The surface unit over most of the site is @ loose to
medium compact yellow brown to gray brown fine sand with a trace of some
silt and occasional silt lenses. In places, the sand is overlain by up to two
feet of peat and organic silt (Appendix F, "Soils Report").
Soil types are shown in Figure 8. Colonte and Elnora soils are deep and
excessively-well to moderately-well drained. Granby and Stafford soils are
yery poorly and somewhat poorly drained, respectively. Colonie-and Elnora
soils are rapidly permeable, while Granby and Stafford soils are only slowly
permeable due to organic matter and to seasonal high water table conditions.
All soils, except where peat and organic silts are present, have a similar
texture; average grain size is approximately: 0.16 mm (Appendix F, "Soils
Report", and Appendix G, "Water Resources Report"), All soils on the site
are essentially free frorn rockiness and are potentially viable for pasture use.
They are otherwise unsuited to commercial agriculture,
Elevation on the site ranges fram less than 234 feet on the southeast corner
to over 320 feet on the northwest (Sheet T-1). Slopes range from less than
1% to more than 20%. Landforms consist of sand dunes, sand plains, and
wetlands.
Minera! resources on the site consist af fine grained sand suitable for fill.
The sandy sails on the site are susceptible to wind and water erosion when
bare. Existing levels of erosion are low, due to extensive vegetation, but
even bare soils on the site are samewhat resistant to wind erosion due to the
presence of a crust-forming silt.
The region has sufficiently Iow seismic potential that special design
consideration of earthquake resistance is limited to major facilities such’ as
nuclear pawer stations and large dams. There are na known faults on the site
or in its vicinity.
2.2.2 Hydrology and Water Quality
The site is located within the watershed of the Krum Kill. Figure 3 shows the
location of surface water features.
Drainage from the site is generally to the east and leaves the site through
culverts beneath the Thruway. In the spring, when water table levels are
high, saturated soils conditions occur over parts of the site, particularly in
the wetland in the center of the site and in other low-lying sreas, such as the
former pond at the southeastern corner of the site (Figure 9), The flow of the
Krum Kill on the site (Fiqure 10) is primarily derived fram groundwater
discharge and is on the order of 1 cubic foot per second (cfs) or 600 thousand
gallons per (gpd) day. Stormwater runoff increases the volume of flow
temporarily, but due to the small size of the watershed (approximately 314
acres upstream of and including tributary portions of the site) it does not
have a great influence on an average annual basis. Table 2 shows discharge
for storms of 2-, 5-, 12-, 21- and 100-year recurrence intervals. The site does
not contain a flood plain of a major stream,
Surface water samples were taken from the headwaters of the Krum Kill (a
"Class A” stream segment) and at McKownville Reservoir in June 1978 and
January 1979. Existing water quality characteristics are influenced by
groundwater conditions of high alkalinity, iron and manganese content, and by
non-point source discharges of urban runoff which contribute relatively high
levels of dissolved solids, including chlarides (Table 3).
Because of soil and cover characteristics, sediment sources are primarily
from urban runaff entering the site, Sediment accumulates from these
sources in the marshy area in the southeast corner of the site. Water in the
rum Kill on the site is enriched in nutrients (Appendix G, "Water Resources
Report”).
The site is in the watershed of the McKownviile Reservoir (a "Class A"
stream segment), once used by the McKownville Water District as its primary
source. The District now purchases Watervliet Reservoir water through the
Westmere Water District.
There are no existing discharges of point sources of pollution (outfall sewers)
on the site. Some existing houses on the site discharge domestic wastes to
groundwater. Urban runoff from’ a portion of Western Avenue flows in to the
headwaters of the Krum Kill on the site.
Precipitation which does not become surface runoff or which is not
evaporated or transpired by vegetation is potential groundwater recharge.
Based on annual recharge of 8.93" (Appendix G, "Water Resources Report"),
and an area of 169 acres, the potential annual average recharge would be
about 39 million’ gallons, or 106 thousand gallons per day. Wetlands and
streams on the site are areas of groundwater discharge however.
Groundwater which enters the surface water system via springs, wetlands,
and small perennial streams becomes surface runoff.
?
FIGURE 7
Generalized Geologic Cross Section
Windbiown Sand-7
Glacial Lake Sand-
Under the Site
Approximate
Elevation
-320
250
220
Glacia) Lake Clay7
Glacial Till-
‘pelea
2
x)
w
2
2
=
G
=
n
ee
See
ee
ee
Fe
So
v)
FIGURE
8
STORM WATER FLOWS FROM TKE SITE UNDER
EXISTING CONDITIONS
Recurrence Interval
2 year
5 year
iO year
25 year
100 year
%cubic feet per. second {cfs}
Source: Storm Water Menagement Report
{Annex A of Appendix G, "Water Resources Report")
TABLE 2
Peak Flow Rete*
39.2
77.
fOr.2
138.8
176.0
Jews: * TABLE 3
WATER QUALITY ANALYSES OF KRUM KILL
GN SITE AND OF MOKOANYILLE RESERVOIR
Concentratiga Concentration Concentration Cancentration
Kroq Kt1! Krum X744 MecKownvil le KiecKounyi fle
Parameter 6/29/78 3/12/79 6/23/72 1/10/79
Tenperature 20°e 22°e ac
Color 16 units 4 units 1s uni? 30 units
Turbidity 12 Nr 2a NTU 3 nt 16 NTU
Alkalinity
Phenalphtalain ° mg/l mg/t
Total (32.5 g/l mg/l 160.5
Chloris 42.1 rail mg/ 1 467.3
Cadmium < 6.006 raf! mg/l < 0.006
Chromium 6.at rgfl mg/d < 0.91
Copper < 0.08 mg/l mgs < 0.01
tron-total +0 mf | mg/t 82
Lead 03 magi | most 95
Manganese +3300 m/l mg/t at
Mercury 202 micreg/! Ay
Nickel whe 0.02
Sodium aA. lol.2
Zine FB molt m/l 2.01.
Nitrogen
Ammonia 25 N 1.36 mg/l mg/l 4.30
Nitrate as N AD maf! g/t V.a2
Phosphate
Ortho as P 206 0 ag/! mov 0.62
Total as P -08 mg/l g/t 0.95
O11 & Grasse Ay <2.9
Phenol * Ae 0.082
pe 6 units units 7.6
Carbon Dioxide 5 m/l NLA.
Dissolved Oxygen : m/l NAA.
200 Ae 2.5 za/l
Solias
Total 298 ng/ | mg/l ages na/l $40.2 mg/l
Suspended 10.0 raf) maf! 1.0 ma/t 3.2 rofl
Dissolved 288 mg/l ng/1 475 waft 532 mg/1
Conductivity 422 mythos /on micrannas/em 73 mnhes/ cr 720 mmbos/om
Total coliform 1a8e/160 at 460/100 mi 220/1GD md NA.
Fecal coliform Naas Nea. na, 769/100 ml
NLA. = not analyzed
Source: Water Quality Laboratory of JASON M. CORTELL and ASSOCIATES INC,, Waitham, Nagsachysatts
Nw
Segment P257 of the Krum Kil, Figure 9
on the Southeastern Corner of the Site ;
igure 10
F
Upstream of P257 on the Site
Krum Kill,
A. wend
S2r4 Upland
Hard
Mixed
Forest
Early
Succession | Vegetation
Late
Succession eanEEy| Developed
- Regulated
A32 Wetland
ad VEGETATION FIGURE
|
|
|
| : J 1600 3200 e) 11
The volume of this groundwater-derived runoff exceeds recharge on site.
