Consequences of Development

Development of the well field area would largely be of the “in-fill” type. There is extensive development surrounding the area, including subdivisions to the north, homes along Dewitt Road and on Inspiration Point Drive. There are at least 440 households within 1 mile of the well field area. Development of the well field area would eliminate a critical green space resource.With the possibility of an additional 120 homes with 1.9 car per household, there is the possibility of 228 additional vehicles. Ingress/egress for these vehicles would be exclusively to Dewitt Road, a two lane road. The most direct route for traffic from Dewitt Rd would be to use either Park Lane Dr, a subdivision road, or Volk Rd; both of these are two lane roads. Ultimately, this traffic would end up on Bay Rd. An updated traffic study is necessary to evaluate the impact of development.

Development would also place increased pressure on local services, including sanitary sewers, local roads and police and fire service. These costs can amount to several million dollars.

Both the increase in housing and roads would increase impermeable surfaces and result in a change in run-off on vulnerable soils, cliff-faces and shoreline. Additional runoff can:

• Increase risks of water pollution from oil and gasoline washing off paved surfaces and from pesticides, lawn fertilizers, and other chemicals.

• Increase potential for flooding and soil erosion due to impervious surfaces such as concrete or pavement.

• Increased risk to life and property from wildfires.

Residential development in the well field area would eliminate potential public access to green space and the Irondequoit Bay waterfront. Many studies have linked individual health based benefits to the presence of community parks, trails and open space. “Exercise helps maintain healthy bones and muscles, builds cardiovascular fitness and relieves the psychological and physiological stress.”