UCONN Athletic District Improvements Scoping Meeting Paul Ferri, Environmental Compliance Professional, UCONN Scott Bighinatti, Lead Environmental Scientist, Milone & MacBroom, Inc. CEPA Scoping Meeting October 10, 2017
Purpose of Tonight s Meeting Provide background information Present the project scope and objectives Provide information relative to the overall schedule and future efforts Provide a forum for gathering input Understand the topics of public interest / concern Identify questions to be answered
What is CEPA? A State Act that applies to certain State funded projects in Connecticut. A mechanism for planning and coordination among interested parties, including the public at large. A process of identifying and evaluating environmental impacts such that they can be avoided, minimized and mitigated.
Why Third Brook? CEPA Process Identification of State Action Public Scoping Meeting No Memorandum of Findings & Determination Project Scoping EIE Determination Alternatives Analysis Yes Public and Agency Review and Comment Analysis of Impacts Public Hearing Publication of EIE Record of Decision Submitted to OPM Public and Agency Review and Comment
Environmental Review UConn Lead: Review Status: Scoping ongoing, ends October 20, 2017 Assisted By: Determination of need for EIE in November Review and Determination:
Project Designers Project Lead: Project Status: Conceptual Design completed Construction in Spring of 2018 through Fall 2020 Project Designers:
2015 Master Plan Identified many athletics facilities in need of upgrades Identified need to layout new facilities with careful consideration of sunlight and wind (e. g. baseball) Keep similar sports facilities together whenever possible Improvements to baseball, softball, soccer, and hammer/discus identified in five year plan (by 2020)
Project Purpose and Need Upgrade playing surfaces and facilities to NCAA Division I Standards Provide attendant facilities adjacent to playing surfaces Relocate appropriate Athletics personnel to provide additional space for other Athletics staff
Anticipated Project Outcomes New playing surfaces with field drainage less postponed / relocated games New Performance Center to house locker rooms, athletic department offices, rest rooms Increased interest from prospective student athletes Improving spectator experience Defined entries to sporting events (security)
Proposed Project Elements Redevelop soccer field: New synthetic turf field with field drainage Full cutoff lighting New seating 50,000 +/ square foot Performance Center to house related: Locker rooms Athletic Department offices Public restrooms, concessions Weight training Sports medicine Performance Center will be designed to be certified a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold rating
Proposed Project Elements Proposed relocated baseball field: New synthetic turf field with field drainage Full cutoff lighting NE/SW axis (sun alignment) Improved pedestrian connection to Y Lot Maintenance may relocate to batting / pitching facility New bleachers, press facility
Proposed Project Elements Redevelop softball field: New synthetic turf field with field drainage Full cutoff lighting New bleachers Possibility of slight adjustment of axis / position New central utility corridor beneath roadway
Proposed Project Elements Minor improvements to throwing area to meet NCAA Division I standards Move practice soccer field to present location of baseball field Sound barrier for ice forum chillers
Alternatives Considered To Date No Action Other Locations Full Redesign (included Road Closure or Relocation) Redevelop in situ to extent possible
Other Locations Creation of new Athletic District off campus too expensive Off campus facilities not viable for these programs Does not encourage on campus student participation Baseball / softball practice and play on same field May not address desire to consolidate certain Athletics personnel
Full Redesign Goal was to centralize Performance Center for access Prohibitively expensive Closure of Jim Calhoun Way expected to create significant traffic impacts Relocation of Jim Calhoun Way may not work due to grading and layout of other roads
Redevelop In Situ No change in district land use Nominal expansion of district footprint to support baseball field Performance Center proximal to stadia Pedestrian / parking accessible Meets project purpose and need Upgrades to NCAA Division 1 Standards Relocates certain Athletics Staff Amenities for Student Athletes Public Facilities / Concessions
Proposed Project Location / Concept
Impact Analysis Physical Air Quality Noise & Light Traffic, Parking & Circulation Public Utilities Potable Water Supply Stormwater Drainage Solid & Hazardous Waste Aesthetic Resources Cultural Resources Natural Geology, Topography & Soils Surface Water Resources Groundwater Resources Floodplains Wetlands Fisheries Plants & Wildlife/ State Listed Species Specimen Trees Socioeconomic Land Use & Zoning State, Local & Campus Master Planning Open Space & Farmland Public Health & Safety Economy, Employment & Income Environmental Justice Community Facilities & Services Source: UConn
Affected Environment Proposal is compatible with State Plan designation (PFA) Use is consistent with existing land use Pedestrian access and transportation infrastructure is adequate Adequate utilities and services are available No apparent cultural resources within the project footprint Natural resources are limited within the project footprint; minimal expansion of footprint Topography, geology, and site conditions are suitable Opportunity to improve stormwater management controls
Affected Environment Watershed Divides
Affected Environment Water Quality
Affected Environment Geology
Affected Environment Wetlands
Affected Environment Listed Species
Affected Environment Eagleville Brook Water Quality (Total Maximum Daily Load [TMDL] for Aquatic Life criteria) DEEP requires that proposed projects demonstrate no net increase in 100 year storm event runoff until Campus Master Drainage Plan approved CMDP expected to be completed by end of 2017 The site is adjacent to the Hillside Circle Neighborhood (private residences) and baseball stadium lighting could potentially present concerns Full cut off lighting proposed to avoid spillover and to limit uplight affecting dark sky conditions Detailed specifications not yet available
Next Steps Review public and State agency comments Determine one of the following: o Proceed to EIE per CEPA o EIE not necessary per CEPA
Comments & Questions Until October 20, 2017, written comments and questions regarding the project and/or the CEPA process may be directed to: Paul Ferri, Environmental Compliance Professional University of Connecticut Office of Environmental Policy 31 LeDoyt Road; U Box 3055 Storrs, Connecticut 06269 3055 f: 860 486 5477 paul.ferri@uconn.edu
Public Opportunity to Provide Input Comments & questions are welcome!