Therefore, for the site as a whole, there is an effective net discharge of
groundwater on an average annual basis. A portion of the water entering the
site as.groundwater inflow from the northwest traverses the site as underflow
and leaves to the south as groundwater outflow. It is estimated that outflow
from the site averages 20 million gallons per year compared ta inflow of 152
million gallons. The difference is accounted for as runoff and
evapotranspiration (Appendix G, "Water Resouces Report"),
In addition to the groundwater occuring on the site, there is an aquifer in the
Tegion (the Elsmere gravel blanket) which consist of sand and gravel
(stratified drift} confined by overlying sediments, It occurs to the northeast
and southwest of the site and is thin or absent under the site. If the unit were
present under the site, it would probably be overlain by more than 50 feet of
telatively impermeable glacial lake: clays. Its recharge area does not occur
within several miles of the site.
There are no known wells on the site or in its immediate vicinity.
Groundwater levels vary seasonally. In July, 1978, a series of water table
measurements were taken which found the elevation of groundwater to range
from 280 feet above sea level to 226 feet above séa level, at depths from
0-35 feet below the surface, The seasonal high water teble occurs in the
spring, where most of the site below elevation 270 is saturated and when
standing water covers 20 or more acres in the center of the site.
Groundwater quality, based on analyses of a samples from a spring-fed stream
on the site, is moderately hard and the water has high levels of iron and
manganese (3.9 and 0.16 mg/l, respectively) (Appendix G, "Water Quality
Report"). .
2.2.3 Air Resources
The climate in the Albany area is influenced by the region's jocation in the
Hudson Valley and moderating effects on temperatures from.the maritime
climate of extreme southeastern New York state, Summers are moderate and
winters are usually cold. The area's winds have moderate velocities; the
strongest winds came from the west and northwest during most manths,
Normai annual precipitation is 33.36" (Appendix H, “Air Resources Report").
From July.1978 until February 1979, a program af meterological and air
quality monitoring was conducted in the vicinity of the proposed project site.
Continuous monitoring of carbon monoxide (CO) and wind speed and direction
were carried aut with a Beckman Model 846 NDIR CO Analyzer and a
Climatronics Windmark Mode! Hi meteorological station.
Station 1 was located on the northern side of Western Avenue opposite
Johnston Road (next to Tina Marie's Market}; this station was in operation
from July, 1978 until November, 1978, The second station was located on the
southern side of Western Avenue opposite the Fuller Road Alternate
off-ramps (at the Guilderland Chamber af Commerce building). This station
was in operation from November, 1978 until February, 1979. Station
jiocations are shown on Figure 3.
The State and Federal standards for CO require that average 1-hour
concentrations do not exceed 35 parts per million (ppm) more than once per
year and that average 8-hour caoneentrations do not exceed ? ppm. The
results of the monitoring indicated no violations of one hour or eight-hour
standards.
Highest Segond Highest
i-Hour 6-Hour i-Hour 8-Hour
Station 1 15.5 ppm 6.6 ppm 14.6 ppm = 6.6 ppm
Station 2 20.3 ppm = 8.4 ppm 18.5 ppm = 7.7 ppm
Statistical analysis, however, showed that the maximum 1978 1 and 8-hour
concentrations would be:
i-Hour 8-Hour
Station 1 20.9 ppm 10.0 ppm
Station 2 23.6 ppm 9.6 ppm
Thus, there might be existing violations of the eight hour standard.
Background concentrations of CO were estimated at 1,5 ppm (Appendix H,
“Air Resources Report"),
2.3 Biological Factors
2.3.1 Vegetation
As shown in Figure 11, the site contains a variety of vegetative communities.
Table 4 gives the acreage and percent coverage of each type.
Upland herdwaod forests total 60 acres, are loceted primarily in the
northwest and southeast portions of the site, and ere dominated by
moderately mature (less than 59 years old) deciduous trees such as black oak,
red oak, large-toothed aspen, and red maple.
The four areas of mixed forest on the site total 11.7 acres and are dominated
by moderately mature trees, both hardwood and softwood, including white
oak, red oak, red maple, grey birch, white pine and pitch pine, and several
species of shrubs.
Although there are several patches too small to map, the principal on-site
occurrence of the pitch pine-scrub oak community is a 3.9 acre area in the
northwest corner of the site. Although this area departs from the expected
species composition because of insufficient burning in recent years, it is the
only part of the site which closely resembles the classic Albany Pine Bush
forest (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"), Tree species include
pitch ‘pine, quaking aspen, large-toothed aspen, black cherry, and red oak.
Dominant shrub species include dwarf and scrub oaks, and red cherry.
There are 1.7 acres of immature (late successions!) forest, including trees of
grey birch, black cherry, red oak, large-taothed and quaking aspen, ash, black
locust and pitch pine.
There are 47.2 acres of the site in the early stages of forestation, dominated
by non-woody species such’ as goldenrod, aster, yarrow, bush clover,
milkweed, horsetail, vetch, plantain, upland sedges, ‘sow thistle, wild carrot,
ragweed, lupine, St. Johnswort, sheep sorrel, and a variety of grasses.
There are 16 acres of regulated wetland GFA-32) on the site which divide the
site into two roughly equal portions. There are 14 acres of the wetland
dominated by deciduous swamp covertype trees, including red maple, elm,
swamp white oak and willow. There are 2 acres of the regulated wetland of
the emergent vegetation covertype, containing sedges, boneset, jewelweed,
spike rush, scattered highbush blueberry, willow, red maple and quaking
aspen. This occurs in two areas, one along the Thruway and one along the
power line right-of-way.
In addition to the requiated wetland, there are 5 acres of wet meadow
vegetation including the species listed above as representative of the
"emergent vegetation" cover type.
No plant species listed as threatened or endangered by the U.S. Office of
Endangered Species are present on. the site. There are at ieast seven plant
species on the site (butterfly milkweed, American bittersweet, interrupted
fern, cinnamon fern, Prince's pine, sheep laure! and winterberry) which may
not be removed without owner's consent under Article 9-1503 ECL of New
York Statutes.
TABLE 4
THE NUMBER OF ACRES OF EACH VEGETATIVE COMMUNITY
TYPE LOCATED ON THE PROJECT SITE
% of Total
Upiand Communittes . Site Acreage Acreage
Uptand Hardwoods 35.5 60.0
Mixed Forest 6.9 fl.? €Ineludes 0.7 acres
jocated northwest
of Rapp Road
Pitch Pine - Scrub Oak 2,3 3.9
Late Succession 1.0 1.7
Early Succession 28.0 47.2
Devefoped 13.8 25:5
TOTAL 87.5 147.8 e
Wetiand Communities
Wetland Trees 8.3 14.0 (includes [4.0 acres
regulated by NYDEC)
Wet Meadow 4.0 6.7 (Includes 2.0 acres
regulated by NYDEC)
Wetland Mixture 0.2 0.3
TOTAL 12.5 21.0
Total Number of Acres on the Project Site - 168.8
Source: Appendix E "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"
24
The site was chiefly pasture as recently as 30 years ago and is now in varying
stages of succession. Based on sail and climate alone, the expected long-term
trend of succession over the upland part of the site is toward the pitch
Pine-scrub oak association. There are, however, several factors which have
inhibited this trend, including fire suppression and a high water table in parts
of the site. In a few early successional areas, the extreme aridity of the soil
and effective competition of herbaceous species have retarded growth of a
pitch pine-scrub oak community, allowing only a few individual trees to
become established, Throughout most of the site, the early success of other
species has resulted in adverse shading conditions. This retards the
germination and growth of pitch pine-scrub oak association species and is
effecting slow but significant changes, both chemical and biological, in the
upper soil horizon. These changes perpetuate present trends towards a
northern deciduous hardwoad-hemlock-white pine forest.
