Truesdale Lake  

South Salem, New York

December 2, 2009
by HKA
Comments Off on One Fine Sunday…

One Fine Sunday…

This is a panorama stitched together from six separate shots, taken from a spot adjacent to the beach area this past Sunday (29 Nov. 2009). Click on the photo to see a larger version.

TLake Pano 112909

November 25, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on November Sunset

November Sunset

Sunset over Town House from the southeastern shore of Lake Truesdale

Sunset over Town House from the southeastern shore of Lake Truesdale

A reminder of the beauty we see every day — and sometimes take for granted.  Please post your photos!

November 20, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Stormwater Project in Final Phases

Stormwater Project in Final Phases

Site 3 Detail of Separator
Site 3 Detail of Separator

The Truesdale Lake Drive “site 3” stormwater project (click here for all sites described) is nearing completion.  There are two big steps before the project is done.

First the hydrodynamic separator needs to be installed in the upper part of the lower parking lot.  After this is done, the second major item — paving it all — can get underway.

Last week the boat launch ramp was built.  This will make it easier for the treatment boat to get in and out of the lake.  On the flipside, it will make it easier for non-resident day boaters to use the lake which is not allowed.  The TEA will be putting a chain across the lower driveway with key access to prevent this.  The fire department will be given a key to use when they are training.

In addition, three trees were added to fill in some of the trees that were taken down during the construction.  Waterside plantings are next and will probably go in next week.

http://truesdalelake.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/sheet1_site3.pdf

November 10, 2009
by rob
1 Comment

Truesdale Lake Drive Beach Project Recap

sheet1_site3bigThe long awaited stormwater improvements to the stormwater drainage problems on Truesdale Lake Drive near the TEA beach are underway.  If you have not already seen the work, please stop by the beach area and check in on the project.  You can also visit the articles on this site to see more info and photos.  The original study was completed in 2001 (maps) by Land Tech Consultants and much work has gone into revising the plan, obtaining approvals, and getting funding.

The work will improve the silt catching ability of the stormwater system, covering all of the watershed leading into the beach,  The work includes a forebay — essentially a small pond-like area — that will trap sediment and require the town to dredge it periodically.  A key piece is also an underground hydrodynamic separator that will also collect sediment further up the driveway. This will also require removal of sand and debris buildup periodically.

The left hand side of the driveway will remain a driveway for lake access (fire dept, lake treatment) and beach access, (sand, lobster, DJs) but the project means the lower parking lot will lose all parking except for handicapped access.

Upper parking lot to be paved and curbed

Upper parking lot to be paved and curbed

As part of this project, the upper parking lot will be paved and curbed.  This has been a topic of discussion for many years at Lewisboro Lake Committee meetings and TEA membership meetings.  We are happy to see it come to pass.

New entrance to beach - stairs from upper parking lot

New entrance to beach – stairs from upper parking lot

The entrance to the beach will be relocated from the lower lot up to the upper lot.  The new gate will have a set of stairs leading onto the beach property.

Note: the estimated cost of the project is $160,000 and is being funded by a grant from the NYC DEP EOH budget with matching contributions from the town.

The project would never have happened without the dedication of the Lewisboro Lakes Committee and the support of the Town of Lewisboro.  The work is being done by Landscape Unlimited, a private contractor.  The original study (from 2001!) through final design was executed by Land Tech Consultants engineer Mike Bartos.

November 5, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on TEA Fall Membership Meeting Nov 17, 2009

TEA Fall Membership Meeting Nov 17, 2009

TEAThe Truesdale Estates Association will hold their Fall Membership Meeting on November 17, 2009 at the Horse & Hound Restaurant in the back room. Details below:

  • Date: 11/17/2009
  • Time: 7:30pm
  • Place: Horse & Hound Restaurant, 94 Spring Street, South Salem NY

Items on the Agenda include:
-President and other Officer reports
-Treasurer’s Report: Budget vs. Actuals FY2009-10 YTD
-Beach Report (including Summer Recap, Lifeguards, Clambake)
-Lake Management Report
-Beach Stormwater Project Report
-Capital Projects for Beach
-Associate Membership Discussion

Please RSVP via the “Contact Us” form to the left or respond to the email you were sent.

November 3, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Stormwater Week Three

Stormwater Week Three

Week three and work continues. Check dams on the east side of the street (uphill) and work on new catchbasins. Soon the pipes will go in under the upper parking lot along with new catchbasins. Last thing to go underground will be the large separator under the lower parking lot.

p_2048_1536_AF1C1340-57A2-4F46-B649-1D8C04401246.jpegl_2048_1536_885D5112-1110-465A-898B-2B48D4CF96BD.jpeg

November 1, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on Stormwater Project Continues

Stormwater Project Continues

The stormwater project entered its second week and work is progressing nicely.

Work on the road Oct 29th

Work on the road Oct 29th

The pipes and manholes are in place under the lower parking lot and work made its way all the way across the street to begin the check dams up the hill across the street from the beach area.  The first pipe is in place across the road and two more are on their way.  The hill where the new beach access steps are going has been re-graded and eroded gaps with exposed foundations has been filled in and looks wonderful!

If you happen to be in the area when the crew is working, let them know you appreciate the care they are taking with the beach area as they are doing their work.  They do appreciate your feedback.

October 30, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on About Rain Gardens

About Rain Gardens

Rain Garden Example

Rain Garden Example

Rain gardens are gardens that are fed by rainfall formed streams.  The streams can be natural or man made such as runoff from a roof, driveway, or parking lot.  They are designed to retain water for several days, slowing it down from reaching a waterbody.  They also serve to help take nutrients and sediment out of the water.

There are many sources of information about rain gardens on the Internet.  The University of Wisconsin has a comprehensive guide to building your own rain garden.

Rain gardens are a win-win for homeowners and lakes.  The rain runoff is probably already either eroding your hillside or pooling in any flat areas you have (or both).  A rain garden (or more than one rain garden) may be the right way to address the situation.

Once you build your rain garden, the lake benefits from slower water movement and fewer nutrient spikes after storms.  Residents also benefit since the rain garden creates a beautiful habitat which supports dragonflies (which eat mosquitoes) and reduces standing water (which can breed mosquitoes).

Note: do not make a rain garden near a well head.  Also, do not make a rain garden within 15 feet of a house foundation.

Some links of interest for more details:

October 29, 2009
by rob
Comments Off on TEA Board Meeting Nov 3rd 2009

TEA Board Meeting Nov 3rd 2009

Board meeting to be held at Ira & Laura Sanchick’s house.

Date: November 3rd, 2009.

Time: 7:30-9:00pm

Click contact us link and write a note for more information.

Agenda is to prepare for Fall 2009 Membership Meeting.