02/07/2007
OPA reconsiders drainage pond placement
By Bob Lassahn
The Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors called a special meeting on February 2 to attempt resolution of a conflict between the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines (the Memorial) and location of a storm water management pond associated with construction of the new Community Center. The issue came to light during a meeting on January 29 between OPA Board Community Center "point man" Dan Stachurski and members of the Memorial Foundation Board.
At issue was a pond placed within about 35 feet of the Memorial, something that was considered by the foundation board as a limiting factor in conducting future ceremonies at the site. Previous site plans reviewed by the Foundation did not include the pond placement as explained by Mr. Stachurski. According to Foundation President Sharyn O'Hare the Foundation board came away from the meeting with Mr. Stachurski holding the opinion that he was unmovable in undertaking any attempt to reconcile the issue.
When the information hit on OceanPinesForum.com (the forum) it generated a flurry of e-mails to the OPA board supporting the Memorial Foundation cause and Ms. O'Hare sent a letter to the OPA board requesting a special meeting to address the conflict. OPA directors Bill Zawacki and Ray Unger also championed the special meeting requested by Ms. O'Hare and the meeting was scheduled for February 2 in the board room of the OPA Administration Building. The location was changed to the Country Club when it became apparent that a growing number of Memorial supporters were expected to attend.
On the morning of the meeting Memorial Foundation board members and supporters gathered at the flag pole in front of the Country Club where they recited the Pledge of Allegiance and sang “God Bless America.” Their brief demonstration of unity took place 30 minutes before the 8 a.m. meeting and prior to the arrival of the OPA directors.
All seven OPA directors participated in the meeting with Board President Glenn Duffy and Director Heather Cook connected via a conference call. Mr. Stachurski presided over the meeting attended by approximately 200 Pines residents. The tone was cordial, and mutual cooperation in reaching a suitable compromise seemed the order of the day.
Mr. Stachurski, assisted by site planner Steve Soule, summarized possible storm water management alternatives and several redesigns explored relative to the pond location. An alternative that situated the pond a distance of not less than 165 feet from the Memorial was proposed as the best alternative. Mr. Soule advised the design had been discussed with county permitting and should be acceptable.
A presentation from Bill Rakow, representing the Memorial Foundation followed and after discussion of advantages and disadvantages to various alternatives he advised the preferred design was a sand filtration system installed under the parking lot. This design was offered as being the best for the Community Center and the Memorial with regard to aesthetics, land use and safety issues.
Mr. Soule advised that the system proposed by Mr. Rakow could potentially cost three times the amount of the pond and there are some issues to be explored to determine feasibility. After some discussion, however, the OPA board indicated a willingness to further explore the alternative.
It also came to light during the meeting that neither Mr. Stachurski, as point man for the project, nor the OPA Board ever gave Mr. Soule any guidance as to the importance of the Memorial to the area and the need for adequate space for events held at the site.
The board determined it would continue to pursue permitting of the new pond location, but would also explore the sand filter option proposed by Mr. Rakow. The vote was unanimous among the six directors participating (Mr. Duffy, connected via conference call, had previously excused himself from the meeting).
Results of the parallel studies should be available within approximately one week. After all information, including a cost estimate for the sand filtration system are known, the board will make a final decision.
Storm water management is a state requirement. Ponds or other measures that filter runoff from impervious surfaces before it enters a water body such as the Southgate pond are mandated for projects such as the Community Center. One drawback regarding these ponds is they become a safety issue for children. The installation of life rings and an alarm system has been proposed by the county to address this issue.
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Uploaded: 2/9/2007