Table 5 presents existing vegetation acreage in the areas of proposed
transportation improvements.
Table 5
THE NUMBER OF ACRES OF EACH VEGETATIVE COMMUNITY
TYPE LOCATED ON THE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS AREA
Washington Avenue Extension - West of Thruway
Upland Communities Acreage
Upland Hardwoods . 3.7
Early Succession 21
Wetland Communities
Wetland Trees 0.8
6.6 TOTAL
Source: Appendix & "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"
2.3.2 Wildlife
Species of mammals which have been observed, or for which suitable habitat
eccurs on the site, include rabbit, chipmunk, muskrat, oppossum, star-nosed
mole, hairy-tailed mole, field mouse, jumping meadow mouse, deer mouse,
white-footed mouse, red-backed vole, raccoon, striped skunk, woodchuck, and
red and grey squirrels. White-tailed deer may make transient use of the site.
Birds which have been observed on the site include rufous-sided towhee,
common crow, cardinal, red-winged blackbird, Eastern phoebe, and blue jay.
Several other species commen in the region may also visit or inhabit the site.
Due to lack of permanent open water, however, there is little suitable habitat
for waterfow! (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report").
The site provides actual or potential habitat for three species of reptiles and
eight species of amphibians including spring peeper, bullfrog, green frog,
American toad, spotted salamander, dusky salamander, and common
gartersnake (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"). Snapping and
painted turtles may use temporary water on the site during parts of the year.
Four species at the periphery of their ranges, which occur on the site and
elsewhere in the Albany Pine Bush are: Fowler's toad, spadefoot toad,
hognose snake, and worm snake.
A variety of insect species occurs on the site, The buck moth may occur in
the northwest corner of the site, but the presence of a breeding population
could not be confirmed, A colony af the Karner Blue Butterfly occurs on the
site. :
The Karner Blue Butterfly, listed as threatened by the U. S.. Office of
Endangered Species, occurs at three locations. The major concentraticn is on
a one-acre hillside (Figure 12); its 1978 second brood population is estimated
at 1500 (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife"). There are two other
locations at which the insect has been observed: One is along the western
third of the power line (Figure 13); here, the 1978 second brood population is
estimated at 50. The second is in the south-central portion of the site where,
on the southern side of a dune, (Figure 14) among a few lupine stems, a single
individuel was identified. Neither of these locations is considered critical
hebitet for the butterfly (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"). The
Karner Blue Butterfly is also listed as an endangered species by the State of
New York and may not be collected without a permit.
The ability of animals to travel to the site from other habitats is strongly
affected by urbanization (Figure 3).. The site is surrounded by. urban
development. The principal migration corridor, in which exposure ta urban
elements is minimized, is ta the west along a strip of land a few hundred
yards wide between residential and institutional land uses. This connects the
site with an open space bounded by Washington Avenue Extension on the
north, by Karner Road on the west, and by the Albany/Guilderland boundary
on the south.
2.3.3 Ecological Relationships
With repect to regional ecosystems, the site exists largely as an island, such
that the interaction is limited between the site's vegetation and wildlife and
that of the region. No marked transport of plant seed material either into or
from the site occurs. Although the site is cccasionally used by transient
wildlife, this activity is considered minimal (Appendix £, "Vegetation, and
Wildlife Report"). However, the project site tends to make the regian more
ecologically diverse, not so much because of its interactions with off-site
ecosystems, but because of its location in an urban environment.
As a whole, the project area exhibits a relatively low diversity of plant and
animal life (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report"). Because of the
limited extent of interactions with aff-site ecosystems, the site's food chains
and food webs are largely internal.
26
Figure 13
On Site Powerline Right-of-Way
15
igure
F
Aerial Photo of Old State Road Parcel
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3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES
3.1 Human Factors
3.1.1 Population
Direct population in-migration to the Town of Guilderland as a result of the
project would be limited to management level personnel required by the
major retail outlets and the mall shops located In the complex, as these
managers are likely te come from outside the regian. Approximately 268 new
residents would be expected in Guilderiand through the inflow of these
individuals and their families.
Overall, it is anticipated that there will be little induced growth as a result of
the project and, therefore, only a limited descernible impact on the long-term
population trends of the region (Appendix J, "Socioeconomic Report"),
3.1.2 Employment and Income
The project would have a positive impact on the regional employment
outlook. Construction-related employment associated with the. project would
number 2,783 full time equivalent positions. Net permanent employment
resulting from the project is estimated at 2,505 full time equivalent positians
and is attributed to the operating requirements of the mall stores. These
permanent positions would be primarily in the occupation categories of
salesworkers, clerical workers, managers and administrators, and service
workers (Appendix I, "Econometric Report").
The employment opportunities generated by the proposed project would result
in an immediate increase in personal income in the area -- through wages and
salaries earned by relocated labor, formerly unemployed residents, or area
residents who change jobs. It is anticipated that the project would produce an
$18.7 million per year increase in permanent wages and salaries over what
would accur without the project (Appendix I, "Econometric Repart").
3.1.3 Housing
Since population increases associated with the proposed action ere expected
to’ be minimal, it is anticipated that there would be no direct impact on
current housing trends.
In the jong run, expansion of economic activity stimulated by the project
would créate additional employment opportunities and increase disposable
personal income. This, in turn, would increase the demand for higher quality
units and the incidence of home rehabilitation. The result would he a better
quality housing stock in Guilderland and adjacent communities (Appendix 4,
"Socioeconomic Report").
3.14 Business and Industry
The direct and "multiplier" effect of the proposed project would serve to
stimulate local and regional business and industry. There would be $94.7
million dollars per year of increased sales of shoppers goods. The operation
of the project would compete with existing retail establishments to the
extent of approximately 3% of existing sales. Approximately $34 million
dollars per year would be added to the region's economic value added base,
The project would increase the availability of Jocal credit by $63 million per
year for private mortgages and home improvement leans, commercial and
industrial working capital loans, personal loans {including automobile and
mobile homes} and other categories (Appendix I, "Econometric Report").
3.1.5 Comrunity Facilities
The project would result in approximately 127 additional school-age children
in the Guilderland Centra! School District. However, as there is sufficient
excess Capacity within existing school facilities, the impacts are expected ta
be negligible. No additional school teachers would be. required since the new
student. should be distributed among several grade levels.
The project would praduce an additional $376,961 in tax revenues to the
Guilderland Central School District.
