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Committee Members in Attendance: Simone Freeman, Jacqui Williams, Aaron Mair, Dorcey Teresa L. Brown, Emily Leckman-Westin, Greg Sheldon Other Attendees: Mayor’s Office: Eva Bass, Brian Shea, David Galin. Albany Water Department: Joseph Coffey, Emily Lyons. Albany Planning & Development: Yasmine Robinson, Zach Powell. CHA Companies: Nicholas Schwartz, Emily Handelman, Mike Miller. Stimson Associates: Greg Tuzzolo. Topic: Review and discussion of the design for the Reflection and Learning Garden to be developed in the ravine at Lincoln Park. Summary: The meeting was facilitated by Albany Water Board design consultants, CHA Companies. A virtual walk-through and drone footage video was viewed to show the existing conditions of the ravine. The virtual walk-through showcased the unique shale rock formations within the ravine and the current inaccessibility of the ravine (no paths, felled trees, etc.) CHA Companies presented their proposed conceptual plan for the ravine to serve as a springboard for ideas from the Committee members. o View the full video showing the walk-through, drone footage, and proposed conceptual plan. Ideas/comments from Committee members: o The amount of fill (8-10 ft.) proposed would meet remediation standards for protecting human health. (Fill is needed due to current soil being exposed to sewer discharges for decades; to ensure any future flow through the trunk sewer would not surcharge, and to provide the grades necessary to develop the new park plan.) o Signage on accessibility of paths should be posted at entrances. Community Advisory Committee August 13 Meeting ---PAGE BREAK--- o Changes should be made to the outdoor classroom concept. Benches should be different heights to allow for different ages. Benches should be curved, not in a straight line to focus on the speaker. Should have lighting. Area should be covered to protect against elements (rain, sun). The classroom could be a building or more enclosed amphitheater that blends naturally with the outdoors, using materials such as wood and glass. o Changes should be made to the meditation labyrinth concept. The labyrinth needs more seclusion. It is too close to the classroom. The mediation labyrinth concept would connect well with “mindfulness” initiatives happening at TOAST. The ravine may not be the best location for a mediation labyrinth. The area instead could be a more child-friendly play area with focus on a “natural play environment.” Other general comments/discussions about the conceptual plan: o Crime Prevention through Environmental Design concepts would be incorporated, including lighting on paths, and emergency phones. o The ravine would feature educational signs throughout to teach students and the general public about natural features and plant and animal species in the park. Next Steps: Albany Water Board and CHA Companies will use the feedback provided to revise the conceptual plan of the Reflection and Learning Garden. Another Community Advisory Committee meeting will be scheduled in September to review and discuss the revisions. A Community Meeting will be scheduled in October to present the design for the Reflection and Learning Garden and receive community feedback. The Albany Planning & Development Department and their consultant team will continue to work with Committee members and the community in the design of the Lincoln Park Master Plan. This plan will examine traffic, pedestrian access, and park design as a whole. Albany Water Board │ Beaver Creek Clean River Project │ Community Advisory Committee