No public recreational facilities would be affected by the proposed project.
The project would remove one private recreational facility -- a horse-back
Tiding stable.
The additional tax revenues that would be generated by the project may allow
Guilderland tg construct needed indoor recreational facilities, such as a
swimming pool.
In terms of health care, the project wauld have no noticeable effect on the
ability of existing health facilities to provide services to all residents in
need. The proposed traffic improvements would result in fewer accidents.
3.16 Public Services
In the Town of Guilderland, the proposed project wotild generate additional
tax revenues of $124,678 and additional expenditures of $31,531 a net gain of
$93,147. The project would not impair the ability of local government to
provide services to its residents. The level of service should be enhanced
through the availability of additional funds (Appendix K, "Fiscal Impact
Report").
It is anticipated that the proposed project would have some impact on the
incidence of crime and police services in the Town of Guilderland. Increases
in the rates of criminal activity directiy related ta shopping malls have been
28
Vt
documented in suburban communities within the Albany/Schenectady/Troy
area, Additional police officers may be required, further affecting the
existing shortage of manpower in the Guilderland Police Department.
The project would not require any modification to the fire protection services
of the Westmere Fire Department. Current manpower and equipment
capacities are sufficient to accommadate the additional demand that would
be generated by the proposed project. An extensive sprinkler system would
be constructed within. the mall facility to comply with local, State, Federal,
and insurance company specifications. Hydrants would be provided on site. A
hydraulic analysis of the Westmere Water District System indicated that the
fire flow requirement’ of 1,500 gallons per minute at a hydraulic gradient of
USGS Elevation 400 can be adequately provided. Net additional tax revenues
available to the Westmere Fire District would total $45,793.
The project would be within the capacity of the municipal sewerage system to
service. it is anticipated that the sewerage needs of the propose project
would be an average daily flow of 80,000 gpd, This would require 23 percent
of the exeess capacity of Guilderland's portion of the system. The project
would generate $50,972 in net additional tax revenues ta the Guilderland
Sewer Improvement District.
Given current capacities and present projections, it is expected that
sufficient excess capacity would be present in the Westmere Water District
to meet the 100,000 gpd water demand that would be introduced by the
proposed project. The project would produce $96,016 in net additional tax
revenues to the Westmere Water District.
The project would generate approximetely 41 tons of solid waste per week,
which would be within the landfill capacity of the Town since it is anticipated
that Guilderland will participate in a resource recovery program involving the
conversion of solid waste into fuel. Waste would be removed by private
commercial operators and would not constitute a strain on local hauling
capacity. Due to the project's proximity to the resource recovery plant, solid
waste wauld be hauled directly there when the plant opens in 1980 or 1981
{Appendix J, "Saciceconemic Report" and Appendix K, "Fiscal . Impact
Report"), :
3.1.7 Land Use
In the Town of Guilderland, the proposed project would result in a 0.43%
reduction in open space land uses, representing a minimal impact on the total
land resource base of the community. Commercial land use would increase by
23% in the town. Industrial and extractive land uses would be unchanged.
Land devoted to transportation purposes would. increase slightly. Land
devoted to residential uses would decrease slightly. It is anticipated that the
project would have little impact on current Jand use trends in the region
encompassing the project site. As a result of the project, the value of
adjacent commercial and residential properties should increase.
There would be no change in the agricultural, forest or mineral product
extraction on the site, as these activities do not presently occur. The project
is consistent with local zoning. It is also compatible with existing land use
development plans and represents a continuation of a process of in-filling
(Appendix 3, "Secioeconomic Report"),
Approximately 400 persons in the immediate vicinity of the site who may now
participate in outdoor recreation an the site wetland would be required to
seek other places. The costs imputed to recreational displacement are an the
order of a thousand dollars per year (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife").
The site will attract considerable Jeisure use to the interior of the mall, ina
variety of formal and informal social events.
The project will not affect any known archaeological or historical sites listed
on or nominated ta the National Register.
The project requires no changes in political boundaries.
3.1.8 Energy Use and Conservation
The net energy effect of the praject is estimated at 0.14 trillion Btu's
annually, Increased electrical use, and 0,18 trillion Btu's per year decreased
gasoline consumption (Appendix M, "Energy Impact Report"),
3.1.9 Transportation and Traffic
The following improvements (Sheets HP-A, HP-B, HP-C and Figure 4) to the
roadway system surrounding the project would be made by the Applicant:
1 The site would be provided a connection from the Fuller Road
Alternate southbound Janes by the addition of a right turn lane
en the Fuller Road Alternate off-ramp leading to a dedicated
Toad which would connect to site Driveway A. Ta develop this
lané and to improve the operation of the Western Avenue/Fuller
Read Alternate ramps intersection, a new four-lane bridge
would be built immediately south of the existing structure over
the New York State Thruway. The existing bridge along
Western Avenue over the Thruway would accommodate
westhaund traffic, while the new structure would accommodate
eastbound traffic. This widening of Western Avenue would
meet the existing roadway section immediately west and east of
the new bridge. The existing bridge would accommodate the
new right turn lane towards the site, while at the same time
increasing the traffic carrying capacity of the intersection.
2. ° A new underpass would be provided fom the project site to
Washington Avenue Extension westbound.
3. An additional westbound through lane along Western Avenue
would be provided from the FuHer Road Alternate ramps up to
e and including praposed Driveway B.
Jpaineenn esi = 4, Additional intersection improvements in the form of modified
signalization or added lanes would be provided, as discussed in
Appendix C.
5 Driveways: fram the project site to the adjacent roadway
network would be provided as shown on Sheet HP-A.
6 The Washington Avenue Extension sauth frontage road would be
terminated approximately 1,500 feet east of Rapp Road.
qe Traffic signais would be provided at the following locations:
a. Western Avenue/Driveway B
b. Washington Avenue Extensian/Rapp Road/.
Springstein Road F
come Dedicated roadway at Driveway A
8, Improvements already planned by the. New York State
Department of Transportation along Western Avenue: will be
completed before the opening of the’ project, including the
following signals:
a Western Avenue/Church Road (new)
be Western Avenue/Fuller Road -Alternate ramps
@ (new)
i Western Avenue/ Johnson Road (modifications)
Transportation benefits associated with the proposed project include:
L The new bridge to be constructed over the New York State
Thruway along Western Avenue would permit greater ease af
maintaining traffic at such time as the existing structure is
resurfaced and rebuilt,
2. The roadway improvements would ease congestion that would
have occurred in the morning, as this commuter hour occurs
when the shopping center would not be open.
3. The project would eliminate many existing curb cuts along the
north side of Western Avenue and would substitute one
signalized intersection at Driveway B.
| 4, In general, for businesses along Western Avenue, there will be
| = increased opportunity te attract shopper traffic because of
exposure to project related traffic. Ingress and egress
conditions will not be substantially affected and the
above-mentioned elimination of curb cuts will reduce traffic
"friction" so that Western Avenue will be able to accomodate
Yo the projected traffic flows as well as or better than existing
flows.
eg
3.2 Physical Factors
3.2.1 Geology and Soils
Since. 300,000 cubic yards of coarse granular material would be imported from
off-site for road sub-base, there would be a slight increase in the average
depth to bedrock. Since there are no bedrock outcrops on the site, no outcrop
would be affected, nor would any sutcrop be created. The project has no
effect on bedrock types.
Construction of the project would affect 1,120,000 cubic yards of the sand
unit. Approximately 87 acres would have a greatly increased runoff
coefficient and would be rendered impermeable. Except for a moderate
degree of compaction, the sub-grade sail texture would be unaffected by the
project. The sub-grade rockiness of the soil would be unaffected by the
project. Approximately 87 acres of the site would be covered and removed
from potential agriculturai use.
On 117 acres of the site, the existing topography would be changed. The
proposed grading is shown on Sheet SP-3, Grades would be less than 7% on
parking areas and less than 15% between parking areas. Elevations of the
parking areas would range from 248 feet above sea level to 292 feet.
Foundation stability would be adequate (Appendix F, "Soils Report”).
Approximately 131 acres of sand plains would be graded on the site and in the
transportation improvement areas.
3.2.2 Hydrology and Water Quality
The project would alter the headwaters of the Krum Kili, removing its natural!
channel upstream of P-256, the McKownville Reservoir, All on-site
watercourses of intermittent nature would be replaced by starm sewers, open
channels, and detention basins.
The project is not located in a flesdplain and would not result in off-site
flooding. Detention basins, (excavated areas and/or earth fill embankments)
would be constructed on-site to control stormwater flows, ta detain runoff,
and to allow discharge at controlled rates. Table 6 provides estimated flow
rates leaving the site for 2, 5, 1D, 25, and 100-year storm events under
post-project conditions. A stormwater management plan is included in
Appendix G, "Water Resources Report".
The project may increase the total volume of water into the Krum Kill by
reducing vegetation evapotranspiration. Drainage facilities would alter the
flow patterns (time-discharge relationships) of the Krum Kili by
concentrating @ larger volume of runoff aver a shorter time. Low-flow
conditions would not be appreciably affected by the diversion of on-site
groundwater recharge to surface water discharge because under buildings,
subdrains would drain directly to the Krum Kill.
There would be no reduction in the velume of groundwater outflow from the
site. This volume is limited, by geologic conditions, ta no more than 20
million gallons per year, all of which can be supplied by post-project
groundwater inflaw, estimated at 152 million gallons per year.
Table 6
STORM WATER FLOWS FROM THE SITE WITH PROJECT CONDITIONS
Recurrence interval Peak Flow Rate* Reduction**
2 year 27.10 12.1
5 year 48.49 28.6
10 year 65.77 33.9
100 year 111.01 65.0
* cubic feet per second (cfs)
** in cfs from existing conditions (Table 2)
Source: Storm Water Management Report
(Annex A of Appendix G, "Water Resources Report")
To permit pipe trenches and footing excavations, a construction dewatering
system of wellpaints would be necessary to depress groundwater levels
temporarily. Following construction, a system of permanently emplaced
closely spaced subdrains would be needed ta keep the groundwater Jevel below
portions of the pavement surface. The seasonal high water table wauid be
depressed by approximately 2 feet In underdrain areas. But, because of the
permeability of the sands, the water table elevations would not be depressed
much beyond the immediate vicinity of underdrains.
All sanitary wastes would leave by means of a-connection to the municipal
sewer system, and would be treated at a municipal waste water treatment
plant.
Settleable solids from runoff now entering the site would be deposited in
detention basins, together with runoff containing de-icing send and street
dust fram the project site. Parking lot runoff contains a variety of
contaminants due mainly to automobiles. Heavy metals in parking lot runoff
include lead, copper, nickel; and zinc. Other heavy metals, such as cadmium
and chromium, may also occur, but no loading rate values are available and,
in any event, their solubilities in natura! waters are low.
The average concentration of each parameter in receiving waters would be as
shown in Table 7, Receiving water quality standards would not be violated by
project-induced concentrations for lead, zine, copper, nickel, fecal coliform
bacteria, phosphorus, nitrate, nitrogen, total Kjeldah! nitrogen, grease,
volatile solids or chemical oxygen demand. For standards for which surface
loading rates are unknown (cyanide, ferrocyanide, cadmium, ammonia,
phenols, and total dissolval solids), it is considered unlikely that project
runoff would cause a violation of receiving water quality standards (Appendix
G, "Water Resources Report").
The project does not affect any present municipal or private surface water
supply. The project would not result in the discharge of treated or untreated
sewage to surface streams or groundwater.
33
TABLE 7
WATER QUALITY IMPACTS OF PROJECT
Concentration Concentration
in 2am of Receiving Resulting
runoff Concent retion
Parameter (mg / 3 (g/l) (ngit)
Lead 0.06 0.05 0.05
Zine 1.05 0.18 0.25
Copper D.t3 < 0.01 < 0.02
Nickel 0.26 0.02 0.06
cop 481.57 WAL > 37.89
Fecal Coll fora* 162 760 a
Phosphorus 0.69 0.03 0.08
Nitrate as . 0.17 “0.29 0.46
TaN 3.03 Nee 0.25
Grease 40.96 < 2.0 < 5.19
Volatile Solids 470.31 NAL > 38.64
“Based on 5 curd miles for project; units are organisms per 100 ml
N.A. means nov analysed
Source: Appendix G, "Water Resources Report”
Project Annual
Soluble Load
(mg)
‘
5.05 x to
7
8.97 x 10
?
tell x 10
Resulting Annual
Average
Concentration
(g/t)
0.05
0.25
< 0.92
0.06 é
> 29:42
we
0.07
0.50
> 0.19
< 469
> 29.938
3.2.3. Air Resources
Based on the monitoring program, carbon monoxide (CO) coneentrations at
each of six intersections were examined and 21 receptors were identified
(Table 8). Since there were no receptors at the intersection of Washington
Avenue Extension and Fuller Road, detailed estimates of air quality impacts
were not made for that intersection. Predicted concentrations were madeled
by:use of the computer model HIWAY (based on the Gaussian line source
equation) and the results are shown in Table 8
It was found that there are no violation of the 1-hour standard of 35 ppm CO
now or at any time in the future. There are existing violations of the 8-hour
CO standard of 9 ppm at the second monitoring stetion locatian, at the
Guilderland Chamber of Commerce building, and at the MeKnawnville
Church, but there would be no violation of the standard in the future (due to
the effectiveness of vehicle emission control systems in the new car fleet).
Therefore, the maximum effect of the project would be approximately an
increase of 6&6 ppm in the l-hour CO concentration and an increase of about
2.2 ppm in the 8-hour CO concentration. These meximum effects would
occur at Church Street and at Gate B (the Western Avenue entrance to the
project). The average effect wouild be a 1.5 ppm increase in the 1-hour and a
1.0 ppm increase in the 8-hour concentration at this locatian (Appendix H,
“Air Resources Report"),
Noise effects of the proposed projett may be divided into construction and
operations sources. During construction, truck traffic to and from the
project site and erection and finishing of the building will generate noise.
There are no numerical standards in local noise ordinances. There are several
locations which will be within 400 feét of construction activity during the
grading/paving phases of the project. These include several residences on
Washington Avenue Extension near Driveway D; Wellspring House (now under
construction); residences along Rapp Road;.residences in the Gabrie! Terrace
neighborhood; and buildings slong beth sides af Western Avenue from the
thruway to Driveway B. Operating noise would consist of traffic an new or
existing roads and would affect a residence on Washington Avenue Extension,
Wellspring Hause, the Gabriel Terrace neighborhood, and buildings along
Weetetn Avenue, but would not cause noise levels to rise above the 70 dBA
evel.
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3.3 Biological Factors
3.3.1 Vegetation
As a direct effect of the proposed construction, 128 acres of vegetation on
the site and 3.2 acres in connection with off-site transportation
improvements would no longer be natural systems.
The vegetative association which would be most greatly affected by
construction of the project is the upland hardwoods community.
Approximately 55 acres of this association would be removed. About § acres
of the existing mixed forest on the site would be removed. Only 2 acres of
the pitch pine-scrub oak community would be affected directly by the
project. The project would remove 2 acres of late successional association.
The early successions! association would be reduced by 42 acres.
The 14 acres of deciducus swamp covertype regulated wetland, and the 2
acres of the emergent vegetation covertype would be removed: by the
project. Approximately 4 acres of the nonregulated wet meadow community
would be directly removed by the project.
There are no plant species on the Federal endangered species list which would
be affected by the project. At least. sevén plant species an the New York
State list of protected plants would be eliminated over much of the site.
The project would interrupt the processes of ecological succession’ over 131
acres ta be graded. Loss of edge habitat and reduction of the interspersion of
vegetative communities would affect the residual wildlife value of the
remaining undeveloped areas.
3.3.2 Wildlife
Both numbers and variety of mammals using the site would be reduced.
Larger mammals, having greater home ranges, would probably change from
residents to transients aver much of the site. Some of the smaller mammals
would remain on undeveloped portions of the site. The numbers and variety
of birds using the site would be reduced. Among the reptiles and amphibians,
probably only the American toad and the spring peeper would remain close ta
developed portions of the site (Appendix E, “Vegetation and Wildlife
Report"). All species would be reduced in population on the site; however,
due te lack of detailed data on the existing population, it is not possible to
estimate which species would be absent after the project.
The project would provide conservation of an important habitat of the only
endangered species on the site, the Karner Blue Butterfly.
There are no known large-scale migration patterns of animal species, through
the site, from one natural area to another. For those species remaining on
undeveloped portions of the site, the project would affect the direction and
success of migration.
Of the wildlife now on the site, some would be directly impacted by
construction activities. Those which are able to leave the site may find
adjacent habitats unsuitable or already at carrying capacity (Appendix E,
"Vegetation and Wildlife Report"),
3.3.3 Ecolagicel Relationships
Since abundance and diversity of on-site wildlife would be diminished by
construction, the role of the remaining areas relative to undeveloped land to
the west, would diminish as well, However, the proposed site plan minimizes
the amount of land isolated from surrounding natural systems.
38
4
3.4 Summary of Adverse Impacts Which Cannot be Avoided
3.4.1 General
An adverse impact is defined as a change in the environment which either
Tepresents an increase In the concentration of a pollutant in air, water, or
sail, to levels beyond accepted standards, or which constitutes a change in
values which may represent a Joss or which could be considered to represent 2
loss. It is entirely possible for the same environmental effect to be viewed as
both beneficial and adverse by persons with different values.
3.4.2 Human Factors
The competition with other retail establishments (estimated at 9.2% of the
market: Appendix I, “Econometric Report") is unavoidable.
Although the Applicant would provide private security services to the project
tenants, because of the retailing nature of the project and the numbers of
persons it would attract, it is likely that there would be some incidence of
criminal complaints, particularly crimes against property, such as
shoplifting. Although initial steps can be taken by private security services,
the services of the Guilderland Police Department would be necessary in
order to process any formal charges. Since the Guilderland Police
Department does not have as high @ ratio of police. to population as many
other similarly-size communities, the processing of criminal complaints
assaciated with project operation may constitute a burden on the
Department's staff capacity. This effect would be an unavoidable adverse
impact.
The project site is located within the boundaries of the Albany Pine Bush, an
environmentally sensitive and controversial area. There is no feasible
alternative site which can accomplish the Applicant's objectives (Appendix D,
"Alternative Site Analysis").
3.4.3 Physical Factors
Grading of 131 acres of sand plains affects a landform which is relatively
uncommon in the State. The extent of this disturbance is at an irreducible
minimum,
3.4.4 Biological Factors
The filling of a 16-acre wetland on the site is unavoidable.
The removal of vegetation on the site has been restricted ta the minimum
necessary to effect the construction of the project.
The removal of 2 acres of pitch pine-scrub oak forest and 56 acres of
potential pitch pine-scrub oak habitat cannot be avoided (Appendix E
"Vegetation and Wildlife"). :
The reduction in the numbers and diversity of other wildlife on the. site,
including the hognose snake, worn snake, Fowler's toad and the spadefoot toad
(which are peripheral in the region), is related to vegetation removal and
cannot be avoided,
3.5 Minimization and Mitigation of Adverse Impacts
3.5.1 On-Site
The l~acre portion of the site which contains the only critical habitat of the
Karner Blue Butterfly (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report") would
be retained with a surrounding buffer of trees adequate to prevent accidental
dispersal. A proposed conservation plan has been prepared for the
management of this area (Appendix E, "Vegetation and Wildlife Report") to
maintain a viable Karner Blue Butterfly habitat on the site.
The Applicant is consulting with NYSDEC's forestry staff to determine
appropriate harvesting of forest resources (cord and pulp wood), prior to
construction,
3.9.2 Off-Site
The Applicant has, under option to purchase, a parcel northwest of the
intersection of Karner Road and the Thruway (Figure 15) and proposes to
dedicate approximately 65 acres to the City of Albany for preservation
purposes, should the project be implemented.
This property is among the finest examples (Figure 16) of pitch pine-scrub oak
forest still in private ownership in the Albany Pine Bush. It has been proposed
for inclusion in the critical habitat of the Karner Blue Butterfly by the U.S.
Office of Endangered Species in 1978 and fer presentation by the Nature
Conservancy in i971. ft is directly across Karner Road from an existing
conservation area (Figure 2} and is connected via the Old State Road overpass
across the Thruway to another preservation area (Figure 2). It contains a
segment of the King's Highway. The monetary value of the parcel is
$400,000. Table 9 shows the combined effect of the praject and the Old State
Road Parcel on open space.
The Applicant would limit (insofar as is possible) construction noise at
abutting residential property lines te 70 dBA or less (with mitigation) for
working hours, not tp be exceeded 10% of the time (Lyq)} For transportation
improvements New York State Department of Transportation guidelines limit
naise and would be followed in the design of ramps and other features.
40
@
Sad
TABLE 9
COMBINED EFFECTS OF PROPOSED PROJECT AND
OLD STATE ROAD PARCEL ON ALBANY PINE BUSH
OPEN SPACE
Location Existing Acres Proposed Acres
Project Site
Open Space oe “$45.5 27.5
Pitch Pine -
scrub oak association 3.9 2.0
Povential pitch pine - 3
scrub oak association 67.0 12.4
Other essoclations 74.6 13.17
Developed 23.3 141.3
Transportation Area
Open Space 6.6 3.4
& Potential pitch pine -
scrub oak association 5.8 5.2
Other associations 0.8 0.2
Deve foped : 0.0 3.4
Pubile 0.0 6.6
Old State Road Parcel
Pitch pine--
serub oak association 65.4 65.4
Publte 0.0 65.4
Comb ined
Open Space 217.5 96.3
‘Pitch pine -
scrub oak association 69.3 67.4
Potential pitch pine -
scrub ocak association 72.8 15.6
Other associations 73.4 13.3
Developed 23.3 144.5
TOTAL 240.8 240.8
Total Public 0.0 74.0
eae consisting of dentention basins which would be a mixture of open water,
wet. meadow and emergent (wetland) vegetation
4
3.6 Short Term Use Versus Long Term Productivity
The proposed project represents a long-term land use which would have an
indefinite useful life. Leases. with major tenants, for example, extend 20-30
years. During that time and beyond, the project would be economically and
socially productive. The long-term productivity of the site for natural
purposes has been already greatly affected by past urbanization. The
long-term productivity of the site for natural purposes could be enhanced by
deliberate management, if the site were publicly owned.
3.7 Irreversible and Irretrievable Commitment of Resources
Energy, labor, and building materials used during construction are permanent
commitments. The project represents the permanent conversion of
undeveloped land to urban uses. The project permanently changes the natural
landseape in a portion of the Albany Pine Bush border area and would
preclude existing vegetation patterns from returning to a fire disclimax
ecammunity over 57 acres of the project site, A wooded swamp regulated
wetland would be removed. Approximately 87 acres of potential mineral
resources (sand) would be precluded from extraction.
4.0 GLOSSARY OF KEY WORDS
Key Word Definition
Air Quality: The concentration of carbon monoxide in the atmosphere
is the key indicator of sir quality used In this Statement.
Albany Pine Bush: A Geographic area bounded by Fuller Road on the
east, by Western Avenue and Carmen Road on the south, by the
Albany/Schenectady County Line on the west and by Central Avenue on
the north.
Alteratives: Other actions open to the Applicant to accomplish its
same objectives.
Amphibians: See Wildlife, spadefoot toad; Fowler's toad; peripheral
Species,
Aquifer: A geologic formation from which water can be drawn for
bene ficial use in ecanornically sufficient quantities.
Arterial: A major surface street carrying a large volume of traffic
(e.g., Western Avenue, Washington Avenue Extension, Central Avenue);
also the Northside Arterial (1-90).
Archaeological site: Prehistoric remains providing evidence of the
activities of pre-European inhabitants of the area; especially a site so
designated on The. National Register of Historic Places.
Bedrock: Geologic formations consisting of cansolidated rock types,
as opposed to surficial deposits.
Birds: See Wildlife,
Buck moth: Hemiluc maia, a species of moth found in pitch pine-scrub
oak habitats. 3
Carbon monoxide: An automobile-related sir pollutant.
Central Business District: The dawntawn commercial area, especially
of Albany.
Colonie Center: A regional shopping center of the enclosed mall
design located near the proposed project site on Wolf Road and Central
Avenue in Colonie, New York.
Competition: See sales displacement.
Critical habitat: As defined by Federal law and regulations, that
area which is vital to the conservation of a threatened or endangered
species.
Downtown: See Central Business District.
cee oe : é 43
Key Word Definitian
Drainage: The system of natural or controlled routing of rainfall e
over the surface. .
Dunes: Windblown sand deposits having a characteristic looped ridge
shape.
Employment: Jobs measured in full-time equivalent positions (40-hour
week).
Endangered species: A plant or animal in denger of extinction as
determined by New York State or by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's
Office of Endangered Species. See also: threatened species; Karner Siue
Butterfly.
Environmentally sensitive areas: Geographic areas in which natural
processes are particulariy vulnerable to changes.
Energy: Electricity and gasoline consumption.
Erosion: The water and especially, wind transport of soil.
Evapotranspiration: Loss of water to the atmosphere from standing
water and plants.
Eutrophication: The enrichment of a lake, reservoir or pond in
nutrients, causing, at times, excessive algae growth and subsequent @
depletion of oxygen and fish kills.
Fiscal impact: The effect of an action on local government budgets.
Flooding: Runoff which exceeds the capacity of the drainage system
transport and results in overbank flow and/or damage to property.
Flood plain: The area on either side of a major stream which is
subject to flaoding.
Fowler's toad: Bufo woodhousei fowleri, an amphibian widely
distributed in North America, but at the northern limit of its range in the
Albany area.
Freshwater wetland: An area designated by the New York State
Department of Environmental Conservation on the basis of characteristic
plant species, size, or special features as a regulated wetland.
Fuller Road Alternate: The connection between Western Avenue and the
Northway south of the Washington Avenue Extension Bridge.
Gross leasable erea: The floor area an which a shopping center
tenant pays rent, most of which is used for the sale of merchandise, but
same of which is used for stockrocms and other uses and some af which
represents a share of the interior mal! area in front of each store.
Key Word
6 Groundwater: Water which occurs in the saturated zone af geologic
pi earn formations.
Historic sites: Historic remains providing evidence of the
activities of inhabitants of the area since the time of European contact;
especially a site so designated an the National Register of Historic
Places.
Hognose snake: Heterodon platyrhinos, a reptile widely distributed
in North America, but at the northern limit of its range in the Albany
area,
Induced growth: Land use changes which would eccur in the vicinity
of a project as indirect result of the project.
Karner Blue Butterfly: Lycaeides melissa samuelis, a species or
subspecies of butterfly listed as endangered by New York State and
proposed for listing as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's
Office of Endangered Species.
Interstate highways: I-87, the Adirondack Northway north of Albany
or the New York State Thruway south of Aibany; I-92, the New York
State Thruway west of Albany or the Northside Arterial east of Albany;
1-890, an Interstate, and -787, an Interstate.
e Krum Kili: A stream tributary to Normans Kill and classified "A" in
the vicinity of the site.
Landscaping: Plants emplaced as part of the proposed project and
maintained by the Applicant.
Location criteria: The factors bearing on alternative site selection.
Lupine: Lupinus perennis, the wild blue lupine plant, larval faod
pliant of the Karner Blue Butterfly.
Mammals: See Wildlife,
Market: The population of Albnay, Schenectady, Rensselaer and
Saratoga Counties and surrounding areas who purchase shoppers goods
and related items at retail.
McKownville Reservoir: Water Quality Segment P256 of Krum Kill
downstream of the site, owned by the McKownville Water District and
formerly used as a public water supply.
Mitigation: An action taken te lessen the severity of an adverse
environmentai impact which cannot be avoided by means including, but
not limited to, dedication of resources in kind, open space preservation,
or habitat creation.
Minimization: Action taken to reduce the magnitude of an adverse
environmental impact which cannct be avoided by engineering and
management means.
“45
Key Ward Definition
Need: The public, social, and economic goals ta which an action @
would contribute; related to, but distinct from, feasibility which is a
measure of the effectiveness of a specific action and economic goals.
Typically, need encompasses both public and private sectors but is
concerned with the extent to which private economic benefits are
broadly based.
No Action: The baseline alternative against which environmental
consequences of a proposed action are compared. For purpases of a
private Applicant, the no action alternative can be taken to mean the
denial of permits for which approval is needed to construct a project.
Non-reguiated wetlands: Areas containing typical wetland vegetation
but which, by virtue of insufficient size or other reason, the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation has not designated as
subject to the permit provisians of Article 24 of the Enviranmental
Conservation Law.
Noise: Unwanted sound.
Old State Road Parcel: A tract of land (64.5 acres) located in the
Albany Pine Bush northwest of the New York State Thruway and New
Karner Road which the Applicant has under option to purchase and would
transfer to the ownership of the City of Albany for preservatian should
the proposed project be implemented. *
Open space: Areas of predominantly natural vegetation and processes.
Park and ride: Parking lots serving commuter traffic as meeting
points for carpools or for express bus service.
P-256, P-257: Water quality segments of Krum Kiil; see Krum Kill and
McKownville Reservoir; classified "A" potable water supply.
Peripheral species: Wildlife which, because it is at the limit of
its range in the Albany area relative to the continental United States,
may be lorally rare, or which may represent a relict population (one
which has survived from a time in which it was more or less continuously
present over a wider area) but which is not necessarily in danger of
extinction,
Pine Bush: See Albany Pine Bush.
Pine Bush Inter-Municipal Steering Committee: A joint
taunicipal/NYSDEC study group te coordinate iand use in the
Albany Pine Bush.
Pitch pine - scrub oak forest (habitat): A vegetative association
consisting, typically, of 2 canopy of pitch pine (Pinus rigida) trees, widely
scattered, with a continuous understory of scrub oak (Quercus
ilicifolia,-Q. prinoides and others) and a ground cover, usually, of
low-bush blueberry and other ericaceous vegetation which is ao
characteristic of the Albany Pine.Bush sandy spils where fires have
occurred frequently enough te suppress competing species.
46
Key Word Definition
Public transportation: The services of the Capital District Regional
Transit Authority (buses).
Protected species: A species of plant which is regulated by law with
respect to harvesting of without the owner’s consent.
Public water supply: An operational source (stream, lake, well} for
a municipal water supply system.
Purpose of the project: The objectives of the Applicant in relation
to need,
Recreation: Leisure activities relevant to permit decisions tobe
made in connection with this Statement (i.e., outdoor non-consumptive
wildlife activities).
Receptor: A home, business, or public place where persons may be
exposed to elevated levels of carbon manoxide.
Region: Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties.
Reptiles: See wildlife species.
Route 5: Central Avenue.
@ Route 20: Western Avenue.
Route 146: Carmen Road.
Route 155: New Karner Road.
Rapp Road: Western edge of thé project site.
Recharge: Water which percolates through the soil and reaches the
saturated zone. Recharge depends on the context and local recharge
should be distinguished from regional recharge. As used here, recharge is
the net addition to an aquifer, after accounting for any joss of
groundwater to surface streams.
Retail sales: Sales of shoppers goods at a retail outlet.
Requlated Wetland: See Freshwater Wetland
Stormwater: See drainage.
~ Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area (SMSA); The region plus
Montgomery County.
} Spadefoot toad: Scaphiopus holbrooki, an amphibian widely
gona distributed in North America but at the northern limit of its range in the
Albany area.
i Sand plains: Dunes and interdunal areas.
a7
Key Ward Definition
Special status species: Species designated as endangered or
_threatened by either or both the State of New York and/or the U.S. Fish
and Wildtife Service Office of Endangered Species.
Solid waste: Trash.
Salt: Road salt; sodium or calcium chloride.
Shoppers goods: Department store type merchandise.
Sales displacement: The "capture" of sales which would otherwise
oecur in existing retail outlets. Sales displacement is compared to
existing sales volumes (in dollars) as a percentage,
Threatened species: A species designated by the U.S, Fish and
Wildlife Service's Office of Endangered Species as likely to become
endangered in the future should present trends continue.
Trip: A one-way journey, such as from work-ta- home, for example.
Transportation improvements: Interchanges between the Fuller Road
Alternate/Northway and a proposed dedicated County Raad and between
Washington Avenue Extension and the Fuller Road Alternate/Northway.
Utilities: Water and sewer service, electrical service, etc.
Vegetation: Natural plant communities.
Washington Avenue Extention: The northern boundary of the project
site.
Western Avenue: The southern boundary of the project site.
Waterfowl: Ducks and other birds which require open water,
Water quality: The chemical, physica! end biological constituents of
a natural water body.
Water table: The top of the saturated zone where not confined
by an impermeable layer,
Wildlife: Naturally cceurring animals.
Worm snake: Carphophis amonenus, a reptile widely distributed in
North America but at the northern limit of its range in the Albany area.
Zoning: Classification under the Zaning Laws of Guilderland and
Albany.
‘48
5.0 LIST OF PREPARERS
- This Statement was prepared between May, 1978 and October, 1979 by the
. Pyramid Crossgates Company (the Applicant) and its cansuitants. The body
of the Statement (Sections 1.0 - 5.0} was prepared by the Applicant's
environmental consultant, the firm of JASON M, CORTELL and
ASSOCIATES, INC. (JMCA) of Waltham, Massachusetts and was based on
studies end reports contained in the Appendices to the Statement (Section
6.0) prepared by that firm and other consultants:
Appendix A: Environmental Assessment Form
IMCA
Appendix Br Market Report
Harbridge House, Ine. (HH)
Boston, Massachusetts
Appendix C: Traffic Impact Study
Raymond Keyes Engineers, PC (RKE)
Elmsford, New York
Appendix D: Alternative Site Analysis
a Pyramid Crassgates Company (PCC)
di Albany, New York
JMCA (Environmental Considerations)
Appendix E: Vegetation and Wildlife Report
JIMCA
Appendix Fr Soils Report
Museur Rutledge Johnson DeSimone (MRJD)
New York, New York
Appendix G: Water Resources Report
IJMCA
RKE (Annex A: Storm Water Management Report)
Appendix Hs Air Resources Report
| IMCA
Appendix Iz Econometric Report
Center for Resource Management, Inc. (HH)
49
Appendix J:
HH
Appendix kK:
HH
Appendix L:
Socioeconomic Report
Fiscal Imp act Report
Transportation Improvements Report
Parsons Brinckerhoff GQuade Douglas, Inc. (PBGID)
New York, New York
Appendix Mz: = Energy Impact Report
: IMCA
Appendix N: Project Deseription and Operations
PCC
In each organization, the principal in responsible charge and key staff
members were as follows:
Applicant:
IMCA:
RKE:
MRJID:
PBOD:
Robert Sproul, Managing Partner
Jason Cortell, Principal .
Richard Careaga, Project Manager
Steven Davis, Director of Technical Studies
Thomas Walker, Ecologist
Carlton Noyes, Ecologist
Laura Tessier, Ecologist
Marshall Dennis, Ecologist
Dale Schweitzer, Consulting Lepidopterist
Dirck Benson, Consulting Wildlife Biologist
Alfred Dal Pos, Principal
Henry Norwood, Principal
Lawrence Barss, Economist
Edward Becker, Planner
John Meyer, PE, Principal
John Siaker, PE, Site Engineer
Ken Mackiewicz, PE, Traffic Engineer
Peter Edinger, PE, Soils Engineer
Richard Duttonhoeffer, PE, Principal
Bruce Podwai, PE, Highway Engineer
